MARK DE CLIVE-LOWE — Magic

Mark De Clive-Lowe – Magic is the latest 12-inch offering from OCHA Records (catalogue OCH297), arriving as a deep-house EP that bridges club energy with a richly melodic jazz sensibility. The record pairs the producer’s signature groove with vocalist Amma Whatt’s timeless phrasing, setting a tone that feels both intimate and expansive. Within OCHA’s catalogue, Magic follows the enigmatic release Syncopatience by Coflo (OCH290, 2025), a record whose experimental approach to rhythm hints at the label’s appetite for forward-thinking deep house. While the exact chronology is unclear, Magic sits comfortably alongside these forward-looking outings, reinforcing OCHA’s reputation for curating sophisticated dancefloor fare. Side A opens with the Original mix, a seamless blend of De Clive-Lowe’s jazz-inflected chord work and a propulsive house pulse that invites both deep listening and movement. The track’s arrangement allows DJs to layer it under melodic sets or to let it stand alone as a warm, late-night groove. The second cut on the side, the Osunlade Yoruba Soul Mix, reinterprets the theme through a rhythmic lens that emphasizes percussive swing and a slightly more spacious arrangement, offering a fresh perspective that works well as a transition piece between deeper and more uplifting moments. Side B continues the journey with the Casamena Living Room Mix, where Carlos Mena’s touch brings a lounge-ready vibe, smoothing the groove into a relaxed, almost acoustic-styled ambience while retaining enough momentum for a chilled set. The final track, Osunlade Yoruba Soul Dub, strips back the vocal elements, focusing on the underlying rhythmic texture and echoing the dub tradition, making it an ideal tool for DJs seeking to build tension or to close a set with a lingering, hypnotic feel. For Mark De Clive-Lowe, Magic adds to a recent output that includes the expansive Six Degrees LP (Be With Records, BEWITH174LP, 2025), a double-12-inch that explored similar intersections of jazz improvisation and house structures. The new EP refines that approach, delivering a more concise, yet equally compelling, statement that showcases the artist’s evolving dialogue with vocal collaborators and remixers. In the current underground scene, where deep house often oscillates between minimalism and maximalist soul, Magic stakes a claim as a record that honors both traditions. Its blend of lush musicianship and club-ready rhythm makes it a noteworthy addition to any collection that values musical depth as much as dancefloor impact. From a DJ’s perspective, the EP offers versatile entry points: the Original mix serves as a solid opener or peak-time anchor; the Osunlade mixes provide rhythmic variety for mid-set transitions; the Casamena remix supplies a mellow backdrop for after-hours programming; and the dub version supplies a tool for building atmospheric tension. Collectors will also appreciate the full-picture jacket, which visually echoes the release’s sophisticated sound palette. The record is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the format expectations of deep-house enthusiasts who favor analog warmth and tactile engagement. Mark De Clive-Lowe – Magic, OCHA Records, catalogue OCH297, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Mark De Clive-Lowe – Original A2. Mark De Clive-Lowe – Osunlade Yoruba Soul Mix B1. Mark De Clive-Lowe – Casamena Living Room Mix B2. Mark De Clive-Lowe – Osunlade Yoruba Soul Dub