#2 Feat. Staff Picks in Indie Dance

Polaris Records head honcho, Darlyn Vlys, is back with an interstellar sonic journey on his new EP for Pets Recordings. Recognized for his cosmic crusades on the dancefloor, Vlys delivers two meticulously crafted tracks in Surrender and Rampage. The title track takes the listener on an electrified odyssey with its laser-focused production. Skillfully blending a pulsating strut with mesmerizing vocoder vocals, we're asked to submit to the pull of the dancefloor. 'Rampage' introduces a darker, cinematic dimension to the EP. The thumping kick, rattling snares, and haunting spoken vocals converge to create an truly immersive experience. An impressive Pets debut from the Frenchman, with two captivating tracks that offer a unique blend of cosmic energy, dynamic beats, and cinematic allure.

Darlyn Vlys

#33 Feat. Staff Picks in Indie Dance

Catz 'n Dogz are back with a bang, following the success of their recent 'Me Me Me' EP on Solomun's Diynamic imprint. With the title track still dominating the airwaves, Greg and Voitek are capping off another positive year with their brand new single, 'Asa.' Known for their globe-trotting adventures and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, Catz 'n Dogz have always looked to infuse their music with messages of positivity, love, and universal values. In recent years, the dynamic duo have also embarked on an exciting journey experimenting with different languages and vocals. With their latest single, 'Asa,' Catz 'n Dogz seamlessly weave these themes together, delivering a powerful message of love in Punjabi. 'Asa' in Punjabi translates to 'Hope,' and is derived from the saying 'Asa Ishq Da Buta Laya,' which encapsulates the concept of someone embodying the very essence of love. Catz 'n Dogz's 'Asa' is more than just a track; it's a message of love extended to dancefloors around the world. With their ability to transcend linguistic barriers and bring people together through music, the duo once again show their unwavering commitment to spreading joy and unity.

Catz 'n Dogz

#62 Feat. Staff Picks in Indie Dance

Mala Ika, makes her Pets debut with the 'An Die Tür Klopfen' EP, which translates as 'Knocking on the Door'. However, following her incredible run of releases on labels including Permanent Vacation, Correspondant and Internasjonal, it's safe to say that the French Producer / DJ has been confidently kicking down and striding through any door thats stood in her path to date... On the title track Mala dons her disco boots and kicks hard again, leaving her mark with a seismic kick drum, dancing synth and darker chords which together, alongside its hooky vocal, brilliantly blend to become an exciting neon-laced anthem in the making. From knocking on doors to dancing like pigeons. We kid you not. 'Taubentanz' employs Mala's now trademark thundering drums, while .. lays down a killer vocal over the superior strut of the bassline. Zero time wasting here. This is serious heads down electro funk, at its most muscular. The hi-NRG sweatbox vibes continue on our final slice of Mala magic, 'Ping Pong Balltanz', with its metronomic bassline serving up a rubbery groove that keeps us on our toes, before we're hit with the most unexpected of vocal rallies, that leaves us backspinning across the dance floor. A perfect ace to close a perfect Pets debut.

Mala Ika

#69 Feat. Staff Picks in Indie Dance

Catz 'n Dogz celebrate 20 years of landmark chart-topping releases and bucket-list international shows with two new remix EPs sandwiching a Various Artists compilation LP. Having brought us a solid gold trio of reworks from Matisa, Maruwa and Andres Campo; the Pets Recs bosses now unveil a fierce final offering from Krystal Klear. 'It's my body and I can do what you want!' Featuring the outstanding spoken vocal from Detroit's Simon Black, preaching on our right to 'Freedom of Sexuality', Catz 'n Dogz's 2020 hit 'Body' landed on they're long-time Stateside affiliate, Dirtybird, with the bubbling slab of queer funk becoming an instant favourite. Krystal Klear slides the original into a freshly sequined pair of hi nrg party pants. Loud and proud, the Dubliner allows Simon's vocal to work its magic, front and centre, draped across a thumping kick drum, purring bass synth and nasty acid line to create the perfect dancefloor tonic and a glorious finale to this celebratory remix series.

Catz 'n Dogz, Simon Black