If I? – Sign [Astral Records]

Astral Records rounds out the month of August by welcoming If I? to the label for his debut single. Hailing from Switzerland, If I?, also known as Pascal Wirz, has been a prominent figure in the techno scene for over a decade, particularly known for his melodic sets and captivating performances. His passion for electronic music ignited at a young age, propelling him into the world of DJing with a big desire to share his love for electronic music with the world. Beyond his skills behind the decks, If I? is also active as a producer, cleverly coaxing progressive sounds with melodic techno. A release via Einmusika has set the bar high moving forward, with esteemed DJs including 19:26, Olympe, Einmusik, and Magit Cacoon supporting his productions and playing them internationally, including at the notorious Afterlife events. Now, presenting the second project under his newly coined moniker, If I? debuts on Astral Records with Sign, alongside remixes from OIBAF and Voices of Valley.

If I?s craftsmanship reveals itself across the prophetic monochromes of Sign. Tight kick drums and crunchy grooves provide a foundation of jet force propulsions, as timely stabs and driving percussive arrangements build momentum into the break. Striking sonics and soulful vocals steal the air across the interlude, building a tasteful sense of atmosphere and melody, before eventually getting washed away in a rush of pneumatic energy for a grooved out finale.

Making his label debut with the first interpretation of Sign is OIBAF. Hailing from Spain, OIBAF has been a fixture of the melodic house and techno landscape for the better part of a decade. Whether operating in solo capacity or alongside frequent studio partner Samuel Wallen, the Madrid resident has created a unique sound all his own. With a knack for crafting memorable melodies and fiery grooves, OIBAF has compiled an impressive resume with standout projects for Eklektisch, Oddity, Radikon and Stimulate, in turn earning the praise of Adriatique, Fideles, Fur Coat, Innellea, Kevin De Vries, Maceo Plex, Mind Against and Tale of Us. Now, adding Astral Records to his resume, OIBAF debuts on the label with a peak time take on Sign. Taking a fuller and equally effective dancefloor approach, OIBAF constructs a tight rhythmic core, complemented with punchy beats, percolating synth lines and reprocessed sonics. Sitting at the heart of the journey is an expansive interlude, tactfully building anticipation through bubbly arps and heartfelt vocal phrasing, before shapeshifting textures and metallic melodies eventually reveal a thumping finale.

The release concludes with Voices of Valley returning to the label for the second and final interpretation of Sign. Formed in 2017 by Greek artists Valantis Likostratis and George Triantafyllakis, Voices of Valley have achieved measurable success in relatively short order. Their dark, ethereal take on techno has won over the genres tastemakers and landed them releases via BeatFreak, KATERMUKKE, Steyoyoke, Three Hands and Us & Them Records. Astral Records has also been a landing spot for the Greek duo, with their label debut coming in 2021 with a remix of Nuwa by AquAdro, a project which would lead to their first original project, 2023s Voce Interna, a two-track showcase recorded in conjunction with fellow countryman Nick Matthew. Now, following a remix for Steyoyokes Black division, Voices of Valley make a welcome return to Astral with a powerful rendition of Sign. The Greek duo shows a deft hand and a strong sense of personality here, as punchy kick drums and rolling rhythms become smudged by clustered arps, reprocessed vocals and snatches of pyrotechnic effects. A smooth and rejuvenating experience, one which not only rounds out the release on a strong note, but adds another quality club tool to your arsenal.

Buy: https://tinyurl.com/rrfvx7cj

Release Date: 23-08-2023

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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