When Copyright burst onto the house music scene in 2000 via the legendary Soulfuric label, their music was greedily lapped up by soulful house followers that had been left wanting for some time. Legends like Masters At Work hailed them as saviours and they reinvigorated the scene with each new track or remix. It’s somewhat surprising then to find that their debut album has only now been released, almost nine years after the initial euphoria began.

This three-disc set provides ample material for a good cross-section of the Copyright sound. Some of you may be scratching your head and asking exactly who are Copyright, and this is not unwarranted. However, there is no doubt that you would have heard of at least one or two of their tracks thanks mainly to the scores of appearances their productions make on mix CDs over the years, ranging from Ministry of Sound to OM Records. However, Defected has always been with them in some shape or form, and after toying on and off with the label like a killer whale does a seal, they have finally come out with their debut album.

The first disc showcases the London-based duo’s original tracks, which combine African, Latin and funk elements in deep, soulful house surroundings. The dancefloor friendly Wizeman features the diva vocals of Imaani, a long time collaborator, whose voice resonates beautifully seemingly outstripping the production. But that is how Gav and Sam work: they mould their production around a central theme, usually the vocalist, and layer the other elements around that. The result is an organic sound that is becoming less common with today’s house music production. It has set them apart from the pack and will no doubt ensure their longevity in the house music scene.

The problem with much of Copyright’s work is also the formula which has seen them have such great success. After a time, their songs start to sound the same. Rather than using new sounds in the search for that elusive freshness of production, they apply their formula to existing areas, creating their sound through influence and interpolation. Voodoo sounds very much like an early Masters At Work song, as does much of their stuff to be honest. I’m not saying they are copy cats, so I’ll refrain from any cheesy puns based on their moniker. Rather, the music they make is set in a niche, and it’s one they have mastered but one that has been conquered before on many occasions.

The best disc on the album sets out the dancefloor moments that they’ve had over the years and it’s made up mainly of remix work. He Is is the definitive soulful house anthem, featuring the huge breakdowns and gospel-inspired vocals with equally biblical lyricism. The remix of Jay-J’s Keep On Rising was huge in 2003 and the delicate, artful lounge rhythm retains the laidback style of the original but moves the track into more danceable territory. The song that is worth the price of the CD alone is their remix of the classic Masters At Work tune I Can’t Get No Sleep featuring the dreamy voice of the wonderful India. In fact, the song in many ways symbolises a passing of the guard, with Copyright carrying the torch for MAW. Perhaps even Imaani is the new India? Either way, the combination is sublime and the track ageless and close to perfection.

The last disc provides a sample of Copyright’s DJ work with an In The House Club Mix. I’ve seen these guys a few times and they are solid live. Although this mix is probably done on computer, it is as good for that Sunday afternoon soiree as it is for the 4am sunrise set. Its tracklist is a who’s who of the scene, with Kings of Tomorrow, Hardsoul, Quentin Harris and Osunlade all making appearances. Despite the predictability of the track selection, the mix still manages to remain fresh which is a testament to the duo’s skills.

There are not many people who dislike soulful music; most are just occasional listeners with the hardcore fans having depleted over the past few years. But whether it is to take a trip down memory lane with the Dance Floor Moments disc, to check out some new original house tunes on Voices & Visions or simply to grab a new mix CD, this package from Defected covers all bases. The longevity of the genre has long been questioned, but soulful seems to be here to stay, even if it is now more underground, and Copyright are setting the standards for the way forward.