Blazing newcomer Henri Bergmann makes her full EP debut on Watergate Records with the captivating ‘Mind Control’ EP. Building a buzz via impressive releases on her label Automatik, the Londoner has picked up support from everyone from Dixon, Solomun and Maceo Plex. Indeed, mention the Dodi Palese Remix remix of her track ‘Protection’ to any clued-up melodic house fan and you’re likely to be met with a blissed-out response, so beloved was the cut, which also ended up in Tale of Clubs’ top 10 for 2021. Her maiden voyage on the Oberbaumbrücke home label is a tour de force of chugging house that encompasses new wave, electro and progressive elements, with a strong cast of collaborators and remixes along the way. Pushing herself creatively during the lockdown, this EP is the first time we’ve heard Henri utilise her voice on her own productions, and the resulting work is a treat. The title track is a team-up with Biesmans who brings his distinct retro sound signature to the track, while Henri’s vox elevates it to another level. ‘Our Time Has Come’ is a punchy dancefloor gem propelled by her own vocals and a classy psychedelic synth line. ‘We Just Keep On Going’ brings bags of robotic soul to the table, as Henri’s husband Wennink takes to the vocoder, alongside a mystical lead melody. Stephan Jolk returns to the label following his excellent ‘Freedom’ EP in April, re-working ‘Mind Control’ into a muscular weapon. Meanwhile Echonomist, who is notable for his appearance on WhoMadeWho’s Watergate 26 compilation, also takes his hand to the title track, re-fashioning it into a tough bass-driven electro cut that’s beautiful and brain-scrambling in equal doses.