VARIOUS — The Timeline EP (feat Louis Squire)

Various – The Timeline EP (feat Louis Squire) arrives on Soul Damn Funky as a 12-inch vinyl (catalogue SDFR004) that channels disco, balearic and funky house into a concise four-track statement. The EP’s aesthetic leans into a polished 90s vibe while keeping the grooves warm enough for winter sets, a balance that makes it a noteworthy addition for collectors of deep-house-tinged dance music. The release opens with The African Sunset Project’s “Your Smooth Heart” (feat Louis Squire). The track exudes a sun-baked atmosphere, its Balearic-style guitar phrasing giving the deep house foundation a relaxed, seaside feel that sets a mellow yet rhythmic tone for the side. It flows directly into Russell Ruckman’s “Grand Risings”, which injects a bold saxophone presence, adding a melodic lift that contrasts the opening’s laid-back groove while maintaining the EP’s cohesive mood. On the flip side, MAX JAX delivers “Supernatural”, a composition built around a chunkier US garage rhythm that carries a buttery vocal line and tidy chord work, offering a slightly more driving energy without abandoning the overall warm vibe. The record closes with Steven James’ “Time 4 Us 2 Shine”, a track that layers shimmering vocal textures over a lush chord progression, providing a comforting, almost cinematic finish that reinforces the EP’s intent to keep listeners warm through the colder months. Within the broader context of contemporary underground dance, the record sits comfortably among releases that blend nostalgic references with forward-looking production, echoing the ongoing resurgence of balearic-inflected house on vinyl. Its four tracks each bring a distinct flavor—sun-kissed guitar, sax-driven uplift, garage-rooted swing, and vocal-rich closure—while collectively reinforcing a single, heartfelt house aesthetic. For DJs, the EP offers versatile entry points: “Your Smooth Heart” works as a mellow opener or a late-night warm-up, “Grand Risings” can be layered into a set that calls for melodic brass, “Supernatural” supplies a groove-heavy moment suitable for peak-time transitions, and “Time 4 Us 2 Shine” serves as a smooth wind-down or a melodic bridge. Collectors will appreciate the 180-gram pressing, which promises a solid feel and potentially enhanced playback fidelity, making the record both a functional tool and a tactile object. The Timeline EP (feat Louis Squire) is a 12-inch, 180-gram vinyl released by Soul Damn Funky (catalogue SDFR004). It contains four tracks, spanning disco, balearic and funky house, and arrives on 25 January 2027. Tracklist: A1. The African Sunset Project – Your Smooth Heart (feat Louis Squire) A2. Russell Ruckman – Grand Risings B1. MAX JAX – Supernatural B2. Steven James – Time 4 Us 2 Shine