d3 recordings offshoot d3 elements is only three releases deep, but already their releases are reaching must-check status. following their recent release of a superb ep from us deep house veteran brian harden, the paris-based imprint offers up something a little different - an ep of gorgeously deep and melodic flavours that joins the dots between head-nodding instrumental hip-hop and floor-friendly 4/4 fare. there are plenty of surprises, too, including techno stalwart terrence parker delivering a flute-heavy downtempo head-nodder, some gorgeous beatdown from detroiter mike clark, and a thrillingly string-laden chunk of deep house bliss from the aforementioned harden.

after recently launching the d3 recordings label to a great reception, the man behind vibes and pepper is ready to launch his second new label, d3 elements. the artist behind the three track ep is raymond funnye aka strong souls, who back in the mid-nineties released on still much mythologised chicago label dance mania as well as the uks black market, which also saw him work with the legendary larry heard. the music he offers here is of a high pedigree from start to finish.