TuneLab
Denis Sulta
Cité du Train in Mulhouse, France for Cercle
Denis Sulta playing a historic train museum in France for Cercle—because where else would you stage a masterclass in disco-tinged, emotionally charged house music? The vibe is quirky and sublime, with vintage locomotives providing the backdrop for a set that’s equal parts history lesson and dance floor sermon. This is house music with soul and swing, cruising at a perfect 128.1 BPM and spending much of its time in the funky, resonant 7A key. The energy is masterfully mid-range heavy (58%), allowing every piano chord, string section, and vocal hook to shine over a tight, 26% low-end groove. It’s mixing with a curator’s eye, using harmonic blends and long, teasing builds to create a sense of joyous anticipation.
The digging is impeccable. Opening with the John Morales reconstruction of T.S. Monk’s 'Candidate for Love' sets a tone of timeless quality. Pockets’ 'Come Go with Me' is a pure disco injection, while Victor Vera’s 'Pressure' remix brings a contemporary, driving edge.
Russell G & Steve Haines’ 'Double Six' is a deep house gem, and closing with Robbie Rivera’s epic 'The Main Room' is a statement of intent. The journey rolls out from 'Candidate for Love,' builds to a hands-in-the-air peak with the soaring 'Last Night,' and chugs to its final destination with the 15-minute journey of 'The Main Room.'.