TH;EN & Starkato – Rina EP [Movement Recordings] The 156th on Tash's Movement Recordings welcomes TH;EN & Starkato to the label for their debut EP. The production trio are fresh off a release for D-Nox's Sprout imprint and have also appeared on Moonbootique and Studio3000 Records. Now kicking off 2018 in style, TH;EN & Starkato present their first EP for Movement Recordings entitled 'Rina'. The release begins with its title and showcase piece 'Rina' which finds the trio crafting a tough, techno inspired groover. Punchy kicks, ominous bass stabs and driving percussion make for a dramatic first act. Metallic melodies, although indistinct, highlight the main break before a stripped back drop sets up an emotive finale. 'Native' meanwhile comes with a more progressive minded groove as galloping rhythms and fiery synths lead the charge. Tasteful modulation sparks tension during a short but timely break, resetting the groove for a powerful finale. At the EP's halfway point comes 'Monkey' which shifts the narrative further int Read More
Andres W – Spore [Stellar Fountain] Stellar Fountain begins the new year with Andres W returning to the label for a brand new single. Having last appeared on the Hungarian imprint with a remix of Arthur Minnahmetov in July of 2017, the Argentinean artist now returns with ‘Spore’ alongside remixes from MiraculuM and Tech D. The traditional progressive house sound which resonates so strongly in Argentina has become the core of Andres' sound. The chugging, melodic sensibilities of ‘Spore’ certainly dictate that once again. Clocking in at nearly nine minutes it’s a free flowing journey through astral melodies and spacey motifs. Quite fitting of the Stellar Fountain ethos and another great addition to the label’s catalog. The first interpretation of ‘Spore’ is provided by Stellar Fountain label boss Miraculum. The Hungarian artist is coming off what many consider to be his best year ever. Operating at a creative peak, 2017 saw Miraculum showcase his music on Hydrogen, Slideways and Soundteller Records. Read More
Dr. Alfred & Iokhonda – Ceres [Superordinate Music] Superordinate Music starts 2018 with a new EP from fresh names Dr. Alfred & Iokhonda. Having previously appeared on DJ Zombi’s Beat Boutique imprint the duo look set for big things in 2018. Here they present their newest single ‘Ceres’ alongside a remix from Michael A. The original version leads the release off quite strong. Backed by a traditional progressive house groove the piece flows through misty atmospheres and dulcet motifs as drum delays and rising noise add tension and drama. The Bass dub version keeps the main themes perfectly intact all while trimming the low end down for a slightly punchier, more modern feel. Both perfectly executed and sure to find their place in a variety of sets over the coming months. The lone interpretation is provided by Michael A who is making a welcome return to the label. The Belarus based artist and Genesis Music boss rounds off the release with an excellent take on ‘Spore’. Sleek and refined, it comes with a chugging, dance fl Read More
Serge Landar – Twilight [Balkan Connection] Balkan Connection opens up 2018 with a top EP from Serge Landar. The Ukrainian artist has previously appeared on the imprint’s affiliate BC2 along with Aethereal and PHW Elements. Now stepping for his first appearance on Balkan Connection, Serge presents a new two track EP alongside remixes from Rick Pier O’Neil and Cream & Deep Fog. ‘Twilight’ kicks the EP off with a distinctly progressive and atmospheric vibe. There is quite a large presence felt in this one with expansive synths continually evolving as techy percussion rolls and astral effects fill in the framework. Not a track that goes for the melodic gusto but one that relies on it’s mystical vibe to carry it on a concise yet gorgeous six minute journey. The companion piece ‘Unexplored’ slows the tempo down a touch for a deeper yet equally groovy, percussive affair. Once again atmospherics play a substantial role in feel and overall vibe making for another worthy trip to the cosmos. The two interpretations Read More
DAYDREAMn – Azure [Pro-B-Tech Records] Pro-B-Tech Records kicks off 2018 with one of its most anticipated releases to date. The UK imprint has become well known for showcasing the veterans of progressive house and here they call upon the legendary duo of Hernan Cattaneo & Martin Garcia to remix new signee DAYDREAMn. The original mix leads the release off and it's quite a unique track. The beats come off almost aquatic sounding, complete with staggered patterns, making for a very rich yet lazy sounding groove. What brightens the whole mix up is the delicate melodic storyboard running through the piece. Poignant at moments and with a wistful harmonic complement making it all the stronger, particularly during a superb finale. The lone interpretation of 'Azure' is provided by Hernan Cattaneo & Martin Garcia who are making their debut on the label. Although it's a rare occurrence, when these two do partner up something magical always happens and such is the case here. A much more modern, minimalistic approach has worked Read More
