Bringing together a talented quintet in an artistic trio, Russia collaborates with the US as Mango, Meeting Molly & Phonic Youth visit “Iceland”. A single remix comes from Dutch master, Alex O’Rion.

Mango needs no introduction to the dance music faithful. An iconic name with a rich history dating back over 15 years, his music for a plethora of imprints including ARVA, Anjunadeep, UV and his own Mango Alley, have seen over 400 production credits to his name. A comparatively new name to the underground dance scene, Meeting Molly has come a long way since a late-2018 debut for Incepto Music. A half century of credits for both Songspire Records and Monstercat have been complemented by work for Colorize and Black Hole before now arriving on GMJ & Matter’s imprint. The final debutant sees San Francisco trio, Phonic Youth, revel in their differing musical backgrounds with a clutch of releases sprinkled over a decade and finding their way onto the likes of The Purr, Purified and Monstercat Silk.

“Iceland” is a beautifully atmospheric offering that excites the senses with its shuffling hi-hats, heavy beat and evocative melodic phrasing. Spine-tingling vocals shimmer across the track in haunting and ethereal fashion as elegant piano notes complement the delicate lyrics. Marrying arpeggiated synth patterns with fizzing white-noise effects and a deeply grooved bassline, “Iceland” is a real tour de force of mature and modern progressive house.

A regular on Meanwhile with almost a score of original and remix production material, “Echium” in mid-2021 and “Solis” in late 2022, fully showcased Alex O’Rion’s unique talents with a raft of original music that illustrated why the Dutch producer is at the top of his production game. Remixes of GMJ & Matter’s “Gauntlet” and “The Path” showcased his remix skills as Alex O’Rion now debuts on Meanwhile Horizons with a typically imaginative and silky-smooth reworking that drives forward with a rolling groove and new rhythmic foundation as familiar keys from “Iceland” cascade gently across proceedings. A perfectly placed vocal refrain echoes the key lyrical theme found in the original before opening-up fully at the mid-point breakdown, while a sumptuous club-friendly backdrop of thickly textured pads and white-noise pads radiate in gently pulsing waves and a generous coating of reverb.

Full of atmosphere and vivid sonic landscapes, “Iceland” is lit up in iridescent glow by Mango, Meeting Molly & Phonic Youth.

MWH008 - Meeting Molly, Mango & Phonic Youth - Iceland (inc. Alex O'Rion Remix)

Launching their Meanwhile Horizons imprint with suitable flair in August 2021 with “Beyond The Horizon”. Initially through a quartet of sparkling tracks, GMJ & Matter return to the series with a second edition. Seven new pieces now showcase the talents of established and newcomers alike within “Beyond The Horizon Volume 2”.

Fresh from his “We Are One” EP for Nick Warren’s The Soundgarden, Zankee Gulati opens the compilation with the atmospheric “The Magic Spoon”. Redolent in rolling percussive groove and thickly textured pads, a rippling arpeggio paves the way for a laconic lead synth to meander across the 9-minute piece, taking centre stage at the breakdown. Typically deep and brooding, Meanwhile regular, Imran Khan, highlights a raft of production magic within “Serenity”. Immaculately woven sonic patterns meander across the aptly named track as modulated pads and layered sequences mingle deliciously together. A heavy beat and regular off-beat percussion add to the trademark mesmerising vibe.

Following up on September 2022’s “Space Walk” EP, Covsky joins forces with newcomer, Frais, as the pair hit the ground running with “Sands of Time”. Full of emotion, a wonderful sub-bass groove creates a flawless foundation for a suite of elegant melodic layers to weave an imaginative sonic picture, reaching a rousing crescendo at the mid-point before bursting into life in the second half. A Horizons debutant, Federico Puentes, paints an evocative aural landscape as “Autumn Leaves” delivers a meticulous percussive framework within which smooth motifs and breathy vocal counterweight, flow in repeated patterns. Pausing for breath to let the melodic elements shine, the second half continues to paint the vivid melodic patterns of earlier movements.

