Fast rising Gaston Ponte makes his return to Deersky’s Soundteller Records this week with ‘Saved’. Hailing from the progressive house hotbed of Buenos Aires, the Argentinean artist first appeared on the Polish imprint in November of last year with his ‘Black Sound’ EP. A remix of Miraculum’s ‘Intimacy’ soon followed in March of this year while the summer has been highlighted by an EP on the surging Auditen Music imprint. Now following a remix for Stellar Fountain Gaston finds his way back to Soundteller for the much anticipated follow up to ‘Black Sound’. Comprised of three tracks it’s the vibrant and melodic 'June' which gets the EP underway. The character is rich and warm from the outset as tepid yet punchy beats and a rolling groove set the piece in motion. The musical elements which slowly fade to prominence are definitely the highlight here, both timeless and emotive, a catchy top line melds with fuzzy swells for the ultimate sonic marriage. Definitely o

Progressive House veteran Matteo Monero makes a return to John Johnson’s ICONYC with ‘Strange Habits’. The Italian artist has been highly regarded amongst the genre’s most diehard fans and owns an eleven year discography with 150 release credits. Now following an EP on IONO's newly launched Black imprint, Matteo finds his way back to ICONYC with a new single alongside remixes from Filip Fisher and Asten. Having first appeared on the label in June of 2017 with a remix of ‘Find the Future’ by Irene Radice, Matteo now presents his most anticipated single to date in ‘Strange Habits’. The Italian’s penchant for driving, hypnotic grooves beams brightly here with a smooth, well contoured low end and dazzling electronics. Clean and serene, the narrative evolves beautifully as the main break begins to take shape, with billowing bass adding just the right amount of tension before escalating into a tepid drop. The first interpretation of ‘Strange Habits’ is provided b

The latest release from Antrim’s Or Two Strangers imprint welcomes Artfaq to the label for their debut single. Hailing from Cordoba, Nacho Ferroni and Nacho Varela make up the Artfaq production team. The Argentinean duo have found a home on Clubsonica Records and Dopamine Music where their fresh take on progressive music has flourished. Now embarking on their first release of 2018 the duo make their Or Two Strangers debut with ‘Somebody Else’ alongside remixes from Antrim and Analog Jungs. Artfaq’s unique style shines through on the original mix with a tight, rhythmic disposition. It’s chugging groove carries a massive presence and is immediately infectious. Luminous effects and bright stabs fill in the framework while rolling percussion keeps momentum building. The break only adds to its brilliance as the melodic narrative evolves into a reflective theme before a layer of chord stabs paves the way to a stellar apex. The first interpretation of ‘Somebody Else’ i

Erdi Irmak returns to Balkan Connection this week with a brand new EP entitled 'The Midnight Zone'. Revered in the progressive house underground the Turkish artist has become a staple in the sets of many A-list DJs, most notably Hernan Cattaneo. Also owning an impressive discography with releases on ICONYC, Movement Recordings and Sound Avenue, Erdi now makes his much anticipated return to Balkan Connection with a new EP alongside remixes from Marcelo Paladini and Tatsama. Some of Erdi's most memorable releases this year have been of the deeper variety and it's a narrative he continues to explore on the title track. On a bed of perfectly contoured bass comes charming melodic themes and a wealth of organic designs. The tonal creativities are what really shine, delivering a heartfelt moment during the break and eventually rising for a smooth finale. The companion piece 'Hidden Lotus' sits more in the pure progressive realm and thus complements the lead beautifully. Design wise it's q

AxeLara makes his much anticipated Stellar Fountain debut this week with ‘Anestesy’. Hailing from Mar Del Plata, the Argentinean artist has found a home on Baroque Records, BC2 and Two Sounds. Now following a remix for Alberto Blanco, AxeLara makes his Stellar Fountain debut with a new single alongside remixes from George Yammine and Matias Larrosa, Martin Gardoqui & Samuel Dezus. The rolling grooves and melodic prowess of the original get the release off to a positive start. Simple, playful and highly effective melodies take centre stage here. Crafted with a timeless feel they gently wash over the punchy, energetic framework, ultimately leading to a classy break which avoids a massive build. Lovely work from AxeLara. The first interpretation is provided by George Yammine who returns to Stellar Fountain for his sixth appearance. As one of Denmark’s foremost progressive house talents the Aalborg resident has also found a home on Hernan Cattaneo’s Sudbeat Music and GU Musi

