John Summit is on fire again. The Chicago-born producer and DJ has been a non-stop force in the dance music world, blending infectious energy with a knack for crafting tracks that are as explosive on festival mainstages as they are in sweaty, late-night club basements. His latest release, Focus, featuring the ethereal vocals of Cloves, is another massive statement from Summit’s Experts Only imprint, which is quickly becoming a go-to label for cutting-edge house music.
Right from the opening notes of Focus, you know you’re in for something special. A moody synth line creeps in, setting the tone for a deep, emotive journey, while the rumbling bassline keeps you tethered to the dancefloor. It’s got that classic John Summit groove – a rolling, hypnotic beat that feels like it’s designed to lock you into its rhythm. And then, enter Cloves. The London-born singer’s haunting vocal delivery is pure magic, sitting perfectly atop the production. Her voice carries this wistful, almost haunting quality that pulls the track into darker, more introspective territory without ever losing its dancefloor energy.
This is the kind of track that feels equally at home during sunrise at an afterparty or blasting through Funktion-Ones on a festival stage. Summit balances a perfect blend of melancholia and euphoria here – a recipe that’s quickly becoming his trademark. The lyrics, which reflect themes of longing and self-discovery, pair beautifully with the tension and release in the production. It\’s emotional, but not cheesy. It slaps, but in an understated way that’s full of finesse.
John Summit has been riding a wave of success for the past few years, cementing himself as one of the most in-demand names in house music. Tracks like Deep End and Where You Are have dominated playlists and dancefloors alike, but with Focus, Summit proves he’s not just making hits for the sake of hits. There’s depth here. He’s growing as a producer, taking risks, and crafting a sonic identity for Experts Only that pushes house music forward.
Speaking of the label, Experts Only is clearly positioning itself as more than just another vanity imprint. This is the kind of release that shows Summit’s dedication to curating forward-thinking, high-quality house music. It’s not about quantity – it’s about carefully-selected tracks that actually say something.
Focus also highlights how vocals can elevate a dance track into something truly memorable. Cloves isn’t your typical guest vocalist – her indie-pop background brings a unique flavor to the song. It’s not a cookie-cutter collab; her voice adds soul, depth, and vulnerability, which gives Focus that extra layer that’ll keep it on repeat long after its release buzz fades.
If you’re looking for the first real anthem of 2025, this might just be it. Whether you’re a John Summit diehard, a casual house music fan, or someone diving into the genre for the first time, Focus is one of those tracks that hits all the right notes. From the hypnotic groove to the heart-tugging vocals, it’s a vibe—a seriously good one.
Final Verdict:
Focus is proof that John Summit is more than just a hit machine. It’s a sophisticated slice of house music that showcases his growth as an artist and his vision for Experts Only. Add in Cloves’ incredible vocal performance, and you’ve got a track that’s sure to dominate both the airwaves and the underground in equal measure. Don’t sleep on this one.
9/10
Key Moments:
1:15 – Cloves’ first vocal line drops, and it’s pure goosebumps.
2:50 – The buildup is just the right amount of tension before a groove-heavy, satisfying drop.
4:30 – Subtle layering in the breakdown adds emotional weight without overdoing it.
For fans of: CamelPhat, ARTBAT, Gorgon City, and those who love their house music with a bit of heart and soul.