Andy Moor, Somna & Linney-More Than Love [AVA Recordings]

 

 

"AVA Recordings", the record label established by English DJ/Producer "Andy Moor", was created in order to house some of his own productions as well as releases by a plethora of artists that have a lot to say in the world of dance music, using their ability to craft purely addictive music, letting it be their voice in the world we all inhabit. Over the years we have heard a fair amount of gems. Many of them have resonated deep within us, attaining a piece of our soul even after all these years. 

 As the three hundredth and fiftieth release on the label was a distant mirage in the horizon it was only fitting that it had to be something truly special to celebrate this musical milestone. Andy got together with fellow co-owner of "AVA Recordings" and DJ/Producer "Somna" to collaborate on a very special track, one that would combine their musical tastes, influences and intricate sounds. Being a vocal tune they had in mind it made sense that they had to obtain the right person for the job and indeed they did in American Singer/Songwriter Caitlin Linney, known under her artist name "Linney". Being on the rise for quite some time with tracks such as "Yesterday" (with "Gareth Emery" and "NASH" or "Closer To You" (with "Maratone"), she was the perfect piece of the puzzle for supplying her vocals and songwriting skills to fit the emotional soundscapes they all wished to enter. The result was the marvelous "More Than Love" which is of course released on "AVA Recordings". 

 Peering in we encounter vocalized drums that shape the path ahead alongside dramatic effects and frantic fills, reverse vocal snippets and buzzing basslines. Majestic melodies follow dressed elegantly with the sheer emotional and downright hopeful vocals supplied by Linney herself. The combination of Linney's story telling skills and illustrious vocals alongside the dreamy, aspired melodies supplied by Andy and Somna is like something out of a fairy tale. A magical, almost unreal journey into a world where anything may occur. "Shatter the dark with a million stars", let hope and good will prevail even if the obstacles ahead may appear as high as mountains. The journey may be long and perilous but love will find its way throughout the darkness and shine radiant and bright like the mighty sun. 

 The trio have painted a musical masterpiece complete with emotional landscapes, breathtaking melodies and undeniable mental imagery. Much more than love was needed to create this one!

Released:29/1/2021

Label: AVA Recordings  

https://www.beatport.com/release/more-than-love/3247873 

Federation-Just Like You [Feed The Moth Recordings]

 

A couple years back a dance music project unlike any other made its dramatic appearance leaving the dance music world in awe. "Federation" was the name and it certainly shook the waters, bringing a fresh perspective to the scene and how we all had perceived dance music up till then. Three creative minds were behind the project: Rich Mowatt, better known under his artist name "Solarstone", Ben Lost, one of dance music's most distinct male voices and Dave O' Sullivan. These three discovered the winning formula of incorporating a rock essence into the ever evolving world of electronica. Their straightforward thinking and unique ideas are what separated them from the masses and in turn gave birth to several hit singles that I am certain most of you have heard championed by some of the scene's finest such as "Paul Oakenfold" himself. "Synchronized", "Black Tide" and "Innocent Desire" went on to win the hearts of many due to their dark essence, aggressive rock attitude and hypnotic vocals supplied by Ben as always. At the height of their success they just vanished into thin air with only rumors circulating about a possible comeback. The project's absence was dearly noted and this year they decided it was time for a comeback. It is with great joy that we welcome back "Federation" and get to enjoy yet another enigmatic single from these talented folks. 

 Their new single is called "Just Like You" and is released on their home label "Feed The Moth Recordings". "Federation" enthusiasts may begin to rejoice as the team have not forgotten their winning formula for success. All the big sounds and effects you love from their previous work are here in full. Expertly executed guitar riffs, a dark intoxicating atmosphere, scattered effects in abundance and of course Ben's signature vocals that float in a ghost like fashion through a number of nefarious patterns, infectious basslines and abysmal melodies.

Brace yourselves for yet another voyage into Federation's dark, wild and wonderful world.

