Sunday, June 26, 2016

Subconscious Tales - Arris Part2 incl. Third Personality, Mariano Santos, Joy Marquez & Abdel Karim [SMD141]

Part of May 2015’s release schedule on Suffused Music, the “Arris” EP showcased the production skills of Latvian producer, Ivars Tiliks and his Subconscious Tales moniker. Now, the three-track EP returns to the label as a trio of remixes extends the story further.

First up on the remix trail, Bulgarian, Andrez Nikolov returns to Suffused Music with his Third Personality alter-ego after a debut reworking of DP-6’s “Eclipse” at the start of 2016. An accomplished musician who graduated from “The State Academy of Music” in his country’s Sofia capital, a background as a rock musician stood Nikolov in good stead as he emerged onto the underground dance scene at the turn of the millennium. A part of the renowned InSound agency since 2009, DJ appearances across his homeland have propelled the Third Personality name into the limelight with his own unique style. A production career that has seen a quarter of a century of production credits for the BIT Records imprint has further been supplemented by work for Balkan Connection South America, 238W and Stellar Fountain. Reworking the title track, the Third Personality remix of “Arris” is a low-slung tech house interpretation that replaces the hard techno rhythms of the original with a rich bass groove and intricate percussive cadence. With exacting use of Subconscious Tales’ original components, the resultant work is sure to find success across the dancefloors of Europe and beyond.

Argentinean, Mariano Santos, is a man with over 25 years-experience in the world of dance music. A DJ with appearances across the globe in including Turkey, Egypt, Brazil and Chile, his inimitable tech house and techno style has enraptured dancefloors in addition to the regular, weekly “NightBeat” radio show syndicated to over seventy stations worldwide. A production career that has seen him set up a plethora of record labels, over a century of production credits have found their way on to his own Santos Recordings as remix and original production material has also featured on such celebrated imprints as Xela Digital, Cubek and Bonzai. Furthermore, an appearance on the front cover of the Greek, “Freeze MGZ” magazine saw 20,000 copies of his music published. Marking his debut for Suffused Music with a reworking of “Edge”, the thumping, techno energy of the original is fully correct and present in the Mariano Santos remix as he utilises a cornucopia of production techniques and effects to produce a pounding kick, supplemented by cadenced, intricate rhythm and subtle melodic riff in a work of skill and poise.

Mexican duo, Joy Marquez and Abdel Karim take up the mantle for the final offering. Regular collaborators, the pair have seen their work signed for a host of labels including Phunk Traxx, Komunale Music and Klexos Records. Recognised by “DJ Concept Magazine” as best DJ/producer for eight consecutive years, Marquez’s pedigree is undeniable touring across the globe with appearances in Spain, Portugal, Brazil and Colombia. As a producer, his solo work has also featured on Rick Pier O’Neil’s RPO imprint as well as Nervous and Futura Groove with support from Judge Jules and Amin Van Buuren. First appearing on Suffused Music courtesy of “The Teacher” EP with Chriss Lerman, Joy Marquez & Abdel Karim’s debut remix is an intelligent tech house reworking of “Ignition”. Taking a stripped back approach to Subconscious Tales’ work, a dominant kick is soon paired with the instantly recognisable riff that plays such a key part of the original, while additional production via a shuffling, hi-hat percussive section provides dynamic energy and dance floor seduction.

Three new remixes sees “Arris” take on a new lease of life through Third Personality, Mariano Santos and Joy Marquez & Abdel Karim.

Subconscious Tales - Arris (Third Personality Remix) [Suffused Music]
Subconscious Tales - Edge (Mariano Santos Remix) [Suffused Music]
Subconscious Tales - Ignition (Joy Marquez & Abdel Karim Remix) [Suffused Music]

Text by James Warren
Picture by Eric Wüstenhagen
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Guhus - Buenos Aires EP [SMD140]

The latest release on Suffused Music welcomes Guhus back to the label for his first EP. Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Guhus first appeared on the Lithuanian imprint with a contribution to the label's 'Initializing Volume 8' collection released in January of this year. The track 'Thirty Six Bells' came as the collection drew to a close and captivated the hearts and minds of electronic music fans around the globe. Now seven months later we see the track getting it's official release alongside two others as part of the 'Buenos Aires EP'.

The EP begins with the strong club minded cut 'Without You'. Anchored by thick slabs of rolling bass it's moves forward with great momentum while twinkly melodies and poignant tones provide some lovely emotional content. As the sparkling keys continue their unpredictable journey, cinematic swells add a dramatic flair before a sequence of chord changes initiates the main break. Sparkling and emotive at every turn, the serene interlude eventually peaks with a short build bringing the groove back for one final run while those kaleidoscopic keys continue to work their magic. A great start to the EP.

Continuing with the second selection 'Ying Yang', finds Guhus crafting a deep and groovy progressive cut. With a timeless sensibility, the warm, chunky groove powers forward as melodic motifs slowly make their way into the mix. As the tracks core energy grows angelic vocal pads drift over the framework while the melodies continue on a sequential journey for the ages. A solemn break proves to be the ideal centrepiece, pulling every last bit of emotive power from the foundation as the roiling beats return for what should be a magic moment on the dance floor.

The EP concludes with the aforementioned 'Thirty Six Bells' which proves just as fresh here as it did in January when anchoring the 'Initializing' collection. It's intricate inner workings immediately shine while a smooth rhythmic flow and descending chord changes bring an emotive environment. As bubbly synth textures cluster together subtle modulation hits exactly the right emotional receptors bringing the track to a tantalising break. Pixie like keys and angelic vocal pads lead the way here before an ethereal drop welcomes the warm beats and a rush of harmonious energy. A great way to round out the EP and a fabulous collection of music from Guhus. Definitely a name to keep a close eye on as 2016 moves forward. 

