Mysterious New Jersey duo Raw Tunes surface on Daybreakers with a dusty DAT archive of raw, groove heavy deep house.
The Daybreakers imprint continues its run of crate digging releases with The Jersey DATs, a punchy three track package credited to the elusive duo Raw Tunes. Following a pair of well received samplers from Vick Lavender, the label now turns its attention to a mysterious stash of recordings pulled from old DAT tapes originating from New Jersey’s underground house scene.
Opening cut Can’t Believe It wastes little time establishing its dancefloor credentials. Driven by punchy drums and a thick, echo soaked low end, the groove unfolds with a rugged energy that feels rooted in classic US house traditions. As the track progresses, the rhythm snaps into gear with sharp breaks and subtle arrangement shifts that keep the pressure locked firmly on the floor.
Touchdown follows with a slightly heavier stride. Tumbling percussion rolls forward over a stalking bassline that gives the track a darker edge, creating a groove that feels equally suited to late night club sets or deep warehouse sessions. There is a rawness to the production that adds to the charm, capturing the spirit of underground house before everything was polished to perfection.
Closing the release, Medlar steps in with a retouch of Touchdown. His interpretation introduces a playful lift to the original, weaving bright piano stabs and warm chords into the arrangement while maintaining the driving rhythm of the source material. The result is a remix that balances classic house musicality with the tougher groove of the original cut.
With The Jersey DATs, Daybreakers once again taps into the enduring appeal of raw, DJ focused house music. The mystique surrounding Raw Tunes may remain intact, but the music speaks clearly enough on its own. Three cuts of rugged deep house designed to do exactly what they should when the lights are low and the system is loud.
Pre order ‘The Jersey DAT’s’ for a April release here.
