Suffused Music: January 2016

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Ewan Rill - Be a Water EP incl. Namatjira, GMJ [SMD124]

The 124th release on Suffused Music welcomes Ewan Rill back to the label for a brand new single. The Russian producer and Sever Records label boss was one of 2015's most prolific artists. His pendant for all things progressive and groovy made him one of the year's most in demand remixers. As a result original material from Ewan became scarce and each new project was met with great anticipation. Several impressive remixes again have kicked the new year off nicely for Ewan and now Suffused Music presents his first original material of 2016 with a new single entitled 'Be A Water' alongside remixes from GMJ and Namatjira.

For as prolific as Ewan is he's also extremely diverse, the common dominator in all his productions though is a keen dance floor sensibility. 'Be a Water' is no different with its funky foundation, phasing vocals and shimmering hypnotics. It's smooth rhythmic cadence makes it immediately alluring while a bevy of subtle motifs further tantalizes the senses. An understated break plays well to the tracks delicate sensibility, allowing the impact of the groove to be felt on a subversive level upon return. Likely one of Ewan's most mature works to date which certainly sets a strong precedent for the remainder of 2016.

The first interpretation of 'Be a Water' is provided by GMJ who is making his debut appearance on Suffused Music. As one of 2015's brightest stars, the Aussie producer navigated his way from one impressive project to another, finding a home on Proton's Particles and Balkan Connection. With an intelligent approach that draws influences from the Aussie old school and progressive new school, GMJ has become one of the undergrounds most intriguing artists. His Suffused Music debut has been much anticipated and he delivers a strong interpretation of 'Be a Water' as a result. With a deeper, more ethereal vibe GMJ has opened the piece up to a broader range of floors while adding his own subtle, yet profoundly emotional twist. A band of trailing effects casts a dubby haze as a light tonal theme continues to lift the mood with each passing loop. A short but well executed break brings a euphoric rush before a third act of dubbed out chord changes takes you home.

The second and final interpretation of 'Be a Water' is provided by Namatjira who is also making his first appearance on Suffused Music. 2015 was filled with many great accomplishments for the Dutch producer. His debut album on 3rd Avenue was met with praise from Hernan Cattaneo and Nick Warren while an EP for Omid 16B's SexOnWax drew similar acclaim. Namatjira continued to build on that success to start the new year with a strong remix for Sound Avenue along with a hugely impressive 4 track EP for dPen's The Last Of Us Music. Now for his much anticipated Suffused Music debut Namatjira closes the release out with a great rendition of 'Be a Water'. Anchored by a subterranean groove and shifting designs it's a mix that proves impactful, both for the dance floor and the mind. It's swirling motifs and trail of sonic decay make for an intoxicating journey while a stripped down second act sits as it's a gorgeous centrepiece. Beautiful remix from Namatjira and one of Suffused Music's all time best offerings. Don't miss it.

Text by Mitch Alexander (Release Promo | microCastle)

Picture by Carlos Gracia

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Thursday, January 21, 2016

Gibbon - Birth of Whales (Album) [SMD123]

The 123rd release on Suffused Music finds the label presenting its first ever artist album. It's a momentous occasion for the Lithuanian imprint which also sees the debut of Gibbon to the label. The Serbian artist has been crafting melodic shades of house and electronica for the last six years with appearances on Bonzai's Green Martian division being one of many highlights. Now as 2016 begins we see Gibbon presenting his long awaited debut LP entitled 'Birth Of Whales'.

In a journey which unfolds over ten pieces Gibbon explores various stylistic shifts with a common theme of melody and soul. Beginning with the playful piece 'Sea Turtles Migration' it immediately sets a tone of lighthearted and childlike motifs which the rest of the album explores so beautifully. The title selection 'Birth Of Whales' ups the tempo nicely, before a rush of textural warmth introduces a chain of aquatic motifs and cascading keys, which dominate the break. It's funky groove and whimsical romp are irresistible and make for an invigorating conclusion. This leads perfectly into the deeper, musical gem 'Caribbean Sunset' with its sax-like hooks and marimbas conjuring up a seaside atmosphere. Aptly coined 'Spring Awakening' brings visions of leaves changing colour and warm breezy days. It's kaleidoscopic keys and bouncy groove are perfect for signalling the beginning of a brighter moment in our existence. Now nearing the halfway point Gibbon shifts the mood into something a touch more minimalistic in 'Hunted Deer'. A charged groove provides the perfect foundation for its elaborate keys to work their magic and a piano led break lifts the emotion a notch or two higher before a flute motif seals its overall brilliance.

The aquatic themed journey continues with 'Underwater Caves', a spirited melodic composition with soft rhythmic tones, vibrant melodies and great flute themes once again. The albums seventh and perhaps darkest selection 'Enlightenment' brings the mood down nicely with some subversive themes and a spoken word sample which many may recognize from Hallucinogen's psychedelic trance classic 'LSD'. With the journey nearing its peak the album's eighth track 'Time' keeps things a touch more understated with a nice complement of flirtatious keys and sparkling electronics, all backed by another stupendous groove that's perfectly dialed in for the dance floor. Upping the tempo now Gibbon presents one of the album's most sincere creations 'Blizzard'. A magical presence is locked away in those mesmerizing keys and a perfectly executed break bring a rush of warm emotions into the third act. The album's closing piece, an ambient version of 'Spring Awakening' is perhaps its most poignant, and rightfully so. After the blissful journey which preceded it a delicate, calming approach seems to make perfect sense. It's broken beats, indistinct vocals and hypnotic melodies are all wrapped up in a textural haze of wildlife motifs, which end the album on a heartfelt note. A beautiful collection of music from Gibbon who you're no doubt going to be hearing a lot about in the near future.