FINA Records was launched in 2011 by Simon Morell and Ralph Lawson from 2020Vision, although the label is relatively in its early stages, it’s taken the step from newcomer to reputed label in no time.

The catalogue boasts material from the likes of Move D, Cottam and Francis Inferno Orchestra, and now welcomes one of house music’s most highly praised producers, Rick Wade, onto the roster. Wade delivers his signature soul-laden house sound, which was brought to light surrounding his Harmonie Park imprint launched in 1994, predominantly releasing material from the man himself as well as Mike Huckaby, which still sounds fresh to this day.

Kicking things off is the original mix of ‘Sweet Life’, which sees Wade embrace an organic disco tinged vibe with cosseting violin melodies, acoustic guitar licks, and natural percussion lines, creating a stunning opening cut. Don’t Be Afraid artist Mr. Beatnick steps up to reshape ‘Sweet Life’ next, the Brit producer turns in a jazz-laden interpretation with the focus tipped towards weighty analogue rhythms, dub echoes and intricate chopping and resampling of the core guitar hook, stunning stuff as expected.

The latter half of the wax sees two more originals from Rick, firstly, ‘The Chateau’, which again displays a more playful side to Rick’s productions with its cheerful and lively vibe, fuelled by funk guitar, slap bass and energetic vocal lines. While ‘Jazz Militia’ reverts back to the sound Wade’s known for, raw, swinging 4/4 beats, smooth bubbling pads, hi-strings and moody atmospherics, closing the wax side of the package brilliantly.