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FUNKFEST

Peak

A welcome returning figure to the Meanwhile Roster, Mike Rish is no stranger to success. With numerous cross-genre hits under multiple aliases, his own name sees him reach rarefied heights in the Progressive House genre with work signed to Hernan Cattaneo’s Sudbeat Music, Guy J’s Lost & Found and Praveen Achary’s Juicebox Music.

December 2021 saw a Meanwhile debut with the sublime 3-track “Beyond” EP, while April 2023 witnessed a standout reworking of Jamie Stevens’ “Storm Front”. Returning for a second outing, his latest triple tracker opens with the funky rhythmic backdrop of “GT”. Using an intricate percussive arrangement to provide a club-friendly foundation, a swathe of stereo-panned textures and synth effects meander across the opening movements, accompanied by delay-infused vocal cuts. A smooth arpeggio adds a touch of traditional progressive drive at the breakdown and beyond, while a further synth motif blossoms in the second half to sit alongside the rasping and explosive bassline.

Continuing the effects-laden narrative, “Shoreditch Funk” quickly makes its mark with a woodblock infused percussive top-line. Stereo-panned pads and saw-tooth synths pulsate in dizzying fashion while a grooved bassline adds dancefloor ‘funk’. A cascading arp makes its presence felt, pitching in freeform oscillator glory at the break, before continuing unabated in detuned fashion throughout the second half. The result is a vibrant sonic collage that bristles with verve and innovation.

The final track witnesses another meticulously conceived rhythmic arrangement throughout “Reka”, with a subtle bass sequence providing dancefloor sensibilities alongside a heavy 4/4 beat. An acetylene-torch lead mesmerises with its glissando phrasing while a glassy motif combines with gently pulsing pads that swim enticingly in smooth juxtaposition. Continuing themes redolent in previous outings, a beautifully imagined synth phrase syncopates in exquisitely cadenced rhythm alongside percussive counterparts. “Reka” then evolves into a delicately conceived melodic jewel in the latter stages.

“GT / Shoreditch Funk / Reka” continues to find Mike Rish very much at the leading edge of modern and pioneering Progressive House.

Kaiki - 3

Dew