Another Meanwhile first-timer with releases on Mango Alley, The Soundgarden and Keyfound, Billka makes a powerful impression with his delicate “Promises”. A repeated bassline and synth motif belies its simplicity as emotion is built midway via sublime vocal sequences. Coupled with deep kick and light percussive air, the track flourishes to a masterful sonic conclusion. UK producer, Fabreeka, has witnessed an impressive rise to prominence since a 2019 debut for Mistique Music, and his “Dream Path” is full of innovative motifs that blend together to create the perfect symbiotic whole. Through strong rhythm and rolling hi-hat groove, the track reaches its zenith in the third movement to striking effect.

The final track sees GMJ return to familiar ground with his Qiam alter-ego. Making his debut on “Beyond the Horizon”, “Light Recall” is a masterfully produced ambient piece that glistens with sonic stardust. Deliciously textured pads modulate across the left/right spectrum, while discordant analogue synth patterns play out in pitched delays before powerful bassline and vocal effects lift the track through its latter stages. Intelligently imagined, a raft of layers delivers intrigue and innovation in equal measure.

Seven tracks of the highest quality capture the imagination “Beyond The Horizon Volume 2”.

MWH009 - V/A: Beyond The Horizon Volume Two

An established producer whose stock has risen consistently over a 6-year career, Imran Khan returns to Meanwhile Horizons with a full EP debut and his “Prowler / Big Sky / Hourglass”.

An artist whose music transcends the traditional progressive house tag, Imran Khan has presided over a deep and dramatic trademark sound that has seen him grace GMJ & Matter’s flagship imprint on multiple occasions since a 2020 remix debut. Going onto release the “Horizonz / Push Thru” EP in February 2021 and “Equinox” in October later that year, a sole outing on the Meanwhile Horizons sister label saw “Serenity” feature as part of the “Beyond the Horizon, Vol. 2” at the end of 2022. Now the UK artist returns with a musical triptych of the highest order.

Opening proceedings, “Prowler” immediately impresses with thumping beat and smooth sub-bass groove. A filtered percussion weaves a magical path while lustrous pads meander gently across the track in dreamlike fashion. As the rhythmic framework falls aways, beautiful sonic landscapes fill the stereo spectrum with a hallmark filmic quality, before the dynamic and dark rhythm makes its presence felt in the final stages.

A rolling breaks pattern sweeps across the opening refrains of “Big Sky” in an epic progressive breaks groove from yesteryear. An immaculately syncopated bassline sits within, as atmospheric pads coruscate in sonic waves that gently rise and fall. Building through a stripped-back breakdown, the various percussive and melodic elements combine in layers of sound before the titanic bassline groove returns once more. The result is an exquisitely crafted affair that maintains its rhythmic character to the last.

With seismic kick and whip-cracking snare, a swathe of melodic elements soon suffuses through “Hourglass”. A glassy motif hypnotises with melodic simplicity while a leviathan bass growl adds menace and depth. Redolent in delayed arpeggios that filter in and out of listener consciousness at the mid-point, the track lilts with consummate ease across its soul-stirring final movement as the melodic layers gradually drop away to reveal a meticulously arranged top-line.

A new dawn beckons over Meanwhile Horizons as Imran Khan illuminates with “Prowler / Big Sky / Hourglass”.

MWH010 - Imran Khan - Prowler / Big Sky / Hourglass

Welcoming a new collaborative pairing to Meanwhile Horizons, Jiminy Hop & Dofamine join forces for a debut EP in the shape of “Veresk / Yoke”.

An established figure within the underground dance fraternity, Konstantin Kuranakov continues to strengthen his reputation through the Jiminy Hop moniker. An accomplished DJ with production credentials to rival any, his music has been a fixture on such esteemed imprints as Plaisirs Sonores, Colorize and Juicebox Music. A pair of original EPs have followed on GMJ & Matter’s flagship imprint as March 2022’s “Johlin” and September’s “Levera / Agmoli” hit Meanwhile. A similarly impressive artist, Dofamine can boast almost a double century of production credits to his name dating back to a Stripped Digital debut in mid-2014. Since then, releases for Clinique Recordings, Bonzai Progressive, Suffused Music and Stellar Fountain have lit up the progressive house scene. Although remixing Jiminy Hop for Just Movement and Shambhala Music in 2016 and 2017, the duo now join forces for the first time to create a magical twin-track EP.

