Various Artists – Delve Into Pakistan (ADE 2023) [Comet Records]

Arriving just in time for ADE, Comet Records unveils their first Various Artists EP compilation entitled 'Delve Into Pakistan' (ADE 2023). Long a testing ground for some of the underground's freshest new music, the Amsterdam Dance Event sees artists, DJs, labels and industry brands travelling to the long-standing event, searching for what will be the fall and winter seasons biggest records. With Comet Records quickly emerging as Pakistan's premiere progressive house imprint, the label now takes another big step in it's first year by revealing their first ever exclusives collection. Label bosses Auseeb and Rabiee have carefully curated the first installment of the series, featuring new music from (in order of appearance): Auseeb, Rabiee Ahmad, Osama Satti, Hassan Tariq Khan and HAYAN (PK).

The release begins with 'Revolution' by Auseeb which sets a smooth progressive tone from the outset. Perhaps geared towards the morning hours, Auseeb's tough beats, percolating arps and glowing pads are rejuvenating in an uplifting yet calming sense, making it a unique track for the more adventurous DJ. Next up is Rabiee Ahmad who follows his 'Propaganda' release from last month with a new solo cut entitled 'Underwater'. The Islamabad resident aims squarely at the dancefloor with a retro-groove and nostalgic synth elements. The introduction of a vocal shifts the narrative across the break, bringing a greater sense of depth and emotion, before shifting energy back into the groove for a hypnotic finale. Also hailing from Islamabad is Osama Satti who makes his label debut with 'Leap to Mind'. Not only is this Osama's Comet Records debut but also his first ever release which follows on from his early beginnings as a DJ. 'Leap to Mind' works well on the strength of phasing vocal loops, stompy beats and rapid-fire percussion sequences. The main break is where the magic lies though, with some retro tangerine dream-esque synth phrasing which is sure to lift the mood of your dancefloor.

Selection four finds a second label debutant in Hassan Tariq Khan making his first Comet Records appearance. The Blackcode founder and plastic surgeon has been DJing for several years and now notches a career first production with 'Faith'. Sleek and groovy throughout, Hassan uses a familiar sequence of chord stabs to create a buoyant framework, while haunting tones and misty refrains perfectly setup a spoken word sample across the main break; a mystical moment which smoothly transfers energy into a mood-lifting finale. The release concludes with HAYAN (PK) also making his label debut following a pair of releases via Julian Rodriguez's Massive Harmony Records. 'In Any Case' proves to be a great choice to complete the EP and showcases HAYAN's dancefloor minded ethos through traditional progressive grooves, rolling rhythms and an underlying tension which is sure to create anticipation when dropped mid-set. It rounds out a sensational first installment of 'Delve Into Pakistan', one where five rising artists unite and push country further into the global progressive house scene. Highly recommended.

Buy: https://rb.gy/a3pm5

Release Date: 13-10-2023

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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