Released: 18/1/2021

Label: Feed The Moth Recordings   

https://www.beatport.com/release/just-like-you/3243318 

Dustin Husain pres. DH-The Adjudicator [Coldharbour Recordings]

 

 

 

American DJ/Producer "Dustin Husain" has been on a rise in the scene over the past years. His recent body of work on labels such as "Rielism", "Flashover" and "AVA Recordings" have been catapulting him directly to the forefront on the scene itself, turning heads while doing so. Attaining support from some of the biggest stars of the scene has been acquired while Dustin continues to thrive, letting his music speak for itself. His recent ventures have lead him to new territories such as "Markus Schulz's" esteemed "Coldharbour Recordings". For this particular outing he casts away his usual formula and sound we know him for by swapping it for a new one in which he clearly showcases his niche for the darker, moodier side of things. "DH" is his alter ego in which he proves that he can play in the field with the best of them. His brainchild dubbed "The Adjudicator" finds its rightful place on "Coldharbour Black", younger sibling of the label and home for all things dark and dreary.

 "The Adjudicator" is filled with a dark, sinister atmosphere inhabited by spooky male vocal snippets, buzzing synths, widely scattered effects, eerie, spine tingling melodies and an authoritative narrative. Throbbing basslines lay at the very core of the track while each aforementioned element makes its dramatic appearance in orderly fashion thus completing the pieces of the unfinished puzzle that lays out before us. This is a track wrought from darkness which will work wonders on future dance floors during those pesky 3AM sessions.

Released: 6/11/2020

Label: Coldharbour Black  

https://www.beatport.com/release/the-adjudicator/3179425 

Kamaya Painters-Wasteland (Nifra & Fisherman Remix) [Coldharbour Recordings]

 

How does one reinvent a classic? Many fans or artists even are often skeptical when seeing a beloved track of yesteryear given a second life through a rework by the original artist or perhaps a remix by someone new. The key is to find the artist suitable for the job at hand. Someone that will pay proper homage to the original while at the same moment enhance its winning qualities while instilling his own ideas within. The track in question is the timeless treasure "Wasteland" by none other than dance music project "Kamaya Painters", the fellowship by Dutchmen "Tiesto" and "Benno De Goeij" of "Rank1". It would make total sense that the task would be passed on to a fellow Dutchman to take the beloved anthem to new heights and so the honor was laid upon Isaac Vissers better known under his artist name "Fisherman". For the joyous labor at hand he enlisted fellow artist and soul mate Nikoleta Frajkorova, widely known to the dance music world as "Nifra". This mighty remix is out on "Markus Schulz's" acclaimed label "Coldharbour Recordings" and has been supported on many shows already.

 "Fisherman" and "Nifra's" latest labor of love is a track many will undoubtedly be mesmerized by. From early on we are thrust into a world wrought with furious leads which rush like a whirlwind through the core of the track, bringing a sort of high sprung intensity and extra amount of tension to it. The utterly recognized melody which blossomed within the original is here in all its glory, shining bright like a beacon beckoning us home through the dark and stormy night. Followed by supercharged leads supplied graciously by the duo, it is elevated further, bringing this beloved tune to the highest heights imaginable. 

 A brilliantly executed remix that will easily turn heads when played out at any festival, club or radio station alike. "Fisherman" and "Nifra" prove to be a powerful team on and off the stage!

Released: 13/11/2020

Label: Coldharbour Recordings

https://www.beatport.com/release/wasteland-nifra-and-fisherman-remix/3181356  

Illuminor-Anyone But You [Amon Vision]

 

 

There are plenty of DJ/Producer duos in the dance music scene as of late and I for one am glad to see artists working together as a team  with the results of their endeavors being nothing short of amazing, Prime examples of duos like this are most definitely "The Arkham Knights", "Yoshi & Razner", "Mind Of One", the list goes on. Another DJ/Producer duo you may want to keep an eye out for or ear for that matter is dance music outfit answering to the name "Illuminor". These guys from Perth, Australia have been flying high, have a nice assortment of releases to prove it plus amazing performances as well, the last one being alongside Dutch DJ/Producer sensation "Marlo".

Their newest release takes them to home turf Australia. "Anyone But You" is the name and released on "Amon Vision", a label with a bright amount of carefully selected releases. This one is no different as you will quickly witness further on. 

Playful claps sway in harmony as if romantically inclined to the deep, vibrant flavors of the chugging bassline. Wistful melodies appear to break through the clouds, spreading a sort of unearthly radiance and all in positive atmosphere illuminating the whole world around us step by step. "Kyau & Albert"-like male vocals appear in the middle bringing forth a large sentimental value as emotions arise like the tide among a sea of beautiful enriched, enchanting leads. Lush, emotional tuneage that would melt the iciest of hearts. If one version was not enough to wet your appetite then this added bonus should do just the trick. "Chris SX" from Germany is called to remix duties and it is a brilliant addition to the release. The "Chris SX Remix" shifts things to a higher gear, keeping the beloved elements of the original while implementing his own euphoric tendencies being of course a challenge within itself. "Anyone But You" gets a supercharged uplifting trance makeover, flooded with an air of tribal vocal chants taking us all to sunny far away lands by the sea while a fusion of breakbeat and uplifting grooves blossom like a rare flower within. 

