Smallville packs a lot of sound in a 12″ and Dana Ruh packs a lot of energy in this four track release. Different Places Different Faces offers Ruh’s take on modern but timeless deep house: mostly instrumental and mostly mood pieces. Ruh’s music is about things, they’re tracks that go places and take you with them and listening to little 30 seconds clips at random risks totally misses the stones for the whole mosaic.

“The Spirit” works with an intentionally minimal palette, but there’s a moment (2:30 if you’re keeping track) when the strings come in and it’s powerful. With just this single element the whole complexion of the track changes, a new structure is introduced, a spine that everything grows around like vines wrapping around a trellis. “TJ Mornings” captures that essence of Chicago deep house — that burning full-body fever that starts somewhere in the back of the brain and electrifies the entire central nervous system. It was patented on Prescription and has always seemed to find more love everywhere else but here but which Ruh continues to hone to perfection. Vocal clips sneak into the mix as just a few scattered syllables on the hauntingly beautiful “LA Nights,” which gives way to the intimate and vibey deep house of “Reach Out For Me.” Most of Dana Ruh’s music feels deeply personal and the tracks on Smallville 59 especially so.

⚪️ Tracklisting

Dana Ruh: Different Places Different Faces (Smallville / 12″ Vinyl + Digital)
1. Dana Ruh - The Spirit - Smallville 59 (07:45)
2. Dana Ruh - TJ Mornings - Smallville 59 (08:12)
3. Dana Ruh - LA Nights - Smallville 59 (07:40)
4. Dana Ruh - Reach Out For Me - Smallville 59 (06:14)


⚪️ Disclosure Statement

This record was not submitted as a promo.

The High Life: This was originally published in 5 Mag Issue #205 featuring Orlando Voorn, Mira Ló, Victor Simonelli, Carly Wilford, Maxime Dangles, Turbojazz and more. Help keep our vibe alive and our shine bright by becoming a member for $2/month and get every issue in your inbox right away!