Monday, September 26, 2016

Steve Sai - Orbit EP incl. Wellenrausch pres. Kymatik, Hot Tuneik [SMD152]

The latest release on Suffused Music welcomes Steve Sai back to the label for a brand new single. The Greek artist last appeared on the Lithuanian imprint with his 'When The Lights Went Out' single which was released in 2014 October. Now making his sixth overall appearance Steve presents his brand new two track EP entitled 'Orbit' alongside remixes from Wellenrausch pres. Kymatik and Hot TuneiK.

Steve's tenure in the electronic underground stretches back over 15 years. A DJ from the beginning the Greek artist has shared the decks with a broad range of A-list talent including Max Cooper, Minilogue, Dave Seaman and Oxia. His understanding of dance floor dynamics is something that has always translated into his original music much like the lead piece here 'Orbit'. Beginning with a techno inspired groove the piece builds a smooth, hypnotic sensibility early. Layered beats and clustered claps set the stage for acid motifs and haunting vocal elements. Stripping down into the break the atmospheric tension builds as the effects decay before a timely build delivers that perfect dance floor payoff. 

The first interpretation of 'Orbit' is provided by Wellenrausch pres. Kymatik who are making their third appearance on the label. After debuting the new moniker earlier this year the Berlin based duo have impressed both their fans and contemporaries alike. Their modern approach to the progressive blueprint is fresh and the underground is taking notice. Here they twist 'Orbit' into a mesmerising journey which plays out over eight magical minutes. The buzzing energetic core of the original stays nicely intact but it's Kymatik's contemporary design and creative vision that shines. Wonky synth motifs make for an unpredictable and truly exhilarating ride with a more melodic third act pushing it into goosebump territory.

The second and final interpretation of 'Orbit' is provided by Diego CarreĆ³n aka Hot TuneiK who is making his second appearance on the label. The Mexican artist and Hookah Records label boss last appeared on Suffused Music with his remix of 'Can't Explain the Bang' by Andrez from September of this year. Much like Kymatik, Diego's modern sound has been praised and Hernan Cattaneo and Nick Warren remain steadfast supporters of his music. Always looking to deliver something unique and different Hot TuneiK takes 'Orbit' into deeper territory with great success. Backed by a chunky groove Diego builds hypnotic layers fuelled by tough percussion and rugged synth work. Transitioning into a moment of calm the main break adds a serene balance to the dark undertone and makes for an emotive third act transition.

The release concludes with a second original entitled 'Diana' which proves to be a great complement to 'Orbit'. Following similar design profiles Steve takes the narrative to a darker more ominous place with paranoid motifs and rugged stabs all set against a mystical backdrop. Stellar drum fills and wispy vocals shine while an expertly executed break foreshadows a superb finale full of intertwined synths and rushes of white noise. It rounds out another top notch offering from Suffused Music in style. Don't miss it. 

Text by Mitch Alexander (Release Promo | microCastle)
Picture by *Caption
Mastered by Cid Inc.
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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
Mastered by Cid Inc.
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Monday, September 12, 2016

Subandrio - Heroized Mortals EP incl. Nikko.Z, Dynamic Illusion [SMD150]

The 150th release on Suffused Music welcomes Subandrio to the label for his debut single. The Sri Lankan artist has carved out a unique place in the new landscape of progressive house. Released in early 2015, his debut EP for Cid Inc’s Replug Records paved the way for his rugged sound, and he went on to many great successes as a result, including an appearance on Hernan Cattaneo’s Sudbeats 3 collection later that year. Now making his much anticipated Suffused Music debut Subandrio presents his latest studio creation 'Heroized Mortals' alongside remixes from Nikko.Z and Dynamic Illusion. 

You could say Subandrio made his name in the underground with his techno infused brand of progressive house. His electric grooves and metallic melodies are irresistible and here we see him go a touch more emotive with equally inspired results. Anchored by a wave of rolling sub bass the piece creates an enormous presence. Soft acid lines and crisp drums wrap around the groove for the ultimate rhythmic vortex. The Sri Lankan goes one step further with melodic overlays adding a heavenly warmth while indistinct cascades trail through the framework. Summery and positive don't even begin to describe it's brilliance and a perfectly executed break sets up a goose bump worthy road home. Sublime music from Subandrio. 

