Beginning the new year in style, Cid Inc's Replug Records welcomes GMJ and Matter back to the label for a two-track showcase. Based in Melbourne, the Aussie duo have been beloved figures in the global progressive house scene for over a decade. Having forged a distinctive sound which focuses on inventive use of melody and rhythm, the duo has drawn the lines between global dance cultures without adhering to any fixed formula. Whether operating in solo capacity or as a duo, GMJ and Matter have taken their elusive production touch to the industry's most esteemed imprints. From Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat Music and UK behemoth Anjunadeep, to Australia's long-standing Balance Music and their own burgeoning Meanwhile imprint, it's GMJ and Matter's storytelling style that continues to surprise and inspire even the genre's most discerning trendsetters. Replug has also served as a landing spot for the talented Aussie's, with the release of Matter's ‘Satori' EP marking his label debut in 2017, while GMJ first arrived in 2016 with a contribution to the label's Replugged, Vol. 2 collection. Now, fresh off their latest Meanwhile vehicle ‘EXT 135', GMJ and Matter land back on Replug to begin the new year with ‘Metanoia'. 

As a recent favourite of Replug boss Cid Inc, EP opener and title selection 'Metanoia' finds GMJ and Matter composing with a strong sense of space. Instantly seductive, its looping hypnotism and subtle musicality never fail to command your attention, driving each other into a whirlpool of spiralling emotions, making for a flexible club track that bends between scenes while injecting vibrant energy into the dancefloor. Rich atmospheres, effervescent percussion and dubbed out tones are at a premium across the eight-minute excursion, with each sound being an event in a slowly expanding landscape, zooming out to reveal a world of scale in which depth and contrast coax perfectly with rhythm and melody. 

Moving forward to selection two, GMJ and Matter masterfully synthesize their talents into one singular meditative vision that is 'In Bloom'. Building with a subdued pulse, its smoky resonance eventually gives way to melodic experimentation, where textural and structural dimensions blanket subterranean wobbles and tightly knit percussion, resulting in a profound mood setting experience. Thematically distinct throughout, the duo's misty melodies are haunting and highly memorable, ringing out in timeless suspension across a mood lifting break, before segueing into a utopian finale that resonates with a rare combination of hope and reflection.

The 'Metanoia' project is a fantastical journey across a vivid electronic cosmos, one where GMJ and Matter carefully balance technical vision, with thought-provoking musicality and elaborate rhythmic sequences, making for a two-track affair that brings us closer to knowing the enigmatic duo, while continuing to live in the mystery of their design.

Text: Release Promo
Mastered by: Cid Inc Mastering
Design By: Dan Orsen

Metanoia

Metanioa

Buy on Beatport

GMJ & Matter - Metanoia (Original Mix) [Replug]

For our next Zero Tolerance release we head to Argentina with two new remixes from of Jamie Stevens' Black Ruby EP courtesy of Analog Jungs and EANP.

Analog Jungs provide an inspired journey with their remix of "Path of None". Their contribution is moody and percussive, injecting a tribal undertone reminiscent of the halcyon era which is both haunting and devastatingly driving.

EANP’s craftmanship is on full display with their remix of “Black Ruby Of Voldesad”. The duo provides a deep voyage into the depths of groove, expanding on the nuance’s of the original’s drum programming that harnesses hypnotic energy. 

Written by Jamie Stevens, Analog Jungs.
Mastered by Cid Inc.

Jamie Stevens - Path Of None (Analog Jungs Remix)

