Monday, February 26, 2018

Neptun 505 - Airgarden EP [SMD211]

The 211th release on Suffused Music welcomes Neptun 505 back to the label for his debut EP. The Polish artist first appeared on the Lithuanian imprint in June of 2016 with a remix of ‘Looking For’ by Valentine Morgen and Rembrand. A contribution to the label’s acclaimed ‘Initializing’ series followed in September of 2017, ultimately leading to his first artist EP entitled ‘Airgarden’. 

Forever in search of the perfect sound, Neptun 505 regularly transcends genres within his own compositions. As evidenced by the title track, the Polish artist explores elements of techno, electronica and deep house. It’s spacious framework is infinitely groovy, housing a variety of astral designs and quirky electronics, before a smooth atmospheric overlay seals it’s emotive brilliance. 

Continuing with ‘Blue in Grey’ the narrative shifts into deep melodic territory as mystical motifs gradually converge around a sturdy framework. Meadoring melodies bend the musical spectrum, before layers of detailed percussion add momentous waves, drifting perfectly into a stripped down second act, working to build both drama and emotion before the groove gets beefed up for a purring finale.

The EP concludes with the previously released ‘Disco Volante’ which was a standout on the label’s ‘Initializing, Vol. 14’ collection. Sounding fresher than ever it’s clustered bass stabs carve out a unique, rugged and undeniably powerful groove. Poignant melodies and luminous pads shape the journey in a profound way before a timely break shifts the energy into a grandiose finale. A broad and immensely satisfying debut EP from Neptun 505 on Suffused Music, which sets a high precedent for the Polish artist as 2018 begins to unfold. 

Neptun 505 - Airgarden [Suffused Music]
Neptun 505 - Blue in Grey [Suffused Music]
Neptun 505 - Disco Volante [Suffused Music]

Cid Inc
airgarden is nice, thanks

Eelke Kleijn
Disco Volante for me!

G.Pal
Will be trying these

Petar Dundov
fine release

Airwave
DV is really cool

Chris Fortier
sounds good.

Dale Middleton
Nice grooves inside disco volante! support

4Mal
Excellent EP, enjoying all three tracks, thank you!

Text by Release Promo
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Monday, February 19, 2018

Adnan Jakubovic - Afraid of Happiness EP incl. Tim Robert, Alinep [SMD210]

As featured in Benjamin Mattingly’s celebrated, full length film ‘Electric Heart’, Adnan Jakubovic’s ‘Afraid of Happiness’ now sees its official single release through Suffused Music. Originally a standout on the label’s ‘Initializing’ Vol. V collection from May of 2015 it showcased the Bosnian born, Germany based artist at his creative best with it’s tough yet spacey, deeply emotional narrative. Much hype and critical acclaim have surrounded the composition since being showcased in the film’s stylish soundtrack last year. Now as 2018 begins to unfold Suffused Music presents two equally anticipated remixes from Tim Robert and Alinep. 

USA based artist Tim Robert has become loved throughout the progressive underground for his old school sound. Looking to break out in 2018 Tim now presents one of his all time best remixes, taking ‘Afraid of Happiness’ into dark and driving territory. The toughness of the original is well maintained, complemented with a warm, fluid foundation and spacey effects. It’s most astral qualities feature heavily in the break, with a cosmic storyboard which borders on the surreal, before a smooth energy bridge carries perfectly into a stunning third act finale.

The second and final interpretation is provided by Alinep who is making his label debut. Born and raised in Manilla, Ali Nepomuceno aka Alinep has a meticulous discography, highlighted by releases on Tenampa Recordings and Rezongar Music. His Suffused Music debut does not disappoint as he brings a more stripped back, techno inspired approach to ‘Afraid of Happiness’. Conveying the toughness of the original nicely, it’s robust framework is complemented with clustered claps, chugging rhythms and fiery electronics. Split up by two timely breaks a ghostly vocal narrative adds depth and mystery upon setting up an invigorating finale. It rounds out what is undoubtedly one of Suffused Music’s most talked about and highly anticipated projects to date. Don’t miss it. 

Adnan Jakubovic - Afraid of Happiness [Suffused Music]
Adnan Jakubovic - Afraid of Happiness (Tim Robert Remix) [Suffused Music]
Adnan Jakubovic - Afraid of Happiness (Alinep Remix) [Suffused Music]

Eelke Kleijn
Tim for me!

Tripswitch
Tim Robert Remix for me, thanks

Airwave
TR Remix for me

Lonya
good stuff here

Paul Thomas
Will try the Alinep mix

Praveen Achary
Tim's remix is really cool! :)

Dale Middleton
afraid of happiness original is really nice here! thanks

Text by Release Promo 
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Monday, February 12, 2018

DJ AroZe & Asi Kojak - Good Old Times EP [SMD209]

As Suffused Music continues its tradition for introducing new and dynamic artists to their revered artist roster, DJ AroZe makes his label debut. With a quartet of original tracks that introduce “Good Old Times” to the label, the Israeli is also joined by fellow countryman Asi Kojak.

An artist who finds a passion for his craft in the ability to make people dance, DJ AroZe is a man on a mission to inhabit “the borders between melodies and rhythm, dark and light, house and techno”. From the bustling metropolis that is Israel’s capital city, the Tel Aviv resident draws inspiration from a range of musical styles that have influenced him on his global travels, both in front of and behind the DJ decks. Moreover, his monthly “Rays” podcast continues to provide a vehicle for AroZe to mix the sounds that supply inspiration for his own music.

