The Canadian house maestro Demuir drops his sophomore release on Dam Swindle’s essential label this July.
Canadian house aficionado Demuir makes a triumphant return to Dam Swindle’s Heist Recordings this July with ‘New Spirit’, a five-track EP that pays homage to the golden eras of house while pushing firmly into future groove territory. It’s his first solo outing on the imprint since 2019’s An Artist Thinketh, and it’s bursting with character, confidence and, as the title suggests, a revitalised spirit.
Opening cut ‘Ain’t No Stoppin’ sets the tone with a slick US garage shuffle, drenched in rolling funk bass and soulful vocal loops that flirt effortlessly with the dancefloor. It’s the kind of track that feels instantly familiar, yet fresh enough to demand repeat spins. A true Demuir signature.
The title track, ‘New Spirit’, follows up with a dusty, jazz-inflected vibe straight out of early 90s NYC. Think Nervous Records’ heyday: hazy drum loops, silky keys, and vocal snippets that drift in like warm summer air. The Dub versionstrips it down, letting the rhythmic swing breathe and giving DJs a versatile tool for deeper sets.
But the peak-time gold lies in ‘No Minions Allowed’. It’s an irresistibly loopy affair, underpinned by radiant pads and a thick, seductive bassline that brings the sunshine straight to the club. It’s playful, tracky and endlessly groovy. Exactly the sort of uplifting heater you’d expect to hear in a Dam Swindle set at Dekmantel.
Closing things out, ‘Whatchu Want Is All I Got’ blends dubbed-out atmospherics with trippy synth flourishes, wrapping the EP in a warm, after-hours haze. There’s a clear nod here to Demuir’s Chicago home base, fusing classic Windy City grit with a thoroughly modern sensibility.
In short, New Spirit is a masterclass in soulful, feel-good house music. It captures the raw energy of Chicago, the finesse of New York, and the ever-evolving flair that Demuir brings to every release. Whether you’re vibing in the sunshine or deep in the club, this one’s got everything you need.
Demuir ‘New Spirit’ EP drops via Heist Recordings on 4th July 2025, with ‘Ain’t No Stoppin’ out now. Pre order here.
