Harmonious Discord artist Patchen is back at the controls with a peek at his long-anticipated album Southwest Passage, out later this year. Patchen is resident sound designer and longtime contributor to the HD catalog since the release of Pale Blue Dot in 2007. A key track from the forthcoming Southwest Passage is “Night Skies”, a lovely serenade to stargazing. To help celebrate this single, HD boss PointBender, resident space-traveler KiloWatts, and bright and budding star 1981US provide their unique takes on the expansive night sky.
The original is a synth-driven slow burn that carefully tempers sound design with classic synth arpeggiations. Warm 8-bit melodies dance around the four-on-the-floor construction, carefully building momentum with periodic rises and reprises. PointBender ups the tempo and takes things deep with woody percussion, live bass licks, and mounting layers of atmosphere. KiloWatts breaks the beat and propels the piece into epic territories with light arpeggios broken up by processed bass notes. 1981US goes subterranean with tinges of urban tones and natural accents on a proper deep garage take on the original. Be on the lookout for more bites from the upcoming album as well as the full length available this fall.
Jon Fugler (Fluke) – “Really enjoying this. Simple, infectious & very funky. It's a close call between the original and the Pointbender mixes for me, and the other two are worthy opponents as well, lovely.”
Joe Silva (Purespace Recordings) – “Stellar and varied collection of beautifully executed music.”
Nick Warren (The Soundgarden) – “Excellent release.”
Sean Johnston (Hardway Brothers) – “Lovely stuff, original, will give the Kilowatts and 1981 spins.”
Igor Marijuan (ibiza Sonica FM) – “Wow!”
Taigo Onez (Bang Le' Dex) – “Beautiful release! The warmth here is amazing. Full support.”
Mason Rothert (Below Zero Radio) – “All of these are great - really love the original.”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “4 Masterpieces - cant wait to spin these..So cool. Thanks guys.”
Available Now From: Bandcamp, Beatport, Apple Music, And Spotify.