MEDLAR, STU CLARK — Bandit Country

Medlar & Stu Clark – Bandit Country WOLF MUSIC’s EP WOLFEP091 arrives as a 12-inch deep house statement from one of the label’s founding collaborators. The release pairs two fresh productions from Medlar and co-owner Stu Clark with remixes by UK house veteran Nail, offering a concise yet varied look at the label’s current direction. Within WOLF’s 2026 output, Bandit Country follows the Choices EP Vol.2 (WOLFEP090) and precedes the later Yesterday’s Tomorrows LP (WOLFLP004). It sits among a series of releases that have seen the imprint explore both melodic and kinetic deep house, from Brs’ Spring Dom EP (WOLFEP047) to DJ Soch’s Let Me Tell You EP (WOLFEP088). This context highlights the label’s balance of original cuts and reinterpretations, a balance that Bandit Country continues. Side A opens with “Nothing Is The Same”, an original that builds on Medlar’s reputation for warm, sample-driven grooves and soulful phrasing. The track establishes a steady pulse that invites subtle layering, making it a natural bridge to the Nail remix that follows. Nail’s version re-imagines the same material with his characteristic Nottingham house sensibility, adding a slightly more driving rhythm while preserving the melodic core, thus offering DJs a versatile option for shifting the energy of a set. Side B delivers “Frankie’s Place”, another Medlar & Clark composition that leans into a relaxed, melodic groove, evoking a late-night lounge atmosphere. The accompanying Nail remix injects a tighter, club-ready edge, sharpening the track’s momentum without losing its original charm. The sequencing of original then remix on each side provides a clear narrative arc, allowing the record to move fluidly from introspective moments to peak-time readiness. In the broader scope of Medlar’s catalogue, Bandit Country follows the Celestial Bodies EP (DOG114) and the Islands series on Delusions Of Grandeur, showing a continued interest in melding emotive melodies with dancefloor practicality. For Nail, the presence on this EP adds to a prolific output that includes recent releases on In The Dance and Robsoul, reinforcing his role as a go-to remixer for contemporary deep house tracks. From a DJ’s perspective, the EP offers two distinct moods per side: the original tracks serve as smooth, atmospheric layers suitable for warm-up or after-hours slots, while Nail’s remixes provide a more immediate drive for peak moments. The concise four-track format makes it easy to cue and blend, and the clear contrast between each pair supports dynamic set construction. The record is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the format of many recent WOLF releases and fitting comfortably into standard DJ rigs. Its straightforward packaging and clear side sequencing make it a practical addition to both vinyl-centric collections and digital crate digging. Medlar & Stu Clark – Bandit Country, WOLF MUSIC, catalogue WOLFEP091, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks. Tracklist: A1. Medlar & Stu Clark – Nothing Is The Same A2. Medlar & Stu Clark – Nothing Is The Same (Nail Remix) B1. Medlar & Stu Clark – Frankie’s Place B2. Medlar & Stu Clark – Frankie’s Place (Nail Remix)