review | Sweely – Erasmus DJ | Display

With “Erasmus DJ”, Sweely opens a new chapter – launching his own imprint Display with a five-track statement that feels personal, playful, and deeply rooted in his late-night sensibility. Known for his fluid take on House music, the French producer from Nice – now living in Barcelona – steps into label-founder mode with confidence, delivering a record that blends woozy sensuality, G-funk shimmer, and club-focused functionality.

The opener, “Erasmus DJ”, sets the mood immediately. A groovy, house-driven framework carries unmistakable West Coast HipHop undertones – as if a G-funk producer decided to trade MPCs for drum machines at 4am. Subtle, almost unrecognizable low-volume vocals drift through the mix, adding extra HipHop flavor and swagger without dominating the groove. It’s nostalgic without being retro, smooth without losing momentum.

On the A2, “Body Scan”, Sweely moves further into classic House terrain. A deep, enveloping synth line anchors the groove, while a well-judged breakdown allows the arrangement to expand and contract with patience. It is in these moments of restraint that the track finds its depth, balancing propulsion with atmosphere.

The B-side shifts the emphasis. “Sex Pills” strips back the introspection in favor of direct dancefloor immediacy. Driven by a firm, assertive bassline and a looping vocal refrain – “Sex Pills, this is how we like to party” – the track channels a more extroverted energy, designed with late-night momentum in mind.

“This Is Perfect” revisits the EP’s G-funk undercurrent but sharpens its focus. A more linear bass structure grounds the groove, allowing the vocal mantra and melodic details to hover with clarity. It feels poised – less about embellishment, more about control.

Closing piece “Samples n Scratch” expands the record’s scope beyond the DJ booth. Conceived as both tool and resource, it offers drum kits, scratches, and stems — an invitation to deconstruct and reinterpret the material. It underscores Sweely’s understanding of house music not only as a finished product, but as an evolving dialogue.

As a debut statement for Display, “Erasmus DJ” establishes a clear aesthetic: sensual yet disciplined, groove-led yet emotionally attentive. It positions Sweely not merely as a producer exploring nostalgia, but as an artist shaping it into something quietly contemporary – built for deep hours and discerning floors alike.

Words by Holger Breuer

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