“Veresk” quickly establishes itself with potent percussive foundation and fizzing shaker pattern. Textured pads and free-flowing melodic lines create the sensation of warm dappled sunlight as they gradually build into longer sequences and coruscating patterns. Pausing for breath at a stripped back breakdown, white-noise swirls and rich sonic layers emerge unencumbered before the track hits its stride one more in the second half with a deep rolling groove and a new light synth motif.

A cavernous sub-bass and metronomic beat characterise the opening stages of “Yoke” as a pulsating white-noise backdrop sits perfectly against a shimmering arpeggio. Evolving easily, an emotive key change adds subtle dynamism as new melodic elements are introduced, not least through a beautiful piano sequence that extends into a sublime and atmospheric break. Gradually building once more with vibrant dance-friendly rhythm and subterranean bass, “Yoke” enters its third movement with a cast of complementary synth lines and smooth rising energy. The result is a powerful and impressive track full of poise and craft.

Showing rare talent and immaculate production skill, Jiminy Hop & Dofamine have come together to create a seamless partnership with “Veresk /Yoke”.

MWH011 - Jiminy Hop & Dofamine - Veresk / Yoke

Opening 2024 with a bang from one of the finest modern progressive house artists, Sebastian Sellares returns to Meanwhile Horizons with his “Uncertainty / Dark Omen” EP.

A producer with a century of production credits for a selection of premium underground dance labels, Sebastian Sellares has been a regular contributor to the likes of Anjunadeep, Proton Music and Dmitry Molosh’s Proportion. Appearances on GMJ & Matter’s Meanwhile have been centred around April 2021’s 3-track “Dunes at Dawn” with high-profile remixes of GMJ, Alex O’Rion and Ivan Aliga adding to an impressive portfolio.

Making his Meanwhile Horizons debut a year after first appearing on the flagship label, the Argentinean star now returns with a brand-new twin-track offering. “Uncertainty” is a brooding, gem that bristles with an industrial-sounding percussive groove. Developing with mute melodic phrasing, a powerfully sustained bassline note drives the track forward with immaculately placed pads and counterpoint motifs adding to the evolving sonic soundscape. With a beautifully conceived palette to provide a sense of unease and incongruity, the opening track is a powerful statement.

Continuing the industrial-sounding narrative of its counterpart, “Dark Omen” builds effortlessly with a strong sense of purpose and identity. Redolent in delays and reverbs, the atmosphere created ensures an uneasy intensity to the track as ticking shakers add a traditional club-friendly urgency. Repetitive motifs progress easily in parallel with a chorus of textures, effects and building pads. A strong bassline motif makes its play at the breakdown before things build once more into the second half; a sharp-edged stereo-panned effect creates a piercing sonic layer with the track showcasing another side to the Argentinean’s production persona.

Through a finely conceived and multi-faceted aural collage, Sebastian Sellares has discovered another winning formula with “Uncertainty / Dark Omen”.

MWH016 - Sebastian Sellares - Uncertainty / Dark Omen

Opening a new chapter in an already leading best-seller, GMJ & Matter launch a companion label to sit alongside their peerless Meanwhile imprint. Through Meanwhile Horizons, the Australian duo are set to focus on a more melodic and considered dancefloor sound with a liberal smattering of downtempo and chillout music.

A debut release sees a stunning quartet of artists take centre stage on “Beyond the Horizon”. Opening the EP, Maddy Hughes once again takes his renowned and revered Funkform moniker into the limelight with “Cosmosis”. Beautifully imagined, delicate textures and sonic waves wash over each other in delicious harmony as subtle motifs emerge out the aural collage. Building in delicate intensity, a chunky beat and airy percussive groove sit atop the 9-minute piece as the second half opens up with glittering arpeggio and an immaculate wall of sound.

