#1 Feat. Staff Picks in Indie Dance

In a past life, Dutch producer LUPE was a go-go dancer, and their latest release for Sous Music, 'My Name Is Desire', evokes the halcyon years of the underground vogue scene. The title track is a slamming, hi-NRG ballroom odyssey with infectious synths that whir like electric zippers and a delicious come-hither female vocal. 'Ramrod', perhaps named after the infamous leather bar in New York in the '70s, bristles with bubbling energy. Clattering percussion, a hold-tight pace and festive vocal snatches combine in a bouncing club delight. Taking the pedal off the gas slightly, 'Miss Thing' brings the mood back from boiling point to a strong simmer. A tension building transition track, it will keep the dancefloor cooking without sending it into overdrive. 'Battle Beat' shifts back into a higher gear, its driving drums and crunchy, reverbed snares channelling a more hypnotic kind of delirium. Best dropped after the party has well and truly hit its stride. Riding a long introduction, closer 'The Essence' gets a little freaky at the 2-minute mark. Disco goblin vocals and cinematic horns add an air of drama to this dark journey that's equal parts unnerving and intoxicating. Across five uniquely captivating club cuts, LUPE demonstrates that decades of experience have enhanced rather than dulled their instinct for high-impact floor-fillers.

LUPE