Chris Llopis – Platonic Shower [Flow Vinyl] Pena’s Flow Vinyl caps of 2017 with a new EP entitled ‘Platonic Shower’ from Chris Llopis. The Swedish artist has a long history in electronic music, dating back to his early releases on Iboga records in 2004. Forever treading the waters between European psy-prog and techno, Chris has found a unique sonic space. Although 2017 yielded only two releases, they proved impactful, ultimately leading to a new EP for Flow alongside remixes from Dmitry Molosh and Luca Doobie. The title cut ‘Platonic Shower’ leads the release off showcasing Chris’ more techno inspired repertoire. A barrage of tough but fluid beats lays down the foundation before crispy electronics and waves of percussion bring an intense yet meditative vibe. Timely drops and rhythmic shifts are the key to making this the floor burning seven minute journey that it is. A peak time masterpiece with electric vibes and no doubt one that will find its way into a lot of New Years Eve sets. The companion piece ‘Virtual Read More
Matter – Satori [Replug] 2017 has already been an exciting year for Melbourne based Matty Doyle aka Matter. Long revered in the progressive house underground, the Australian artist is fresh off a contribution (in collaboration with GMJ) to Anjunadeep's 'Explorations' 4 EP compilation. Having forged a distinctive sound, Matty's fluid, hypnotic style has also found a place in the sets of Hernan Cattaneo and Nick Warren. Now capping the year off in style Matter makes his much anticipated debut on Cid Inc's Replug Records with a two track EP entitled 'Satori'. Matter's ability to craft smooth, meditative sound stories is second to none. How he incorporates emotion in subtle yet impactful ways is perhaps what makes him such a unique artist. The lead track 'Satori' displays that perfectly with its rolling groove and sleek, harmonic narrative. Deep, pulsating and laced with astral effects, the first act foreshadows a near two minute break. Developing in waves, warm bass swells highlight the centrepiece, comp Read More
Blue Cell – Odyssee [Balkan Connection] Balkan Connection closes out the year by welcoming Blue Cell to the label for their debut EP entitled 'Odyssee'. Recent releases on Clubsonica Records, Stellar Fountain and Suffused Music have been received amidst much praise and now they present their latest EP alongside remixes from Silinder and Pilato & Yousif. Beginning with the title cut you get a feel for Blue Cell's deep, progressive minded grooves. Warm, sultry and full of great shape, the foundation carves out a path where bright chord stabs luminous atmospheres and soulful melodies steal your heart. The companion piece 'Aqualot' comes in even deeper, dubbier and full of great musical moments. It's low slug groove is immediately inviting while atmospheric waves, sparse instrumentation and a heavy drum section make for a stunning nine minute journey. Could definitely see this one going down well in the late night hours and definitely my favourite of the two. Silinder and Pilato & Yousif both take the lead track 'Odyss Read More
Martin Merkel – Little Wonder / Constantin [Platipus Records] The latest release on Platipus Records welcomes Martin Merkel to the label for his debut EP. We last heard from the German artist with releases on his Traumwelten and Secondary Tones imprints. Now making his first appearance on the long standing Platipus imprint Martin presents his latest double a-side offering 'Little Wonder / Constantin' alongside a remix from Simon Berry and Luke Brancaccio. Martin has a way of combining techno sensibilities with emotive melodies that is second to none. He might be one of the most underappreciated artists in the progressive house / melodic techno underground in fact. 'Little Wonder' shows his studio expertise with a warm, well contoured low end driving the piece as buoyant rhythms and playful melodies unite in harmonic unison. The storyboard which the chord stabs take you on is perhaps the most compelling theme, with unpredictable modulation adding wonderfully to their sonic charm and making for a very pleasant seven minute journey. The compani Read More
Jan Blomqvist – Winter Roads [DAYS like NIGHTS] JAN BLOMQVIST DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM VIVALDIS FOUR SEASONS FOR DOUBLE-HEADED SYMPHONY: WINTER ROAD More than just a mere DJ or producer, Berlin͛s Jan Blomqvist is everything from a solo artist and bandleader to all-around star producer. While he has proven to be the former through over 300 shows in Europe͛s finest and most vibrant cities and capitals, he again validates the latter through his new, two-piece offering: "Winter Roads". Released on Eelke Kleijn's mint DAYS like NIGHTS label, both singles of the "Winter Roads" tandem ("Winter Roads" and "Winter Nights") are as symphonic as any part of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons", starring impeccable arrangements and enchanting builds. The neat thing is that while the double-headed release clearly gets the Vivaldi feel right, it also unmistakable features that delicate fusion of sounds that made Jan Blomqvist garner acclaim as one of the most stand-out artists in todays scene. Jan Blomqvist doesn͛t leave dance music fans out in the c Read More