A State Of Trance - part 2

The KiNK Collection

PSYCHEFUNK (feat. Aki Bergen)

Cloud Generator is the last weapon created by Bulgarian wizard KiNK. Powerful, dark and poisonous, the track released on the 23rd of March appears as one of the best recordings since the beginning of the year. Often quoted for being a monster on stage, KiNK demonstrates us his talents as a producer too.

KiNK - Cloud Generator

Known as globally touring DJ and the man behind OFF Recordings for many years, 2016 sees a massive changes for Andre Crom. He embarked on a journey in many ways, physically (from Berlin to Barcelona), musically (from house to techno), and artistically, from being primarily a DJ, to becoming a full-fledged music producer.  

After years of global touring, mostly based on heading a wellknown label, and having coproduced a number of club hits, Crom realized that - few exceptions apart - the foundation of becoming and staying an internationally relevant electronic music artist, is to become a really accomplished producer with a trademark sound.  He soundtracks the summer and autumn of Catalunya's capital with two chord-heavy cuts between techno and house. 
"Estiu", is an uplifting piece of classic house music, evoking memories of dear 90ies-anthems, perfectly suited to accompany festivals and open airs all through the summer.  "Aestas" consists of similar ingredients, but takes them decidedly more towards techno, resulting in an intense and functional peaktime tool with a hypnotic edge.

The two tracks are another snapshot of the rapid development of Crom's solo production career, and spark the interest for what comes next.

Andre Crom - Estiu

Perfect Blue

Perfect Blue (Solar Movement Bangin Mix)

Under The Sea / Surrounding Me

Under The Sea (Sebastian Brandt`s Zela Remix)

Surrounding Me (Original Mix)

Under The Sea (Original Mix)

Absolute-Ly / Dolphins Cry

Dolphins Cry (Original Mix)

Pan-Pot – Solace EP [SNDST023]

Beatport: http://btprt.dj/2g3wt8O
Vinyl: bit.ly/2f8DTon

1: Pan-Pot – Solace
2: Pan-Pot – Consequence
3: Pan-Pot – Lose Yourself
4: Pan-Pot – Lose Yourself (Marcel Fengler Remix) [digital only]

After nearly a year since their sophomore album 'The Other', Pan-Pot return home to Second State with a stunning EP showcasing the duos proficiency for composing dynamic, cutting-edge Techno. 
Over the span of three tracks, 'Solace' EP navigates through a trifecta of distinct styles that unquestionably bear the mark of Pan-Pot's masterstroke. Kicking it off at a breakneck pace is the title track 'Solace' with rapid fire low end and intense tones laying the bedrock for a wildly uplifting presentation of keys creating the ideal balance between opposing forces. 
Up next is 'Consequence' which see the duo team up with Martin Eyerer for a newly styled trip down memory lane. By pairing key elements of the sounds of early Pan-Pot and contemporary production, the trio have succeeded in conceiving a fever inducing, big room hit. 
Rounding out the EP is 'Lose Yourself' and it is by far the most grandiose of the trilogy. Lush pads and soaring sonic stairs build toward a zenith as the ceaseless chant of "lose yourself" escorts the traveller through an elated dream. 
To top it all off, Pan-Pot personally enlisted the expertise of IMF's label boss, the mighty Marcel Fengler. With an astute awareness, Fengler weaves the original artifacts of ‘Lose Yourself' into a truly unique orchestration of rugged percussion and euphoric abstraction. 
Although it's been a year since we last saw Pan-Pot on Second State, once you experience 'Solace', we think you'll agree, it's good to have the bosses back home.

@pan-pot
@martineyerer 
@marcel-fengler
@secondstateaudio

Solace

Pan-Pot - Solace

Temptation

Temptation (Denga & Manus Remix)

As an artist with already a lot of very successful material to his name, Rodriguez Jr.’s debut album Bittersweet is a highly anticipated release. There are in fact many reasons why people should hold their breath for it - an impressive 11 track body of work that features some of the well renowned and loved Rodriguez Jr. sonic traits, as well as a lot of new and previously unchartered musical ground. It simultaneously presents techno, atmospheric dub, hypnotic, melancholy and hands down hedonistic music, and with a focus on exploring textures and moods, there is something here for everyone to get lost in.

Rodriguez Jr., aka Oliver Mateu, was originally introduced to music through radio in the south of France, where he closely followed a selection of 80s bands, as well as forming a strong love for synthesizers. It wasn’t long before he was inspired to start his own group with partner Giles Escoffier ‘The Youngsters’, which quickly signed to Laurent Garnier’s F-Communications, taking them to some of the biggest clubs and festivals around the world. After great success, the project was put on hold and over the last five years Mateu has been given the space to focus more on his solo work and finally the opportunity to create an album.

In spite of his French origins, both Olivier Mateu's artist name and productions lean more towards his father's Spanish roots, with a Mediterranean warmth and party atmosphere often coming to the fore. Bittersweet, however, embodies influences from all over the world. Inspired during recent trips to Japan, Canada and Europe, the voyaging Rodriguez Jr. accompanied by his laptop lay down ideas in hotel rooms after playing in clubs and absorbed the different environments around him into his work. With each country creating a new experience, his touring has played a big part in the variety of tracks that are presented here.

Whilst the spice of Bittersweet was captivated in far away places, the main body of the production of the album was carried out in Mateu’s hidden away studio in Belgium, filled with many loved pieces of analogue gear and synthesizers. Ranging from the Roland TR909, for a classic house drum feel, to the Korg MS10 for dirtier sounds, and a selection of Roland keyboards to choose from, “I am definitely a synth fetishist! Ahaha!” (Rodriguez Jr.). Each has contributed in Rodriguez Jr.’s quest to create an artistic project of the highest quality and creativity that he is capable of, with outstanding results. He has also drawn on the creative input of two musicians who are featured in two of the tracks – And.Id playing his trumpet and Cari Golden’s vocals.

A masterpiece that truly reflects the Rodriguez Jr. of today, it also offers us enough variety and surprise to keep us inspired by this ever-evolving artist. Reflecting on the tracks Bittersweet refers to the contradictory forces at play within the music – it may be beautiful and it may be sweet – but be careful of the party animal it can unleash both in the creator and within all of you present on the dancefloor!

Bittersweet

Music Dont Lie feat. Cari Golden

Music Dont Lie feat. Cari Golden (Snippet)

RECONDITE - Levo

Dolphins Cry (Original Mix)

Absolute

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