Toronto deep house stalwart Abacus returns with a soul-drenched, hardware-led EP built for heads-down floors and late-night introspection.
Austin Bascom, better known as Abacus, continues his Analog Stories run with a fifth instalment that cuts straight to the core of what deep house should feel like. No gimmicks, no overreach, just groove, warmth and that unmistakable analog touch that has defined his sound for years. On this light orange vinyl repress via Phonogramme, the focus is clear from the outset: stripped-back, emotionally rich club music with real weight behind it.
“The Hustle (Boardwalk Mix)” opens things up in style, laying down a luscious groove wrapped in soulful vocal chops, rich piano licks and sweeping synth strings. It is instantly inviting, balancing musicality with a steady pulse that feels equally at home on a warm-up floor or early morning session. There is a looseness to the arrangement that gives it breathing room, letting each element settle naturally into the mix.
“Let Me Show U (Nyabingi Dub)” pushes deeper into the haze. The drums feel more submerged, the chords more expansive, drifting into a hypnotic space that leans into dub sensibilities without losing that house backbone. It is a proper heads-down roller, the kind of track that locks a room in without demanding attention.
On the flip, “What’s Up (STR8 Up Mix)” brings a touch more swing. Sample-heavy and jazz-leaning, it carries that loose-limbed energy that nods to classic US house while still sounding fresh. The groove is infectious, built for dancers who appreciate subtlety over spectacle.
Closing cut “Testpilot (Pogue Edit)” rounds things off in deeper territory. Spacey, emotive and quietly powerful, it trades obvious hooks for atmosphere and flow. The result is hypnotic, pulling you further in with each passing bar, a perfect tool for those later moments when the floor is fully locked.
Analog Stories Vol. 5 is not about big drops or instant impact. It is about feel, texture and movement, the fundamentals of deep house done right. Abacus delivers a raw, honest record that speaks directly to DJs and dancers who know exactly what this sound is about.
A proper crate essential that reinforces why this series continues to resonate. Get it here.
