Tsuba was started by Kevin Griffiths back in 2006. He was already a face on the scene as the A& R for the Fine label out of Berlin, but it was Tsuba that really made his name, which is what happens when you run a label that releases more than 50 top tunes. Part 1 of this collection of Tsuba’s finest (which is out now) features gems from Nina Kraviz (Okain’s Scream, the Sebo K Mix, is an essential piece of underground house business) and some stomping stuff from Hector & Okain’s Taco’s & Frogs. But for us it’s all about the lighter, more atmospheric charms of Bearweasel’s 5 Year Old Vintage Glass Suit on Part 2 (out in mid-March), which along with Justin Drake & Kevin Griffiths Midnight Special shows just how deep this label runs…

Quality from start to finish – this is what good dancefloors should sound like. If you like proper house and techno, you should already have all these tunes, to be honest.

 

Rating: 8.5/10

Label: Tsuba

Release date: Part 1 (out now) Part 2 (mid-March)

 

Stand-out tracks: 5 Year Old Vintage Glass Suit by Bearweasel – just as ornate as it sounds, which is always nice to report.

Weak moments: It's all good here, really.

5 Years of Tsuba - Part One
1. Nina Kraviz '- Okain's Scream (Sebo K Rmx)
2. Dyed Soundorom - Tapioka (Art Department Rmx)

3. Kevin Griffiths - Cantona Kung Fu (Arto Mwambe Rmx)
4. Hector & Okain - Tacos & Frogs

5 Years of Tsuba - Part Two
1. Federico Molinari & Christian Burkhardt - Tamala
2. Ethyl & Huxley - Reflexions
3. Drake & Griffiths - Midnight Special
4. Bearweasel - 5 Year Old Vintage Glass Suit