Visionquest is back with the second part in their VQ X series that celebrates 10 + years of the infamous dance label. 

The record kicks off in sublime fashion with one of the most important underground producers of the last 20 years...Mathew Jonson.  "These Tears" delivers a driving 808 with arpeggiated synths weaving through mystic key tones and perfectly crafted percussion that he so well respected for all these years. It's as if you're flying through space at hyperspeed while also in your calmest state.  An absolute transition gem to take you higher or bring you down with ease.

Cesar Merveille continues to keep the bar high with "Decennium". The music somehow perfectly straddles the line between the future and the past with beats that hint at that 90's digital vibe, while also keeping the ultra modern modular analog sound.  Pro tip: Also check his CSR moniker on his own Roche Madame imprint for more!

On the flip, the B side starts with Gianluca Pegoiani's "Wonder Wheel", a big bumpin' jam with sub tones that slowly rise and fall in pitch. Aleatoric punctuations bounce around with a bell synth pattern and a syncopated repeating key tone that keeps the track moving expertly forward.

Rounding out the EP is Dirty Pathways from VINYL SPEED ADJUST. A dope, low slung groove, it pops with elements of live drums and a driving bass ties it together. Slowly synths and pads build under the surface to reveal a very cool mood to finish the EP.

This record will no doubt be a standout moment for the already immense and highly creative catalog of Visionquest and a solid addition to the VQ X series.

VQX EP II

VQ086 B2. VINYL SPEED ADJUST - Dirty Pathways

VQ086 B1. Gianluca Pegoiani Wonder Wheel

VQ086 A2. Cesar Merveille - Decennium

VQ086 A1. Mathew Jonson - These Tears

vi•sion quest (noun): a search for personal communication with the spirit world. 

Every mystical journey eventually comes to a fork in the road. The seeker of life’s destiny has two options: remain satisfied with whatever level of consciousness he has already attained, or push forward into ever-new domains of promise and possibility. 2014 sees dance music’s best-known spiritual pilgrims, the Visionquest trio of Ryan Crosson, Lee Curtiss, and Shaun Reeves, bravely embarking upon that wondrous journey. Each member of this celebrated DJing and production team contributes a distinct yet interlocking vision that together forms a seamless, organic whole. Just think of Crosson’s enthusiastic shuffle, Lee’s soulful stare, Shaun’s soft touch. Everything they craft has the same unmistakable flair: slow-burning, shape-shifting, expansive techno and house marked by compositional elegance and unabashed pop hooks.

Although long-time partner and co-conspirator Seth Troxler has stepped aside to pursue other projects, 2013 was the biggest year ever for the four. Inspired by the passing of the Mayan calendar, the group embarked upon Visionquest 13, 13 dates where the boys not only played together the whole night, but curated a true multimedia experience. From London to Buenos Aires, from the American hinterland to the Chilean wilderness, Visionquest 13 was a Freudian trip into the deepest recesses of the Detroit rave unconscious, what Ibiza Voice described as a “collective expedition into the depths of your soul”—but with a sophisticated, modern twist.

Their accomplishments are well-known and too many to list. For starters: a critically acclaimed 2011 Fabric mix; year-defining hit remixes for artists as diverse as Kiki, Wareika, Tracey Thorn, and David Lynch; showcases and dates in the biggest clubs and festivals around the world; and the creation of a now iconic-label that’s played host to dancefloor weaponry from the likes of Benoit & Sergio, Life & Death, Dinky, and Laura Jones—all this while each member maintained significant individual production and DJ careers. But, by definition, no journey dwells in the past. So in 2014 they launched Visionquest Special Editions, a limited-release, vinyl only label. Evoking the experimental sounds of the European techno avant-garde that first inspired the boys back in Detroit, the debut release, remixes of Montreal songwriter Quilla, features a stunning collaboration between Shaun and long-time hero Ricardo Villalobos. With Visionquest Special Editions we see the group at home at a breezy, gentle afterparty, not just igniting the club. As Visionquest winds around the corner into their bright future, they remain open and excited for what lies ahead.

VQX EP II

Visionquest Records