Australian talent is abundant within the underground dance community and with a rapidly evolving industry reputation, one need look no further than GMJ. Continuing his Proton Music odyssey with a debut solo EP, "Sovereign Reality" finds its mark.

A man of multiple production personae and multiple talents, Gavin Griffin has continually impressed from his Melbourne home on Australia's beautiful south-eastern coast. As a DJ for over two decades, Griffin has seen his skills behind the decks in demand across his homeland, as well as a host of international events. Finding even greater notoriety in recent years, it is with Griffin's GMJ soubriquet that a distinctive and mature production sound has provided considerable success, built upon a "passion for deep spatial atmospheric music".

Thus, over a double century of production credits sit proudly beside the GMJ name as his work adorns the catalogues of some of the finest underground imprints. Indeed, the Australian owned Vapour Recordings became an early home as the 2010 "New Dawn/Contrivation" EP saw remixes from Dousk and Jamie Stevens before further success was found on Stripped, Dopamine and Balkan Connection. A regular on Particles with original work that includes success with the 2014 "Edge of Remembrance" and "Forgotten Wisdom" EPs, collaborative work with fellow countryman, Matter, has led to two original EPs for Proton Music, in May 2016's "Superposition" and June 2017's "Osmosis". Collecting support from the likes of Eelke Klein, Marc Poppcke and Barry Jamieson en route, it is with genuine delight that we welcome GMJ with his first solo original EP for the label after a warm-up remix of Nocturna's "Pigmental" in April.

The "Sovereign Reality" title track is infused with the characteristic GMJ rhythmic flair as an intricate percussive groove and deep, rasping bass note, are joined by coruscating arpeggio melodies that scud across the stereo spectrum in counterpoint glory. Emotive chord progressions through pulsating choral pads bring texture and substance, as a stripped back breakdown adds further intensity and emotion. Building to a rousing crescendo, melody and rhythm then converge once more in the third movement to dramatic effect.

Partner track, "Push Through" continues the effervescent sound of its predecessor as a hypnotic riff sits perfectly against ticking percussive cadence and pounding beat. A sympathetic bass line creates an additional layer of depth while a filtered vocal sample provides an ethereal air that works in perfect tandem with airy pads, pulsating and panning gently across in waves. Rising at the midpoint breakdown, the second half once again builds a mesmerising momentum with its collage of sculpted sounds.

Firmly rooted in the present, GMJ's "Sovereign Reality" is a regal affair that radiates out through space and time.

Directed by Jay Epoch
A&R by James Warren
Mastered by Cid Inc.
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

Sovereign Reality

Push Through (Original Mix)

Buy on Beatport

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