Shadeleaf Music is a new label coming out of the ever-vibrant music scene that is currently thriving in the steel city of Sheffield. Founded by Thatman Monkz, the label is all set to leave their mark on the musical landscape with a hefty helping of house laden goodness. If the first release is anything to go by, it won’t take them long to do that.

Lead track, “Burnin’ Up” sees Monkz team up with the incredible vocal talents of D’nae to create a simmering slice of electronic soul. A deep, heavy bass lays the foundation for the piano chords and disco guitar to combine in a uplifting house groove that is taken to the next level by D’nae’s soaring vocal. A proper delight.

Fellow Sheffielder Chris Duckenfield is on remix duties for ‘Burnin’ Up’ and he’s delivered an absolute cracker. Dropping the disco licks deeper into the mix and pulling the darker, techno side of the track right to the fore, Duckenfield still allows D’nae’s vocals to work their magic. This was originally intended for personal use, but Thatman Monkz loved it so much that he insisted it went out on the EP; it’s fairly easy to see why.

‘Love Goes Round N Round’ closes out the EP with a healthy dose of Detroit house that will keep the dancefloor grooving into the early hours. Kicking off with a vocal loop, Monkz drops the disco guitars in favour of some jazz trumpet, working in an almost hypnotic bass line and a steady yet solid drum pattern, crafting a track that still manages to ooze soulful goodness throughout.

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— Anthony Wilson