SEVEN’s debut Various Artists compilation, VA01, marks a defining moment for the label: one that amplifies its commitment to inclusivity while championing the voices of FLINTA* and queer artists. A masterstroke of curatorial prowess, VA01 introduces (fittingly) seven emerging talents across Europe and the UK, each contributing their unique spin on the realms of progressive house, techno, and experimentalism. The result is a sonic journey that pulses with love, energy, and forward-thinking artistry – an homage to dance music’s diverse heritage and rich legacy, with a bold nod to its boundless future.
The compilation kicks off with Sol Ortega’s high-octane opener, ‘Dabz’. A vinyl enthusiast at heart, Ortega channels the gritty soul of Chicago and Detroit, crafting a track that’s as hypnotic as it is invigorating. With dubby synths, relentless wriggling basslines, and precise percussion, ‘Dabz’ is the perfect track to set the mood for the compilation. It is a track that feels both timeless and rooted in underground tradition.
Next up, Posture takes a turn into kaleidoscopic euphoria with ‘4 r Luv’, a melodic house anthem that radiates warmth, nostalgia, and sweet summery exhilaration. The lush synths and garage-tinged drums provide the perfect driving backdrop for the uplifting vocal hooks, making it clear that Posture’s track is a celebration of love, movement, and melodic sophistication – one that draws from the past while pushing the genre forward.
DD Boys (Bailey Ibbs and Fergus Sweetland) deliver raw minimalism with ‘Cannot Stop’. The track’s stripped-back approach to ghetto house features distorted, hyperactive drums and a bassline that spans a vast spectrum of frequencies and rhythms, locking listeners into its groove. It’s a perfect example of how less can be more – keeping the energy focused while letting the groove take control.
With ‘Cariati Feels’, Retromigration weaves nostalgia into the fabric of its sound. A blend of old-school tech house, hip-hop, and funk, it’s a track that bridges eras while injecting fresh energy. The rugged organ chords, paired with rhythmic shifts and intricate layering, evoke a sense of musical history without feeling dated – always relevant, always moving.
Baka G’s ‘The Blue Spirit’ brings the groove to the forefront, with playful pads and buoyant stabs building across the track. Its percussive elements – especially the lively congas – bring a joyful tension to the mix, making this one a standout for its infectious rhythm and carefree energy. Baka G has an undeniable gift for crafting rhythms that feel organic yet – without a shadow of doubt – meticulously-honed, and this track is a prime example of that.
Oliver Benji (aka CucaRafa) steps outside the bounds of convention with ‘Voice Mail’, a track that takes the humble answering machine beep and elevates it into a musical motif. The steady four-on-the-floor kick, combined with polyrhythmic broken beats, creates an otherworldly groove that feels deep yet playful – your stank face will be activated. The sub-heavy bass anchors the track, pulling you into its pulse while keeping things fresh and unexpected.
The BPM shoots up as Ackermann closes the compilation with the electrifying ‘Make You Wanna Do Right’. A peak-time anthem, it balances the line between house and techno with punchy drums, syncopated rhythms, and a call-and-response arrangement that injects a sense of playfulness and tension. Ackermann’s track is a captivating finale – unrelenting yet polished, dynamic yet cohesive.
VA01 is more than just a compilation; it’s a statement. Each track is a reflection of SEVEN’s ethos: a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the ineffably infinite potential of dance music. With this release, the label has not only showcased the wide array of talents that are pushing the boundaries of house and techno but has also created an effervescent experience that invites listeners into a world where sound, identity, and expression coalesce into something truly transformative.
Buy the riveting record HERE.
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