Lemon8 – Sorcerer [Welcome Music]

Welcome Music returns this week with a brand new single from legendary progressive house artist Lemon8. Apart from a slew of Basic Beat reissues we last heard from the Dutch producer in 2012 with a remix courtesy of LuPS Records. Responsible for many timeless classic's including 'Model 8' and 'New York, New York' it has been far too long with no new music from Lemon8. This release is certainly a pleasant surprise and the team at Welcome Music have assembled a great remixer cast including Moshic, Matter and Anton Make. 

I do wonder what Harry (Lemon8) has been doing all these years away but one thing's for certain he hasn't lost his great affinity for creating wicked progressive house. There was always a techy edge about his productions and 'Sorcerer' has it as well. Beginning with warm, fluid bass swells and a deadly complement of drums the energy builds quickly. Flashes of melody, vocal pads and mallet-like motifs make for a glowing, vibrant and summery second act, one which could be one of Lemon8's finest moments. The strummy hooks which follow are the icing on the cake so to speak and a wave of goosebump worthy moments follow. Magical stuff and so great to see some new material from Lemon8.

Much credit to Welcome Music here who have put together an all-star cast to remix the track. First up Australian progressive house savant Matter delivers two versions of equal brilliance. The first, coined 'Return to the Source' has that trademark Matter driving and hypnotic resonance about it. It's meditative rhythms, strong percussion and thunderous effects make for a floor friendly first act. Quite dubby compared to the original, the mix ultimately excels on its atmospheric story board and killer effects, definitely one for the pure progressive house lover out there. My money is on the second version simply titled 'Remix', deeper, sparser yet incredibly emotive with gorgeous harmonics leading the way. It's calculated rise is masterfully crafted and when the main elements get dropped in it's pure magic. Hard to wrong with either and both will certainly find their way into a variety of sets over the coming months.

Next up long time progressive house veteran Moshic makes his debut on Welcome Music following great releases on Lost & Found, Pro-B Tech Music and his own Contrast Records imprint. Excellence is always expected from the Israeli talent and he's certainly delivered on his 'Sorcerer' interpretation. The low end gets opened up nicely for a more spacious yet equally groovy foundation and the main themes get conveyed wonderfully as well. Bright, vibrant and full of ultra sonic qualities throughout, a lovely eight minute journey from Moshic.

The release concludes with Anton Make returning to the label following his 'Tell Me' single from February of last year. A release on Cid Inc's Replug Records highlighted a strong 2016 and a quiet start to 2017 has made this remix all the more anticipated. It complements the previous versions quite well as it's perhaps a touch more club friendly and contemporary sounding. It's dubbier nature focuses more on hypnotic qualities rather than boisterous lead elements and the end result is a sleek, refined version that's sure to do damage on the dance floor.

A much welcome return for Lemon8 who helped pioneer the progressive house genre and more than 20 years later is still on his game. Highly Recommended.

Buy: btprt.dj/2pM4Upl
Release Date: 05-06-2017

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