Various Artists – Clubsonica Sampler, Vol. 1 [Clubsonica Records]

The latest release from Clubsonica Records finds the label showcasing the first edition of their Sampler Series. The Colombian imprint's popular MMW and ADE Various Artists releases have become an annual highlight for progressive music aficionados. Clubsonica's Sampler series will look to operate under a similar ethos, showcasing the best of progressive house and its closely related derivatives of organic house and melodic house and techno. The label's first edition features exclusive music from (in order of appearance): Around Us and Reyul Mather, Austin Leeds and Danko Skystöne, Juan Ibanez, Cedren and Manu L, Ric Niels and Solid Sessions.

Hailing from the Netherlands and making up the Around Us production duo are Jan Boom (from Analog Effect) and G.A.B.Y. With their respective solo careers spanning the better part of two decades, Jan and G.A.B.Y. united their creative forces as Around Us in 2018, showcasing their music via Kitchen Recordings, Manual Music and Mango Alley. Mexican born, USA based Reyul Mather has enjoyed similar success in his now six-year career. The California resident lays claim to releases via Electronic Tree and Traum. Having worked together previously on an EP for Paul Hazendonk's MNL imprint, Around Us and Reyul now further their collaborative efforts with their Clubsonica debut entitled 'United'. Beginning with tepid beats and a warm key changing groove, its rhythmic energy grows quickly. Waves of percussion and playful arps add a buoyant energy across the first act, as sweeping effects provide a bridge into the main break. The centrepiece continues to elevate mood through a maze of meandering arps and warm bass swells before modulation peaks and the groove drops for a smooth finish.

The second selection finds frequent studio partners Austin Leeds and Danko Skystöne presenting their latest collaborative effort 'July'. Miami resident Austin Leeds storied career dates back over two decades and is highlighted by releases on John Digweed's Bedrock Records, as well as trend setting labels of their time Rhythm Syndicate and Zero Tolerance. Now a world-renowned mix engineer, Austin has worked with esteemed producers such as Avicii, DJ Chus, Rene Amesz and Matthew Dekay. Meanwhile, calling Australia home is DJ/Producer Danko Skystöne. The Melbourne resident has been a fixture of his country's nightlife for some time, holding events while delighting crowds with his fresh music selection and exquisite programming skills. Having worked together in the past for releases on Darin Epsilon's Perspectives Digital and Sirup Records, Austin and Danko now make their much anticipated Clubsonica debut with 'July'. Muscular beats, mountainous bass tones and clattering percussion set the piece in motion, as wispy effects and hopeful overlays slowly encase the framework. Fragmented arps further the narrative, creating a meditative state leading into the main break. Short but impactful, the interlude captivates with its timely modulation and striking percussive cadence, eventually building to a groovy drop and charged finale.

The release's third collaborative selection has Juan Ibanez, Cedren and Manu-l presenting their latest studio creation 'Joy Trip'. Hailing from Malta are Warren Barun and Manuel Borg, better known to progressive music fans as Cedren and Manu-l. In addition to being one of their country's most popular DJ duos, the pair founded the event company Genesis, playing host to international talents such as Petar Dundov, Khen, Mariano Mellino and Marcelo Vasami. Hailing from Argentina, Juan Ibanez has been touted as one of his country's rising talents since first appearing in 2019. Support from world class DJ Hernan Cattaneo, along with releases for Antrim's Or Two Strangers have etched Juan's place amongst progressive music's top up and comers. Having made his Clubsonica debut just last month with a joint single in conjunction with D.J. MacIntyre, Juan now team's up with Cedren and Manu-l for their contribution here 'Joy Trip'. Energetic from the start, it's rolling, swing heavy foundation is anchored with perfectly sculpted beats. Layers of driving percussion move forward, blanketed with arpeggiated overlays and haunting vocal wails. Emotion peaks as the main break unfolds, with the cascading theme giving way to a rush of noise and beats for a fluid, key changing finale.

Selection four welcomes the fast-rising Ric Niels to the label. First appearing on the progressive music scene a year ago, the Argentinean artist has quickly established himself as a newcomer to watch with releases for 3rd Avenue, Freegrant Music, Mango Alley and Soundteller Records. Now following an EP for Dopamine White to begin the year, Ric presents one of the most anticipated tracks of his young career entitled 'Desire'. The Argentine's knack for creating nostalgic progressive house continues with a rolling groove and timeless stabs uniting for an emotive environment. Emerging rhythms add nicely to it's spirited drive leading into the second of two breaks, where gaseous soundscapes prelude a purring final movement.

The collection concludes with the welcome return of Dutch production outfit Solid Sessions. Founded in 1999 and based in The Hague, this trio of artists came together to produce the seminal 'Janeiro' in 2000. Championed by Sasha, John Digweed and Pete Tong, the eleven-minute Balearic anthem went on to be remixed by Armin Van Buuren, James Holden and Lemon8. Twenty years on and its place in the history of electronic music is firmly etched. Now presenting their first new production in many years, Solid Sessions makes their Clubsonica debut with 'El Naya'. Deliberate and dynamic from the outset, its dark electronics and cavernous groove eventually give way to a striking melodic concept. A commanding presence proves to be the perfect prelude for the narrative to shift as the main break unfolds. Colourful musicality opens up into waves of emotion, gently rising towards a percussive drop and atmospheric finale. A timeless creation from Solid Sessions which rounds out the first edition of Clubsonica's Sampler series in fine style.

Buy: https://bit.ly/3lubH17

Release Date: 22-03-2021

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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