Co-label founder, Matter, once again delivers another stunning performance with “Air Sand”, the first single from his forthcoming debut album on Meanwhile Horizons. A veteran of countless high-profile releases on the likes of Anjunadeep, Balance and Proton Music, the Australian provides a powerful backdrop of thumping beat and ticking percussive overlay as a rolling groove creates the foundation for an evolving array of sounds to blossom in the 10-minute sonic excursion. Always keeping the dancefloor in mind, a club-friendly middle section is a progressive house masterclass of layered melodies, vocal breaths and hypnotic plucked motif. Sandwiched either side by waves of atmosphere and texture, “Air Sand” is another Matter gem.

A stalwart of the progressive house scene for 8 years, Rafa’EL is another artist with a rich seam of high-profile releases to his name for the likes of Balkan Connection, Univack and Electronic Tree. Now making his mark on Meanwhile Horizons, “Julie” is a fluid, progressive house jewel that glitters through use of sparkling arpeggio and sumptuous free-flowing pads. The most recognisable club-friendly track of the EP, a strong rhythmic framework anchors the track while synthesised vocal sounds pitch delicately against layers of counterpoint motifs to create a spell-binding debut.

Debuting his new ambient and downtempo soubriquet, Meanwhile supremo, GMJ presents Qiam on the final track of the release. Already an iconic name within the underground dance fraternity with scores of best-selling releases on blue-chip imprints, “Dadradah” is a gloriously imagined track brim full of emotion and atmosphere. Within a beatless structure, thickly textured pads dominate as an emotionally charged bassline sustains throughout. Building to a spine-tingling crescendo over its 6-minute duration, a filtered arpeggio sequence opens up as delicate string motifs had further intensity in the final stages.

Stretching out into a golden dawn, “Beyond the Horizon” showcases an increasingly bright new future.

Matter - Air Sand

Funkform - Cosmosis

Already starring in a lead role on the Meanwhile roster, Luka Sambe now makes his debut on sister label, Meanwhile Horizons with his 3-track “Spy Games” EP.

An artist of notable repute and over 400 production credits to his name, Luka Sambe has come a long wany since a debut EP for Exclusive Recordings in 2013. Releases on Robert Babicz’s Babiczstyle, Hernan Cattaneo’s Sudbeat and Guy J’s Lost & Found have cemented the Australian’s status as one of underground dance’s leading lights as he continues to build on an impressive year and an August release on All Day I Dream’s “Summer Sampler 2021”.

Opening the musical triptych, the title track is a glorious combination of chunky groove and rich melodic juxtaposition. Creating an evocative atmosphere with waves of pulsating pads and subtle motifs, stuttered synth lines filter in and out of sonic range with copious amounts of delay. Building with ease, a searing lead enters the fray at the mid-point to create another layer of intrigue in the aptly titled “Spy Games”.

“Ruminate” continues the immaculate percussive groove as clipped hats create a head-shaking pattern atop deep kick. Progressing in delicate fashion, oriental inspired synth lines ripple forth in time-synced delay as a glassy freeform melody supplies a counterpoint phrase. Pads full of stereo width enter the fray at the mid-point providing further texture, before the track hits its mark once more in the third movement where rhythm and melody combine once more to devastating effect.

The final track is a glorious electronica offering that revels in ambient percussive effects that create a mesmerising backdrop of real-world sounds transformed into rhythmic patterns. Simultaneously, plucked synth motifs combine with string phrases and myriad textured effects to create a warm and luscious offering that meanders gently across its 8-minute duration in unhurried and evocative fashion.

Creating delightful musical tension through a variety of powerful melodic actors, Luka Sambe is making waves on the world stage with his “Spy Games”.

Luka Sambe - Linseed

Luka Sambe - Ruminate

Luka Sambe - Spy Games

RELEASE DATE 2021-11-05
LABEL Meanwhile Horizons
CATALOG MWH003

As Meanwhile Horizons continues to establish itself as a prime vehicle for electronic music and a considered alternative sound, co-founder, Matter, provides a career highlight with his debut full-length album, "Starchild".