An incipient production career thus centres around a pair of original releases for Pineapple Grooves and 20Hz Records in May and December 2017 as “Caliope” and the “Innerquest EP” hit the virtual stores. Joined by progenitor and resident of the world-renowned, “The Cat & The Dog”, Asi Kojak, the fellow Israeli is a regular across the clubs of his home country. Furthermore, a production debut on Plattenbank in 2011 with seGGa on the track “Drillen” is now reignited with a collaboration with DJ AroZe on opening track “Interludium”. With its strong rhythmic foundations and crisp rhythmic shell, a melange of arpeggios and counterpoint motifs evolve delicately over the course of the opening movements in glittering fashion. Pausing in a stripped back breakdown, filtered melodies shimmer in emotive fashion before erupting into a third movement with consummate ease.

“Ad Infinitum” continues the strong melodic foundations of its predecessor as DJ AroZe supplies a shimmering array of melodic synth lines that sit impressively against hypnotic kick and offbeat percussion. A strong bassline comes the fore at the mid-point before rhythm and melody combine in shimmering fashion in the second half, to mesmerising effect.

Penultimate track, “Juncture 21” identifies itself with thumping beat and a strong house percussion. A rasping and filtered bassline keeps interest high as it forms its own melodic structure, while an ethereal vocal provides a delicate touch to juxtapose against the raw low-end. Combined with subtly textured motifs, they work their own sonic magic.

The sounds of “Late Night Reminisce” echo those of its predecessors as a huge rasping note hits out in pulsing fashion. Simultaneously an array of arpeggios emerges from the oppressive sonic backdrop that possess the themes of the opening tracks. Exploding at the half-way stage a running Vangelis-esque arpeggio echoes the familiar tropes of “Blade Runner” in a beautifully crafted work.

A strong narrative runs throughout the work of DJ AroZe and Asi Kojak as they revel in “Good Old Times”.

DJ AroZe & Asi Kojak - Interludium [Suffused Music]
DJ AroZe - Ad Infinitum [Suffused Music]
DJ AroZe - Juncture 21 [Suffused Music]
DJ AroZe - Late Night Reminisce [Suffused Music]

Eelke Kleijn
Nice one

Tripswitch
Solid EP, like most of it but Ad Infinitum is really lush

Airwave
nice one

Paul Thomas
Late Night Reminisce is great!

Chris Fortier
sounds good

Dale Middleton
Ad I is very cool here, will play!

Text by James Warren
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Monday, February 5, 2018

Initializing, Vol. 17 [SMDVA025]


The latest offering from Suffused Music finds the label presenting the newest instalment in its 'Initializing' series. With over four years and sixteen volumes under its belt the series now shifts its focus to a more concise approach, trimming the releases down from full length LPs to an EP based format, thus allowing the artists greater space and a more prominent showcase. Featured on the seventeenth volume are (in order of appearance) Eli Amsalevski & Elior Elimelech, K3V, Matias Carafa, No One Name & Other Side and Chappano. 

Having previously collaborated for Lonya’s ASymmetric Recordings, Eli Amsalevski & Elior Elimelech lead the EP off with ‘Wanga’. Embodying the spirit of ‘Initializing’, the Israel duo present a distinctly modern, tech-prog composition. A backbone of funky bass tones sets the foundation for bleepy electronics and clattering drums to fuel it’s rhythmic core. Not without poignant moments, the main break presents a free flowing melodic narrative, bright and vibrant it sets up a smooth and soulful finale perfectly. 

Next up K3V makes his label debut following a release on Aly & Fila’s FSOE UV imprint. ‘Eleventh Hour’ is an energetic, crunchy progressive bomb that’s perfectly dialled for a peak time dance floor. It’s rough, chugging groove is ripe with character, while an array of cosmic effects and tantalizing melodies converge for an exhilarating apex. Definitely an artist on the rise and one to keep a close eye on as 2018 progresses. 

Also making his first appearance on the label is Matias Carafa who has grown into one of Argentina’s most promising progressive house talents. Support from Hernan Cattaneo along with releases on BC2 and Northern Lights have highlighted his five year career. Now making his Suffused Music debut Matias presents the excellent ‘Domingo’. A punchy, stripped groove proves to the perfect framework for a variety of quirky synth motifs and esoteric effects. The near two minute break has a flair for the dramatic, melting down to distinct sonic artefakts before it’s gaseous resonance washes away into a pulsating underbelly.

Next up No One Name and Other Side come together for their debut collaboration in ‘Alguien Temporal’. Deep and mysterious from the outset it’s an expansive journey into gaseous atmospheres and pulsating beats. Split into two breaks the second act opts for a meditative approach, housing the energetic core as icy pads and waves of noise add just the right emotional touch.

The release concludes with another label debut from rising star Chappano. Hailing from Argentina, Juan Gabriel Campisi Calderon aka Chappano found a home on the now defunct System Recordings in 2014 before going on to record an EP for Smart Phenomena Records to begin 2018. Now stepping up for his Suffused Music debut Chappano presents his most sought after production to date in ‘Always’. Beginning with light, playful melodies the narrative shifts into the grandiose with a reflective breakdown, calling upon many progressive anthems from yesteryear with it’s heightened atmosphere and euphoric rush. No doubt a highlight in many sets to come and the perfect piece to round out another must have edition of Suffused Music’s ‘Initializing’ series. 

Eli Amsalevski & Elior Elimelech - Wanga [Suffused Music]
K3V - Eleventh Hour [Suffused Music]
Matias Carafa - Domingo [Suffused Music]
No One Name & Other Side - Alguien Temporal [Suffused Music]
Chappano - Always [Suffused Music]

Anthony Pappa
11th hr

Eelke Kleijn
Nice tracks by Eli and Chappano!

G.Pal
Nice. Supporting

Lexicon Avenue
A solid package

Lonya
good stuff here

Nick Varon
Wanga, Domingo, Always are great thanks !!!

4Mal
'Wanga' and 'Always' for me this time, thank you!

Text by Release Promo
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