Manchester-based producer Tino explores proto-house, acid, Italian deep house and early 90s breakbeats across four club-focused cuts on M.A.D Records.
Nottingham-raised, Manchester-based producer Leo Dimartino, better known as Tino, continues his relationship with M.A.D Records through the “Super Hot EP”, a four-track release that draws on several formative periods of house music. Following his “Set You Free” EP on Global Swing and a reworking of Pascal Moscheni’s “Pasion Latina” for M.A.D, this latest outing sees him deliver three original productions alongside a remix from label co-founder Josh Ludlow.
The Make A Dance imprint has developed an identity around house music that embraces its roots without becoming overly concerned with recreating any particular era. It’s an approach that suits Tino’s productions, with the “Super Hot EP” moving between proto-house, acid, breakbeat and Italian-influenced sounds while maintaining a clear emphasis on the dancefloor.
Opening track “Super Hot” heads directly into early house territory, drawing inspiration from the period when electronic dance music was still finding its feet between disco, electro and the emerging UK house scene. The influence of M/A/R/R/S and the funkier side of late 80s club music provides a useful reference point, suggesting a production built around rhythmic energy and the kind of playful sampling that helped define that period. Rather than simply borrowing the familiar sounds, Tino brings those influences into a contemporary club setting, making it a natural starting point for the EP.
“Pleasure Pole” takes a considerably tougher direction, moving into acid house with a more intense, basement-focused approach. Where the opener looks towards the crossover sounds of early UK house, this cut draws on the rawer, more uncompromising side of the music. Acid textures and a driving rhythmic foundation give it a distinctly underground character, offering a change of atmosphere while maintaining the release’s dancefloor momentum.
Over on the B-side, “Rock Ya Body” introduces a more colourful combination of influences, bringing together the melodic qualities of early Italian deep house with the rhythmic weight of 90s breakbeat house. Sparkling keyboard riffs provide much of the musical character, while soulful reggae vocal samples add another dimension to the arrangement. It’s an interesting meeting of styles, particularly in the contrast between the warmer, melodic elements and the tougher breakbeat foundations.
M.A.D co-founder Josh Ludlow provides the closing remix, taking “Rock Ya Body” towards a squelchier, late 80s-inspired house sound. His interpretation leans into the more playful and hedonistic qualities of that era, giving the track an alternative club identity while remaining connected to the influences that run throughout the EP. It’s a fitting addition from an artist whose own productions and DJ sets regularly explore the less predictable corners of house music.
What makes “Super Hot” interesting is the range of reference points Tino brings together. The four cuts touch on a period when house music was developing rapidly, with producers drawing freely from disco, electro, acid, reggae and emerging European club sounds. Those influences are often treated as separate genres today, but this EP is a reminder of how closely connected they were during the music’s formative years.
For DJs who appreciate house music with a little history in its grooves, “Super Hot” offers a varied selection of club-focused material, moving from the proto-house energy of the title track through to the tougher acid sounds of “Pleasure Pole” and the breakbeat-driven character of “Rock Ya Body”.
With Josh Ludlow rounding things off, it’s another interesting addition to the M.A.D catalogue and a release that should appeal to those who favour the rawer, more playful side of underground house.
Release Date: 9 October 2026 (Heavyweight Vinyl Repress), get it here.
Label: M.A.D Records
Catalogue: MAD019
Format: 12″ Heavyweight Vinyl
Genre: House / Acid House / Breakbeat House
Tracklisting
- “Super Hot” (5:43)
- “Pleasure Pole” (7:00)
- “Rock Ya Body” (6:44)
- “Rock Ya Body” (Josh Ludlow Remix) (6:14)