MANNY STEELO — The Life I Chose EP

Manny Steelo – The Life I Chose EP arrives on Zero Trace as catalogue WV9011, a 12-inch vinyl that stakes a claim in the contemporary disco sphere. The New Jersey-born, Brooklyn-based producer delivers a five-track EP built around a propulsive, percussion-driven groove that swirls with warm, psychedelic dreaminess, positioning the record as a bridge between classic dancefloor sensibility and forward-looking club aesthetics. Within Zero Trace’s recent output, The Life I Chose EP follows Enness’s “In My Mind” (WV9004, 2025), a release that explored deep, melodic techno textures. While Enness leaned toward introspective rhythms, Manny Steelo’s offering pivots to a brighter, disco-inflected vibe, expanding the label’s palette without abandoning its commitment to rhythmic depth. This continuity underscores Zero Trace’s curatorial focus on tracks that marry groove with an exploratory edge. The opening side begins with “Yeah Um, Villain” (A1), a track that immediately sets a kinetic tone. Its driving percussive pulse creates a launchpad for DJs seeking an energetic entry point, while the subtle psychedelic ambience invites deeper immersion. The momentum carries into “Go!” (A2), which sustains the rhythmic intensity and adds a sense of forward motion, making it a natural transition for extended mixes. Closing side A, “Thug Acid” (A3), shifts the mood slightly, introducing a darker hue that hints at acid-inflected textures without abandoning the overarching disco framework, offering a moment of tension that can be exploited for dynamic set building. Side B opens with “My Hood” (B1), a track that re-centers the groove, delivering a smoother, more reflective atmosphere that balances the earlier high-energy moments. Its laid-back swing makes it suitable for peak-time peaks or late-night cool-downs, depending on the DJ’s intent. The EP concludes with “Don’t Jack My Steez” (B2), a closing statement that reasserts the propulsive rhythm while wrapping the psychedelic elements into a concise, dancefloor-ready finale. The sequencing from A to B creates a narrative arc that moves from kinetic drive to nuanced resolution, a structure that benefits both continuous play and selective cueing. In the context of Manny Steelo’s discography, The Life I Chose EP follows the earlier “The NJ Transit Traxx” (Star Creature, SC1273, 2026). Whereas the Star Creature release emphasized a more experimental, transport-themed soundscape, this new EP leans into disco’s rhythmic clarity, showcasing the producer’s versatility and willingness to explore different facets of electronic dance music. The shift illustrates an evolution toward a more groove-centric approach while retaining the signature psychedelic coloration noted in earlier work. For DJs, the record offers a toolkit of tracks that can be mixed in multiple ways. “Yeah Um, Villain” and “Go!” provide high-energy openings suitable for building momentum, while “Thug Acid” and “My Hood” supply contrasting textures for mid-set variation. The final cut, “Don’t Jack My Steez,” works as a closing or a bridge back into deeper, more hypnotic material. Collectors will appreciate the cohesive production and the way the EP captures a moment where disco’s classic feel meets modern, percussive experimentation. The release is pressed on 12-inch vinyl, adhering to the format that remains a staple for both DJs and audiophiles seeking tactile, analog sound. Its physical presentation aligns with Zero Trace’s reputation for delivering well-crafted records that serve both the dancefloor and the collector’s shelf. Manny Steelo – The Life I Chose EP, Zero Trace, catalogue WV9011, 12-inch vinyl, five tracks. Tracklist: A1. Manny Steelo – Yeah Um, Villain A2. Manny Steelo – Go! A3. Manny Steelo – Thug Acid B1. Manny Steelo – My Hood B2. Manny Steelo – Don't Jack My Steez