Futura City - Mourning Dove (Freedo Mosho Remix) - EGR036

With a slew of releases across Proton labels, Lanvary returns to Proton Music with a wonderful original offering in the shape of "Cercanias". From a trio of Particles releases between 2015-17 "Micromegas", "Penumbra" and "Leviathan" showcased Lanvary's evolving production talent. Graduating onto the flagship label, 2017's "Venus" and 2019's "Everything You Feel" followed as we welcome the Moldovan back after a 3-year hiatus. The title track is a typically bold and vibrant affair as an urgent percussive and bass groove take control, sublimely aided by ethereal pads and a shimmering motif that pans the stereo spectrum. Building into the second half, the flowing groove picks up the pace once more with gusto and aplomb. The deeper and darker vibe of "Palindrome" continues the rich bassline narrative while a deep kick and offbeat hi-hat pattern provide a metronomic tempo. Subtle effects add to the character while an array of textured pads and delayed lead are used to magical and dynamic effect in the second half. The final track is characterised by a rolling progressive house groove and head-shaking bassline pattern. A sharper lead line flits in and out in filtered phrasing as fizzing effects and counterpoint melodies add depth before a spoken vocal creates a slightly uneasy and edgy feel to proceedings.

Alex O'Rion needs little introduction to Proton fan base. From his century of early production credits on Black Hole to his gorgeous "Nostalgia" album on his own Solis Records earlier in 2024, the Dutch artist has consistently risen a high tide of success. Further work for Balance Music, Sudbeat Music and GMJ& Matter's Meanwhile has only confirmed Alex's status. A pair of remixes for Juan Deminicis in 2021 and Michael A in mid-2024 marked a high-profile entrance onto the Proton Music catalogues, as a third now sees Alex O'Rion deliver a powerful interpretation of "Cercanias". Keeping the same percussive intensity as the original, Alex's skill is to create a beautifully and masterfully produced slice of progressive heaven. With its tight and immaculate percussive groove, the use of Lanvary's original components have been transformed into vibrant and innovative new patterns with elegant melodic touches, before a powerhouse new bassline is introduced at the mid-point to drive the remix through the second half creating a cool dancefloor destroyer.

The final remix sees the legendary figure of Matias Chilano take centre stage. A veteran of some 400 production credits dating back to 2008, the Argentinean has been a staple of LuPS Records, Balkan Connection and Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat Music. A trio of remixes on Proton Music since 2019 has seen reinterpretations of Huminal, Erdi Irmak and Sebastian Sellares as Matias Chilano now returns with a fourth. Taking on "Tender", Matias has produced a trademark smooth groove that has captured the themes of the Lanvary original. Adding a host of additional production work, beautiful new and evocative melodies can be heard, revealing themselves fully at the breakdown and cascading into the second half. The spoken vocal phrase is also another reminder of the track's origins as the effects-laden treatment adds another layer of aural intrigue.

Criss-crossing the underground with another original EP of power and precision, Lanvary's "Cercanias" is further enhanced with remixes from Alex O'Rion and Matias Chilano.

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

Cercanias

Lanvary - Palindrome

Returning for a 24th appearance on the Meanwhile imprint he carefully curates with his fellow countryman, GMJ delivers yet another slice of progressive heaven with “Feel Inside / Living Memory”.

As we approach the end of the year, GMJ is in reflective mood for his final original EP of 2024. After a stellar year which has seen a steady flow of 24-carat gold music on such celebrated imprints as Balance Music, Vapour Recordings, Proton Music and Nick Warren’s The Soundgarden, the Melbourne-resident continues to deliver equally stunning new music on the Meanwhile and Meanwhile Horizons imprints he owns with production partner, Matter.

The opener finds “Feel Inside” providing a magical rhythmic backdrop that bristles with vibrancy alongside a cavernous sub-bassline groove. Chock full of bubbling dancefloor dynamism, a metallically cadenced synth pattern filters in and out of prominence while a looped vocal phrase repeats over the rhythmic collage before revealing itself more fully at the breakdown. Building once more, the hefty beat drops back into the rolling percussive hi-hats and metallic synth phrase to create a storming club-friendly colossus.

Written when his grandfather passed away earlier in the year, “Living Memory” serves as a tribute to a life well-lived and a much-loved character. As Gavin so eloquently puts it, “he is always alive as an inspiration in my memories for both his musical prowess and the person he was.” Redolent in the same rolling rhythmic backdrop as its partner track, immaculately placed woodblock percussion adds to the driving vitality. Providing easy juxtaposition, a beautiful piano sequence is soon introduced which suffuses the track with a contemplative air and effortless beauty. Waxing and waning fluently over its near 9-minute timeframe, a complementary synth motif builds through the breakdown before breathy vox pads and the earlier piano provide a latticework of sounds that find GMJ in majestic form with a perfect sonic tribute.