Text by Mitch Alexander (Release Promo, microCastle)
Picture by Ignacio Sanz
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Tim Robert - Changes Fast EP incl. Subconscious Tales, Wellenrausch, Silicon Syndicate [SMD139]

The 139th release on Suffused Music finds the label showcasing Tim Robert's 'Changes Fast' with a brand new set of remixes. Originally released as part of the labels 'Initializing Vol. 8' collection in January of this year it proved to be a standout on the compilation. Tim's ability to craft compelling sound stories was never more evident as he showcased a journey through driving grooves, soulful vocals and mind bending acid lines. Seemingly coming to fruition during the main break, the vocal storyboard and rolling bass built both tension and euphoria before piercing electronics cut through the atmosphere, ultimately summoning the kick for that magic dance floor moment. It proved to be one of Tim's biggest party records to date and now gets a well deserved single release with new interpretations from Silicon Syndicate, Subconscious Tales and Wellenrausch. 

Hailing from New York, Silicon Syndicate are making their first appearance on Suffused Music. With roots in psychedelic trance the duo's fusion of techno sensibilities and progressive minded storyboards is quite intriguing and they've have created their own unique place in the underground as a result. Their uptempo, energetic style has melded wonderfully with Tim's distinctive motifs. Coming in more hypnotic, Silicon Syndicate build a kaleidoscope of keys and indistinct vocal elements around a full driving groove. It's fluid style carries it to the break with great momentum where a more emotive narrative ensues. Hazy melodies and drifting vocals make for a blissful interlude before a delicate build brings the groove back with that vortex of melody and fuller vocals leading the charge. Brilliant remix from Silicon Syndicate.

The second interpretation of 'Changes Fast' is provided by Suffused Music label artist Subconscious Tales who is making his 11th appearance. The Latvian artist took the progressive underground by storm 2 years ago when he coined the new alias and presented his first original material for Suffused Music. A recent remix of Derek Howell has been a discography highlight and he's quickly becoming one of the most in demand remixers in the underground. Here he takes 'Changes Fast' into deeper progressive territory with great results. With a markedly slower tempo and monumentally funked out groove the dance floor sensibility is quite high. Mounds of perfectly contoured bass and escalating synths make for an intense first act, leading to a spaced out break where the vocal makes its first appearance. Expertly executed, the break builds tension with electronics cutting through the atmosphere and a sheet of sonic decay making for a huge drop. Hernan Cattaneo has been the first to chime in with support as the storied DJ has been playing the track in all his recent sets, with several YouTube videos floating around demonstrating the tracks powerful dance floor presence. 

Closing the release out is Wellenrausch who are making their first appearance on Suffused Music. Torsten Fassbender and Markus Geisberger make up the Wellenrausch duo and boast a discography that includes some of the world's finest trance imprints from the well curated Afterglow label to large entities like Armada, Bonzai and Perfecto. Hailing from Berlin, their deep trance sound ranges from dark and mysterious to subversive and uplifting. Here they take 'Changes Fast' into deeper, emotive territory with a slower tempo, stripped down groove and a bevy of interesting designs. The vocal plays a nice role and sits wonderfully over the the tracks intricate inner workings. Airy melodic clusters drift over the framework with a blissful flair but what ultimately seals the tracks brilliance is it's effortless, hypnotic flow. A classy production from Wellenrausch which closes the release out in style. Another package full of emotion and talent from Suffused Music. Don't miss it.

Tim Robert - Changes Fast (Original Mix) [Suffused Music]
Tim Robert - Changes Fast (Subconscious Tales Remix) [Suffused Music]
Tim Robert - Changes Fast (Wellenrausch´s Deep Matter Mix) [Suffused Music]
Tim Robert - Changes Fast (Silicon Syndicate Remix) [Suffused Music]

Text by Mitch Alexander (Release Promo, microCastle)
Picture by Krystian Olszanski
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Sunday, June 19, 2016

Initializing vol 10 [SMDVA015]

As the summer season begins Suffused Music welcomes the warm weather with a new instalment of 'Initializing'. Conceptualized at the beginning of 2014 the series has methodically grown into one of the industry's best new music collections. With nine volumes under its belt the Lithuanian imprint is constantly hunting for just the right ingredients to complete the next edition in the series. With Volume 9 now three months on, Suffused Music has scoured the globe, and after countless hours of listening to hopeful demos the label is pleased to present Volume 10 amidst much anticipation. Again with a fresh and borderless approach the label explores a full spectrum of electronica, from house to techno and deeper progressive grooves. Wrapped up in this ten track journey is a veritable smorgasbord of beats and melodies that are sure to delight the senses.  Featured on the collection are: (in order of appearance) Emiliano Demarco, Deep Within, Tatsama, Evelynka, Jonnas B, Blue Cell, Cagri Yildirim, Naash, Valu Tios and Alberto Sainz. Another superb edition that belongs in every electronic music lovers collection. Don't miss it.

Emiliano Demarco - Illusion [Suffused Music]
Deep Within - The Outsider [Suffused Music]
Tatsama - Sivanjana [Suffused Music]
Evelynka - Lavender Whispers [Suffused Music]
Jonnas B - Voices From Nowhere [Suffused Music]
Blue Cell - Sun & Rainfall [Suffused Music]
Cagri Yildirim - Clue [Suffused Music]
Naash - Instinct [Suffused Music]
Valu Rios - Feeling Good [Suffused Music]
Alberto Sainz - Burning a Wish [Suffused Music]

Text by Mitch Alexander (Release Promo | microCastle)
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