Friday, September 11, 2015

Arthur Minnahmetov - Shaman EP [SMD109]

An artist hewn from the rich seam of talent that is modern Russia, Arthur Minnahmetov, from the Yelabuga in northern Tatarstan has hit a rich vein of production form in a short eighteen-month period. Now that talent is fully realised with the brand new three-track “Shaman” EP on Suffused Music.

First “exposed to electronic music” in the 1990s, the transformation of Russian mass media during that decade saw Minnahmetov’s tastes began to begin crystallise as the first electronic oriented shows began to hit the radio airwaves. Consequently, it was not until 2002 that his musical tastes ultimately distilled into the underground progressive house sound.

Taking the time to learn his craft and understand the fundamentals of production techniques, it was not until 2007 that Minnahmetov first dabbled with his own compositions, ultimately rewarded with a debut release for Balkan Connection family label, BC2, in May 2014. Since then, a host of impressive production work has flowed from the Russian’s fingers with a plethora of original production work for the likes of Dopamine, Nuevadeep and System Recordings. Indeed the Bedrock inspired “Ground Under” EP for Electronic Tree highlighted Minnahmetov’s ‘deeper’ side.

A regular on Suffused Music, the track “Why”, originally part of the “Initializing 2014 Vol. II” compilation, soon saw a full release with a trio of new remixes. “In Your Soul” became a statement of intent with three original works, now followed by a second three-track original EP as Arthur Minnahmetov invokes the spirits through “Shaman”.

Solaris” opens proceedings with a nine-minute journey full of chunky hypnotic rhythms and mature melodic arrangement. Driving forcefully forwards, distant vocal phrases drift in ethereal fashion as textured pads undulate across the left-right spectrum.

“Shaman” hits the ground running with a skipping hi-hat section and strong house beat before pitched vocal phrases give significance to the title itself. A sustained chord throughout provides tension and atmosphere while a delayed riff in the third movement provides dynamic dance floor energy.

The final track sees a return to thick groove-filled rhythms and twisted percussive elements through “Caretta”. A bouncing bass line supplies a counterpoint element that nestles precisely underneath the strong beat, and a collage of effects and simple melodic phrasing throw up a growling, hypnotic, tech house air.

Through his “ShamanArthur Minnahmetov has been able to enter an ethereal world full of rhythmic spirit and vision.

Text by Picture by James Warren
Picture by Texture X
Mastered by Cid Inc.
http://cidincmastering.com

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