Josh Butler makes a triumphant return to his ORIGINS RCRDS label with the “Disco Daze” EP, a three-tracker that effortlessly fuses deep house grooves with disco influences.
Josh Butler kicks off 2025 with a classy and versatile four-tracker on his own ORIGINS RCRDS imprint—an imprint that’s consistently been a home for some of his finest material. While Butler has previously made waves on heavyweight labels like Strictly Rhythm, Hot Creations, and Kaoz Theory, it’s often on ORIGINS where he seems to dig deeper, delivering releases with a personal and finely tuned touch. “Disco Daze” is no exception, blending disco, soulful house, and deep, groove-heavy cuts with an unmistakable nod to the roots of the genre.
Butler teams up with Manoova on the title track, a sure-fire dancefloor mover that instantly channels vintage disco vibes without ever feeling retro. A funky, driving bassline sets the pace, complemented by shimmering strings, spaced-out synth lines, and glittering melodic flourishes. The groove is infectious, underpinned by bouncy, disco-infused house drums that give this track wide-ranging appeal—from rooftop parties to darker basement sessions. Butler and Manoova nail the balance here, crafting a track that feels euphoric yet grounded.
Taking things deeper and warmer, “Business As Usual” is a soulful, eyes-closed house cut that glides along with a silky-smooth touch. Shyam P‘s unmistakable vocals add emotional weight, while lilting trumpet solos and mellow pads bring a jazzy, laid-back feel. Butler’s trademark tight drum programming is still present, but here it supports rather than dominates, allowing the musicality to shine through. It’s a standout moment for deeper, more intimate dancefloors.
Rounding off the EP, Butler nods to the more tech-tinged, driving elements of Kerri Chandler’s sound. “Love and Other Drugs”, featuring Penny F, rides a chunky groove with a warm, analog bassline and sharp, swinging percussion. Penny F’s soulful vocal sits beautifully in the mix, adding both warmth and attitude. Subtle chord stabs and rhythmic keys keep the energy high, making this a late-night builder that will resonate with fans of classic New York and New Jersey deep house flavors.
With ‘Disco Daze’, Butler once again proves his versatility and class as a producer, delivering three distinct cuts that each serve a unique purpose on the dancefloor. Whether it’s the peak-time, disco-fuelled bounce of the Manoova collaboration, the soulful warmth of “Business As Usual,” or the deeper, tech-edged energy of “Love and Other Drugs,” this release has something for house heads across the spectrum.
For fans of: Kerri Chandler, Demuir, Art Department, DJ Sneak, Seb Zito
Buy the ‘Disco Daze’ EP by Josh Butler here.
