This record changed the dynamic of deep house music

I picked up Hot Lizard’s “165 Drop” on one of many record shopping trips to London, from a brilliant little (legendary) shop called Tag Records (anagram of Gat Decor, incase you didn’t already know)

I loved a lot of the deep house that was coming out at the time, but the UK producers like Charles Webster took it to an entirely different and beautiful place for me, giving this style a very subtle new edge and warm, atmospheric structures that were missing in a lot of the groove led American records. There was a such a buzz about this EP when it was released and understandably so – it’s an absolute beauty, having stood the test of time with incredible style and grace.

Although deep house had obviously been around for years when this was released, it somehow felt fresh and exciting – a subtle evolution of the genre that gently nudged things in a new direction with its slightly techy vibe. This is just one of those timeless slabs of heaven for me that I have carried in my box through many’s a cold winter over the years. The Pacific label was co-owned by Justin Deighton, who also has a strong connection to Belfast via Timmy Stewart and their many collaborations.