house music

Desert Hearts Returns with new Family & Friends Compilation

Desert Hearts Returns with new Family & Friends Compilation

Rex Anderson

Southern California’s Desert Hearts Records is back with the fourth volume of their annual Family & Friends compilation. Artists from all around the world including Tini Gessler, Jesse Perez, Beth Lydi, and Alan Nieves served up fresh cuts to the mix, translating to an EP as diverse as it is grooving. Naturally, Family & Friends also includes tracks from Desert Hearts veterans Kevin Anderson, Mitch Dodge, and Memo Rex.

All 19 tracks in this year’s Family & Friends compilation epitomize the heart and soul of Desert Hearts. From the hypnotizing bassline in Tini Gessler’s “Acid” to the marvelous blend of rising pitches in Memo Rex & Joe Pea’s “Refreshing Conversation For The Mind,” Family & Friends Volume 4 showcases the finest selection of house music that you can expect to hear at a Desert Hearts Party. 

Purchase the Family & Friends Volume 4 Compilation here

ICARUS releases “Flowers” + New EP “In The Dark”

ICARUS releases “Flowers” + New EP “In The Dark”

Rex Anderson

Bristol-based duo, ICARUS, released their new single ‘Flowers,’ along with a 5-track narrative EP ‘In The Dark,’ which chronicles the ups and downs of a new relationship.

The EP opens with the upbeat disco synth tune, ‘Love Has Come Around,’ which captures the ecstasy of a budding relationship. As the EP progresses, the atmosphere darkens with tracks that explore vulnerability and distrust like ‘I Could Leave,’ and the closing track, ‘Flowers,’ which tells the tale of a relationship turned toxic.

“It’s talking about situations early in a relationship,” explains ICARUS’ Tom Griffiths. “Maybe it’s not right but you still want it to happen.”

‘In The Dark’ showcases the duo’s wide range of production skills while immersing the listener in colorful visuals and sounds. Though the theme of the EP remains consistent, ICARUS does not allow themselves to be constrained to a particular tempo or style.

‘Love Has Come Around’ has garnered plays from Pete Tong, Danny Howard, and Alice Levine with positive reviews from Earmilk, Clash, and The Times. ICARUS’ first live headline tour is set to begin this month, a clear indication that they will only continue to achieve musical excellence.

Check out the full ‘In The Dark’ EP below: