The second release from Astral Records finds the label welcoming Nohak for his debut EP. Based in Lyon, the French artist has been a fresh name in the melodic house and techno world of late. 2020 proved to be Nohak’s best year to date, notching releases for Infinite Depth and Somatic Records, while receiving play and support from Tale Of Us and Oostil. Now following an EP for long standing Awen Tales, Nohak makes his much-anticipated Astral debut with ‘Diamonds’. 

Beginning with ‘Call Of Universe’ Nohak continues to explore the darker narratives for which he has become known for. A tough, machine gun style groove sits at the foundation, while crunchy rhythms and arpeggiated fragments fill in the framework. Both energetic and mysterious, it’s flair for the dramatic grows as icy overlays and astral meanderings lead to an expansive break. Spanning well over a minute in length, the storyboard then shifts with emotive chord changes and glowing atmospheres providing a sense of cosmic reflection, before getting washed away into a sea of pulsating grooves and fiery percussion.

The title selection ‘Diamonds’ sits as a perfect complement with it’s symphonic synth driven narrative. Following a gorgeous breakbeat intro the creation shifts into a robust 4/4 section highlighted by haunting vocals and astral sonics. Dramatic yet emotive, the centerpiece gently builds as breathy wails and wispy effects converge for a glowing apex as the beats drop for a commanding finish. It caps off an inspired EP from Nohak, making for a brilliant debut on Astral Records.

Diamonds

ASTR002

Nohak - Diamonds [Ãstrαλ] [Snippet]

Darkness Is Your Friend (Original Mix)

With 'Storm' we welcome ANMA & Aves Volare to ICONYC featuring a couple of fantastic remixes courtesy of Sean & Dee and Eric Rose who bring us their take on the duo's new single. ANMA & Aves Volare have developed a universally loved unique style; a dynamic, groovy, deep and hypnotic fusion of genres that perfectly fits in any kind of club or open-air festival. The duo's releases have always received high acclaim - with support across the board from the who is who is in the world of electronic music.

ANMA & Aves Volare know a thing or two when it comes to mind blowing productions, as they deliver an irresistible track that kicks things off nicely with the melancholic vibes setting the tone. They roam effortlessly through progressive inspired melodies, while the sultry chords sit wonderfully on top of the driving percussive foundation. The duo takes it up a notch by introducing Aves Volare's vocal work, whilst upping the flow with cleverly programmed drumming and his trademark FX elements, without destroying the essence of the main groove. Their work deserves to be branded 'essential' in any sense of the word.

On remix duty we welcome back label all-stars Sean & Dee after their hugely successful recent releases. Sean & Dee who are known for their driving and refined sound, keep the ethereal theme of the original alive, as the pulsating bass powers along, before its drum fills and general drive all combine to do the talking. Like something from yesteryear yet sounding totally fresh - This massive touch up takes the energy quantities up a level and increases the drive with stripped back and lucid elements, before the energetic groove creates a blanket of warmth that will put a smile on your face.

The second remix comes courtesy of Eric Rose, who brings a more uplifting edge to 'Storm'. His rework creates a good feel vibe from the word go, as the atmospheric and driving vibe keeps you moving with warm tinkling sounds, a smooth edge and some nicely effected sounding pieces that keeps building to culminate into a lovely melodic groover. We basically have the formula for a bit of a monumental outing. The sparseness is the key here, as this restrained gem works its magic while it plays away, creating a stunning glow. 

With the talent on offer, ANMA & Aves Volare's 'Storm' manages to deliver a message of sustained musical relevance in emphatic fashion to warm the soul. Not to be missed!

Catalog Number: #NYC010X
Release Date: April 9th, 2021

© 2021 ICONYC All Rights Reserved.
For more information or news please visit: www.iconyc.org

Storm

ANMA & Aves Volare - Storm (Original Mix)| ICONYC NYC010X

Astral Records continues a strong start by welcoming Paul Angelo and Don Argento to the label for their first EP. Hailing from Cyprus, the much loved duo have been regular contributors to parent label Movement Recordings, having appeared there seven times since making their debut in 2017. Often walking the line between melodic house and techno and progressive house, Paul and Don have become fixtures in Beatport's sales charts of late with a string of impressive outings via Clubsonica Records, Timeless Moment and UV. Now making a welcome debut on Astral, the duo presents a three-track showcase entitled 'Icarus'. 

Working well with the label's ethos Paul and Don lean closer to the melodic house and techno side of their studio repertoire. The title selection 'Icarus' sets the tone with a pulsating, hypno groove and a simple yet foreboding arp. Stripped and tense in equal measure, the duo build drama across the first act with rising modulation, percussive splashes and a backdrop of prophetic pads. Opening up during the main break, a wave of atmospheric swells rises momentarily, gently teasing the senses before getting pulled back in favour of the deliberate groove and meditative structures. 

'Daedalus' follows with a further lean towards astral techno territory. Although perhaps best known for their peak time creations the track furthers the sentiment that Paul and Don are equally adept at crafting more subtle, refined selections. Smooth and rhythmic in all the right ways, spacious percussion and cosmic arps descend over the rippling foundation, as haunting overlays add colour and texture at opportune moments. Expanding across a one-minute centrepiece, trippy synth clusters sit at the emotional core of the track, elevating mood before eventually getting washed away in favour of the main arp and a compact groove.

Rounding out the release is 'Phaethon' which finds Paul and Don exploring another unique amalgamation of techno grooves and astral aesthetics. Backed by a rippling foundation and tight rhythms, it's fluid drive quickly becomes infectious. Billowing stabs and trailing effects offset each other nicely, as the romping beats build momentum across the first act. Icy tones strike at opportune moments leading into the main break, adding additional depth as its hypnotic drawl saturates your senses during a dramatic final movement. It rounds out a superb Astral Records debut for Paul and Don, who continue to expand their creative scope with the 'Icarus' collection.

Icarus

ASTR003

Paul Angelo & Don Argento - Daedalus

Paul Angelo & Don Argento - Icarus

Paul Angelo & Don Argento - Phaethon

April the 23rd meets a young Spanish artist and producer - @frannzmusic to deliver his two tracks release to our very first imprint of Pillar Records Label hosted by Miss Monique (@alesia-arkusha) and @radiointense!
"Pandemium" track is inspired by an idea that arose as a result of the isolation that produced one of the quarantines we carried out in Spain. The track progressively advances with enveloping elements that makes it more interesting and full until a subtle synthesizer sound is incorporated, wanting to transmit a creative alarm simulation with its sound, winking at the state of alarm in which we found ourselves. at that time of production. 
"Shadows" is a track that arises in a time similar to Pandemium, a little later where, already in the middle of the pandemic, I try to capture with a deep and linear groove how we are entering an oppressive environment and uncertainty where it makes us think where we are and where we are going in the middle of the pandemic.
Enjoy!

Pandemium

Shadows

Frannz - Shadows (Original Mix)

ORIKA & Taruun-Tremor (MELLON PLACE RECORDS)

After Kollaps-Thought (Mellon Place Records)

Antoine Pete - Exciting Glow

PREMIERE

Support the artist if you enjoy the music ♥

⁍ Artist: @sophijanofc
⁍ Track: Nuria (Original Mix)
⁍ Label: @parquetrecordings
⁍ Release Date: 05/03/2021
⁍ Buy: tinyurl.com/y4d6khd6

About the release
Hello, hello! Lake Avalon is back on Parquet with "Frontier", this time in cooperation with dutch producer & DJ Tom Zeta. Sophijan with his first solo single "Nuria" and promising dutch newcomer duo Convolute with "Isn´t love important" (Early support by Fideles in their "Grand Sofar Hotel" stream by Late Knights) completes the fantastic PARQUET235 release! Enjoy!

parquet235

Nuria (Original Mix)

Beatport

PREMIERE: Sophijan - Nuria | Parquet Recordings

Ãstrαλ comes "of the stars"... an ecstatic, mystical out-of-body experience, wherein the spiritual traveller leaves the physical body & travels in an astral body onto ‘higher’ realms.

Meaning ‘of the stars’ - Astral can be thought of an ecstatic, mystical out-of-body experience, wherein the spiritual traveler leaves the physical body & travels in an astral body onto ‘higher' realms.
A fitting description for the musical blueprint of the label which looks to showcase the best in contemporary melodic house and techno. Holding down the A&R duties is Paul Anthonee who has been operating at the heart of the genre since it’s early beginnings..

* An official part of Movement Music Media Production MMM Limited (CY)

* Demo Policy: We only accept Exclusive, Private Soundcloud Links

Paul Angelo & Don Argento - Icarus

Astral Records

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