Lab Rats

Guardian's Best Non-Fiction, 2019

Melvo Baptiste steps up to mix the latest Glitterbox compilation, 'Hotter Than Fire' featuring the upfront disco heat that has been setting off the dancefloor all summer at Glitterbox parties in New York, London and Ibiza. A strong contender for the hottest party on earth, Melvo has headlined Hi Ibiza for another record-breaking season this summer. 'Hotter Than Fire' channels the energy of a Glitterbox event, with this special compilation exploring the best authentic house and disco sounds. The release also features three continuous mixes from Melvo himself, making it the perfect soundtrack for all occasions. Featuring highlights from the Glitterbox imprint such as The Shapeshifters' gloriously instrumented 'Life Is A Dancefloor', enchanting dancefloors since its release and featuring CHIC lead vocalist Kimberly Davis, as well as brand-new heat like JKriv's 'Yo Love'.

According to a witness, their sound came across like a lab experiment gone wrong; the most delicate of hamsters being savaged by the filthiest sewer rats whilst humming the sweetest of sweet melodies. But with Manu (Thee Tumbitas) on drums and Mike Animal Cannibal and Joe To Lose (Los Perros, Johnny Throttle) on the twin guitar assault, these rodents had some bite and, voila, Lucy and the Rats were born!

Melvo Baptiste was born into a world of music encompassing Soul in all of its elements. Nephew of legendary music pioneer Sir Norman Jay, Melvo has been a proud member of The Good Times Sound System for over a decade and enjoyed spinning at some incredible parties.

One of Australia’s finest musical exports, Dr Packer returns to Glitterbox for ‘Different Strokes Volume 2’ after the incredible first edition of the series. Up next, Dr Packer turns his hand at an essential from the Defected catalogue, ATFC’s 2001 hit ‘Sleep Talk’ featuring the inimitable vocals of Lisa Millett. Maintaining the vintage flavours of the original, Dr Packer lends his signature disco-tinged flare to the house classic. Finally, Dr Packer’s remix of Eminence’s ‘Give It Up’ featuring Kathy Brown rounds of the release, as cinematic strings and glorious horns give the release a healthy dose of dancefloor drama, destined for Glitterbox dancefloors. If this sampler is anything to go by, ‘Dr Packer's Different Strokes Volume 2’ a stunning album from one of disco’s brightest stars.

With those summer nights coming to an end, and all roads leading to the cold winter ahead, Bargrooves returns with an unrivalled selection of the very best current and classic disco and disco-influenced house music from around the globe, looking to keep the fire burning that little bit longer. Bargrooves Disco 3.0 features the huge CamelPhat & Elderbrook 'Cola', the dancefloor anthem of 2017, getting a rework courtesy of Mousse T., whilst The Shapeshifters outstanding brand new single 'When Love Breaks Down' and Folamour's 'Home Beyond The Clouds' prove that disco is still a key element in contemporary house music today.