MICHAEL J. BLOOD — Fixed Fire

Michael J. Blood – Fixed Fire appears on Clone Royal Oak as catalogue ROYAL066, a 12-inch vinyl that situates the Manchester-rumoured producer within the label’s evolving techno-house line-up. The record draws from Detroit and Chicago foundations while injecting a fresh, timeless twist, making it a noteworthy addition to the imprint’s current roster. Within the Clone Royal Oak catalogue, Fixed Fire follows the earlier ROYAL065 “I Can Feel It (In My Bones)” by Quoting G and precedes a wave of later releases such as Jovonn’s “Traxx 4 Daze” (ROYAL063), Frits Wentink’s “Spiritual Basslines” (ROYAL056) and NY Stomp’s “Never Forget House” (ROYAL061). This positioning highlights the label’s commitment to deep, groove-centric techno house, and Michael J. Blood’s entry reinforces that direction. Side A opens with “1: FIXED FIRE”, a track that sets a steady, driving pulse, establishing the record’s core groove. It is followed by “2: CARDINAL EARTH”, which maintains the momentum while shifting the tonal focus, offering a subtle variation that keeps the floor moving. “3: MUTABLE WATER” introduces a more fluid texture, easing the intensity before the record’s midpoint. “4: FIXED AIR” lifts the energy with a crisp, airy feel that contrasts the previous deeper tones, and the side closes with “5: CARDINAL FIRE”, a closing statement that ties the elemental theme together and leaves space for a seamless transition to the next set. In the context of Michael J. Blood’s output, Fixed Fire marks the producer’s second appearance on a Clone subsidiary, building on the promise of the first release while refining the blend of Detroit-style grit and Chicago house swing. The record’s placement among other 2026 Royal Oak releases underscores a moment where the label is curating a cohesive yet varied techno-house narrative. For DJs, the five tracks provide a compact toolkit: the opening “FIXED FIRE” works as a strong opener for late-night sets, “CARDINAL EARTH” offers a solid bridge, “MUTABLE WATER” can serve as a mood-setter for more introspective moments, “FIXED AIR” brings a lift for peak-time energy, and “CARDINAL FIRE” functions as a tidy exit or a cue for a mix-in. Collectors will appreciate the consistent black vinyl presentation that aligns with the label’s aesthetic. The record is pressed on 12-inch black vinyl, matching the format specifications supplied by Clone Royal Oak. Michael J. Blood – Fixed Fire, Clone Royal Oak, catalogue ROYAL066, 12-inch vinyl, five tracks. Tracklist: A1. Michael J. Blood – 1: FIXED FIRE A2. Michael J. Blood – 2: CARDINAL EARTH A3. Michael J. Blood – 3: MUTABLE WATER A4. Michael J. Blood – 4: FIXED AIR A5. Michael J. Blood – 5: CARDINAL FIRE