Both versions will easily excite the fans to this excellent release.

Released: 13/11/2020

Label: Amon Vision

https://www.beatport.com/release/anyone-but-you/3182106 

 

Iona Coast-Tuvalu [Coldharbour Recordings]

 

2020 was a year of ups and downs for most of us while the dance music industry and in particular the arts and entertainment were hit harder than most. Always searching for the brighter side of things, we have been fortunate to witness the unearthing of many new emerging talented artists. One of them is most certainly American Ryan Kopka becoming steadily known through various aliases such as "Rydavik" and "Neon Discharge". On his latest outing he has joined forces with a name many of you would find familiar: Mike Targanski aka "Elevation". Together they are "Iona Coast". Their newest production was so well received, it was instantly snatched up and signed to "Markus Schulz's" record label "Coldharbour Recordings" and showcased on the newest installment of the iconic DJ mix compilation, "In Search Of Sunrise 16" on the CD mixed by none other than "Markus Schulz" himself. I am of course referring to the elegant, poignant and majestic "Tuvalu".

 Playful claps, steadfast basslines and intriguing melodies are there to shake up our senses from early on. Like an ocean wind fresh and vibrant unharmed by years of pollution and industrial life, it encircles us all, reviving our tired souls by the utter freshness of the cool, clear, majestic melodies that are expertly intertwined with an array of regal choir segments. Our bodies already begin to feel lighter, much like feathers floating on an invisible wind, carrying us all on an ever building wave of sound towards that magical destination carved out in one and all's mind: Tuvalu. A place where we can behold moments of leisure and infinite serenity.

Dynamic, rhythmical and adventurous aural landscapes crafted wonderfully by Mike and Ryan here who have already captivated our imagination with this one, leaving us longing for the next chapter of this grand tale.

Released: 9/10/2020

Label: Coldharbour Recordings

https://www.beatport.com/release/tuvalu/3140652 

VaNISH-Underground Anthem [Perfecto Records]

 

One of the artists on the rise in the dance music scene is without a doubt Rezwan Khan, more commonly known under his artist name "VaNISH". Having released a string of hit releases on labels such as "State Control Records", "Redux Recordings", "Appointed Recordings" and "Heaven's Gate" among others he is riding the freight train on his road to success. His latest release brings him to legendary record label "Perfecto Records", owned and curated by none other than dance music superstar and renowned artist "Paul Oakenfold" himself. It is appropriately dubbed "Underground Anthem" and upon only a few seconds of play the we easily discover why. This tracks screams "underground" as it is solely embedded into the very essence of the track itself.

 We are swiftly transported into a dark and murky atmosphere which unfolds gradually with every step we take. As we tread upon the black soil looking up towards the ominous, bleak sky we feel lost and oblivious to all. Eerie voices attempt to frighten us while we search for a path throughout the thick dewy grass and gray mists that surround our every move. Fearless we carry on when lesser mortals would easily have turned back, head bowed in shame. Ravens caw from afar piercing the deep silence, while an ever increasing wind makes its dramatic appearance as if on a vicious pursuit of the gray ominous clouds that have gathered high above. With the shrill howl of the wind in our ears we push on, determined to continue on our quest, seeking what we have come to obtain in this harsh terrain and this desolate, ruined and unwelcome land. We shall emerge victorious!

Painting eloquent imagery such as the one above appears to be Rezwan's forte. Solid basslines balanced amongst dark, ominous grooves wrought with mist and decay play the protagonist role in this tune while mysterious, spooky voices spice things up as daunting synths prepare us for the nefarious leads and clever breakbeat approach which completes this enticingly good scarefest anthem. Perfect for those slots towards the morning hours that call for a soundtrack much like this. 

Mass congrats to Rezwan for this underground masterpiece that blends the best of more than one genres such as techno and progressive. May he continue to prosper and bless us with his musical diversity and not simply vanish into the good night.

Released: 23/10/2020

Label: Perfecto Records  

https://perfecto.complete.me/underground