Hitting another high watermark with two powerful original works, GMJ is at his peerless best with “Feel Inside / Living Memory”.

GMJ - Living Memory

A fresh face in the electronic music scene, Mike Harkins has started making waves during last year, receiving continuous support from none other than Hernan Cattaneo with numerous features in the selections of the iconic El Maestro.

Fuelled by the energy of countless smiles and furious dancefloor reactions collected weekend after weekend, Mike now steps confidently into the spotlight with his debut EP—a well-deserved moment to share his sonic identity with the wider electronic music community.
The journey begins with the title track, ‘Strato’—a groove-heavy roller driven by low-slung beats and a rubbery bassline. Subtle stabs and lush, reverberated vocal textures weave through the mix, crafting a hypnotic atmosphere that’s tailored for late-night vibes.
Next up, ‘Fever Dream’ takes hold. An altogether deeper affair, its Latin American feels are hard to resist. Silky smooth hypnotic vibes abound as ethereal vocals and razor sharp sonics juxtapose with gleeful intent.
Closing the EP, ‘Carbon’ takes things into cinematic territory. Airy, Bladerunner-esque pads set a mysterious tone, while arpeggiated hooks build tension, priming the floor for a proper energy blow.

SB268 | Mike Harkins 'Strato'

https://soundcloud.com/meanwhilehorizons
https://soundcloud.com/antonmake

Premiere: Anton Make - Hologram [Meanwhile Horizons]

An artist with a rich and impressive pedigree, Mike Rish returns to Meanwhile with a triple-tracker of exceptional quality in "Sunset on Mars / Tornn / Shokl".

A Melbourne native with a strong back catalogue stretching back over 15 years, Mike Rish's debut quickly became a starting point for a successful career, predominantly focused on the sound of Progressive House. Since 2009, the Australian has gone on to see his music featured on the likes of Vapour Recordings, Anjunadeep and Guy J's Lost & Found, while a trio of EPs for Meanwhile between 2021 and 2024 have seen Mike Rish sparkle with a collection of beautifully crafted original sonic sculptures. Now returning for the first time since August 2024's "Akhnaton / Gröv / Cloudbreaker" triumph, 3 new original tracks take centre stage.

The compelling "Sunset on Mars" opens with a thumping beat and smooth percussive top-line before a swathe of effects-laden synths percolate the soundwaves with rich delays and reverb. A powerful bassline adds dancefloor urgency while an evocative arp filters its way to the foreground through the second movement. Rising and falling with club-friendly knowhow, the track gradually picks up pace before entering the second half full of punchy bravado. Immaculately constructed, "Sunset on Mars" is an aural triumph.

Continuing the powerful rhythmic character of its predecessor, "Tornn" is a thumping, chugging bassline monster that rolls seductively across its 7-minute timeframe. Endless delays and effects swim across the stereo spectrum in swirling atmospheres as vocal snippets talk of remembered dreams and an eerily pitched menace. Evolving easily through its phases, the second half comes to life as bassline and rhythmic prowess take control across the shape-shifting soundscapes.

Opening with a strong tribal rhythm and subtle jungle-themed effects and bird calls, another chorus of reverb-drenched effects and delays across a smorgasbord of vocal cuts, provide a beautiful dub-inspired atmosphere. Coming to the fore at the stripped-back breakdown with expansive ease, Mike Rish gently picks up the pace through the second half to create and intriguing and dynamic listening environment through his sublime layering of vocal elements.

Returning to the label that is fast becoming a second home, Mike Rish delights Meanwhile listeners with "Sunset on Mars / Tornn / Shokl".


Mike Rish - Shokl

NoVa - Nearly Clear

Auren Klyne-Eira-(Mellon Place Records)

Embrace

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