In development for over two years, with a stellar cast of powerful and innovative tracks, Matty Doyle continues a journey that has seen him light up the electronic music industry's finest imprints with a distinctive sound via his Matter moniker. A veteran of such esteemed labels as Proton Music, Black Hole and, most recently, on Nick Warren's The Soundgarden with Dutch talent, Alex O'Rion, Matter has consistently served up a plethora of high quality original and remix material in both solo and collaborative guises.

Opening the 10-track magnum opus, the "Starchild" title track is an opulent blend of emotive chord changes and textured soundscapes. A 4/4 kick and hi-hat percussion at the mid-point provide a rhythmic anchor before the club-friendly "Chemical Therapy" warms with its ethereal vocal phrasing and upbeat melodic flow. Originally appearing on Meanwhile Horizons' first release, "Beyond the Horizon", the pulsating "Air Sand" finds its rightful place in the Matter canon as the laid-back rhythmic groove and effected vocal cuts of "So it Goes" maintains a fluid dancefloor character.

Pausing for a moment of serenity, "We Will Fade" reveals a kaleidoscopic array of layered textures that sit beneath a wave of free-flowing guitar sequences, before giving way to the chunky beats and rolling groove of "Lost in Seasons" that are juxtaposed against an evolving and multi-faceted sonic tapestry. "The Search" immediately impresses with it its heavily effected and side-chained phrasing, while a cavernous bassline paves the way for gloriously flowing and floating melodic sequences to reveal themselves in glorious depth at the stripped back breakdown.

The shifting cadenced groove of "Sundial" is the perfect vehicle for sun-kissed synths to wash over the 8-minute piece in blissful waves amidst imperceptible vocal hints. "Lucid Academy" continues Matter's penchant for opulent sonic textures woven in golden threads around a deep kick and offbeat hats; the resultant effect is a glorious sonic melange and diaphanous motifs. The closing track sees the beautifully arranged "Pacha Mama" take centre stage with its outstanding melodic sequencing and sympathetic bassline poise. Counterpoint melodies shine through and the result is a 24-carat reminder why Matter remains at the vanguard of the modern progressive house scene.

Looking upward into distant skies, "Starchild" is a reminder of the incandescent glow with which Matter lights up the dance music universe through a galaxy of musical innovation.

Directed by GMJ and Matter
Mastered by Cid Inc.
Design by Matter
Text by James Warren

10 - Matter - Pacha Mama

3 - Matter - Air Sand

2 - Matter - Chemical Therapy

1 - Matter - Starchild

A perennial favourite with his sumptuous production work, Sebastian Sellares now debuts on Meanwhile Horizons with the twin-track “Lost in Time”.

Forging an impressive reputation as one of the underground dance industry’s leading lights through an ever-expanding production portfolio, Sebastian Sellares continues to impress. Operating out of his Córdoba home at the foot of the Sierras Chicas, the Argentinean artist has made a name for himself with a sparkling array of original and remix production material. An accomplished guitarist from an early age, a move into dance music via house and techno ultimately led to a focus on the deeper rhythms and more considered melodic phrasing of progressive house.

This attention to detail and talent in abundance has led Sellares to a host of high-profile imprints that include Paul Thomas’ UV, the Anjunadeep behemoth and fellow countryman, Antrim’s Or Two Strangers. The “Jinsei / Zen State” EP on Proton Music saw a remix from Bedrock icon, Nick Muir, while the Sebastian Sellares contribution to GMJ & Matter’s flagship Meanwhile imprint saw April 2021’s “Dunes at Dawn” take centre stage. A remix for GMJ followed two months later while a further for Alex O’Rion followed in February 2022.

Now debuting on sister imprint, Meanwhile Horizons, the “Lost in Time” title track is driven by a gloriously intricate percussive groove that separates spaciously within the stereo soundstage. Gently pulsating pads herald a haunting motif that make its presence felt atop a deep bass groove, while a beautifully imagined guitar sequence ushers in a stripped back breakdown where melancholic chords and delicate string phrasing add to the aural collage. The complex rhythmic arrangement picks up the pace again in the second half, combing with the haunting melodic passages to wondrous effect.

