V.A. Crosstown Rebels Present Spirits VI

Damian Lazarus presents the sixth volume of his Crosstown Rebels Spirits compilation series, boasting an impressive lineup of Lauren Lane, Cristina Lazic, AJ Christou, Tmple and more.

Since its debut in 2017, Damian Lazarus’ annual ‘Spirits’ series on Crosstown Rebels has been a beacon for breakthrough artists, setting the label’s agenda for the year ahead. The sixth instalment in February is another meticulously curated lineup with ‘Spirits VI’ featuring a blend of new and recognisable talents, including Lauren Lane, Cristina Lazic, Iñigo Vontier, AJ Christou and many more.

London-based talent Cameron Jack kicks off what looks set to be a breakout year with ‘The Vision’, a bubbly and tropical cut with cosmic synths and loose, jumbled rhythms. Chris Bowl then brings his emotional style to the deep, rolling beats and fresh melodies of ‘Silent Plain’, while NY-born, LA-based house tastemaker Lauren Lane layers in smoky pads and tender whispers to her sublime deep house cut, ‘Fair Game.’ Next, German talent and Degree Records head Marc Lenz brings darker vibes to his track ‘People Are People’, while Rebellion artist Cristina Lazic and previous Lazarus collaborator Leia Contois combine for the alluring vocal soul and gritty minimal drums of ‘So Deep’.

Mexican Iñigo Vontier is a pioneer in his homeland after crafting a global reputation, and his twisted synths, shiny textures and steely drums on ‘That Trippy Sound’ prove why as they work you into a trance. Next is influential Manchester-based DJ/producer AJ Christou, who has released on the likes of Hot Creations and Cuttin’ Headz. His track ‘Back & Forth’ brings an infectious groove with plenty of flair and catchy drum funk, before Tmple shuts things down with the deft, airy grooves and floating bass of ‘The Girl In The Room’, complete with its tender male vocals.

At the forefront of electronic innovation, Crosstown Rebels stands as a pivotal platform and record label, reflecting the genre’s diversity and housing an impressive roster that includes renowned artists and household names like Art Department, Maceo Plex, and Jamie Jones. With sub-labels Rebellion and Secret Teachings in tow, the imprint consistently and continuously expands its musical canvas, creating an immersive landscape for leading and emerging talents to thrive.

The elegant ‘Mundo’ channels the machine soul of early Detroit techno, before ‘Mangabeira Manifesto’ featuring Dudu Bongo layers up wonky drums and bass with curling, soft acid sounds and a playful vocal line. ‘Triple Frontier’ picks up the pace and heads out on a high-speed cosmic house journey, all before ‘Overture’, another far-sighted astral trip with starry melodies and rich, rubbery bass, closes the package in fine style.

An expressive and adventurous yet coherent long player with a range of moods, feelings and grooves taking you to all corners of the house world, ‘Vista’ showcases Dabo’s most in-depth project to date and an album which provides the perfect platform for him to display his rich sonic universe.