Monojoke – Blood Ties EP [Soundteller Records] Continuing to forge a strong bond with Soundteller Records, Monojoke returns to the label for a new EP. 2020 saw the Polish artist appear on the Polish imprint four times, delivering two EPs and two remixes, while also showcasing his music via Another Life, Balkan Connection and Antrim's Or Two Strangers. Now following a remix of 'Spring Breeze' by Nicolas Leonelli & Luciano Rego for his first Soundteller outing of the year, Monojoke returns to the label with a four track showcase entitled 'Blood Ties'. The aptly titled 'My Reprise' gets the EP underway with just over two and a half minutes of shape-shifting soundscape bliss. An ideal intro perhaps for the refreshing sounds of the title selection 'Blood Ties'. Once again rich in atmosphere, it's placid lines and tranquil arps marry wonderfully over top of a pacey yet organically styled groove. There's a uniquely timeless quality about those interwoven themes, one that really hits home as the icy backdrop washes away following the Read More
Alejo Fochi – Sometimes I Dream EP [Buddhabrot] Presenting their second release of 2021, Buddhabrot welcomes Alejo Fochi to the label for his debut EP. Born in Santiago del estero but now based in Cordoba, the Argentinean artist is early in his electronic music journey. Already a known DJ his country however, Alejo has shared the booth with top progressive music talents such as Mariano Mellino and Matias Chilano, while landing releases on BQ Recordings and Polyptych. Now stepping up for his first Buddhabrot project, Alejo presents a two track showcase entitled 'Sometimes I Dream'. Beginning with 'Light Sleep' Alejo crafts a groovy, atmospheric slice of progressive house. Free and flowing from the outset, its rolling low end is perfectly contoured, providing momentous swing while fragmented vocals and wispy effects fill in the framework. Atmospheres continue to rise across the first act, perfectly setting up an emotive lead line which shifts energy into the main break. Concise yet powerful, the centrepiece melts down to a tranqu Read More
Nichols (UK) – Tremors [Strange Town Recordings] Strange Town Recordings continues a strong start to the year with a new single from Nichols. The UK based artist is perhaps best known for his appearances on Nick Warren's The Soundgarden, Balance Music, Mango Alley and MNL. Here he makes his Strange Town debut with the excellent 'Tremors'. Aptly titled, the seven minute creation begins with a darker undertone, primarily in the low end, which eventually gets offset with evolving arps and emerging atmospheres. Nicely detailed with timely drum rolls and precise percussion it's as much a feast for the senses as it is the dance floor. First up on the remixes is one of Brazil's finest progressive house producers Luciano Scheffer. With a career that spans the better part of a decade, the Sao Paulo resident has showcased his music on Antrim's Or Two Strangers, Clubsonica Records and Droid9. Always a creative remixer, Luciano takes 'Tremors' into the deeper, more subversive depths of the progressive spectrum. Build around rhythm and flow, Read More
Kostya Outta, Sistersweet – Bali River [Balkan Connection] The latest release from Balkan Connection finds the label welcoming Kostya Outta back for a new single in collaboration with Sistersweet. Having recently shared a joint free download creation with fellow countryman Dmitry Molosh, the Belarus based artist now lands back on Serbia's premiere progressive destination alongside Russian artist Sistersweet. Together the duo craft the bouncy, melodic number 'Bali River' alongside remixes from Mariner + Domingo and Hot TuneiK. The Original mix comes in with a timeless progressive sensibility; amazingly groovy yet musical through out. It's dreamy atmospheres and vibrant chord stabs carry the journey into a cinematic break which sits as the track's emotional centrepiece, eventually seguing into a smooth conclusion. Continuing on an amazing run of releases are Mariner + Domingo who provide the first remix. The US duo are coming off an excellent two track EP for Sound Avenue, while also laying down a remix for Analog Jungs and 3rd Avenue in Ja Read More
Dmitry Molosh – Frame [Deepwibe Underground] Deepwibe Underground welcomes Dmitry Molosh back to the label for his debut single. The Belarus based artist made his first appearance on the Estonian imprint earlier this year with a well received remix of 'Elysium' by The Cobb. Now a veteran of the progressive house underground, Dmitry continues to showcase his music on the genre's premiere imprints such as Cid Inc's Replug Records and Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat Music. Continuing to forge a bond with Deepwibe Underground, Dmitry lands back on the label with 'Frame' alongside remixes from Weird Sounding Dude and Ewan Rill. Dmitry’s ability to craft exhilarating musical journeys continues to shine on ‘Frame’. Tough yet groovy, its shapely foundation is carved to perfection with rolling undulation driving momentum forward. Developing in waves across the first movement; striking stabs and layers of percussion unite for dynamic moments, before melodic fragments lighten the vibe leading into the main break. Short but impactful, th Read More
