Back catalogue: Progressive House

Review: There's something unavoidably magnetic about the intersection between ambition and self-awareness and this release, by Charonne, Nemo Vachez, Umberto and T Oceans, knows exactly how to tap into that tension. With each track, there's an undeniable undercurrent of both vulnerability and swaggeriproducers twisting minimal beats into something far deeper, dragging you through shadows with a mix of melancholy and movement. You feel the weight of their collective sound but also their defiant lightness, straddling the line between introspective and dancefloor-driven music. It's a textured, driving release with an ever-present air of mystery.

Review: he North Macedonia label Pirka releases its fifth album and features four excellent tracks by the longtime producer Vincent Casanova. Things begin with the addictive melodic burner 'Mikey's Attic", which has a great balance of being futuristic with being retro enough to get everyone to the dancefloor. 'Euphoria' is bit more reserved but deeper. The track sneaks up on you as rhythmic elements continue to change and evolve under this excellent bassline. The track is carefree and fun that makes for an enjoyable time. On Side two, 'Strike' is more up-tempo jam that we cannot get enough of while 'Lush Void' might be our favorite of the bunch. This spacey romp into the cosmos is not only beautiful but it feels in constant motion like you are on a magic carpet ride. This EP has something for everyone!

Review: Impressively wide and etheric new minimal / prog tech house from Italy's Toto Chiavetta, who returns to Mind Against's HABITAT sub-imprint with 'My Eyes Are Falling'. Rarely do we hear progressive house artists indulging such futuristic sound-palettes, if not for the fact that such sonic and textural detail often naturally spurs artists into more abstracted explorations away from dance music. But Chiavetta reins this impulse in, and keeps firmly rooted in the dance world by way of mega-surrounded breath-voices (courtesy of singer Trenton) and stratospherically catchy synth evaporations. Everything here, too, from the unpredictable, grid-flouting synthwork of 'The Sacred Space' to the ensuing remixes of the title track, sounds just as exo-worldly as the occult lifeform portrayed on the front cover.

Review: The new four-tracker from Chicaiza through Kimchi Records is decidedly impressive, finding reams of emotive expression in a knowing, but well-wrought gaudy-trance rawness. We clock we're in for a trippy one from the off; 'Frgil Bodies' hears an opening vocal natter with the intonation of a leprechaun under the influence of some lab-bought compound; and not long before the crudest of crude yet rudest of rude drum flows ensues. Then 'Metaphorical Nihlusiions' follows with a continually janky, but frankly wicked still, tunnel-toss through noetic synth flicks and gurglingly good bass groundings, throwing shade on false nihilations in the process. The understory opens up considerably with 'Shinobi', with trophic psychic layers and bushwalking sproutings-forth, culminating in a canopied trance lead atop. Finally, 'No Way' flushes an excess of chitinous, skin-shedded beats and leftover bass nacres, depositing them on the forest floor like lap-up fruits ripe for the taking.

Review: Some would deny that sound could be at all malevolent, or carry an innately evil intent. Greek techno producer Cirkel Square may think differently; his latest red-label EP for Ukrainian imprint Jerelo makes the argument quite clear that since sound does not exist without an ear to receive it, and a subject to perceive it, all sound is thus subjective. Its emotional contents are as contingent on the presence of a human mind as is the capacity to hear the sound itself: if we hear a sound, we cannot avoid ascribing it an intention. Cirkel Square, meanwhile, refrains from bad philosophy of this kind and draws on Ancient Greek mythology to inform his tutelary four track EP, each of which is named after the Greek gods of time, hell, war and hell again. The Greeks believed in four "sinister harmonies", and Cirkel Square has finely tuned each track to conform to each of said grave frequencies, to harrowingly electric effect. It's not all doom and gloom, though: make it to the end for the calmest balm in sound there is here, 'Persefone's Whisper'.

Review: Guy J's new alias Cornucopia experiments quite readily with progressive house and techno, veering atmospheric and immersive. Made up of two tracks which fans have been eagerly awaiting for years, 'Remember Me' spans an array of melodic plucks and even warmer grooves, crafting a super-hypnotic haunter. 'Early Morning' evokes the tranquility of sunrise, with Guy J's signature groove and dextrous production proving meticulous, though still easy on the ears. Both tracks exude extra warmth, as do most sonic hugs.

Review: Serbian DJ & Producer Igor Radosevic, known as Cosmic G, joins the E&X roster and serves up the label's first release of 2024. With a string of successful releases on labels like Haws, Goddezz & Neptune Discs, Radosevic has become a key figure in the progressive house and trance scene. This EP backs that up and features two originals - 'Human Spirit' which rides on feel-good and warm rays of synth goodness and 'Infinite Balance' which is a deeper cut with mind-melting pads. Alongside those are remixes by emerging French talent Clint, who injects raw energy into each of his renditions.

Review: Beyond the Outer Limits by Cult of the UFO is a new solo recording produced by Anthony Barker of Overlords of the UFO.

Due to Anthony being an integral contributor to the music of Overlords of the UFO, the four tracks maintain the trademark retro analogue sci-fi vibe of Overlords of the UFO, although with a more contemporary edge.

This is the 3rd release by Enlightenment Records.

Review: You might have caught onto German label Synq with their release of John Dimas' Rave Wave back in 2020, and now the label finally kicks back into action with a various artists release which widens the scope of the label. DJ Gus leads the way on the A-side with 'Toxic Dementor', a throbbing workout taking cues from Italo and Hi-NRG while retaining the cool demeanour of a modern day club track. Lis Sarroca throws down a dreamy electro beat on 'Solstice' and Voodoos & Taboos brings the heat to 'Press One' before Cosmic JD cleans up with the trancified wig-out 'Soft R@ve'.

Review: This compilation delves into the depths of electronic music, showcasing a diverse range of artists who blend retro influences with futuristic sounds. It's a captivating journey through hypnotic rhythms, atmospheric textures, and captivating melodies, with each track offering a unique perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music. Kosh's 'Back To The Future' sets the tone with its pulsating energy and nostalgic synth lines, while Christopher Ledger's 'Steady Process' creates a mesmerizing atmosphere with its hypnotic rhythms and evolving soundscapes. Reflex Blue's 'Super Sweet Feeling' injects a dose of Italo-disco-infused energy, its infectious melodies and driving bassline guaranteed to get bodies moving. Luca Attanasio's 'Mystery Freak' closes out the compilation with a darker, more experimental vibe, its haunting melodies and intricate textures leaving a lasting impression.

Review: It could be said that the work of Aussie label Anjunadeep doesn't really get the spotlight it deserves. It's been serving up some fine deep and progressive house sounds for many years now, serving as a launch pad for artists like Dusky amongst others. This new album from former pizza delivery driver CRI is a follow-up and spiritual successor to his debut album Juvenile which was also released on this label. It was written while traveling across the world and features the return of collaborators Jesse Mac Cormack and Sophia Bel, a spot from London hip-hop duo Everyone You Know, and the soulful tones Klo Pelgag as well as indie-folk trio Half Moon Run.