Mystery artist Old Boys Vinyl Sessions have whipped us into a frenzy with this Blue Nile sampled ‘Is There A Place?’ out on House With No Name.
The enigmatic producers behind the Old Boys Vinyl Sessions project are as mysterious as they are skilled. Having been part of the electronic music scene since the pre-MP3 days, their latest release, ‘Is There A Place?’, showcases their deep knowledge of house music’s past while delivering something timeless and fresh.
At its core, this track is a rework of the 1984 classic “Tinseltown in the Rain” by The Blue Nile, a Scottish band known for their melancholic and atmospheric soundscapes. The Old Boys’ take transforms the original’s emotional string arrangements and reflective vocals into something utterly suited for the dancefloor, yet without losing any of the melancholy that made the original stand out.
What sets this rework apart is its seamless blend of organic and electronic elements. The string-laden melodies remain intact, providing a lush, cinematic backdrop, while the bassline grooves subtly, lifting the track into house territory. There’s an understated bounce to the drums, which are classic yet crisp—crafted with the precision of producers who’ve been in the game long enough to master the perfect balance between groove and restraint. The kicks are punchy but never overwhelming, leaving room for the emotive strings to breathe and carry the track forward.
Vocals from the original are woven throughout, echoing in and out of the mix like distant memories, adding a layer of nostalgia and depth to the overall vibe. The producers clearly know when to dial it back, creating space for the mood to settle before pulling listeners back into the hypnotic rhythm. The result is a track that feels both introspective and danceable, perfect for late-night sessions where the line between a warm, intimate space and an energetic crowd is blurred.
This rework may not cater to mainstream tastes, but it will undoubtedly resonate with those who appreciate a more refined, emotive take on house music. Whether you’re a vinyl purist or a digital crate digger, ‘Is There A Place?’ taps into that deeper connection to music, the kind that transcends trends and harks back to a time when the dancefloor was about soul as much as it was about sound.
Final Verdict: This is a highly atmospheric house cut that’s perfect for DJs looking to slow things down and inject a bit of heart into their sets. A gem for vinyl enthusiasts and those who appreciate the art of the rework, it stands out as a tribute to house music’s ability to evolve while staying deeply connected to its roots.
‘Is There A Place’ is out now on House With No Name here.