Juanes Mesa – Growing / Incipient [Onestar Records] Onestar Records begins the new year by welcoming Juanes Mesa to the label for his debut EP. As a well-known DJ in Colombia's nightlife, the Medellin resident has been delighting clubgoers with his exquisite selection of progressive and deep house. Now as 2021 begins Juanes begins his production career with a two track EP for Onestar entitled 'Growing - Incipient'. Drawing on a variety of unique designs and robust rhythmic concepts the EP begins with 'Growing'. On a backbone of warm beats comes undulating bass and a lively percussive cadence. Smooth yet powerful, glowing vocal pads blanket the framework, as electric lines and sweeping effects meet in a perfect sonic marriage. The narrative shifts as the breakdown commences, with hopeful atmospheres and cascading keys elevating mood, before perfectly setting up a heartfelt finale. The companion piece 'Incipient' continues the progressive inspired themes of its predecessor. From its full, bulbous groove comes tranquil melodies and Read More
VayFlor, Folum – Sognando [Polyptych] Polyptych begins the month of February by welcoming VayFlor back to the label for a new EP. The Italian artist first appeared on the Russian imprint in November of last year with a contribution to the label's 'Midway Selection' Vol. 3 mini compilation. As the lead piece on the collection, 'Fall Deep' delighted melodic house and techno fans with it's dark yet enchanting narrative. Now as 2021 moves into it's second month, VayFlor returns to the label alongside sometime studio partner Folum for a three track showcase entitled 'Sognando'. Continuing to build on their creative synergy VayFlor and Folum explore a wide array of astral narratives beginning with the title selection. Dark and mysterious from the outset, it’s punchy low end and flowing rhythms provide momentous drive, while wispy effects and haunting atmospheres fill in the framework. A lively arp and buoyant percussion add further bounce to the groove, as smooth chord changes deliver a unique emotional slant to the journe Read More
Simos Tagias – Waterdrop / Fluxer [Higher States] Roger Martinez's Higher States begins the new year by welcoming Simos Tagias to the label for his debut EP. As one of the most recognized names in progressive house, the Greek artist has landed releases on Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat Music and Cid Inc's Replug Records. The Athens resident has continued to explore the creative realms of the genre in recent years, expanding his repertoire to it’s more techno inspired derivatives, while never losing sight of his much-loved melodic sound. Now following a remix for Proton Music to begin the new year, Simos makes his first appearance on Higher States with 'Waterdrop / Fluxer'. Approaching a decade-long production career, Simos continues to flourish, earning praise from the underground’s elite DJs. The smooth, evocative vibes of ‘Waterdrop’ get the release underway and appear set for a similar fate. Following a prelude of warm beats, hip swinging percussion and wavy arps, comes redolent rhythms and soulful swells. Tastefully timeles Read More
Matias Ocaño – Supersonic [Dopamine White] Nikko.Z's Dopamine White continues a strong start to the year by welcoming Matias Ocano to the label for his debut EP. Hailing from Buenos Aires, the Argentinean artist first appeared on the progressive music scene in November of 2020 with a release on Another Life Music. Backed by remixes from Agustin Pietrocola and Agustin Aluise and Tomas Novelli, it showcased the Argentine's groovy take on the genre perfectly. Now continuing to rise Matias begins the new year with his Dopamine White debut entitled 'Supersonic'. Adding nicely to his portfolio, it is the title track 'Supersonic' which leads the release off. Anchored by a robust kick, its rhythmic core rises quickly, with layers of buoyant percussion and trippy electronics filling in the framework. Dark designs and chugging drive push momentum forward, as pensive overlays blanket the framework. An array of cosmic effects steal the air at opportune moments, eventually leading to a cavernous break. Spanning nearly two minutes in len Read More
Gux Jimenez & Alexander Urzola – Marimbalenque [Nature Rec] Nature Rec welcomes Gux Jimenez back to the label for a new single in collaboration with Alexander Urzola. Hailing from Colombia, Gux Jimenez was instrumental in launching the label last year, remixing it's first release by fellow countryman Kamilo Sanclemente. Over a decade into his production career the Cartagena resident has also showcased his music via Clubsonica Records, Or Two Strangers and Mango Alley. Now making a welcome return to Nature Rec. he teams up with Alexander Urzola for a new single alongside remixes from Rodrigo Lapena & Gonzalo Sacc and Dark Soul Project. The original mix finds the duo crafted an organic and deeply musical piece that still holds it's weight on the dance floor. Aptly titled it's a hypnotic marimba line which dazzles over a groovy foundation and liquid-like arps. Emotive chord changes further the narrative across the break, as bass stabs add splashes of tension, before seguing into a bouncy finale. First up on the remixes is one of the prog Read More