[Poker Flat Digital]

With a hot new batch of younger labels stealing their thunder, Poker Flat is no longer seen as the vital label it once was, though like Get Physical who are also victim of the same zeitgeist, a release with the famed imprint can still spell big things for a producer. Though they bill him as a newcomer on the release info, Daryl Stay is anything but, having notched up his first release as early as 1997. His profile has hardly been prolific to date, but this Englishman may well experience a surge in interest with his latest release for Steve Bug’s aforementioned label.

Firmly in keeping with the Poker Flat ethos (futuristic house with super clean production dynamics) the My Groove EP touches on both the good and bad elements that are inherent in this style. The EP’s namesake track plots a rudimentary course in tech house that — although possessed of some interesting turns and a good groove — lacks any real punch. The main melody that takes center stage seems somehow out of place with the rest of the elements, like it exists on its own without being complimented or accented by the other parts. Vincenzo does a better job with this melody on his remix, setting it among a more upbeat track full of long spectral sweeps and big room energy. That said, it’s a remix that steers dangerously close to progressive house, feeling out of sorts with the Poker Flat sound and altogether a touch cheesy. Tucked away on the B-side, “Don’t Crash On Me Now” is the highlight of the EP; an understated groover that gets all of its melodies working with each other in a subtle, refined manner. It’s a bit too low-key to be the lead track on the EP but nevertheless it emerges as the best one on offer from this patchy release.