Ryan Sullivan’s Triplefire Music returns in grand fashion with new interpretations of Matthew Loots’ ‘Flashpoint’. Originally released in April of this year as part of the ‘Flashpoint’ EP it found the South African artist crafting a crossover cut with progressive, techno and afro influences. Now as we reach the midway point of Q3 this incredibly fresh creation gets two new updates from Damian Yoko and Emmzet & Chulez. First up is one of South Africa’s most promising talents and Triplefire label artist Damian Yoko. The Cape Town resident made his label debut in July of last year with the ‘Simunye’ EP and now returns for his first ever remix. It’s quite a radical overhaul and it’s turned out nothing short of amazing. From the chunky, afro inspired original Damian transforms it into unique slice of Berlin style melodic techno. A tough, commanding groove takes straight aim at the dance floor while ethereal synths add both melody and drama. It’s a narrative which

Lio Q makes his return to Superordinate Music this week for his debut EP. Hailing from the progressive house hotbed of Buenos Aires, the Argentinean artist also owes releases on the currently surging Auditen Music imprint and RPO Records. Now returning to Superordinate, Lio Q presents his first EP for label entitled ‘Anima’. The title track leads the release off and takes straight aim at a peak time dance floor. Warm, full and driving; the low end is packed full of energy and character making for a rousing first act. The melodic narrative gets teased over the first few minutes, ultimately getting fully realized during the main break which proves to be emotive and dramatic in equal measure. A super charged drop doesn’t hurt either as it powers forward to an exhilarating finale. The companion piece ‘Aestimare’ comes with a very similar sonic aesthetic but with a deeper vibe overall. Once again the production is incredibly warm and full, carrying a massive presence righ

Maurice Caron makes his much anticipated ICONYC debut this week with ‘Hurricane Season’. The Argentinean artist is hugely up and coming with a discography that features releases on Juicebox Music, MNL and Proton’s Particles. Already garnering considerable hype amongst DJs his two track ICONYC debut looks to be his strongest work to date. ‘Unspoiled Queen’ leads the release off with it’s charming melodic vibe. Sparkling arps and emotive vocal wails meld together for some stunning musical moments across the first act. For as musical as it is the foundation and framework do keep it’s sights firmly on the dance floor though with a robust groove and clap heavy percussive complement. Subtle modulation in the main break saturates your emotional centres nicely, perfectly setting up a classy drop for a third act of dulcet chord stabs. The companion piece ‘Hurricane Proof’ finds Maurice collaborating with UK artist Dan Baber who you frequently see partnered with fellow

Ivan Sandhas makes his Balkan Connection debut this week with ‘Wrong Way’. Born in the progressive house hotbed of Buenos Aires, the Argentinean artist began his career in March of 2017 with a contribution to ICONYC’s ‘Elements Ibiza’ collection. Also owning releases on BCSA, Just Movement and Modern Agenda, Ivan now makes his debut on Balkan Connection alongside remixes from Paul Angelo & Don Argento and Arno & Dirisio. The title track leads the release off and finds Ivan crafting a melodic progressive number. Perhaps most notable is it’s character heavy low end which flows through a series of emotive chord changes coming out of the break before fading off as punchy kicks, percussive waves and serene atmospheres pave the road home. The companion piece ‘Someone Behind You’ lowers the tempo a touch for a deeper more melodic vibe. Bright and summery, the first act evolves beautifully before shifting energy into a playful break that expands the melodic narrative, befor

Dynacom’s Auditen imprint returns this week by welcoming Partenaire to the label with a new EP. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, the Argentinean artist has compiled an impressive discography since launching the alias in 2015. Releases on ICONYC, Soundteller Records and PHW Elements remain standouts with his Auditen debut being most anticipated to date. The release begins with it’s title piece ‘Youniverse’ which continues Partenaire’s journey into pure progressive sounds. There’s always been a slight edginess to the Argentine’s productions and this has it as well with grating synths and an underlying dark energy. It’s unrelenting drive makes it ideal for peaktime and the hazy harmonic resonance it carries leads nicely into the celestial ‘Cielo Primavera’. A touch deeper in design and less heavy on the dramatics it’s a heavenly creation that instantly lifts your mood and should no doubt do the same for your dance floor. The EP’s third selection ‘Natalieâ