A classy collection of soulful house and UK garage grooves that showcases two producers operating at the top of their game.
Few labels have championed the deeper, more musical side of house and garage quite as consistently as Plastik People, and their sixteenth instalment of the Collections series is another reminder of why the imprint continues to command such respect amongst discerning dancefloor heads.
Sharing duties on this latest release are Marc Cotterell and Dominic Balchin, two names well versed in crafting grooves that balance underground credibility with genuine musicality.
Opening proceedings, “The Trumpet Track” does exactly what it says on the tin. Built around punchy drums, warm bass pressure and infectious brass stabs, the track rolls effortlessly between house and garage territories, delivering a groove that feels equally suited to intimate basement sessions and sun-soaked terrace dancefloors.
“Baby Do You Feel Me” shifts the mood into more uplifting territory. Driven by joyous vocal hooks, shuffling percussion and classic garage swing, it captures the feel-good spirit that made the genre such a force during its golden years. It’s impossible not to smile when this one drops.
Dominic Balchin’s “Oh Lord” takes things deeper, wrapping rich chords and soulful textures around a chunky rhythmic framework. The constantly evolving keys give the track a hypnotic quality, drawing listeners further into its warm and immersive soundscape.
Our pick of the EP, however, is “Rhythm Of The Vibe”. Channeling the spirit of New York house music at its finest, the track combines bumping drums, rich organ chords and a groove that instantly recalls the influence of Kerri Chandler and the legendary East Coast sound. Timeless, soulful and effortlessly cool, it’s the sort of record that feels as relevant today as it would have done twenty years ago.
As a whole, Plastik People Collections Vol. 16 is a beautifully curated package that highlights the enduring connection between soulful house and UK garage. Four tracks, four quality cuts and another strong entry in a series that continues to deliver for dancers and DJs alike.
Release Date: 15 June 2026, buy it here.
Label: Plastik People
Format: 12″