February: 6 hard dance releases you need to hear this month

Alf Graham & Joel Burns 'Ultimate' (Solid State Digital)

Every few years, new names and brands rise up to make a mark on the hard house scene. In the last 12 months, Alf Graham’s Solid State label has stated its claim as a home for the genre’s most forward-thinking, fresh-sounding sounds – and it’s certainly tough to argue with tracks such as ‘Ultimate’, with its heavy bassline, hoover stabs and little rap chops. A minimal piano breakdown plucks away through the break, while a gated riff swirls below then slams in with the rest of the track to carry you across the dancefloor.

8/10