Konomo – My Message [REFRACTION RECORDS]

Wrapping up a successful first year, Pedro Capelossi’s Refractions Records welcomes Konomo to the label for his debut EP. Hailing from Hungary, Gábor Térmeg aka Konomo has enjoyed a meteoric rise since first emerging in 2021 with a four-track showcase via Conceptual Deep. Noted for a sound that carefully balances elements from deep, minimal and dub techno, the Budapest resident would go on to compile an impressive resume across the next four calendar years. Long standing imprints in Crossfade Sounds, Seven Villas and Sound Avenue would become landing spots for Konomo’s elusive sound as, he continues to maneuvere himself through the electronic underground. Also highly regarded as a DJ, Konomo would become a regular not only in Budapest's vibrant nightlife but across many internet radio outlets. In a year that has seen Konomo make a well-received return to Crossfade Sounds, along with a recent debut via Polish imprint Vidno Airlines Records, the Hungarian now adds Refraction to his portfolio with ‘My Message’, alongside remixes from Eric Louis and Bekø.

Comprised of four highly stylized original productions, it is the groovy monochromes of the title selection which set the tone for the release. Konomo crafts a deeply moving piece, complete with vibrant tonal cascades, neatly manicured percussion and a splash of dubbed out sonics, the latter of which forecasts what’s to come on selection two ‘Akkor’. Decisively deeper and more dubby, it’s an air of unpredictability which makes this such an inspired creation, one which flows through panning effects and skittering percussive arrangements, before reverberating into misty atmospherics for a foggy night drive. Selection three ‘Lomb’ makes its presence felt immediately through tougher kick drums which provide a resounding thump early on. These sturdy anchors chart the course for explorative passages of synths and ghostly effects to work their magic across a concise six-minute running time. Acting as the release’s closer are the glitched out emotive sounds of ‘Springy’, a tasteful journey through glowing tonal themes, playful cascades and timeless chord stabs. An amalgamation of sound which not only proves to be heartrending, but also timeless and cerebral in equal measure.

The first interpretation of ‘My Message’ is provided by Eric Louis who makes his label debut. With a career that spans well over a decade, American artist Eric Louis has more than etched his place in the history of house and techno. The New York resident holds the distinction of winning the 2015 Victor Calderone remix competition amidst three-hundred entries. Released via MATTER+, the project not only elevated Eric’s status as a producer, but further fuelled his creative fire across releases for Bondage Music, Get Physical, Spclnch, Mixcult, Moxy Music and Nervous Records. John Digweed would become a supporter of Eric’s music moving forward, including his ‘Waiting in the Rain’ on a mixed and compiled series for Apple Music. Not one to rest on his laurels, 2021 would see Eric launch his own imprint Devilish Affair, an outlet for dub-leaning sounds which would be championed by a wide assortment of trend-setting DJs, most notably Andrey Pushkarev, Evan Baggs, Jon Hester, The Pornbugs and Vlad Caia. Now, following his latest Devilish Affair vehicle ‘Midnight Noir’, Eric makes his Refraction debut with an energetic rendition of ‘My Message’. Flowing through bustling rhythms and icy glimmers, the piece evolves with a veteran’s savvy, eventually revealing the main themes from the original, all neatly constructed with more of a straightforward dancefloor approach.

The second and final interpretation of ‘My Message’ is provided by Bekø who also makes his label debut. Hailing from Hungary, Bekø has been a force in his country's nightlife for the better part of a decade. As a highly regarded DJ and live act, the Budapest resident has been taking music aficionados on a journey with his soulful dubbed out brand of house and techno. As a producer, the Hungarian artist remains choosy in his projects, with just a handful of discography credits across a seven-year stretch. With 2024 being highlighted by ‘Quintessence’, a four-track showcase via Latvian imprint ECOUL SND, Bekø now delivers his first remix of the year, making his Refraction debut with a charming take on ‘My Message’. Aimed at the dimly lit underground, it’s a clever coax of dubwise synths which reverberate against pummelling beats and lively percussive arrangements, as airy textures meander forward for further backroom magic.

Buy: https://tinyurl.com/48uvbena

Release Date: 15-11-2023

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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