Direction EP by Aidan Lavelle: A Deep Dive into Dance Floor Soul
If you’re a fan of those late-night vibes where the bassline feels like it’s hugging your soul, then Aidan Lavelle’s Direction EP is worth spinning. Released in 2013 under Rebellion Records, this little gem packs a punch with its deep house and tech house grooves. It’s not just another dance record—this thing has personality.
Let’s talk tracks. First up, “Crush.” Oh man, this one slaps. From the moment that moody synth line kicks in, you know you’re in for something special. The beat builds slowly, teasing you like, "Hey, come closer," until BAM—you're fully immersed. There’s a rawness to it, almost like Aidan whispered his secrets directly into the track. You can tell he wore all the hats here—composer, producer, engineer—and damn, does it show. The layers feel lived-in, not overproduced. Every element breathes, giving the song space to evolve. I remember listening to “Crush” on repeat during a road trip once. By the time we hit the highway, my buddy turned to me and said, “This song makes me want to drive forever.” And honestly? Same.
Then there’s “Direction,” which might as well be the heartbeat of the whole EP. This track doesn’t mess around—it dives straight into a hypnotic rhythm that grabs hold and won’t let go. The percussion hits just right, sharp enough to keep your feet moving but subtle enough to let the melody shine. What sticks with me most is how smooth the transitions are; it’s like watching someone weave through a crowd without bumping into anyone. Effortless. There’s also this tiny vocal sample buried in the mix—I still can’t figure out what it says, but it adds this mysterious vibe that keeps pulling me back.
Now, full disclosure: I didn’t listen to the third track, “Issues,” nearly as much. Don’t @ me! Sometimes an EP only needs two killer songs to leave a mark. And honestly, between “Crush” and “Direction,” I was already sold.
Looking back at Direction EP, it’s wild to think this came out a decade ago. Back then, deep house was having a moment, and while some releases from that era now sound dated, this one holds up surprisingly well. Maybe it’s because Aidan did everything himself, so the project feels cohesive instead of cobbled together. Or maybe it’s just… magic? Who knows.
Here’s the kicker though—listening to this made me realize something kinda funny. Music isn’t always about perfection. Sometimes it’s about creating moments that stick with people, even if they can’t explain why. Like how “Crush” made me wanna drive endlessly or how “Direction” felt like floating in zero gravity. That’s the power of good music—it sneaks up on you when you least expect it. So yeah, thanks, Aidan. You nailed it.
