When Scottish producer Austin Ato landed on Classic Music Company with glorious two-tracker ‘Linger’ and ‘Work’ in summer ’21 he delivered an EP fitting for the world’s return to the dancefloor. Now the two red-hot cuts are committed to wax alongside previously unheard releases from Austin. The A-Side kicks off with ‘Linger’, a pure gospel piano house cut with live, urgent keys and a soulful vocal from acclaimed Atlanta singer/songwriter Niles Mason. Teaming up for the second time with Classic alumnae Dave Giles II (Dave + Sam) on ‘Work’ for the second track, 129BPM of bouncing metallic percussion wraps around a tight groove, with Dave’s captivating talents as an MC and lyricist narrating over the techno-leaning release, before Dave’s essential Acapella closes out the A-Side. On the flip Austin delivers the unreleased heat, as the relentless funk of ‘What You Want’ with its elastic bassline and acidic synth stabs opening the B-Side. Finally, the bumping groove ‘Cherry Soda’ closes out the package, immaculately composed with warm chords, a crackling vocal and chunky bass coming together with power and purpose. Cementing Austin’s position as a must-know producer for discerning selectors, ‘Hot Jams Volume 1’ is a record box essential ready to set dancefloors alight.[info sheet from distr.]