Stevie B / Doug Gomez The Link Up EP

124 Recordings return in 2014 with "The Link-Up" EP-four tracks split between London producer Stevie B and NYC's Doug Gomez,both delivering their own interpretation of house music recalling the heady days of the 90s without relying on the same tired and over used formulas. First up is Stevie B,fresh from his collaboration with Victor Simonelli,and with releases on Matt Jam Lamont's Solo Music and long-time UK House stalwart Jeremy Sylvester's Urban Dubz. Opening track "Get So Blue" reaffirms the less is more belief,with skipping drums and hats holding up soulful keys and vox,underpinned with a warm bassline and pads. Next up is Brooklyn resident Doug Gomez.Formerly of the Drrtyhaze duo with releases on Tirk and Gomma,he has also released on King Street Sounds and Ultra Nate's 411 Paradox Underground. Taking things back to his roots "Phoenix Rising" is a blissful track full of delicate and colourful melodies,while the solid kick drums toughen things up. He opens up the second side with "Ohh Baby",a straight-up underground house jam-with crisp drums and high treble clicks leading into a heavy bassline and a female vocal hook that really stay's in the listener's head. Last but by no means least Stevie B closes things with his New Jersey influenced track "When I See You",where warm rhodes and strings make for a perfect late-night vibe.