Joonas Hahmo- Sahailua

About:


It has been quite a while since we reviewed a progressive house release, while at the same time, it has been ages since Hahmo Recordings last shelved out a release. "Sahailua" by Joonas Hahmo-- latest from Finnish  label, Hahmo Recordings-- freshens up our palate for some good old kickin' Finnish progressive house! Not just that, get ready for a rock-solid remix by Timo Juuti & Hector87!


Sounds Like:


Joonas Hahmo adapts, but never sells out. Throughout the years, musical trends have changed most especially in the progressive house scene, but Joonas Hahmo has lived through them all by bringing all those trends together and turning them into his imprint sound. Same goes for "Sahailua", the track that can rub elbows with current chart-toppers like Avicii, David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, while at the same time keeping that trademark euphoric Hahmo sound-- stabbing pianos, soaring synths, and a crisp atmosphere!


Fellow Finnish producers, Timo Juuti and Hector 87 vow to take over the world with their combined efforts. Their remix on "Sahailua" is a grinding disco-influenced banger that will show no mercy when it comes to aggressive riffs and smashing bass!


Recommendation:


It's just so good to hear these guys again, and "Sahailua" was just the perfect progressive house fix to get us back on track. For the recommendation, it's pretty much a no-brainer: get both tunes!

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DJ Generous- Burning In

About:


"Burning In" is not just another release on Green Mono Music Studio. Aside from it being a release from the big boss of GMMS, "Burning In" is, more importantly, the commemorative release celebrating the 30th birthday of Dima Worcestershire Jr., aka. DJ Generous! "Burning In" also falls onto the hands of a Turkish producer who definitely is no stranger to us-- we are talking none other than Sezer Uysal with his guise, Spennu!


Sounds Like:


The original mix of "Burning In" pretty much comes in with a steady, straightforward groove, effortlessly maintaining a cadence with its colossal kick drums, snappy claps, and punchy hats and shakers. But what is more interesting with this piece is the progression from an interplay of filtered vocal samples, thick dense bass, and alternating echoing stabs-- and how this interplay transitions to a euphoric big-room feel with its soaring lead synth and the ever-levitating mod chord setting afloat.


Spennu only knows one language, the sacred language of deep house music. Sezer once again unveils his unmatched deep house skills under the Spennu guise and comes up with a perfect counterpart of the original version of "Burning In". Crisp synths, deep head-nodding bass, and that unmistakable glowing chord really bring out the chic and smooth side of "Burning In". 


Recommendation:


It's been almost a month since we have been listening to this release from GMMS. Since day one, it was clear to us that "Burning In" release really deserved a review. The original mix is just great, a deep-sounding release from DJ Generous caught us off guard, and the Spennu remix really walked the talk-- honestly, Sezer Uysal is the perfect guy for the job.


Excellent!

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Stan Kolev & Juan Mejia- To the Clouds (Part 1)

About: 


Stan Kolev-- a serial Beatport chart-topper, a world-renowned Miami-based progressive house DJ and producer, and a certified globetrotter-- needs no introduction anymore. If you guys can still remember, "Emotional Content" was the Stan's first artist album, released in 2007 under Ready Mix Records. This time Stan returns to shore with a brand new collaboration with Juan Mejia-- label manager of the legendary Dutchie Music (and Grouper)-- entitled "To the Clouds". 


"To the Clouds" is, in fact, a two-part release from Ready Mix Records: this first installment features the original version, two remixes from label owner Adel Ghandour aka. Big Al, and Beat Factory (Big Al plus Levente Szabo). The second part, however, will be released next week-- really impressive line-up of remixes-- but we'll keep it a secret for now!


Sounds Like:


The original mix of "To the Clouds" features the perfected trademark sound of Stan Kolev-- haunting melodies, hypnotizing vocals and well-known "heart-quenching" synths. Not just that, this original version also caters a fascinating bassline that seemingly "lifts us from the ground and takes us higher into the clouds" and that dash of glimmering arps that gives us that brilliant stellar feel. 


Going not too far from the ground, Big Al unleashes the first of two remixes, the "Big Al's Deep Dub". This one in particular brings together heavy piano stabs, a low groovy bass, and some warm rhodes to balance the atmosphere. "Big Al's Balearic Mix" on the other hand also caters the similar elements of the previously mentioned version but highlights a Balearic-inspired electric guitar solo that really gives "To the Clouds" a touch of soul.


