AudioStorm - Killing Instict EP [SMD165]

From the Montenegrin city of Podgorica, Ognjen Vukovic has hit upon a formula for success with his AudioStorm soubriquet that has seen him find triump, not only in his home country, but far beyond its borders. Now that success is epitomised once again on Suffused Music’s 165th release as AudioStorm presents his “Killing Instinct” EP.

Always driven by a passion and fascination for music in a variety of genres, Vukovic’s love of an eclectic mix of music from Pink Floyd and The Doors to The Cure and Depeche Mode, opened a gateway into the world of electronic music. During the dance music boom of the 1990s, he turned his attentions towards the world of Goa and Psy-Trance with a logical progression into the sphere of underground house and icons of the DJ industry that included Digweed, Cattaneo, Warren and Emerson.

A prolific producer with over 550 Beatport production credits to his name, AudioStorm’s output has been universally recognised since March 2012’s debut for Underground City Music. A regular on the likes LuPS Records, Bonzai Progressive and Balkan Connection, the AudioStorm name has been a fountain of inventiveness in both original and remix production material. Supported by the leading tastemakers within the industry, Dave Seaman, Marco Carola and Guy J have all played witness to the AudioStorm sound as have Hernan Cattaneo and Nick Warren.

Now returning, to Suffused Music for the first time since his “Differences” EP that went on to see remixes from Faskil, Ewan Rill and D-Eye, AudioStorm hits the mark with the exhilarating “Killing Instinct”.

Opener, “Above the Ground”, stamps its authority with dominant kick and ticking shakers before the whole gamut of percussive sounds can heard in relentless, hypnotic fashion. Subtle melodic phrasing filters into listener consciousness in rich and dynamic layers, establishing itself further in the third movement with a deliciously twinkling arpeggio and bouncing bass line that is reminiscent of early Underworld, circa 1994.

The title track immediately tantalises with its melodic refrains and early 1990s references. Full of sumptuous delays and 303-style squelches, a four-to-the-floor kick and rolling percussive groove extend “Killing Instinct” into a 21st century underground progressive house jewel. Pausing for a dramatic, stripped back breakdown, the convergence of rhythm, melody and bass in the second half, create a well-balanced, invigorating work.

With a wealth of production skill and knowledge to his name, AudioStorm is in no danger of ‘killing’ his audio ‘instinct’.

Text by James Warren

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One Million Toys - Syntax, Pt 2 incl. Third Personality, Mario Puccio, Isaak Escamilla [SMD164]

The 164th release on Suffused Music finds the label revisiting One Million Toys' 'Syntax' EP for a new set of remixes. Originally released in June of 2015 it found the Israeli artist at his creative peak with three tracks that stretched the boundaries of traditional progressive house; melding  psychedelic, deep and tech influences making for one of the year's most intriguing EPs. Now more than a year and a half later we see Suffused Music inviting Third Personality, Mario Puccio and Isaak Escamilla to reinterpret the track for 2017. 

Third Personality is no stranger to Suffused Music having appeared on the label twice previously. The Bulgarian producer is perhaps best known for his Andrez alias where he has accumulated close to 200 releases since 2007. Third Personality was born in 2012 as an outlet for Andrez to explore different stylistic blueprints which he has done with great success. Releases on ICONYC and Balkan Connection South America have been sensational. Now making his much anticipated return to Suffused Music he provides an amazing interpretation of 'Fireworks'. Built around funk and drive the piece carries a great dance floor sensibility straight away. Pulsating bass, grating electronics and a dramatic air make for a great first act. The main break provides the most tension perhaps, with sonic decay building anticipation, leading to a tasteful drop where warm bass swells carry you home.  

The second interpretation finds Mario Puccio making his label debut. Regarded as one of his country's top progressive house prospects, the Argentinean artist owns a discography with appearances on Alola Records,  Sound Avenue and Soundteller Records. Now he brings his creative vision to Suffused Music with a cutting edge rework of 'Sunrise Over Ike'. Irresistibly groovy, it's chugging foundation moves forward in rippling waves. Electric synths fire through the framework before a hopeful pad initiates the main break. A soulful centrepiece, it's cross-cultural motifs and dulcet pianos shift the mood before a smooth build leads to a magical dance floor moment.

The release concludes with Isaak Escamilla returning to the label for his third appearance. The Mexican artist made his debut on the Lithuanian imprint in May of last year with a remix of 'Shornhelm' by Untold Stories. Now making his much anticipated return Isaak takes 'Syntax' into emotive territory with amazing results. Anchored by warm bass swells, the foundation flows through emotive chord changes while a sparkling arp and iridescent pads add further cosmic delight. Poignant chords bring a unique flair, particularly during the tracks centrepiece, before dispersing for a driving conclusion. An amazing interpretation from Isaak and perhaps the most heartfelt production of his career. It rounds out another can't miss release from Suffused Music full of variety and talent. Highly Recommended. 

