Monday, September 19, 2016

Espen - Odyssey EP [SMD151]

The 151st release on Suffused Music welcomes Espen to the label for his debut single. Hailing from Oslo, Norway Espen Gulbrandsen aka Espen has been a fixture of the progressive house underground since 2003. Under various guises and collaborative projects Espen saw his music featured on Armada, Baroque Records, Silk Music and Vapour Recordings. More recently the Norwegian artist has taken his sound to Proton's Particles imprint with a remix of Omar El Gamel's 'Escoz Me'. Now making his much anticipated Suffused Music debut Espen presents his latest two track EP entitled 'Odyssey'. 

The release begins with 'Stains Run Deep' which finds Espen creating a deep hypnotic groove with an abundance of quirky hooks. It's subterranean beginnings are immediately inviting before a storyboard of fresh effects leads to a hazy tonal theme. Sinister vocal chants and an acidic underbelly make for a tension filled second act, ultimately setting up a warm rush of beats and noise for the ultimate dance floor moment. Always looking to move the narrative forward Espen continues the third act with stellar effects and a vibrant modular drift which carry the track to an exhilarating conclusion. 

The companion piece and also the EP's title selection 'Odyssey' comes in a touch more techno inspired and equally compelling. The stellar design profiles remain with a rolling foundation carved out of mountainous bass while the track's intricate innerworkings build a fluid percussive wave. As the atmosphere grows the trailing effects give way for a haze of sweeping melodies. Accentuated during the main and developing into a moment of serenity the melodies decay as the warm groove drops amidst a band of sonic dust. It's a magical moment and perhaps one of the finest in Espen's storied career. There's already a buzz about this one in the underground and it looks set to be one of Suffused Music's most sought after releases this year. Don't miss it. 

Text by Mitch Alexander (Release Promo | microCastle)
Picture by *Caption
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