Various Artists – Strangers 2 [Or Two Strangers]

The latest release from Antrim’s Or Two Strangers finds the label presenting the second installment of it’s ‘Strangers’ series. Conceptualized in 2019, the inaugural edition featured some of progressive music’s most highly touted artists alongside talented newcomers. This cohesive blend resulted in a collection that touched on the deeper more organic spectrums of the genre, all the way up to it’s more traditional peak time flavored melodies. Now continuing that ethos, label boss Antrim has once again curated the second edition which features new music from: Claudio Cornejo, Nicolas Rada & Antrim, KamiloSanclemente, Jesuan M & Andrés Moris, Juan Ibañez, Lucas Caddeo Feat. Julieta Rod, Greenage and Ivan Aliaga.

The release begins with the pure, progressive sounds of ‘Xander’ by Claudio Cornejo. Beginning with warm beats, rolling grooves and devilish effects, the piece evolves into a mystical, peak time construction of the highest order. Mysterious yet emotive, it’s robust foundation flows through enlightening chord changes as clustered motifs and driving percussion add swing to the groove. Sitting at the heart of the track is a dramatic break; cavernous and tension filled, it’s striking electronics pierce the air onwards to a rousing finale.

Next up label boss Antrim pairs with fellow countryman and progressive music star Nicolas Rada for the duo’s second ever collaboration ‘Borderline’. Having previously worked together on the well received ‘Daydream’ for Hernan Cattaneo’s Sudbeat Music, a second meeting of their creative minds brings a nostalgic and hopeful sounding piece driven by shapely grooves and melancholic melodies. It’s cascading lead and sweeping effects create a gorgeous blend of melody and colour, while the second of two breaks resets the framework for a driving finish.

Selection three finds Kamilo Sanclemente returning to the label for his third appearance and first original production ‘Mars’. Having remixed Jorgio Kioris and Analog Jungs in 2018 and 2019 respectively, the Colombian star now continues a prolific 2020 with a captivating slice of progressive house. Deep and fluid, the Cali resident combines well contoured grooves, detailed percussion and placid atmospheres for a journey that is both meditative and thought provoking.

Reaching further into Argentina’s rich talent pool, the collection's fourth selection finds Jesuan M & Andrés Moris making their label debut with ‘Victory’. Hailing from La Plata and Cordoba respectively, the duo crafts a peak time creation led by charged grooves and hazy harmonics. Energetic and vibrant, it’s exhilarating spirit flows beautifully into a reflective break, before gently rising into a euphoric finale complete with uplifting chord changes and fragmented melodic concepts.

Also making their label debut are Juan Ibañez and Lucas Caddeo who utilize the vocal talents of Julieta Rod on ‘Summer Season’. Coming in smooth and free flowing, it’s a rich, soulful and incredibly charming nine-minute journey. Redolent tones, ghostly vocals and transcendent effects build an inviting narrative, as cascading piano’s and melodic swells steal the air at opportune moments.

Selection six finds one of India’s most well-known electronic music artists Greenage making his label debut with ‘Melody of Love’. Sitting in the creative space between organic house and progressive, the Goa resident leans towards the former here with a gorgeous blend of exotic drums and charming musicality. Warm beats and layers of effervescent percussion set the foundation for a narrative of wistful themes and piano motifs. Redolent harmonics then drift over the framework for impassioned moments, before melting down to a charming centrepiece and heartfelt finale.

Rounding out the release is rising Argentinean talent Ivan Aliaga who completes the collection with ‘Antigra’. The Cordoba resident first appeared on the progressive music scene in May of 2019 with a contribution to 3rd Avenue’s ‘Three Of A Kind’ split EP. Subsequent appearances on Dopamine Music, Droid9 and Soundteller Records further solidified Ivan and one of his country’s top new artists. Now continuing that strong momentum with his Or Two Strangers debut, Ivan crafts a rousing peak time creation in his own inimitable style. Waves of undulating bass power the foundation while clattering percussion and cosmic effects surround the framework. Racing towards the main break, impassioned melodies and luminous overlays steal the air, perfectly setting up a tense centrepiece and pulsating final movement. Perfectly constructed for the dance floor, it caps off the second edition of the label’s ‘Strangers’ series on a high note. Highly recommended.

Buy: https://bit.ly/2StOajz

Release Date: 05-10-2020

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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