Characterised by heavy beat and a superbly placed off-beat percussion that fires off somewhere over the listener’s left shoulder, partner track, “Afterglow” builds with a sustained pad holding court in the mid-range while a cavernous bassline provides a perfectly syncopated groove. Evolving in sonic waves, mellifluous piano motifs flow unencumbered across the 8-minute piece, drenched in delays and reverbs whose tails stretch off over the sonic horizon. Rising and falling with consummate ease, a breakdown full of meticulously placed elements provides the perfect pause before the track eases into the third movement with metronomic beat and heavenly melody.

Fully ensconced in the here and now, Sebastian Sellares has discovered an enduring melodic balance, “Lost in Time”.

Sebastian Sellares - Afterglow

Sebastian Sellares - Lost In Time

As sister label to the Meanwhile behemoth, the Horizons offshoot continues to expose listeners to a dynamic and varied sonic portfolio. Heralding a new release that captures the essence of the Meanwhile Horizons sound, Weird Sounding Dude now delivers “Passing Thoughts”, a sparkling musical narrative that navigates a clear path through the serene blue waters of glistening melody and rolling rhythmic waves.

A best-selling artist who regularly finds himself in the upper echelons of the Organic and Progressive House charts, Weird Sounding Dude is a favourite on esteemed imprints including Hernan Cattaneo’s Sudbeat Music, Nick Warren’s The Soundgarden and Armen Miran’s Hoomidaas.

Making his Meanwhile Horizons debut, “Passing Thoughts” encapsulates the Bangalore based artist’s penchant for chunky grooves and rich melodic layers. Evolving over a smooth 8-minutes, a syncopated melody sits snugly against the percussive top-line and 8th note bassline. Elegant chord progressions drift enticingly across proceedings, exposed fully at the beatless breakdown before the title track hits its stride once more in the latter stages.

“Doorway to Amatsu” continues the melodic and rhythmic foundation as an arpeggiated sequence sits perfectly atop ticking hit-hat percussion and powerful metronomic beat. Breaking up the mesmerising repeated motif, white-noise swells and beautifully constructed pads pulsate gently in sonic waves, particularly at the stripped back mid-point before the tracks picks up the pace once more in the second half.

The final track sees “Explorer To Mars” entice listeners with a smorgasbord of elegantly sculpted counterpoint melodies that captivate with a stunning and effortless vibrancy. A clicking percussive groove provides dynamism as it sits in exquisite harmony with shaker urgency and swung groove. White-noise risers add layers of atmosphere as another sonic marvel becomes a timeless classic.

A musical triptych flows with serene splendour as Weird Sounding Dude voices his “Passing Thoughts” to new Meanwhile Horizons.

Weird Sounding Dude - Explorer To Mars (Original Mix)

Weird Sounding Dude - Doorway To Amatsu (Original Mix)

Weird Sounding Dude - Passing Thoughts (Original Mix)

Meeting Molly, Mango, Phonic Youth - Iceland (Alex O'Rion Remix)

001 Meeting Molly & Mango & Phonic Youth - Iceland

Qiam - Light Recall

Fabreeka - Dream Path

Billka - Promises

Federico Puentes - Autumn Leaves

Covsky & Frais - Sands of Time

Imran Khan - Serenity

Zankee Gulati - The Magic Spoon

Imran Khan - Hourglass

Imran Khan - Big Sky

Imran Khan - Prowler

Jiminy Hop & Dofamine - Yoke

Jiminy Hop & Dofamine - Veresk

Sebastian Sellares - Dark Omen

Sebastian Sellares - Uncertainty

Soul music for new Horizons.

Meanwhile Horizons is the new addition to Meanwhile family, bringing you soulful melodic music for the dancefloor, lush organic tones, downbeat, ambient & more for new Horizons.

Meanwhile Horizons

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