Manny Steelo arrives on the scene with New Jersey Transit Traxx, a six-track EP that captures the relentless pull of the underground house circuit. Hailing from Brooklyn by way of New Jersey, this newcomer channels the gritty essence of East Coast club life into every groove. Dropped on January 23, 2026, via Star Creature Universal Vibrations’ Global Caress imprint, the release pulses with the kind of analog-driven house that demands attention from DJs digging for fresh ammo. Star Creature has built its reputation over the years as a haven for no-nonsense house cuts, nurturing talents who prioritize feel over flash and delivering EPs that resonate in dimly lit booths from Chicago to NYC.
Right from the opener, East Coast Waves sets the journey in motion, evoking the rush of late-night trains barreling through urban sprawl. Manny Steelo layers his production with a sparseness that hits heavy, drawing from the blueprint of legends like N.Y. House’n Authority, Jerzzey Boy, and Ron Trent. Rising Sun follows, building tension that erupts into pure house propulsion, perfect for those peak-hour sets where the crowd hungers for release. Then comes 5 A.M., a track that mirrors the hazy dawn after a marathon night, its rhythms locking in dancers with an unyielding grip.
Put Em On Work shifts gears into workmanlike drive, the kind of cut that fuels underground residencies and keeps floors moving without mercy. Slot Machine Groove introduces a playful edge, its infectious patterns pulling listeners into a hypnotic spin that screams casino-floor energy fused with street-smart house. Closing out with Jackpot, Manny Steelo delivers the payoff, a towering finale brimming with ecstatic highs and that deep sense of connection only true house can provide. This EP embodies the bastard lovechild spirit of its influences—raw, unpolished, and utterly compelling.
What stands out is Manny Steelo’s ability to blend serene introspection with outright frenzy, creating tracks that feel both intimate and explosive. For house heads and techno purists chasing that authentic underground thrill, New Jersey Transit Traxx stands as a vinyl debut that honors its roots while pushing forward. It’s the sound of belonging in the shadows of the scene, where every drop connects you to the pulse of the city. DJs will find gold here for seamless blends and unexpected builds, while fans will revel in the emotional ride. This isn’t just music; it’s a ticket to the heart of house’s enduring fire.
