Frankie M – Plan De Escape [pad]

pad records close out a successful year by welcoming Frankie M back to the label for a new EP. Based in Argentina and firmly entrenched in his country’s progressive music scene; Frankie M first emerged with releases via BCSA and Soundteller Records in 2016. Support from Hernan Cattaneo soon followed and with that the Buenos Aires resident was one of his country's top progressive house newcomers. 2018 marked a pivotal moment in Frankie's career, with Nick Warren selecting 'Otro Mundo' to be part of The Soundgarden's ADE Sampler. Frankie also played a role in the first ever release on pad, contributing a track to the label's inaugral release 'Exoplanet' which landed in 2020. Now, following a release for Clubsonica Records earlier this year, Frankie returns to pad with his biggest and most anticipated project to date, a six track showcase entitled 'Plan De Escape'.

Beginning with the warm grooves of 'Golden Island' Frankie takes a lovely array of exotic drums and layers them with balmy atmospheres and hip swinging rhythms. Plush chord stabs make up the primary theme here, beautifully manicured for maximum emotional response, especially across the main break where wistful synth phrasing creates an amazing heartwarming quality as the beats drop for a gorgeous final. Meanwhile, 'Low Level' comes in a touch tougher and funkier on the low end but with a similarly impressive atmosphere. Creamy melodies stand out here, dropping in early as cosmic effects flow through the framework and emotive chord changes wobble below. Perhaps the most elusive track on the EP and a perfect prelude to the title selection 'Plan De Escape'. Frankie goes a touch deeper here with the tempo shifting down and the grooves loosening as well. The warm musical tone from the previous selections carries nicely though, free flowing into a hugely memorable break and suitably touching conclusion.

'Wonderful Coast' marks the EP's halfway point and sets a lovely mood with an intro of dusty percussion and soulful musicality. At 100 bpm it's lazy mid-tempo vibe sounds sun-drenched to say the least, eventually breaking off into some quirky synth swagger for a memorable four minute excursion. The release concludes with two collaborations, the first of which finds Frankie pairing with fellow countryman Geronimo Eguiguren on 'Response Code'. The duo combine their extensive forces for what is likely the most traditional sounding progressive cut on the release. Complete with powerful drive, flickering percussion and a wonderful array of wispy arps and effects, it perfectly sets the mood for the final act 'Just a Week'. Paired with Valentina Chaves, the duo craft a reflective sounding journey that seems perfectly suited to round out the EP in style. Its muscular yet spacious grooves set the foundation for fluttery motifs to work their magic, ultimately leading to a youthful finale which would certainly fair well in the morning hours or as the final track in a progressive or organic set. In a release with six excellent tracks to choose from this goes down as the most emotional and heartfelt selection, putting a stamp on the defining release of Frankie's career thus far. Highly recommended. 

Buy: https://bit.ly/3izRV72

Release Date: 02-12-2022

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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