The first interpretation of 'Heroized Mortals' is provided by Nikko.Z who is also making his first appearance on Suffused Music. In addition to appearing on Sudbeat Music, Movement Recordings, ICONYC and Proton Music the Greek artist also heads up the excellent Dopamine Music imprint. It's been six long months without new music from Nikko so his remix here is certainly most welcome and anticipated. Years behind the decks opening for famed DJs like Hernan Cattaneo have brought a greater sense of dance floor dynamics to Nikko's productions and his 'Heroized Morals' interpretation might be his finest work yet. Opting for a more techno inspired approach Nikko radically reshapes the elements into a peak time behemoth. Rugged bass stabs make for a deadly groove while streams of white noise trail through the framework. The main motifs eventually descend over the pulsating groove and make for more than a few gorgeous moments. An effects heavy break may its strongest suit however with a twisted sonic trail eventually leading back to a moment of melodic brilliance. It would be hard to argue that this is not Nikko's best ever remix and with several top DJs already chiming in with support expect to be hearing it a lot in the coming months.

The second and final interpretation of 'Heroized Mortals' is provided by Suffused Music label artist Dynamic Illusion. Hailing from Hungary, Dynamic Illusion is now embarking on his seventh outing for the Lithuanian imprint and also owns releases on Armada Music and Silk Music. For his 'Heroized Mortals' interpretation Dynamic Illusion returns to his old school roots with a mix that sits as a wonderful complement to the previous two. A driving groove and soaring atmospherics immediately put it on the dance floor while timely sweeps and broken transitions keep the energy high. Angelic vocals add a heavenly air before a main break of well placed pianos and further vocal styling's add both emotion and intrigue to the mix. A warm rush of beats, drums and noise ignites the groove once more where the main motif eventually appears for a shining moment to close out the release. Gorgeous interpretation from Dynamic Illusion and a brilliant offering from Suffused Music that's not to missed.

Text by Mitch Alexander (Release Promo | microCastle)
Picture by *Caption
Mastered by Cid Inc.
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http://cidincmastering.com

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Monday, September 5, 2016

VA 'Initializing' vol. 11 [SMDVA016]

The latest offering on Suffused Music finds the label presenting the newest instalment in its 'Initializing' series. The ongoing Various Artists collections began in January of 2014 and now a mere two and half years later have become one of the underground's most intriguing projects. Released in July of this year Volume 10 was yet another journey around the globe where several cutting genres were explored and fresh talent discovered. As Suffused Music looks to move forward into its next chapter so too does the 'Initializing' series now presenting its 11th edition. While the label's roots are deeply entrenched in progressive house the collection once again thinks outside of that musical envelope. Featured are: (in order of appearance) Adham Zahran, Sergio Sanchez, Marco Tellez, Jiminy Hop, B Selekt, Leonel Armand, DJ-B, Alex Morelli, Niko Garcia and Sebastian Paul. These 10 artists take you on a musical journey which plays out over 70 magnificent minutes. From deep dubby house, minimalistic grooves and uptempo progressive there are a wealth of sonic palettes and emotions to explore. We hope you enjoy it. 

Adham Zahran - Fairy Steps [Suffused Music]
Sergio Sanchez - Deep Inside [Suffused Music]
Marco Tellez - Beach Poems [Suffused Music]
Jiminy Hop - Memories Tunnel [Suffused Music]
B Selekt - Samt [Suffused Music]
Leonel Armand - Lifeless [Suffused Music]
DJ*B - Soggy Money Tummy Honey [Suffused Music]
Alex Morelli - Idiosyncrasy [Suffused Music]
Niko Garcia - Confusion [Suffused Music]
Sebastian Paul - Insects in My Head [Suffused Music]

Text by Mitch Alexander (Release Promo | microCastle)
Picture by *Caption
Mastered by Cid Inc.
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http://cidincmastering.com

http://suffusedmusic.com
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