Tribal, bass-heavy, atmospheric and jazzy, London-based producer Delonte Rivers’ first release on XVI Records is a banger. Midnight Congas EP features 3 tracks of the finest dance music I have heard this year. Inspired by House, Psychedelic and Afro-beat music, the EP is full of colourful melodies and infectious grooves which should grace the London dancefloors in no time.

The self-titled “Midnight Congas” has meandering saxophone wails, groovy guitar rhythms, deep basslines and a pulsating beat throughout. “Maakye” has a strong bongo-heavy rhythm, which builds and explodes into beautiful bossa-nova inspired music. “Fela’s House Party,” as the name suggests, pays tribute to the Nigerian legend with impressive afro-beat drums and electric 70s-inspired synths all rolled into a emphatic beat which dominates the 6 minute track.

This is a very strong release from this new XVI Records signee. I expect big things!

You can listen to Delonte Rivers’ Midnight Congas EP below via Bandcamp, and make sure you support this project and the label in any way you can!