Various Artists – Antologia I [BrokenHearted]

The inaugural release on BrokenHearted finds the label showcasing the first installment of 'Antologia'. Conceptualized by Italian artist Eleven Of July, BrokenHearted looks to showcase the best in contemporary melodic house and techno. Operating at the heart of the genre since its early beginnings, Augusto Proto aka Eleven Of July has now established himself as one of the movement's core artists. World class DJs such as Adriatique, Dubfire, Mind Against, Undercatt and more have chimed in with support for his stylized take on the genre, while a bevy of long-standing imprints including Click, Dear Deer, Movement Recordings, Three Hands and Us and Them have been landing spots along the way. Now looking to bring his elusive vision to BrokenHearted, Eleven Of July launches the imprint with a four-track various artists showcase entitled 'Antologia', featuring (in order of appearance), Eleven Of July, Q.U.A.K.E, Riggel and Santiago Luna and Celestial Inside.

Setting the tone for the release, it is only fitting that Eleven Of July delivers one of his strongest tracks to date in 'Cloud Gap'. Built on a backbone of tough beats and crunchy rhythms, its astral nature is alluring from the start. Striking and energetic in equal measure, fragmented melodies and percussive flurries build momentum across the first act, before metallic arps push energy into a timely break. Furthering the journey's ethereal nature, the interlude builds tension through percolating arps and devilish effects, heightening senses towards a colourful crescendo and exhilarating finale.

Selection two welcomes Q.U.A.K.E to the label with his latest studio creation 'Indica'. Hailing from Israel, Asraf Netanel aka Q.U.A.K.E has been a fixture of the electronic underground for over a decade. Laying claim to an impressive resume, Asraf has showcased his dancefloor minded sound via Freegrant Music, Movement Recordings, Timeless Moment and Miss Monique's Siona Records. Now adding BrokenHearted to his portfolio, Q.U.A.K.E debuts on the label with 'Indica'. Wispy sonics and cross-cultural vocals converge around a sleek, meditative groove, while robust rhythms and wavy arps push momentum into the break. Spanning over a minute in length, the centrepiece bridges the gap between tension and emotion, with warm bass swells marrying transcendent vocal phrasing, eventually spearheading a thunderous drop and hypnotic final movement.

Hailing from Italy and providing the third selection is Riggel. Previously known as M. Caporale, Riggel's dark atmospheric brand of techno has found a home on some of the genre's most storied imprints in Beatfreak, Steyoyoke and Awen Records, the latter of which has served as a primary home since making his label debut in 2019. Following a well-received EP for Concept Records to begin the year, Riggel now makes his BrokenHearted debut with the infectious sounds of 'Glass'. Commanding an immediate presence, its cavernous framework ripples forward with immense drive, as percussive flurries and trance inducing rhythms set the foundation for a series of arcane synth motifs which highlight the first act. Dark and mysterious across the main break, its flair for the dramatic grows with billowing bass tones and fiery sonics perfectly setting the stage for a charged drop and driving finale.

The release concludes with a first-time collaboration from Santiago Luna and Celestial Inside. Whether operating as one half of Minders or in a solo capacity, Mexican artist Santiago Luna has enjoyed measurable success across his career. ARKHAMRA, Balkan Connection, Movement Recordings and his own deepdip imprint have played host to his sound, which sits comfortably in the creative space between progressive house and melodic house and techno. Now collaborating with newcomer Celestial Inside, the duo debut on BrokenHearted with 'Evolve'. Electrically charged with punchy beats and a tightly wound groove, its pulsating energy beams brightly from the outset. Combining dynamic rhythms with buoyant arps and detailed percussion makes for a sleek yet exhilarating first act, eventually melting down into a memorable break. A spoken word vocal narrative highlights the centrepiece, set against a backdrop of shapeshifting atmospheres and colourful harmonics, before one final rush of drums spearheads a ferocious drop that is sure to send people home with a smile. An apt final track perhaps, as it puts a resounding stamp on an impressive first release from BrokenHearted, a label that looks to be one of 2022's best new melodic house and techno imprints by years end. Highly recommended.

Buy: https://bit.ly/3xko488

Release Date: 15-04-2021

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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