The last remix in the package is from Beat Factory, a project of Big Al and Levente Szabo. Aside from its excessive use of punchy percussion and stabs (in a constructive manner), the Beat Factory Remix also showcases its heavy chunky bass that effortlessly adds extreme dance-value to the track! Tight and sweet-- this is the remix by Ghandour and Szabo will definitely make it out to the venues.


Recommendation:


On to the verdict... This release as a whole is definitely above average. From the production quality to the undying creativity and propagation of groove, "To the Clouds" part one may just top charts this season.  


All tracks are definitely of good selection, but the Beat Factory remix is that one sick track that we would not even think twice in testing on the dance-floor. 


Watch out for part 2 next week! That you will really enjoy, take our word for that!

READ MORE - Stan Kolev & Juan Mejia- To the Clouds (Part 1)

Domestic Technology- Sun Valley / Studio 77

For the very first time on Macarize, we get to hear sun-drenched nu-disco tracks from Russia’s Igor Butckhrikidze aka. Domestic Technology! Igor has appeared on Macaize for quite a number of times now and has showcased to us his ever-changing sound-- from progressive to downtempo. “Sun Valley / Studio 77”, however, marks a brand new chapter in Domestic Technology’s career on Macarize as we get to hear his own interpretation of nu-disco!

“Sun Valley” and “Studio 77” both cater funky metallic bass that essentially dictate the groove. Aside from which, cool and smooth pads swing side-by-side as the synths take over with melodies of bliss. “Sun Valley” and “Studio 77” are two wonderful tracks to enjoy during sunny winter days.

“Sun Valley / Studio 77”, the latest release from Igor as Domestic Technology proves that no matter which genre you put him in-- whether it may be downtempo, progressive house, or even nu-disco-- he can pull it off!

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Lunarbeam- Horoscope

Macarize unveils its latest release on the label-- “Horoscope”, the glimmering moonlit three-tracker from Lunarbeam! And of course, given this melodic progressive track, remixes from Domestic Technology and Mindset can be expected to bring out the best of both worlds.

“Horoscope” is truly a masterpiece, not just as a single track, but as a package itself. The poignant and timeless sounds showcased by Lunarbeam as well as the remixers, Domestic Technology and Mindset have once again been and will be appreciated by the people behind Macarize, and most especially by you. This is “Horoscope”-- now unveiled and now ready to be enjoyed by listeners around the world.

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Allan V- Albinos / Smoothie / Iris

It’s time for some blissful progressive house once again on Macarize, and the one in charge this time is a newcomer Allan V! Having new names debut on the label is something that the guys on Macarize always look forward to, for new artists spell out new exciting sounds for their listeners. “Albinos / Smoothie / Iris” is Allan V’s debut release on the label-- and for this one, delightful melodies are all that matters!

Allan V firstly showcases the thundering side of his productions as heard on “Albinos”. Although a track of high energy, “Albinos” still manages to put in a quite emotive breakdown to balance things off.

Now on to the smoother side of his tracks, “Smoothie” and “Iris” completes the release as the second and third track respectively. The sound of “Smoothie”, from the title itself, is already a giveaway-- it’s not that hard to imagine, really. “Iris”, on the other hand, is the paramount of emotion in the release. Fragile piano melodies greet you at the breakdown for “Iris”, and Macarize just made sure that this track would make it to the release!

This week on Macarize is the debut of Allan V with his three track release, “Albinos / Smoothie / Iris”!

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Thomas Feijk- Hi

If you’ve been waiting for this release since that day its sample had been uploaded on Macarize, then your long wait is over! Macarize proudly presents another release of paramount quality and delight-- “Hi” by Finland’s one and only, Thomas Feijk! In its early days on promotion, “Hi” has already received tons of positive feedback and support, most especially from the trance superstars Above & Beyond as they played “Hi” on Trance Around the World. With remixes from Ayleon, Mindset, and Mick Elsa, “Hi” definitely is one of the biggest and most-anticipated release on the label!

From the genial original mix that caters emotive pianos and electrifying bass, it’s not that hard to predict a line-up of remixes just as crafty as the original. First remix is from the mystical duo also from Finland, Ayleon-- everything they touch turns into gold. True enough, the Ayleon remix is something you just can’t leave behind!

Jay Ardrey aka. Mindset and Mick Elsa also contribute their respective big-room renditions of “Hi”-- and the results are beyond measure!

