Nothing But… Essential House Grooves, Vol. 12: the compilation as a statement
The twelfth instalment of the Nothing But… Essential House Grooves series arrives with 24 tracks that chart a broad and functional map of contemporary house. With BPMs ranging from the 118 of Shrinking by James Ollah to the 130 of Keep Walking by Two Collective and Reckless Life by Ale Kiare, the compilation doesn't commit to a single aesthetic lane — instead, it builds a journey from introspective deep house to muscular, floor-ready tech house.
The volume opens with Losing Game by Ivy Rae, a 124 BPM vocal cut that sets the emotional tone: warm grooves, organic basslines and a production philosophy that prioritises feeling over spectacle. At the other end of the spectrum, Overthinker by Mxnny — 6:31 of extended club material at 128 BPM — delivers the most dance-floor-oriented moment on the record, with tense progression and intelligently layered synths that expand with real purpose.
Standout Tracks
- Feel The Swing – Sound Project 21: nearly six minutes of swinging percussion that live up to the title literally. One of the most elegant moments on the compilation.
- Feel My Love – Natasha Wax, Matvienkov, Sony Vibe: the Russian collaboration adds depth and texture, with a hypnotic bassline and atmospheres that nod to Eastern European deep house.
- Burning – BENZ CR: 6:31 at 124 BPM. A slow, enveloping piece that proves well-constructed tension needs no extra velocity.
- People – Rosario Cristofaro: the slowest cut at 122 BPM and one of the most mature. Minimalist groove, well-used space, and a vocal that floats without overpowering.
- No Longer You – DJ Vartan, Techcrasher, Elliot Chapman: the most accessible future-house moment on the record, with a radio edit that works equally well on the floor and off it.
The Nothing But… series has functioned for years as a barometer of intelligent commercial house: it doesn't aim to redefine genres, but to curate with genuine taste. Vol. 12 honours that contract. There's material for the resident DJ seeking tonal variety across a four-hour set, and there are also tracks — like Angels by Dan Bass or Unique Destination by St Jean — that sustain home listening without breaking a sweat. An honest, well-calibrated compilation with more quality moments than its modest format might suggest.
