Whilst we are bang in the middle of winter also here on Ibiza, as elsewhere in Europe, you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise. The unseasonably mild temperatures and sunny forecast saw many islanders take a detour to Salinas these past few days.
Even the almond trees are in early bloom. Heavenly. By and large, a calmness still remains on the island, but we seasoned clubbers are already thirsting for endless nights and a thick party schedule. Soon come.
Fortunately, the releases have been of the highest order as well, sending vibrations from our heads to our toes. Here are ten tracks we've been feeling.
Louisahhh! | Chaos | HE.SHE.THEY. | 10 January
Starting with something a bit heavier this month, we've picked a track from the EP that proceeds Louisahhh!'s forthcoming album. HE.SHE.THEY. is London's inclusive, safe-space club night that pushes individuality and freedom of expression to the forefront. This is its new label.
You may recall the promoters throwing a one-off at Pacha in early 2018. Merging the worlds of grunge and electronic music, Chaos is fiercely provocative and in the mould which we have come to expect from a non-conformist producer. One for S&M dungeons and fetish clubs.
Sono | Keep Control (ARTBAT Remix) | Kontor Records | 17 January
ARTBAT aren't short on industry admirers. Pete Tong is a huge fan of the Ukranian duo. Similarly, we can't get enough. Artur and Batish walked away from Ibiza 2019 as recipients of the coveted Breakthrough DJ Award, although island appearances were precious.
Soft side-chained pads, cushioned groove and that killer vocal on their Keep Control remix, creating a tasty end result. Already fans of HOSH's earlier remix, ARTBAT's new interpretation has surpassed it as our favourite version.
As for season 2020, the verdict is clear: more Ibiza gigs, please ARTBAT. Read our interview with them from last summer.
Manakinz | Snakehips | Mitchell Street Records | 31 January
Age ain't nothing but a number. Testament to that is James Harrigan. Better known as one-half of legendary Sub Club residents Harri & Domenic, he also comprises 50% of Manakinz alongside fellow Glaswegian Affi Koman.
Rolling back the years, in Snakehips Harri has created a modern-day club anthem that feels tailormade for DC-10. Even more age-defying is that the track was picked up by Mitchell Street Records, the label run by his son, Jasper James. Don't let anybody tell you you're past it!
Haynes | Buss It | Roush | 3 January
Hector Couto's Roush Label opens its 2020 account with a V/A compiled by newcomers and frequent contributors. The opening track is a peak-time tech-house stomper with plenty of attitude and littered with bleeps.
2020 could be a breakout year for brother tandem Haynes. Their next EP has already landed on Jesse Perez's Mr Nice Guy. Check out Coup and Bend It. Meanwhile, we expect to catch Spaniard Couto back at Amnesia this summer, most likely at Sunday night Pyramid.
Emma Jai | Cardinal Love | 64K Recordings | 2 January
Any track picked by the likes of Richie Hawtin and Marco Carola is likely to stir interest. Emma Jai's audacious beat on Cardinal Love is sure to send dance floors into a frenzy. The horns build towards a crashing crescendo - and that's the point we lose it!
Scuba | Never Forget | Hotflush Recordings | 31 January
Since Paul Rose relaunched his SCB side project with renewed enthusiasm, it has allowed his more famous moniker to explore softer territory. Never Forget is one such example. It's easily one of the most upbeat tracks to grace Hotflush in recent memory.
Love Regenerator | Hypnagogic (I Can't Wait) | Columbia | 24 January
From the radio-friendly pop appeal of I Created Disco to the electro groove of 18 Months and the slow jams of Funk Wav Bounces, Calvin Harris has continuously reinvented his sound. Now he's gone full Doctor Who and regenerated under a brand new pseudonym.
Real name Adam Wiles has gone public on his dislike of his stage name, and the Love Regenerator project feels like the turning of a new leaf. We heard him play harder styles during his 2019 midsummer Pacha run - and we liked it.
Hypnagogic is a breakbeat track oozing '90s appeal.
Leftwing : Kody feat Camden Cox | Without You | Toolroom Records | 24 January
Every now and again, a track instantly stands out as being a commercial hit. Leftwing : Kody's latest offering on Toolroom is definitely one of those. Sure to follow in the footsteps of CamelPhat, Endor and Meduza, this bears all the qualities of a hit record.
Chart invasion incoming.
Kölsch | Shoulder Of Giants | Kompakt | 24 January
Rune Reilly Kölsch is back on Michael Mayer's Kompakt with his latest production. Laced with emotion, Shoulder Of Giants is the type of powerful melodic number the Great Dane has earned a reputation for.
Kölsch confesses he made the track during a crisis of confidence while comparing himself to electronic music greats. This proves even the most talented producers get doubts and feel insecure from time to time. We think you're doing just fine, RRK.
Scarlett Skye | Ecstasy | Free Download | 12 January
Northern Irish vocalist and songwriter Scarlett Skye is accompanied by beautiful keys and heart-tugging lyrics on this free download. Here she puts in a claim for being a future voice of house music, though she has previously lent her voice to trance tracks and more traditional pop music.
Club music, this isn't, but capable of soundtracking those contemplative moments along the Sunset Strip? Most definitely. Destined to become a solo artist in her own right, we reckon you'll be seeing her name a lot more often in the future.
We'll be back next month with our next batch of top releases. There's plenty here to keep you entertained in the meantime.
You can also find a full archive of party playlists from Ibiza 2019 on our Spotify channel.
