Cid Inc. – Shifter EP [Replug] Cid Inc's 2016 'State of Everything' EP marked a welcome return to his critically acclaimed Replug Records imprint. While focusing on material for Guy J's Lost & Found Records and Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat Music, it ended what was a two year hiatus from original projects on his home label. Following a nomination as Beatport's best progressive house artist for 2016, the new year began in spectacular fashion with a remix of 'Pan-O-Rama' by Roger Martinez, also coming courtesy of Replug Records. Delightfully driving and devilishly hypnotic the rework sits as the Finnish artist's lone production of the year. As Cid Inc. has continued to travel the globe pushing his progressive minded sound, anticipation has grown for his first original project of 2017. Once again the stars have aligned for a return to Replug as he now presents his latest artist showcase entitled 'Shifter'. While distinctive in both cadence and design the Cid Inc sound is ever-evolving, proving his musical talent Read More
Greg Tomaz – Alchemic Substance – Remixes [Juicebox Music] Praveen Achary's Juicebox Music returns this week presenting new interpretations of Greg Tomaz's 'Alchemic Substance' EP. Originally released in November of last year it showcased the Indian artist at his all time best with two stylistically diverse cuts. Now we see Juicebox inviting Ape Sapiens, Alfonso Muchacho, Erdi Irmak and Marboc (who are all making their first appearances on the label) to reinterpret the tracks for the 2017 summer season. I first heard about Nicolás Ciampone aka Ape Sapiens with his 'Cosmic Archaeology' release on Stellar Fountain. It was actually one of his first productions but sounded like that of seasoned progressive producer. A great move for Juicebox to invite him into the family as his interpretation of 'The Feeling Of Substance' is quite lovely. There's always a spacey quality to Ape's work and it translates nicely here again with soft melodic motifs and an airy resonance encasing the percussive groove. It's bright and vibrant in delivery and Read More
Tash – Sepia [ICONYC] The latest release on John Johnson's ICONYC imprint finds the label welcoming Tash for his debut single. When not running his excellent Movement Recordings imprint or planning some of his country's biggest events the Greek artist does find time to craft the occasional dance floor bomb. He's certainly achieved that here with 'Sepia' alongside remixes from SEQU3l, Clameres and Alejandro Manso. Tash's long term DJ career and time behind the decks has given him a great sense of dance floor dynamics. 'Sepia' is definitely geared in that direction as well with strong rhythmic elements, a smooth melodious groove and healthy complement of sweeping effects. It's a bit more airy than perhaps we're used to from Tash and it's quite refreshing, very summery with some plucky motifs adding a lovely musicality. Perhaps one of his all time best and one you're bound to be hearing a lot in the coming months. As usual John and ICONYC have put together an all-star remixer cast with SEQU3l leadin Read More
Third Son – 2042 [microCastle] Third Son’s much-lauded October 2016 label debut ‘Climb to the Sun’ was the highlight of a fine vintage musical year. As one of electronic music's most creative talents, Joseph Thomas Price has already carved out a unique sound and style, further cementing him as one of the most exciting artists of the moment. A recent string of superb releases on Noir, Traum Schallplatten, Upon.You and his own Polymath imprint have now led him back to microcastle, to release his most bold and exciting project to date, the utterly engrossing artist showcase ‘2042'. This new EP is an aural experiment that demands your full attention, and is the latest engaging, sensory experience from the musical mind of an artist whose talent knows no boundaries. Stylistically diverse over five compositions, Third Son strays from the path of the pure club track to freely explore a more leftfield techno/deep and experimental electronica palette. His journey-esque structures and evolving arrangements lend a v Read More
M.Jane & David Garcet – Lumpini [Manual Music] Paul Hazendonk's Manual Music continues on a prolific streak this week with a brand new single from M.Jane & David Garcet. Having originally released on the Dutch imprint in 2009 David makes a welcome return teaming up with M. Jane for 'Lumpini' alongside remixes from Juan Deminicis and PHCK. The original is quite a unique track, genre defying in a way as it's anchored by a tech house style framework but the flow of the piece is very progressive minded. Add to that some very catchy disco-style hooks and you've got something pretty special. The middle section or second act is where the magic happens, stripping down and building tension as the hooks intensify ever so slightly before dropping out for that big dance floor moment. The remixer selection is top notch with two of the underground's finest in Juan Deminicis and PHCK adding their own unique takes. First up long time progressive house savant and Hernan Cattaneo favourite Juan Deminicis goes deep and dubby for a w Read More
