VARIOUS — [qr]v.324.sdd.26

Various – [QR]V.324.SDD.26 opens COD3 QR’s latest 12-inch vinyl-only EP, catalogued as QRV324SDD26. The record gathers six fresh cuts that sit squarely in the tech house and techno house spectrum, offering a blend of soulful vocal depth, Detroit-tinged grit and experimental ambience that reflects the label’s curatorial breadth. Within COD3 QR’s recent output, this EP follows the earlier 2026 releases “[QR]V.205.DTON.26” and “[QR]V.093.STTP!.26”, and arrives after the 2025 entries “[QR]V.297.TBFKB.25” and “[QR]V.143.LWSHM.25”. The series of various-artist compilations has become a recognizable thread for the label, each entry showcasing a different set of collaborators while maintaining a consistent underground aesthetic. Side A begins with “Music”, a collaboration between WheelUP, Rapson and US vocalist Kathy Brown. The track leans into an intensely soulful vibe, marrying WheelUP’s West London production pedigree with Rapson’s keyboard sensibility and Brown’s powerful vocal presence. It sets a warm, melodic tone that invites early-set mixing. The second cut, “Silent Failure” by Mirko Loko, shifts toward a Detroit-influenced techno groove, delivering a more restrained, rhythmic drive that contrasts the opening soulfulness. Closing the side, Costello’s “Cocotte” provides a bright techno groover that lifts the momentum, offering a crisp, dance-floor-ready pulse that bridges the A-side’s emotional range. Side B opens with Jules Wells’ “The Rooster”, an atmospheric piece that nods to Motor City influences while expanding the EP’s palette with a spacious, moody texture. Rod20’s “Stars Of Bethlehemm” follows, presenting a hardware-only techno approach that recalls the project’s earlier releases on Axis Records, delivering a focused, percussive intensity suitable for peak-time sets. The record concludes with James Warburton’s “You Are Carried On Waves Of Endless Love”, an experimental ambient work that departs from the dancefloor focus, offering a contemplative close that showcases Warburton’s compositional breadth beyond his film and TV scoring work. The EP situates itself as a snapshot of COD3 QR’s commitment to diverse electronic expressions, linking the soulful vocal tradition of WheelUP and Kathy Brown with the techno rigor of Mirko Loko, Costello and Rod20, while also providing an ambient finale from a composer whose work has reached mainstream visual media. This juxtaposition underscores the label’s role in curating both club-ready tracks and more introspective pieces within a single release. For DJs, the record offers clear entry points: “Music” works well as a warm-up or early-set opener, “Silent Failure” and “Cocotte” provide sturdy mid-set energy, “The Rooster” and “Stars Of Bethlehemm” serve peak-time momentum, and the closing ambient track can be used for wind-down moments or as a unique backdrop in more experimental sets. Collectors will appreciate the cohesive yet varied lineup, the presence of notable contributors such as Kathy Brown and James Warburton, and the continuation of COD3 QR’s signature various-artist format. The release is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the label’s established format for its series of curated EPs. Various – [QR]V.324.SDD.26, COD3 QR, QRV324SDD26, 12-inch vinyl, 6 tracks. Tracklist: A1. WheelUP, Rapson & Kathy Brown – Music A2. Mirko Loko – Silent Failure A3. Costello – Cocotte B1. Jules Wells – The Rooster B2. Rod20 – Stars Of Bethlehemm B3. James Warburton – You Are Carried On Waves Of Endless Love