A seasoned professional with a long history at the top of the underground music scene, Hot TuneiK has regularly hit new heights on Particles and Proton Music. Launching a new series in February 2020, ‘Heightened Senses’ provided five stunning original tracks. Now continuing the series, ‘Vol. 2’ combines three original tracks with two majestic remixes from industry high-flyers.
Opening proceedings, the dark and ominous soundscapes of ‘All the Divinity of Life’ begins a rich sonic narrative as a heavy beat and effects-laden top line form the basis for symphonic strings to filter easily in and out of range. Vocal textures from Jahsun Abrasax Masik coated in delays and reverb add a powerful aural statement. ‘Between White Spirits’ provides a hypnotic rhythmic vehicle on which dark and ethereal synth swirls pan the stereo spectrum while a growling bassline adds gravitas. Evolving delicately, new synth patterns emerge in freeform psychedelic patterns that Pink Floyd would have been proud of. The third track sees ‘Pads of Heaven’ ooze quality as tight kick and open/closed hi-hat combinations sit perfectly atop of a head-shaking bass pattern and sympathetic toms motif. Aptly titled, richly textured pads and subtle arpeggiated sequence add weight in the second half.
UK artist, Dan Orsen, has been a growing phenomenon with his impressive portfolio of music. A resident artist on Cid Inc.’s Replug where he also heads-up A&R duties for the blue-chip imprint, the Austrian-based artist’s solo and collaborative material for Replug finds him regularly traversing the upper reaches of the Beatport Progressive House charts. A quintet of remixes for Proton Music since 2016 have seen reworkings for the likes of Roger Martinez and GMJ and Matter showcase Orsen’s attention to detail and immaculate craftsmanship. Now returning with a typically high-caliber interpretation of “Awake feat. Amega“, Orsen’s play on the distinctive bassline so prominent in the original provides a firm foundation for a storming progressive reworking that powers forward with a glittering array of synth lines and echoes of Amega’s vocal cuts. Building into the second half with ease, a powerful merger of rhythm, bass, and melody supply a dancefloor character that is certain to fill clubs in the summer months of 2021.
Another artist with a long and distinguished musical history, Stas Drive has continued to push the boundaries of underground house and melodic techno with a distinctive and powerful musical vision. The spotlight has fallen on the Ukrainian’s contribution to Proton Music with the “Abyssal” and “Dogu / Satori” EPs in 2018 and February 2021. A trio of remixes for Roger Martinez, Navar, and Soulwerk have provided another insight into Stas Drive’s musical soul as he now returns to remix “Equilibrium”. Using the core melodic themes of the original as a launching pad, Stas extends the rippling arpeggios in powerful new directions with angular effects and a mesmeric sonic collage. Using a wealth of new production material that shines brightly at the breakdown in majestic melody, the second half erupts with power and dynamism to create a work that is a testament to Stas Drive’s skill and ingenuity.
A trio of tracks highlights Hot TuneiK’s developing talent while remixes from Orsen and Stas Drive evoke further “Heightened Senses”. You can now listen to the full premiere of Orsen’s remix exclusively on When We Dip. Enjoy!
Release Date: May 21st, 2021. Buy Here
Follow: Orsen // Hot TuneiK // Amega // Proton