Herlihy’s debut for Culprit ‘Endless Feeling’ has been gestating for the last twelve months, via a trans-Atlantic creative exchange with Culprit’s A+R team. It is a period that’s seen Culprit’s musical ethos become more focused and unified, in turn more firmly establishing the label’s identity and profile in the international dance community. Gavin Herlihy’s new EP will go a long way to further that burgeoning reputation.

Herlihy’s off-kilter textural warmth was always a natural musical fit for Culprit, and after an initial approach to the label, a continued dialogue and exchange of musical ideas over six months led to the two b-sides making their home on Culprit. Meanwhile Herlihy began crafting his anthemic A-side specifically with the label’s aesthetic in mind, resulting in a three track EP that manages a rare feat of offering both a unified vision and an accomplished variety of sound. ‘Endless Feeling’ is underpinned by Herlihy’s out-of-the-box sophisticated take on modern house music.

Herlihy largely steers away from overt 80s - early 90s disco/R'n'B/classic house axis of references, taking in a wider, more futuristic sonic palette, most notably on ‘Tell Me What You Need’ and ‘The Sequence’. With its analogue Rhodes organ melody, deep moody sub-bass and a confident use of distortion, ‘Tell Me What You Need’ clearly shows an assured artist in command. ‘The Sequence’ marries almost choral vocal effects - a bit reminiscent of Beach Boys’ 1960s style pop with electric guitar-like synth sweeps and a buzzing 70s funk-infused basslines, creating an orchestral-type layering that adds a 3D feel to the music. ‘Endless Feeling‘ is the most hook-laden and upbeat song of the trio. Although a clear dance floor filler, Herlihy continues to show commitment to analog synth-propelled, timeless textures and sonic depth.

Whilst the EP channels three distinct moods, the tracks come together seamlessly on one complete package for Culprit – a label that strives and succeeds to present a diverse take on modern house music across its catalogue without losing sight of the cohesive vision.