Text by Mitch Alexander (Release Promo | microCastle)

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Jiminy Hop - Le Mans EP [SMD163]

The 163rd release on Suffused Music welcomes Jiminy Hop back to the label for his debut EP. The Russian artist last appeared on the Lithuanian imprint to begin the year with a remix of Ewan Rill's 'Tower'. Now returning for his third appearance Jiminy presents his much anticipated three track EP entitled 'Le Mans'.

The lush, melodic sounds of 'Squared' get the EP underway on a strong note. Preceded by a gorgeous intro, the piece picks up momentum with funky tones and electric synth lines. A classically styled groove makes it a lock for the dance floor with gyrating rhythms and pulsating beats leading the charge. The highlight though is perhaps a vocal storyboard, played out over a well crafted break, culminating in a massive drop with the spinning groove powering forward for a huge finale.

The EP's second selection 'Le Mans' finds Jiminy exploring the deeper side of his studio repertoire. Darker in tone at the outset, mesmerising lines bring a vibrancy as the piece builds with wispy pads and ethereal motifs moulding the emotive core. Vocal trails and meandering melodies lead nicely into the break where otherworldly soundscapes take you further into the cosmos. A delicate drop proves poignant and shows once again you don't need a sledgehammer to crack open an egg. Deep and wonderful music from Jiminy.

The release concludes with the mystical 'Memories Tunnel' which once again showcases Jiminy's progressive minded rhythms. Tough kicks, thick slabs of bass and a strong percussive complement provide the framework for a bevy of electronic delights. Sharp stabs and mystical atmospheres surround the framework before a timely break builds tension and a lone vocal wail summons the groove back for a stellar conclusion. Three incredible productions Jiminy and another great notch in the Suffused Music discography. Highly Recommended.

Text by Mitch Alexander (Release Promo | microCastle)
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Bobby Deep - Space Hunter EP incl. Subandrio, Yuriy From Russia, Tabriz & Zuckermann [SMD162]

Greece is known to cultivate producers that create deep, soulful Progressive House, the ‘real’ kind of Progressive House, the timeless kind. Bobby Deep is one of these producers and our latest release form him on Suffused Music, Space Hunter, is a Progressive house lover’s dream. Included in the pack are powerful remakes of the original from Subandrio, Yuriy From Russia and Tabriz & Zuckermann. 

It’s been more than 25 years since Bobby Deep has immersed himself completely in music. At a young age, he was collecting records, mixing in clubs and working at a radio station. Despite the small scene at the time, Bobby managed to get himself established with a growing fan base. As of late, Booby has been producing his own music as well as hosting his own radio show on Frisky Radio, Deep Minds. If there was one word to describe his work, he says it best, “Call it DEEP!” 

The original mix of Space Hunter is no exception to the rule. Within the first few bars, you can feel the ever gradual, rising warmth and intensity of the track. Subtle and mesmerizing, the harmonic synths play a game of hide and seek with listeners, teasing them, drawing them in and releasing them with the melodic ebb and flow. The kick is soft, a compliment to the balmy sounds. Licks of delicate percussion, flirtatious as well. 

Well-known Sri Lankan producer, Subandrio, takes things higher, on an upbeat note, welcomed in by a glimpse of the impending gritty bassline. His kick, intricately crafted into a perfect round sound, keeps his remix moving with controlled, techy highs. There’s an angelic hint of hope, laced throughout the track and the progression is perfectly timed for ultimate emotional impact. 

As his name would suggest, Russian producer, Yuriy From Russia treats us to a groovy rendition of Space Hunter. The background ambience of his remix matched with its energetic mélange of foreground percussion is sure to make anyone get up and dance. Sunshine pours through the breakdown until the drop brings us back on our journey. The rolling bass keeps things fluid and the dreamy leads are like encouragement to keep moving.

Last but not least, no strangers to Suffused Music, Tabriz & Zuckermann deliver a deep, housier version of the original. Ethereal pads and a subtle sax lead blanket the techier kick and undulating bass. There’s a great intensity that builds as the track progresses and the breakdown brings you to a place where you just want release, and when it’s done stringing you as far as you can go playfully, it obliges, with style. 

The entire Space Hunter pack has a version for any Progressive Lover’s discerning ear, to be played any time of night, making it a must-have in your library. 

Bobby Deep - Space Hunter (Original Mix) [Suffused Music]

Bobby Deep - Space Hunter (Subandrio Remix) [Suffused Music]

Bobby Deep - Space Hunter (Yuriy From Russia Remix) [Suffused Music]

Bobby Deep - Space Hunter (Tabriz & Zuckermann Remix) [Suffused Music]

Text by Amber Long

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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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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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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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