Sunday, December 25, 2016

Volkan Erman - Labyrinth EP [SMD161]


The 161st release on Suffused Music welcomes Volkan Erman back to the label for a brand new EP. The Turkish born, Italy based artist last appeared on the Lithuanian imprint in 2014 alongside sometime studio partner Hypnotic Progressions with their 'Expressions' single. Volkan's take on the traditional progressive house blueprint has been delighting old school lovers for years and now he steps up for perhaps the most anticipated EP of his career. 

Beginning with the title and showcase piece 'Labyrinth' the Turkish artist brings a tight groove and crunchy rhythms straight away. It's dark overtones and deliberate energy sound tailor made for the dance floor before a strong ride adds further fuel to the fire. Drifting hypnotics add a dreamy context to the narrative which carries into a tripped out yet emotive main break. A masterful build with gyrating rhythms and sweeping noise makes for a dynamic drop and suitably massive finale. A monster track from Volkan and one you're likely to be hearing all throughout the progressive underground over the coming months. 

The companion piece 'Thoughts' follows a similar sonic profile but with a slightly deeper delivery. Tough beats, rugged rhythms and ethereal motifs prove engaging before evolving soundscapes take you further into dreamland. As percussive waves intensify the atmosphere thickens with the main break commencing. Murky and mysterious in all the right ways, the track's centrepiece proves dramatic with a subtle build through the mystical air, before a crunchy drop lights up your dance floor. Another massive production from Volkan which rounds out a perfect peak time EP for Suffused Music. Don't miss it. 

John 00 Fleming 
Loving Labyrinth

Nick Varon (Sudbeat)
Thoughts for me !

4Mal (Russian Cybernetics / FlipCube)
'Thoughts' for me this time, thank you!

Tim Penner (Slideways, Sudbeat, Proton)
Both of these are great. Nice One.

Tash (Movement Recordings)
Labyrinnth. Will give it a play this weekend

Text by Mitch Alexander (Release Promo | microCastle)
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Sunday, December 18, 2016

Ewan Rill - Tower, Pt. 2 incl. Paul Hamilton, Jiminy Hop, Andrees & Yakoff [SMD160]

The latest release on Suffused Music finds the label revisiting Ewan Rill's 'Tower' for a set of remixes. Originally released in May of 2016 as part of the 'Tower' EP, the track showcased the Russian artist at his finest with a production that pushed the boundaries of conventional progressive house. Now as 2017 begins Suffused Music invites Paul Hamilton, Jiminy Hop and Andrees & Yakoff to reinvent the track for the new year. 

The first interpretation of 'Tower' is provided by Paul Hamilton who is making his first appearance on the Suffused Music. Perhaps best known for a string of bombs on Baroque Records all through 2016, the Dubai based artist gets 2017 off to a great with a sensational remix of 'Tower'. The drifting atmospherics from the original play heavily here but with a chugging, techy groove sitting at the foundation it comes across in a much different context. Paul's productions always have a keen nose for the dance floor and the tightly wound framework along with shimmering hats and dulcet motifs are nothing short of brilliant. Excellent remix from Paul. 

The second interpretation of 'Tower' is provided by Jiminy Hop who is making his second appearance on Suffused Music. The Russian artist first appeared on the Lithuanian imprint in October of 2016 with a contribution to the label's 'Initializing, Vol. 11' collection. Now kicking off the new year in style Jiminy takes 'Tower' into driving, percussive territory with great results. Backed by a strong rhythmic core and pulsating bass stabs the energy of the piece is apparent straight away. Smooth chord changes and a subtle acid line converge for the ultimate textural contrast, before the third act rises higher as layers of luminous synths bring you into goosebump territory. 

The third and final interpretation of 'Tower' is provided by Andrees & Yakoff who are making their eighth appearance on Suffused Music. The Lithuanian duo have been a core part of the label's roster since first appearing in early 2014 on the first ever 'Initializing' compilation. Now following a quiet 2016 the much loved duo begins the year with an excellent rendition of 'Tower'. Brooding, moody and a touch paranoid it's a subversive mix which hits a variety of emotions. A cavernous break only adds to its dramatic depth, stretching more than a minute before a gentle rush reignites the hypnotics for a mesmerizing finale. A top notch interpretation from Andrees & Yakoff which rounds out an excellent remix pack from Suffused Music to begin the new year. 

Ewan Rill - Tower (Paul Hamilton Remix) [Suffused Music]
Ewan Rill - Tower (Jiminy Hop Remix) [Suffused Music]
Ewan Rill - Tower (Andrees & Yakoff Remix) [Suffused Music]

John 00 Fleming 
Jimmy Hop's remix hits the spot for me

Andrea Cassino (Sudbeat, Proton, Particles, Balkan Connection SA)
Paul Hamilton is my pick here..thanks!

Anthony Pappa 
The best mix is the "Paul Hamilton Remix" and l will support it. Thanks.

Text by Mitch Alexander (Release Promo | microCastle)
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Sunday, December 4, 2016

Tatsama - Oxidation EP [SMD159]


The 159th release on Suffused Music finds Tatsama returning for his debut EP. The Indian artist made his first appearance on the Lithuanian imprint in July of 2016 with a contribution to the label's Initializing, Vol. 10 collection. Additional discography highlights include an appearance on Praveen Achary's Juicebox Music and Spain's Good Stuff Recordings. Now making his second appearance on Suffused Music Tatsama presents his much anticipated 'Oxidation' EP. 

Noted for his deep progressive sounds, Tatsama looks set for the biggest year of his career and 'Isthmus' gets it off to a great start. Mystical textures backed with tough kicks and tribal infused drums bring a spiritual vibe as the journey begins. Organic designs and meditative motifs converge carrying a smooth yet exhilarating first act. Split up into three sub sections the main break flows through a myriad of electric hooks and radiant atmospheres. It's a heady trip yet one that's firmly rooted on the dance floor with its chuggy, progressive rhythms carrying you home. 

The companion piece 'Sivanjana' was one of the standouts from the aforementioned 'Initializing' Vol. 10 collection. It's classic progressive vibe is a nod to the old school with poignant pianos and acid rhythms fuelling the journey. Four short yet timely breaks enhance the narrative with dramatic tension and emotive moments, making for a unique sound story to captivate your mind and move your feet. A superb debut EP for Tatsama on Suffused Music and definitely an artist to keep a close eye on as 2017 moves forward. 

Text by Mitch Alexander (Release Promo | microCastle)
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