Marc Cotterell’s Plastik People delivers four cuts of timeless underground house, from bluesy deep grooves to raw New York-inspired garage.
There’s something reassuring about a record that knows exactly where its musical roots lie. Marc Cotterell’s Plastik People imprint has built its identity around the deeper, more soulful side of house and garage, and its forthcoming Deep Soul EP is another release firmly rooted in that tradition.
Bringing together Deep South Soul, Mellow Man, Manhattan Project and Reign Of Rhythm, this four-track 12-inch moves comfortably between blues-inflected deep house, classic organ-driven grooves and tougher, late-night garage sounds.
Opening proceedings is Deep South Soul’s “Harmonica Man”, given the Mellow Man treatment. A wonderfully bumpy, soulful groove, it rolls along on bubbling basslines, plunging keyboard chords and loose, rhythmic percussion. The harmonica provides the track’s defining character, while a bluesy, almost droning vocal adds a rawness that works beautifully against the deeper musical backdrop.
There’s a lovely balance between the earthy blues influences and the warmth of the house production, giving the track a distinctive feel without sacrificing its dancefloor appeal.
Mellow Man follows with “So Deep”, a record that wears its old-school influences proudly. Classic piano lines sit alongside warm organ bass tones, buoyant drums and soulful male vocals, creating a groove that feels particularly indebted to the golden age of New York deep house.
It’s uncomplicated in the best possible sense, allowing the keys, bass and vocals to do the talking. The result is a warm, rolling house cut with plenty of character.
Things become considerably more energetic on Manhattan Project’s “Turn That Up”.
This is the EP’s party starter, built around uplifting organ melodies, steadily building drums and commanding vocal phrases. The addition of live crowd effects brings an extra sense of excitement, while the swinging rhythm gives the track a raw, garage-house edge.
There’s a real old-school club atmosphere here, with the arrangement gathering momentum as the percussion and organ lines push things forward.
Closing the EP is Reign Of Rhythm’s “Cum Inside”, which takes us into deeper, later-night territory.
Built around a skippy drum pattern, plunging bass tones and old-school synth sounds, it carries a strong 90s New Jersey house influence. The groove is stripped back and hypnotic, with the rhythm doing much of the work while the synth stabs and bass provide the atmosphere.
It’s a fitting closer, offering something darker and more understated after the energy of “Turn That Up”.
Across all four tracks, Deep Soul EP celebrates a period of house music when warm keyboards, swinging drums, deep basslines and soulful touches were at the heart of the underground sound.
There’s enough variation to give each cut its own identity, but a shared musical sensibility holds the record together.
Another thoughtfully assembled release from Plastik People, and one that should appeal to DJs and collectors who still have a serious affection for that classic US house and garage sound.
Release Date: 2 November 2026, pre order here.
Label: Plastik People
Catalogue: PPR 30
Format: 12-inch vinyl, four-track EP