Clubsonica Records opens the new year by welcoming Lio Q, Anhauser, and Nicolas Leonelli back to the label for a new EP. Working collectively since May of 2018, the talented Argentinean trio flexed their collaborative powers with a well-received release via Antrim’s Or Two Strangers. This auspicious debut set the stage for their first Clubsonica offering ‘Sands of Time’, which landed in December of 2020 amidst praise and play from Hernan Cattaneo. Continuing to build a bond with the label, Lio Q, Anhauser, and Nicolas Leonelli now return to Clubsonica with ‘Lost Desert | Perfect Love’, alongside remixes from Paul Deep (AR) and Dabeat.
The release begins with ‘Lost Desert’ which finds the trio drawing on the peak time sensibilities of their repertoire. It’s tough, rolling groove commands a big presence from the outset, adorned with fiery percussion and electric pulses which drive momentum forward. Cosmic effects steal the air, building anticipation towards a series of melodic fragments, bringing emotional depth to the journey before initiating a heartfelt break. Cascading melodies and wistful atmospherics marry beautifully across the expansive interlude, building emotion with each successive pass, before eventually giving way to a thumping drop and charged finale. The companion piece ‘Perfect Love’ finds Lio and Nicolas operating as a duo and continuing the progressive tone set by its predecessor. Mysterious and mystical from the outset, a spacious groove sits at the foundation, as cross-cultural vocals and melodic fragments converge across the first act. The narrative shifts into more emotive territory as the main break commences, with the vocal emerging further, playing off striking tonal themes and buzzing effects, before effortlessly shifting energy into a glowing final act.
Returning to the label and providing the first interpretation of ‘Perfect Love’ is Paul Deep (AR). With a career that spans the better part of a decade, the Argentinean artist has compiled an impressive resume along the way, landing releases via All Day I Dream, Tale and Tone, and The Soundgarden. World-class DJs Lee Burridge, Guy J, Hernan Cattaneo and Nick Warren have all been steadfast supporters of Paul’s sound, which often sits in the creative space between progressive and organic house. Having been an integral part of Clubsoncia’s formative years, Paul provided two singles and a remix across 2016-2018. Now getting 2022 underway in style, the Buenos Aires resident makes a welcome return to the label with a stunning rendition of ‘Perfect Love’. Atop a warm, well-contoured groove comes devilish effects, neatly tailored percussion, and ethereal vocal gates. Emerging atmospheres add depth and space leading into the main break, phasing in and out of coherence as the full vocal sits gently below the surface. It’s a remarkable sonic marriage sure to captivate listeners and dance floors alike, before perfectly segueing into a buoyant final movement.
The release concludes with Dabeat returning to the label and providing the second and final interpretation of ‘Perfect Love’. Sitting as one of Colombia’s premiere progressive house talents, David Barragan aka Dabeat has enjoyed a steady rise since first emerging in 2008 with a release courtesy of Beatfreak Recordings. The next decade saw David perfect his craft with a sound that many describe as groovy, dynamic and emotional. Now laying claim to an impressive discography, the Santiago de Cali resident has showcased his music via Cid Inc’s Replug Records, Nick Warren’s Hope Recordings and UK behemoth Anjunadeep, while continuing to receive play and support from the genre’s premiere tastemakers. As a regular contributor to Clubsonica, David has delivered four remixes across the last three years, which now lead him back to the label with a powerful take on ‘Perfect Love’. Taking a cue from the original, Dabeat reshapes the groove for some added funk, while focusing on a dubbier yet equally emotive narrative. Timely chord changes provide an impassioned response, as arpeggiated fragments and wispy effects make for a colourful canopy of sound. Coming to full fruition during the main break, atmospheres begin to open up, rising triumphantly as percussive flurries and harmonic refrains unite for a powerful crescendo and exhilarating final act. An excellent interpretation from Dabeat, which caps off a sensational release for Clubsonica, who get 2022 off to a promising start.
You can now listen to the full premiere of Dabeat‘s remix exclusively on When We Dip. Enjoy!
Release Date: January 14th, 2021. Buy Here
Follow: Dabeat // Lio Q // Nicolas Leonelli // Club Sonica