OIBAF&WALLEN – Hela EP [Univack]

Univack rounds out 2019 by welcoming OIBAF&WALLEN to the label with 'Hela'. The Spanish duo have come up throughout the course of 2019 with releases on ONISM and Parquet, where their unique take on melodic techno has flourished. Now debuting on Univack the duo present a two track EP alongside remixes from Arude and Paul Angelo & Don Argento.

OIBAF&WALLEN often sit in the creative space between progressive house and melodic techno, with the lead track 'Balder' falling closer to the latter. Foreboding, mysterious and with a flair for the dramatic it's rippling groove, fiery stabs and astral effects saturate your senses early on. Tension rises with an icy backdrop and percussive flurries, before a frantic arp segues into a cavernous break and storming finale. The companion piece and also title selection 'Hela' sits as a lovely complement with it's more musical appeal. Smooth and emotive across the first act, it's a gentle yet powerful rise, where classic chord changes and cosmic designs converge in a ball of melodic energy. A piece that's sure to capture the heart of your dance floor.

The lone interpretation of 'Balder' is provided by Arude who returns to the label for his third appearance. The Ukrainian artist is perhaps best known for nearly 20 outings across Steyoyoke and Steyoyoke Black where seems to have found a comfortable home. Now rounding out a great year, Arude lands back on Univack with an inspired take on 'Balder'. Setting the piece in motion, a foundation of tight beats and percussive waves merge for the ultimate hypnotic roll, while a narrative of trippy designs cuts through the atmosphere for a temperamental ride. Otherworldly in nature, the first of three breaks introduces arpeggiated fragments, shifting the narrative further into cosmic territory. Delightfully hypnotic, it creates a bridge into a tension filled second break, complete with dramatic swells and an icy cinematic flair, before a classic roll and tasteful modulation meet in an exhilarating apex.

The release concludes with Paul Angelo & Don Argento making their label debut and providing the lone interpretation of 'Hela'. 2019 has seen Cyprus based duo continue to rise with steady support from Hernan Cattaneo and Nick Warren, along with key releases on Movement Recordings, Clubsonica Records, Dopamine Music and Droid9. Now following the release of their well received 'Dear Cave' EP, Paul and Don provide a superb interpretation of 'Hela'. Taking a cue from the original while adding their own fiery flair, the beloved duo carve out a dynamic groove adorned with astral sonics, firing drums and fresh rhythmic themes. Piercing stabs, crunchy arps and percussive flurries push the momentum forward, before melting down into a cavernous break. Spacious yet tense, the one minute centrepiece is a sensory delight, with it's rich design and mind bending modulation, ultimately building to smashing crescendo. A massive remix from Paul and Don who round out the release on a very strong note. Univack has likely had their best year on record and with a release already scheduled for early 2020 this Spanish imprint looks to even bigger and better things across the next calendar year. Highly recommended.

Buy: https://bit.ly/34ntjl7

Release Date: 16-12-2019

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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