Shapeshifters is chart-topping West London house duo Simon Marlin and Max Reich, who this year have managed to produce that aural holy grail – a cool tune that does the business in the clubs and proved irresistible to the mainstream. They’re about quality music and bouncing parties, and are leading the current charge in house music’s renaissance that has seen an exciting upsurge in the scene this year.

In 2003, with no commercial pressure or expectations, the pair finally sat down to make a tune together, combining Simon’s love of house and Max’s darker, techie sound and fascination with rich production. They consequently spent many nights holed up in Max’s studio, where they’d sit down testing out new bits of kit and experimenting with different sounds. It was these early sessions with Simon on keyboards that created ‘Lola’s Theme’. The initial inspiration had come whilst Lola was going through her old vinyl collection, digging out tunes to play after a night out. As she put on several of her favourites and started to sing, the vibe caught Simon’s ear and the seed was planted.

Seven months later, and ‘Lola’s Theme’ became the undeniable dance hit of the past few years. The track received unanimous support from the worlds coolest and most purist house aficionados, with many heralding it as a turning point for the dance scene. Alongside renowned songwriter, Karen Poole, Simon and Max penned the song for the vocal version, and with Gospel singer Cookie, the track went on to take over the airwaves, and every dancefloor in the UK. Numerous TV performances followed, and suddenly West London’s coolest house duo was the buzzword for a nation that had suddenly got its groove back. The tune spent more than 8 weeks at the top of the National Airplay chart, sounding the welcome return of house music to daytime radio.

The sound has started to spread too. The boys are now DJing all over the world, and the success of the record and compilation had made them cover-stars in Europe.

They are producing one hitrecord after anothers, so keep an eye out for this British housemasters.