The Seattle-based artist monotropa. returns to the Tremulant label to once again explore deep sensations and cosmic vibrations through musical expression. The Distancia EP executes this through three textural tracks that combine elements of house, techno, and ambient atmosphere. Remixes from El Mundo, Wesley Holmes, and Slow Shadow go even further into distant territory.
"Distancia" starts the EP with a floor-ready pulse, flowing with synthetic chord hits and arpeggiated gyrations over a steady four-on-the-floor ride. A cinematic breakdown envelopes the cut with shining melody and impulsive drama. This is followed by "Torrente"which ultilizes tones resembling the gentle rings of a thumb-piano as its backbone. Buzzing synth bass, ominous drones, and flashes of percussion rise and fall with expansive depth. "Lavar" is more laid back though no less layered or spacious than anything else on Distancia. A processed guitar-like riff hypnotically riffs on top of chord pads and a mid-tempo house beat, all giving the feel of a transcendent moment on the way.
El Mundo (Quetame Records) supplies the first remix with a version of the title track It's a bouncy trip through exotic places and faraway fauna, where jungle sounds abound as a tribal rhythm carries the cut through strobe-lit valleys. Seattle house music veteran Wesley Holmes next tackles "Lavar," offering a decidedly west coast flavored take that's atmospheric, psychedelic, and perfect for afterhours dancefloors. The EP closes out with a rework of "Lavar" by Slow Shadow, a nom-de-plume of Tremulant's Joe Bellingham. It's an acid-tinged downtempo treatment, enhanced by a pair of distinctive vocal contributions. Vibes for days and days.
Danny Ward (Well Cut Records) – “Really loving El Mundo's percussive take here thanks... will definitely be playing!”
Juan Moreno (Sounds Black Recordings) – “The perfect track to drive the dancefloor.”
Andreas Kinzl (Aromabar) – “Artful and stylish works.”
Al Mackenzie (1BTN Radio) – “The Wesley Holmes mix is right up my street.”
Leri Ahel (Mutant Disco Radio Show) – “Some great tracks here, will support.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT Radio Show / Fluke) – “The originals all have some masterful moments in both the writing and production - quite beautiful. El Mundo remix sounding excellent here too.”
Available Now From: Beatport, Juno Download, Apple Music, And Spotify.