4. Tonaco - Setentrional (Original Mix) by meanwhile published on 2022-08-02T02:28:22Z Following the success of August 2021’s debut compilation series, and a first volume featuring six original tracks from a stellar cast of international talent, GMJ & Matter now return with a thoroughbred 10-track sequel in “Meanwhile Excursions, Vol. 2”. Presenting a global dance party with artists from across the continents, from North and South America to Europe, Australasia and Asia, the second instalment of the “Meanwhile Excursions” series combines an array of established talent with up-and-coming nubreed artists who shine a bright light on the progressive house genre. Opening with the deep bass groove of “Negev”, Colombian star, Golan Zocher, and label head-honcho, GMJ, blend their talent with a delicate ambience that shimmers across its 8-minute time fame with textured pads and flowing soundscape. Mango Alley favourite, Forty Cats continues with the smooth sounds of “Mutualism” as hypnotic rhythms and bass groove propel things forwards, while Andrés Moris creates club-friendly force via “Owen’s Dream”. Full of emotive chords progressions and twinkling arpeggios, a pulsating bassline makes for a beautifully assured debut. Redolent in intricate percussive groove and juxtaposed with sumptuous synth arrangement, Tonaco’s “Setentrional” is a rhythmic tour de force that only pauses for breath at the beatless breakdown, while Dowden’s first of two offerings is a typically impressive offering with “Halstatt” glittering via earworm motif that melds with freeform counterpoint sequence as it evolves through a flurry of white-noise fills and mesmerising presence. A slow-burning jewel that combines strong rhythmic force with running bassline presence, “Retro” finds Ivan Aliaga showcasing an evolving melodic tapestry that waxes and wanes with ease, while “Misanthropy” is another rhythm-fuelled affair that demonstrates why NOIYSE PROJECT is a name currently on the lips of the progressive cognoscenti with his club-friendly groove and ear for melodic emotion. Moving forwards, the low-slung groove of EMPHI’s “The Box” helps to generate a brooding wall of sound that builds in tension-filled phases that rise and fall in ever-evolving synth work and stereo-panned white-noise effects. The second track from Dowden see him join forces with Meanwhile’s other co-founder as the immaculate production credentials of Matter see beautiful piano phrases glitter across “York”, fully exposed at the mid-point where reverb-drenched and delay-soaked chords vie for space with a dynamic rhythmic backdrop and ticking hi-hat percussion. Ending as it starts, smooth melodic patterns flow from the fingertips of Gorkiz and Distro in cascading layers of dreamy sonic passages that create a coruscating mosaic of sound atop the blistering rhythmic energy of “Staring at the Sun”. A 10-track trip through the sound of modern progressive house, “Meanwhile Excursions, Vol. 2” is a journey to remember. Comment by João Alberto 🚀🚀🚀 2022-09-05T22:44:32Z Comment by Lotus sonzeraaaa! 2022-08-02T13:32:33Z