Catz 'n Dogz & Gerd Janson - Modern Romance

One of the best things that 2020 has brought us is Danny Howard's Lockdown Link-Up, a series of collaborations between two previously unpaired acts. Of the long list of new tunes spurred by the series that includes MK x Kölsch, Franky Rizardo x Joe Goddard, and Boys Noize x Skream, perhaps my favourite was released this past Friday. Fittingly found on Misfit Melodies and aptly titled "Modern Romance," this Lockdown Link-Up features two European titans in Polish duo Catz 'n Dogz and German genius Gerd Janson.

Immediately upbeat in its drum delivery, "Modern Romance" is an undeniable body mover especially as its killer club synths kick in. No matter which version you press play on, the collaboration commands a powerful punch that plays perfectly with the diverse drum deliveries, potent piano and slinky strings. Its infectious energy and stomping syncopation make it perfect for dancefloors regardless of whether they're full or functioning. It's got an old-school allure that all but demands a dance-off, especially during each offering's extended groove section. And while it's likely there's no fluorescent club for you to make use of, "Modern Romance" obliges by rifling off a ridiculous amount of radiant, rave-like sounds that through closed eyes imagines the dancefloor of your dreams.

Let yourself melt into the marvellous "Modern Romance" below and check out more of the Lockdown Link-ups through Danny Howard on BBC Radio One.

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Monki B2B Purple Disco Machine @ Café Mambo

The long weekend may be in the rear view mirror, but that doesn't mean we can't still reap the rewards of its epic nature. While many of us took to cottages or festivals, BBC Radio One took their setup to Ibiza's Café Mambo for a slew of incredible sets, often pairing one of their presenters with guest DJs. Annie Mac worked overtime playing a solo set and going B2B with both Mark Ronson and Tiga. Pete Tong took to the decks with Patrick Topping and Danny Howard delivered the goods alongside Camelphat and AU/RA. However my favourite pairing came from Monki and Purple Disco Machine. These sets have been recorded and can be found on Youtube and on the BBC Radio One site.

As you might expect with such a pairing, Monki and Purple Disco Machine got groovy right from the jump, allowing the warm island energy to stir the crowd like waves on the shore. There's no shortage of organic instrumentation in their selections helping us to horns, strings and all kinds of percussion. Opening the set with his enormous "At Night" remix before letting "Body Funk" take over and ending with "Dished," Purple Disco Machine's DNA is all over this 30 minute mix. A tip of the cap also has to go to the genius incorporation of the "Groove Is In The Heart" sample into the finale. The whole thing is just an easy moving grooving set, perfect for Ibiza or really anywhere in the summer.

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