Havjers – Mithrandir [Nature Rec]

Opening up the fall season, Nature Rec welcomes Havjers to the label for his debut EP. Based in Cuba, Havjers first came to our attention last year with a release via Revolt Records. Comprised of three tracks, the EP was not only a fine example of Havjers' skills as a vocalist and percussionist but also marked his first ever release. Still early in his journey as a producer, the Habana resident would go on to record projects for Droid9 and Polyptych, as he continued to find a nice balance of progressive and organic sounds. Now stepping up for the most anticipated project of his young career, Havjers debuts on Nature Rec with 'Mithrandir', alongside remixes from Dhany G and Doriaan.

Beginning with the title selection Havjers leans closer to the progressive spectrum with shapely grooves and driving percussion. Familiar cross-cultural motifs soon fill the air, creating moments of mystery in the process as striking stabs and rolling drum elements add swing to the framework leading into the break. Transcendent in delivery, the interlude moves from glowing choirs to wispy effects, before eventually melting down into a drum-heavy drop and driving finale. Meanwhile, on 'Solve', Havjers continues the energetic vibe set by its predecessor with pacey grooves and another excellent array of drum elements. Arpeggiated fragments and clusters of bleepy synths make up the primary theme here, playing nicely off the voluptuous bassline and eventually setting the stage for a series of intriguing vocal elements, which ultimately pave the way for a groovy final act.

Nature Rec label manager Dhany G provides the lone interpretation of 'Mithrandi' following excellent releases for Droid9 and pad records. The Cuban native does an amazing job at translating the mood of the original in an organic context. Clean, spacious production immediately stands out as a wealth of drum elements breathe beautifully atop a full, room rocking groove. The primary themes get utilized wonderfully as well, shapeshifting endlessly while adding levels of depth and atmosphere in the process, before a timely break adds just the right amount of tension for a magical dance floor moment.  

The release concludes with Doriaan returning to the label for the lone interpretation of 'Solve'. Having made his Nature Rec debut earlier this year with a contribution to the label's first VA showcase, the Mexican artist now returns with a deeper rework of 'Solve'. Tempo and energy shift down quite a bit here with an emphasis on rhythm and groove as opposed to the energetic drive of the original. A haunting vocal narrative blankets Doriaan's well crafted framework leading into the break, setting the stage for further evolution. Perhaps one of the most memorable moments on the release, the interlude provides an amazing balance of otherworldly vocals and tension filled synth swagger, building nicely to a restrained apex and finally breaking off into a deep, pulsating finale. A sensational remix from Doriaan which concludes an excellent Nature Rec debut for Havjers, a rising artist who you'll certainly be hearing more about in the years ahead. Highly recommended.

Buy: https://bit.ly/3f3kV5i

Release Date: 23-09-2022

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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