Chiari – Plans & Plants [Refraction Records]

Presenting their second release of the year, Pedro Capelossi’s Refraction imprint welcomes Chiari to the label for his debut EP. Healing from Brazil, Chiari first emerged in 2019 on the strength of releases for The Purr and Magician on Duty. With a deep, organic and groovy sound, the Balneário Camboriu resident was quickly tipped as a new artist to watch going forward. The next three calendar years would see Chiari choose his projects wisely, adding Hoomidaas, Seven Villas and Where The Heart Is to his discography, while refining his repertoire with further depth, colour and detail. A remix of Pedro Capelossi’s ‘Horimono’ via Loot Recordings ended 2023 on a high note, ultimately leading to his first release of 2024, and subsequent Refraction debut ‘Plans & Plants’, alongside remixes from Retza and Luis Leon.

Comprised of four distinctive and equally compelling original pieces of music, it is the deep, fascinating sounds of' 'Plans & Plants' which sets the tone for the EP. Full of detail and idiosyncrasies, it's a dimly lit voyage where the Brazilian explores a storyboard of woody percussive arrangements, gloomy swells and meandering vocal coactions. A perfect mood to introduce the more robust sounds of 'Www', a six minute piece where Chiari reaffirms his ability to cast a spell over the listener through hypnotic chord stabs, muted tones and buoyant basslines. Lightening the mood as the main break approaches, it’s an icy atmospheric haze which smoothly transfers energy into a bumping final act, one which will no doubt work some backroom magic across the world’s most astute dancefloors. Beneath the groovy vibes of 'Www' lies the stripped down flickering qualities of 'Side Out', a tougher more deliberate construction where timeless themes create a colourful canopy atop lively beats, timely vocal stabs and mesmerizing sonic quirks for the collection's third showcase piece. While this looping hypnotism does not fail to command your attention, it also provides a segue into the subterranean wobbles and charged rhythms of the EP’s final original production 'Nalta'. Creating a confident club energy from the start, Chiari carries momentum from its predecessor and plunges you into a wormhole of rebounding rhythms, orbiting effects and granular bliss, one where the Brazilian’s relentless curiosity for rhythmic experimentation basks in retro-radiance.

Making his label debut with the lone interpretation of ‘Plans & Plants’ is Retza. Hailing from Australia but now calling the UK home, Retza has firmly etched his place in the deep and organic global movement. With well over a decade of production experience, the London resident has showcased his exotic sound via All Day I Dream, Balance Music, Kindisch, SATYA, Sound Avenue and his own Retza imprint, amongst others. Also an accomplished DJ, Retza has travelled the world showcasing his unique selections and exquisite programming skills, while also holding a weekly residency on London’s highly regarded Bloop Radio. Now, following a remix for YokoO’s SATYA imprint to end the year, Retza opens 2024 making his Refraction debut with a groovy rendition of ‘Plans & Plants’. Taking a more direct dancefloor approach, while maintaining the elusive spirit of the original, the Aussie native constructs a fluid rhythmic core, complemented with meticulously manicured percussion, acidic motifs and timely vocal fragments. It’s this amalgamation of sound which ultimately makes for a versatile and club-effective version; a brilliant re-imagination that’s likely to find favor with a broad range of DJs across the coming months.

Also making his label debut is Luis Leon who provides the lone interpretation of ‘Www’. With a career that spans the better part of two decades, Peruvian born, Barcelona based artist Luis Leon brings a surreal beauty to his innovative brand of electronic composition, resulting in a string of uniquely crafted records that present a resonant worldly sound. Long standing imprints such as Kindisch, Manjumasi, Nie Wieder Schlafen, Sound Avenue and his own Blankhaus imprint have been landing spots for talented Spanaird, the latter of which acts as his primary home. Now, in a year that has already seen Luis make a well-received return to Nie Wieder Schlafen, he continues 2024 with his Refraction debut and a stellar rendition of ‘Www’. Masterfully constructed, its cleverly coaxed beat patterns provide the anchor for hypnagogic effects and emotive synth phrasing to create a bucolic collage of sound. Looking to bring even greater emotional depth across the final act, it’s an array of colourful sonics which unite for an effortless sounding utopian romance. A fitting finale to a charming interpretation from Luis, and perhaps sitting as one of his most accomplished remixes to date.

Buy: https://tinyurl.com/729h4bpp

Release Date: 03-05-2023

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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