Reviewed: Mike Sandcastle Delivers Funk-Driven French House Energy on ‘Jolene 08’

Mike Sandcastle

Mike Sandcastle brings a fresh burst of UK flavour to the French touch sound with his latest release, ‘Jolene 08’. Out now on the iconic Jolene Records, the four-track EP marks the label’s eighth release and the first time a non-French artist has joined their roster. True to Jolene’s late 90s French House roots, Sandcastle captures that warm, loop-heavy energy the label is known for, but filters it through a distinctly British lens full of grit, groove and dancefloor purpose.

‘Party With Me’ kicks things off with jacking drums, soulful vocal licks and a thick disco backbone that immediately sets the mood. The percussion feels punchy and alive, the bassline slides perfectly between funk and drive, and the vocal samples add that euphoric lift that defines great disco house. It’s a party starter in every sense, raw, confident and full of character.

‘Love Takes Two’ drops the tempo slightly, leaning into more profound and more soulful territory while keeping the energy high. Sandcastle works his sampling magic here, blending emotive disco fragments with a rolling groove that feels effortless and addictive. The rhythm swings with real flow, and every filter sweep feels perfectly placed. It pays homage to the golden era of French house without sounding like a throwback, giving the sound a modern pulse that fits right into today’s club sets.

‘When I’m With You’ might be the standout. It’s an upbeat, funk-fuelled roller that bursts with nostalgia and movement. The groove is infectious, with multiple layers of chopped samples creating a rich, textured feel that keeps you hooked. There’s something cathartic about it, a sense of release and familiarity that hits right at the core of what makes disco house so irresistible. It’s easy to imagine this one lighting up dancefloors across Europe, from festival tents to late-night afterparties.

‘Whistle’ closes the EP on a high, delivering another sample-driven cut packed with funk, rhythm and personality. Built around playful guitar slaps, swaying grooves and slick drum programming, it perfectly ties the collection together. There’s a looseness to the groove that feels human, a quality often lost in modern house production, and it’s this organic flow that gives Sandcastle’s sound its edge.

‘Jolene 08’ is both a nod to the past and a confident step forward for Mike Sandcastle. His understanding of the French House blueprint, the looping, the filtering, the soul, is clear, but he brings his own sense of swing and spontaneity to the table. Each track feels alive, warm and distinctly his own. For Jolene Records, it’s another statement release that reinforces their dedication to the classic French sound while keeping things exciting and current. For Sandcastle, it’s a defining moment that solidifies his place among the new generation, keeping disco-infused house alive.

Mike Sandcastle

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