Ayia Napa 🐚🍸✨

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Anchor Point EP

Waves & Wavs (feat. Lizwi)

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Crosstown Rebels’ sub-label Rebellion returns with a fourth instalment of its ongoing SOULS series, with fresh tracks from a selection of exciting, up-and-coming talent.

Curated by label head Damian Lazarus, Rebellion’s excellent SOULS series has always transcended sounds and scenes to dig deep into the most forward-thinking new electronic niches. It has a deeply embedded spiritual theme, like most projects with which Lazarus is associated, and this volume again connects the dots between a number of innovative producers from across the globe.

Belgrade and Mykonos-based duo MĪMĪ x FY open up with ‘Robotic Mode’, linking with Estray for a silky synthlaced house cut that goes deep into a cosmic future. The deft chords, spoken words and sci-fi signifiers enrich the groove perfectly. Brazil's Vini Pistori is next with ‘Hypnotized’, a scintillating fusion of pixelated melodies and bright, starry-eyed chords over a drawn-out and languid groove that is perfect for the late-night hours.

Frequent collaborators MILI and Hoomance then step up with ‘Casa Mama’, a playful cut with a carnival feel thanks to the characterful horns which bounce about over the crisp drums. It's a track full of soul and sunshine that captures the joy of dancing outdoors. Israeli-born DJ and producer OMRI closes things with the rubbery bass and skewed synth futurism of his off-grid percussive masterclass, 'Funk Rhythm.’

Another taste-making statement from the label and Lazarus, Rebellion presents SOULS Vol.4 is loaded with the sounds of tomorrow across another excellently curated package.

Vini Pistori - Hypnotized

A new artist to the Particles roster, Amir Telem's music is not defined by genres, instead placing an emphasis on a "deep sense of connectivity to something higher". This approach has seen his work signed to a host of impressive imprints including UV Noir, Timeless Moment and Everything Will Be OK. His Particles debut opens with the title track as the popping percussive cadence provides the opportunity for a shimmering arpeggio and deep sustained bassline to shine on "Sweet Longing". A beautiful piano sequence adds to the melodic collage in emotive fashion before a brassy synth makes its play. Extending the melodic phrasing post-breakdown, a fizzing vibrant energy characterises the impressive piece.

An artist with a bold and growing reputation, BLANCAh continues to dazzle from her home in Florianópolis. Through her own Hiato Music and a wealth of tracks featuring on Timeless Moment, Sprout and 2020's full-length "Arias of Sky" for Renaissance", the Brazilian has flourished. A single remix for Petar Dundov marked BLANCAh's Proton Music debut as she joins Particles with a suitably powerful offering. Reworking "Sweet Longing", the BLANCAh rework creates a driving dancefloor groove with a syncopated bassline and fizzing top-line. Building in intensity, the melodic themes of the original are innovatively retained while extended outward in glorious new direction creating an elegant new remix.

Mariner + Domingo require little introduction; both excelling at their chosen artform. Renowned DJ's and producers, the pair have a rich history between them. Almost a double century of production credits bear witness to that fact as the US duo have seen their work feature on the likes of Sound Avenue, Balkan Connection and The Purr. Regulars on Particles, March 2021's "Azimuth" was followed by "Lose Control" two months later. Further bookended by remixes for Izzet and Petar Dundov, the pair now return with a typically deep and evocative remix of "Sweet Longing". Making strong use of the melancholic sustained bassline of the original, Mariner + Domingo have created a slightly more stripped back affair that revels in a deep atmosphere and sonic landscape. Making excellent use of Amir Telem's remix parts, an exquisite new chord progression is added to the production arrangement to create a sumptuous dancefloor gem.

Directed by Jay Epoch
A&R by Marina Gerardi
Mastered by Cid Inc. BLANCAh, Mariner + Domingo
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

So Loud (Careless Whisper Rmx)

Gaby Zgheib