East Cafe – One Silent Cloudburst [MNL] Paul Hazendonk's MNL continues a strong run this week presenting new interpretation's of East Cafe's 'One Silent Cloudburst'. Originally released in February of 2016 as part of the 'Seasons | Winter' EP compilation the track has gone on to be a standout in the label's discography. Now just in time for the summer season MNL unveils two brand new interpretations form Mohn (NL) and Sounom. First up is Mohn who is one of many underappreciated artists in the underground. Since his early productions from 2012 he's continued to impress with a style that sits somewhere comfortably between techno and progressive. For his 'One Silent Cloudburst' interpretation he expands mightily on the melodic motifs for an airy, uplifting vibe that's hard to resist. That impeccable production he's known for has never sounded better and a tighter, punchier framework makes it perfect for a contemporary dance floor. The second and final interpretation is provided by Sounom who is no stranger to th Read More
Michael A – Bright Hope BCSA Remix Edition [Balkan Connection South America] The latest release on Nicholas Van Orton's Balkan Connection South America finds the label presenting the latest instalment of their Editions series. Featured are two excellent productions from Michael A's excellent 'Bright Hope' EP which was originally released on Proton Music in February of this year. Now we see BCSA's two foremost artists Nicolas Rada and label boss Nicholas Van Orton providing new interpretations for the summer season. First up is the on fire Nicolas Rada who has become one of BCSA's biggest contributors in recent years. A favourite of Hernan Cattaneo and a staple in Beatport's progressive house charts the Argentinean artist delivers another on the money production here. Deep, spacious and incredibly groovy, you immediately get a sense for Nicolas' amazing cadence. The finely tuned percussion is a definite standout, crisp and full of pop it's complements the rolling groove and trailing effects perfectly. The looping vocals are an ethereal delight and it' Read More
East Cafe – Drops In A Downpour [SoulArt Recordings] SoulArt Recordings returns this week with a brand new single from East Cafe. The Hungarian label made a huge statement with their first release, the long awaited debut album of Robert R. Hardy. It proved to be an immense success reaching #4 in the Beatport Progressive House Top 100 and #23 overall. It was also Robert's finest work to date and is still getting a fair share of play even two months after its release. Now comes time for SoulArt to introduce another Hungarian talent to the label with East Cafe delivering his first single entitled 'Drops In A Downpour'. Known for his chunked up, beefy grooves East Cafe has also become a favourite amongst top DJs including Hernan Cattaneo. On 'Drops In A Downpour' we see the Hungarian at his musical best with a summery creation that going to stick with you for quite some time. It's strong framework makes it ideal for the dance floor and as always you get a large and well carved foundation. The highlight would have to be the break for all Read More
Ziger – Faith In The Future [Movement Recordings] The 146th release on Tash's Movement Recordings welcomes Ziger back to the label for a brand new single. The Greek artist last appeared on the Greek imprint in May of 2016 with a remix of Michael A's '17 Pounds'. Now fresh off an EP for Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat Music Ziger makes his much anticipated return to Movement with 'Faith in the Future' alongside remixes from SEQU3l and Matan Caspi. Much loved for his pure progressive house sound Ziger sticks to roots on 'Faith in the Future' and delivers one of the genres true gems. Anchored by pulsating tones and meaty kicks the piece moves through a variety of pensive motifs over its seven minute journey. Energetic yet meditative; solemn synths, luminous textures and subtle hooks wrap around the framework, ultimately leading to a charming break. Dulcet and dreamy, the one minute interlude shifts planes as the beats fade off before a tasteful build takes you back into the cosmos. The first interpretation of 'Faith in the Future' Read More
Dmitry Molosh – Expression [Clubsonica Records] The 32nd release on Clubsonica Records welcomes Dmitry Molosh back to the label for a brand new single. Following releases on Hernan Cattaneo’s Sudbeat Music, Cid Inc’s Replug Records and Guy Mantzur’s Plattenbank Records, Dmitry closed out 2016 with his first single for the Colombian imprint. 'Glow' went on to achieve both critical and commercial success, earning praise from Sasha and Hernan Cattaneo, while also fairing well in Beatport's progressive house charts. Now making his much anticipated return to Clubsonica Dmitry presents his latest studio creation entitled 'Expression', alongside remixes from Kamilo Sanclemente & Golan Zocher, LoQuai and Jonnas B. Having grown into one of the label's primary artists, Dmitry delivers what would have to be his most sought after track of the year. Beginning with chunky bass tones, detailed percussion and electric stabs the piece has an immediate allure. As its rolling groove gains momentum devilish effects flow through the frame Read More