VARIOUS — Sampler Vol. 1

Various – Sampler Vol. 1 GABUWAX04 arrives as the fourth 12-inch offering from Gabu Records, a label that has built a reputation for sleek tech-house cuts. The EP gathers four selections drawn from the imprint’s recent output, presenting a concise journey from warm-up groove to late-night introspection. With its catalogue number GABUWAX04, the record sits alongside earlier Gabu releases such as “The Night We Had” (GABUWAX01) and “Lately (Incl. Tour-Maubourg & Black Loops Remixes)” (GABUWAX02), all issued in 2026, and precedes the yet-dated “Overdream” (GABUWAX03). Side A opens with Foehn & Jerome’s “Emser”. The Berlin-based Austrian duo, active in the city’s underground since 2011 and curators of the Perfumed Freedom nights at Club der Visionäre, deliver a track that blends 80s-inspired funk sensibility with a bright, melodic undercurrent. The groove is buoyant yet restrained, making it an ideal warm-up layer that can sit comfortably behind deeper selections. Following this, Baloo & Carlosthings contribute “Vera”, another Berlin production that leans on a subtle, warm funk feel. Its understated character provides a smooth transition, maintaining the side’s relaxed momentum while hinting at deeper textures. Side B turns inward. Omar Fayyad’s “Rhythm & Chord” – the title track of his own EP – showcases the Egyptian producer’s spacious, dub-inflected take on minimal house. The composition is patient and harmonic, offering ample breathing room for the mix and inviting a gradual build in a set’s second half. Closing the record, Zone+ presents “Madvillain”, a deep, hypnotic piece that reflects the producer’s experience moving from Cercle stages in Bali to Sunwaves. Its immersive quality serves as a quiet hour closer, allowing the dancefloor to unwind while retaining a subtle drive. Within the Gabu catalogue, Sampler Vol. 1 functions as a curated snapshot of the label’s current aesthetic, linking the earlier releases that explored similar tech-house territory. The inclusion of both Berlin-based collaborators and internationally positioned producers such as Omar Fayyad and Zone+ illustrates Gabu’s commitment to a globally resonant yet locally rooted sound. For DJs, the EP offers a versatile toolbox. “Emser” and “Vera” provide warm, groove-centric entry points suitable for early-night sets, while “Rhythm & Chord” and “Madvillain” supply the atmospheric depth needed for late-hour transitions or more introspective moments. The sequencing from bright funk to deeper dub and hypnotic minimalism encourages a narrative flow that can be mirrored in a DJ’s own set progression. The record is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the format of Gabu’s recent output and delivering the tactile experience prized by collectors. Its straightforward presentation respects the label’s aesthetic without superfluous embellishments. In summary, Various – Sampler Vol. 1, released on Gabu (catalogue GABUWAX04), appears as a 12-inch vinyl EP comprising four tracks that span the label’s tech-house spectrum, from the funk-tinged “Emser” to the deep, hypnotic “Madvillain”. Tracklist: A1. Foehn & Jerome – Emser A2. Baloo & Carlosthings – Vera B1. Omar Fayyad – Rhythm & Chord B2. Zone+ – Madvillain