The wait is finally over-- “Hi” by Thomas Feijk is out now on Macarize!

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Labtracks- Dance With You

Taking on their productions at full-force, Finland’s upcoming progressive house superstars, Labtracks, is back on Macarize with their shiny new release, “Dance With You / Miami White”!

Splendid use of the vocoder on the vocals for “Dance With You”, which is why you can actually call this track as one of the first “vocal” tracks Labtracks has ever produced! Aside from it, “Dance With You” brings to life the unmistakable “late night city cruising” vibe perfected by the duo ages ago.

“Miami White” is the perfect progressive house track for glam city rollers! With its sparkling sounds and its happy-go-lucky vibe, “Miami White” truly embodies the essence of Labtracks.

“Dance With You / Miami White”, another stunning release by Labtracks on Macarize-- the more appearances they make on the label, the more we fall in love with their sound!

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Matao- Time Flies

Bringing his crafty progressive house imprint on Macarize for the very first time with the release, “Time Flies”, Marat Matao or simply Matao pulls the trigger and unleashes massive rock-solid yet uplifting sounds straight from Moscow! Macarize knows best, and that is why for remixing duties, Kobana, one of the most versatile progressive house producers ever, had been assigned to take one for the team!

Crafty is head-nodding stabs, deep rolling bass, and serene uplifts. This original mix of “Time Flies” truly captures the true essence of the timeless progressive house vibe! For the Kobana remix, expect something new. Kobana, known for his frequent innovations in the field of EDM,  puts together the bliss of progressive house and the wobbling bass of dubstep.

There is always something fresh on Macarize-- new releases, new artists, new sounds, but the one passion for unadulterated progressive house music remains. “Time Flies”, Matao’s debut on Macarize, is out now!

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David Folkebrant- Motion EP

Flying higher than ever, Sweden’s David Folkebrant is back on Macarize with a gravity-defying three-tracker entitled, “Motion EP”! David has been around even in the early days of Macarize, and his ever-changing sound is always something to look forward to. As the 22nd release on the label, “Motion EP” is a stunning collection of David’s sound— both new and old.

Sweep through the clouds with the first track of this release, “Movement”. “Movement” brings to life uplifting progressions, heavenly melodies, and a delightful vibes— now this is what a comeback sounds like! Without hesitation, David lines up “Drifting”, a mind-levitating and smooth-flowing progressive wonder as the second track of the release.

Last but definitely not the least; we have “Traveller”, a track that embodies David Folkebrant’s classic sound: starry melodies, drifting basslines, and dreamy soundscapes!

David Folkebrant is one of those few talented producers who can flawlessly adapt to new sounds while still remaining faithful to their roots. Macarize celebrates David’s return with this three-track release, “Motion EP”!

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Outlook- Stay Here

Through the eyes of this Macarize newcomer, the world is a place where reality is in perfect harmony with melody. We are, of course, talking about Tom Newman, the driving force behind the melodic progressive act, Outlook! As a 20 year old producer from England, Tom has been heavily influenced by the likes of Dinka, Mossy, and EDX to name a few. His budding yet promising sound has finally found a place on Macarize and can now be heard in his debut release, “Stay Here / Among the Stars”!

Indulge yourselves to “Stay Here”-- a sweet piano-led track to start things off! Something fresh awaits you as the second and last track in this release. “Among the Stars”, aside from it being very melodic, is a tune that will definitely turn any bad day into a good one!

Humble beginnings and simple joys, this is the story of Tom Newman aka. Outlook. With “Stay Here / Among the Stars” being released on Macarize, things just got a little sweeter on the label!

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Mindset- Yuu / Jakarta / Andromeda

Following his successful debut on Macarize-- “Manhattan by Night / Chasing Sunsets / Lovers Shadows”, James Ardrey aka. Mindset rounds up another heartwarming and uplifting release entitled “Yuu / Jakarta / Andromeda”. These three brand new tracks from Mindset will once again open the portal to his enchanting world of sky-high melodies!

Soaring high faster than the speed of light, “Yuu” comes in as the first track of this release with a very climactic sound. From Manhattan, where he had left off since his first release, Mindset now ventures off to the tranquil lands of Asia with his track “Jakarta”. Finally, “Andromeda” brings the release to a close with its delicate sound.

Mindset takes us back to his world with three stunning tracks as heard in “Yuu / Jakarta / Andromeda”, his latest release on Macarize!

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