Description
Popular label Crosstown Rebels, led by Damian Lazarus, releases the compilation "Spirits VIII".
The eighth installment of the "SPIRITS" series, curated by Crosstown Rebels founder Damian Lazarus. This compilation features eight tracks that define the label's direction.
Launched in 2017, "SPIRITS" has introduced cutting-edge producers from around the world. Damian Lazarus, also known for his unique parties such as Get Lost and Day Zero, has earned acclaim for his discerning ear spanning deep house to techno. This attitude remains unchanged on this release. By balancing emerging artists with established names, it clearly showcases the label's distinctive character.
The compilation opens with Raz Alon's "Hey It's Me". Warm chords and a flowing groove gradually fill the space. Lost Desert's "Ultima" follows, where trippy textures intersect with melodic developments. Its rolling rhythms and expansive synths are particularly striking.
On side B, TIMANTI's "Warrior Spirit" creates a profound atmosphere with swirling synths and hazy melodies. STEB's "House Of STEB" is a club-ready track featuring a swinging beat and playful elements. Yuvèe's "Set The Fire" feat. FADO is built around vocals in a hypnotic composition that balances emotional weight with restrained rhythms.
Ekoboy's "Lose Control" evokes peak-time energy with tight percussion and driving momentum. MADI's "Around Me" creates an introspective atmosphere with layered soundscapes, while JUAAN's "Bass Cliente" brings the compilation to a close with deep, low-end bass.
Hypnotic house, melodic developments, and late-night energy are all captured on this release. When played on a turntable, the undulating low end and expansive spatial processing create a balance ideal for the dance floor. This compilation showcases Crosstown Rebels' current position.
A1. Raz Alon – Hey It's Me
A2. Lost Desert – Ultima
B1. Timanti – Warrior Spirit
B2. STEB – House of STEB
C1. Yuvèe – Set The Fire
C2. Ekoboy – Lose Control
D1. Madi – Around Me
D2. Juaan – Bass Clientel
Damian Lazarus reveals the eighth chapter of Crosstown Rebels acclaimed annual ‘SPIRITS’ VA compilation series.
The latest instalment sees the label founder once again curating a carefully balanced lineup of emerging voices and established names, with the eight-track collection set for release on 30th January 2026.
Since its inception in 2017, Damian Lazarus’ SPIRITS series has become a trusted barometer for the year ahead, spotlighting forward-thinking artists and cutting-edge club music from across the global electronic landscape. With ‘SPIRITS VIII’, Crosstown Rebels continues this tradition, delivering a refi ned yet adventurous selection that moves seamlessly between hypnotic house, melodic depth, and late-night energy - building on the momentum of previous volumes and capturing the label’s unmistakable essence.
Opening the release, Raz Alon sets the tone with ‘Hey It’s Me’, a warm and immersive opener that draws listeners in with emotive touches and fluid groove work. Lost Desert follows with ‘Ultima’, leaning into trippy, melodic-tinged sensibilities as tumbling rhythms meet expansive atmospheres and subtly evolving motifs. On the flip, TIMANTI ventures into a captivating voyage with ‘Warrior Spirit’, pairing swirling synths with hazy melodies, before STEB delivers ‘House Of STEB’, a groove-led cut packed with personality, swing, and club-ready flair.
The journey continues with Yuvèe’s ‘Set The Fire’, featuring FADO, a hypnotic and vocal-led track that balances emotional weight with understated rhythmic pressure. Ekoboy then ups the intensity on ‘Lose Control’, combining crisp percussion with infectious momentum designed for peak-time moments. On the final stretch, MADI brings a reflective buy playful touch with ‘Around Me’, weaving lush textures and subtle dynamics into a deeply absorbing listen, before JUAAN closes the compilation with ‘Bass Cliente’, a punchy and bass-forward finale that rounds things out with raw club energy.
With its continued ability to champion new talent while welcoming respected artists into its orbit, Crosstown Rebels remains a vital force within electronic music. SPIRITS VIII stands as another clear statement of the label’s vision, reaffirming its role in shaping the sound of contemporary house and techno.
