Nick Matthew – Anna [Astral Records]

Astral Records closes out the summer season by welcoming Nick Matthew back to the label for a new EP. Previously known as Silent Progress, Greek artist Nikos Mattheou created the Nick Matthew alias as an avenue to explore the astral realms of modern techno music. Paired with fellow countryman Voices of Valley, the trio's debut would come last year courtesy of Three Hands Records, a release which would see Nick go on to headline the 'Roundish 01' collection via Toto Chiavetta's Borders of Light imprint. A debut on Astral Records would follow shortly thereafter, one which saw Nick once again teaming up with Voices of valley for ‘Voce Interna’. Now fresh off releases for Running Clouds and Massano’s Stimulate imprint, Nick makes a welcome return to Astral with a three-track showcase ‘Anna’.

The EP's first selection 'Karma' sets the pace and lands with many of Nick’s beloved production hallmarks. Tight kick drums and neatly manicured percussion provide a DJ friendly intro, as chunky bass tones and vocal fragments add rhythm and character. Cruising effortlessly across the first act, it's a set of striking chord stabs which pushes energy into the main break. Nick's elusive vision shines across the interlude, maintaining a balance of restraint and tension, as gated vocals steal the air onwards to an acid-laced finale.

Selection two 'Tetragrammaton' finds Nick showcasing a darker side of his repertoire. Once again created with pristine production quality, it's a free-flowing exchange of transcendent vocal chants and clustered synth mutations which provide an enduring main theme. The break proves to be the highlight however, elevating mood through vortexes of noise and roboticized vocals, all while maintaining an underlying sense of flow for a devilish conclusion.

The mainroom assault continues on the final and also title selection 'Anna', a track which finds Nick flexing his creative muscles, utilizing funked-up rhythms and pyrotechnic sound design for a futuristic club-effective romp, one which rounds out the EP on a strong note.

Buy: https://tinyurl.com/y4afvvnd

Release Date: 20-09-2023

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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