Madloch's Sound Avenue imprint opens the summer season by showcasing new interpretations of Beije's 'Azimuth'. Originally released in March of 2020 as part of the label's popular 'Correlation' series, it found the Toronto duo crafting a deep, enchanting slice of house that found favour with a cross section of tastemaker DJs. Progressively more prolific since first appearing in 2019, Beije has already landed key releases with 3rd Avenue, Good News Records, Manual Deep and Harabe. Looking to breathe new life into 'Azimuth' as the world slowly opens back up, Sound Avenue invites GMJ, Mark Slee and Emotional Tourist to reimagine the track.
Returning to the label and providing the first interpretation of 'Azimuth' is GMJ. Based in Melbourne, Australia GMJ aka Gavin Griffin has been a primary figure in the progressive house scene for over a decade. His passion for deep and emotive electronic music has seen him land releases on the industry's most esteemed imprints. From Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat Music to Cid Inc's Replug Records and UK behemoth Anjunadeep, it's GMJ's storytelling style that continues to surprise and inspire even the genre's most discerning fans. Having made his Sound Avenue debut in May of last year with a remix of Eric Lune's 'Embers', GMJ now returns with a stunning rendition of 'Azimuth'. Smooth, emotive and rhythmically buoyant, it's tasteful musicality while not overt, may be its strongest suit. Charming atmospheres and redolent shades set the backdrop for a narrative of hopeful vocal wails, hazy harmonics and exotic drums. A timely break serves to reset the framework, melting away layers of melody and atmosphere for a thumping drop and purring finale. Groovy and emotive in equal measure, it not only complements the original version beautifully but should find favour with both deep and progressive DJs across the summer season.
The second interpretation of 'Azimuth' is provided by Mark Slee who makes his label debut here. The US artist and Manjumasi label boss (alongside Atish) has a nearly two-decade long career in the electronic underground. His productions have found a home on Cityfox, Seven Villas and Tenampa Recordings, while he regularly plays San Francisco's top venues in support of international talents like Danny Tenaglia, Danny Howells, Guy Gerber, Lee Burridge and Stimming. Now following a remix for When We Dip's XYZ imprint, Mark makes a welcome debut on Sound Avenue with a gorgeous take on 'Azimuth'. Aptly titled 'Elevation Dub', the American artist goes deep and driving for what results in a heady late-night jam. Glacial lines, ethereal vocal fragments and dubbed out tones unite for a vortex of sound and colour. Acid lines add a nostalgic flair as the narrative progresses, while a short but timely break will command the full attention of your dance floor as the beats drop for a romping conclusion.
Rounding out the release and providing the third and final interpretation of 'Azimuth' is Emotional Tourist who also makes his label debut. Hailing from Romania, Emotional Tourist was a project born out of hopes and dreams; a vision of creating dreamy sounds and impassioned melodies. Although less than two years into his production career, the Bucharest resident has already compiled a short but meticulous discography, highlighted by releases on Akbal Music, Kindisch and Shanti Radio Moscow. Now coming off three projects for When We Dip's XYZ imprint, Emotional Tourist debuts on Sound Avenue with a sleek interpretation of 'Azimuth'. Beginning with organic beats and dusty percussion, it's the meditative nature of the groove which becomes instantly compelling. Pulsating and full of great character, it anchors what is a dubby yet musical slice of organic house. Murky harmonics marry clustered keys across an eight-minute storyboard and enlightening break, for what results in a compelling hypnotic journey. A lovely interpretation from Emotional Tourist, which rounds out a welcome remix edition for Beije's 'Azimuth'.
Release Date: 12-07-2021
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