Hector Cortes – Soulshock [Musique de Lune]

Musique de Lune rounds out the month of April by welcoming Hector Cortes to the label for his debut EP. Hailing from Mexico, Hector Cortes first emerged in 2021 on the strength of a contribution to Buddhabrot's 'Constellations 01' collection. His progressive sounds quickly found favour with the genre's premiere tastemakers in Eelke Kleijn, Hernan Cattaneo, Miss Monique, Nick Warren and Patrice Baumel, eventually leading to releases via 3rd Avenue, Strangers Beats and Transensations, amongst others. Musique de Lune has also been a landing spot for Hector, with his label debut coming in 2022 as part of the label's inaugural release 'Rayons De Lune' collection. With 2024 wrapping up with 'Psionic', a track recorded alongside fellow countryman Indigo Man for MNL's 'Autumn 2024' collection, Hector opens his 2025 schedule returning to Musique de Lune with 'Soulshock'.

Spread across three tracks it is the title selection ‘Soulshock’ which sets the tone for the EP. Full of colourful atmospheres, the rising talent smoothly blends plush kick drums and chugging grooves with phasing textures and lively percussive arrangements. Building tactfully throughout, it's a quirky arp which emerges, adding a cosmically correct vibe, before emotive key changes and luminous chord stabs fuel a euphoric finale.

Beneath the poignant qualities of 'Soulshock’ lies the equally intriguing vibes of ‘Departures'. Produced alongside fellow countryman Jaime Garza, the duo expounds their progressive vision here, with pumping basslines and obsessive rhythms blanketing driving beats and flickering percussive arrangements. Rejuvenating synth phrasing marries well with its hypnotic nature, while wonky key changes and a heartfelt break ultimately spearheads a charged final act.

The release concludes with ‘Vexed’, a track where Hector collaborates with new Mexican talent Jose Martinez. Tinted with balmy overlays and clattering percussion, the duo’s creative synergy shines here, as they craft a timeless progressive cut that's perfect for a morning dancefloor. Surreal melodies and effervescent stabs fuel this memorable journey, all while the duo weaves in cerebral manipulations for what is an unforgettable cut to round out the EP in style. Highly recommended.

Buy: https://tinyurl.com/mtj7pjxc

Release Date: 25-04-2025

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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