Change-Underground and Aidan McGlynn present a brand new podcast series, which showcases some of the shining lights from today’s scene. Here he takes you through the tracks on the mix.
1. Sapiens & Springa – ‘Introversion’ – Particles
This is a truly gorgeous record – as soon as I heard it, I knew I wanted to kick off with it this month. I’ve been a big fan of Inkfish for a long time – their ‘Human Devolution’ from a couple of years back is about as good as it gets – and so I’ve been following Springa’s output pretty closely too since he went solo. This collaboration with Sapiens is elegant, hypnotic, and very beautiful.
Released: 12/10/15
2. Victor Ruiz & D-Nox feat. Beckers & Alex Stein – ‘Music’ – Sudbeat
‘Music’ boasts a fantastic combination of relentless, layered bass parts and light, progressive melodies, so it packs a lot of punch while retaining a nice, oddly relaxed atmosphere. This was the highlight for me from a great package from Victor Ruiz & D-Nox on the ever reliable Sudbeat.
Released: 28/9/15
3. KatrinKa – ‘Beauty (Rafael Cerato Edition)’ – Chapter 24
‘Beauty’ is taken from a collection of new “editions” of tracks previously released on Chapter 24. My favourites on the package are the two versions of tracks from Danny Oliveira’s ‘Stargazer’ EP, which was easily one of the strongest EPs of 2015 – the breakdown on the Someone Outside Edition of ‘Saikin Do’ needs to be heard to be believed). They didn’t quite work for this mix, sadly, but Rafael Cerato’s moody remix worked really well as a bridge from ‘Music’ to the next track…
Released: 23/10/15
4. Luis Junior – ‘Green Tag’ – Traum Schallplatten
On paper Luis Junior and Traum is a bit of a dream combination (if you’ll pardon the pun), and this release didn’t disappoint in the slightest. ‘Green Tag’ is a low-tempo and low-key track, but those shimmering, trancey melodies are just a delight.
Released: 7/9/15
5. Ziger – ‘Circles’ – Movement
Not content with releasing one of the most exciting and memorable progressive EPs of the year already, Ziger is back with this excellent track, full of motoring basslines, rich percussion, and ethereal vocals.
Released: 12/10/15
6. Tilt – ‘We Are The Wolf’ – Stripped
‘We Are the Wolf’ sees Tilt in melodic progressive house territory, creating something beautiful with burbling motifs, emotionally-charged key changes, manipulated vocal sounds, and sweeping pads. Electrifying, buzzing synths add new textures in the middle section of the track, and all of the elements come together for a fitting and satisfying finale.
Released: 28/9/15
7. Lucefora – ‘Dusk Til Dawn’ – 238W
Argentinian producer Lucefora is a new name to me, but the sequence after the main breakdown in this track just has me hooked – all the musical elements of the track suddenly cohere, and for 45 seconds everything just levitates. Those are the kinds of moments I’m always on the lookout for.
Released: 12/10/15
8. Michael A – ‘Hemisphere’ – Perspectives Digital
Michael A just seems to be getting better and more assured with each new release. He seriously brings the heat on ‘Hemisphere’, with hypnotic synths and a shuddering bassline making this track the highlight of an exceptionally strong ADE sampler from Darin Epsilon’s excellent label.
Released: 12/10/15
9. Khen – ‘Secret Shining (Jamie Stevens Remix)’ – Lost & Found
This is simply stunning – Stevens tagged it as #techprogepicness when he posted a clip to soundcloud, and that’s pretty spot on. A pulsing bass and intricate, chattering hi-hats kick us off, with distorted cellos and a twisted, futuristic bassline setting the scene for a slightly more percussive take on Khen’s central melody to creep in on top, to breathtaking effect. Just before the 4 and a half minute mark, the track suddenly empties, allowing the melody and the cellos to really come to the fore – bliss. This is a exhilarating interpretation of Khen’s track – it’s very hard to imagine anyone doing a better job here.
Released: 9/10/2015
10. Datametrik – ‘Azote (dubspeeka Remix) ‘ – Selador
I’ve been a fan of some of Willy Real & David Prap’s output in the past, but I like the new, slightly tougher material that they’re delivering with this project even more. dubspeeka’s remix isn’t quite in the same league as his first one for Selador, but that’s a pretty high ceiling – this is rock-solid, heavy, and deeply atmospheric.
Released: 14/9/15
11. Just Her – ‘Silence’ – Constant Circles
This was the debut release on Just Her’s new label Constant Circles, and it’s one hell of a debut, and a serious statement of intent for the label. Musically, it reminds me of Him_Self_Her’s stunning remix of ‘I Know Change’, but actually I might like this even more – the combination of the pulsing bassline, delicate melodies, and plaintive vocals is just perfect.
Released: 3/8/15
