Station Point - Alcyone EP (Harmonious Discord)

SF Bay Area multi-modal artist Station Point (Chakharta, JDN) is known for creating rugged but precise dub-laden melodies. A maestro of complex rhythmic pattern builds, Station Point returns to Harmonious Discord to deliver a well-rounded two-tracker with hints of psychedelic flare and urban tones. Joining the project are HD label boss PointBender and prolific pad inventor Patchen with two unique variations on the supremely delightful originals.

The EP begins with "Babombicz", a syncopated joyride saddled by pitchy arps and cacophonous drum fills. The track evolves, diving deeper into melodic interplays driven by bells that culminate into a trance-like state. Patchen reimagines the colorful playground of "Babombicz" with his signature swung drum components, briefly interrupted by glitchy sound design moments. The remix quickly moves into a forward-leaning acid melody that delivers increased movement and ramps up the energy. "Alcyone Chorus" shifts the listener into a more laid-back reprise, with expertly-crafted reversed swells and tension-building pad construction. The beautiful melodic moments are tempered perfectly with the emerging acid lead and live drum accents. A late-arriving sub bass ensures that one will truly feel this on the dancefloor. PointBender reengineers "Alcyone Chorus" as a messy but lush electro remix with homages to early Random Factor/Carl Finlow releases. The syncopation of the electro patterns with the layered pad abstractions adds an element of euphoria, a great remix to get lost inside. With more on the roadmap from Station Point, Harmonious Discord is excited to introduce you to the maneuvering styles of this conscious creator.

Jon Fugler (Fluke) – “All strong tracks - both originals showing some real quality in the programming - and the electro strings of the PointBender mix is a joy.”
Richard Hardcastle (Solid State) – “Great EP. I love Patchen’s glitchy version in particular.”
Sandro Bianchi (Ibiza Sonica) – “This is amazing!”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Love the subtle hypnotic details. Great stuff.”
Jon Lemmon (Different Channels on KBFG) – “Love the lush vibes on Alcyone Chorus. I’ll get this some airplay!”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “Wonderful stuff here. PointBenders remix is beautiful. Loving Patchen’s twisting acid trip too.”

Available Now From: Beatport, Bandcamp, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Gatto & Eric Shans - Around The Sphere (3Bridge Records)

Long-time NYC producers and DJs Eric Shans (Colour & Pitch, Personal Belongings) and Gatto (Deep Sessions, Soleid Music) team up for 3Bridge Records' first release of 2023, the Around the Sphere EP. The title is fitting as the release touches upon multiple styles of electronic music. Big house grooves, techno influences, and chilled-out workouts; they're all here, replete with memorable melodies and atmospheres.

"Electric Surge" kicks things off with tribal drums, crystalline arpeggios, and smacking percussion, gluing the rhythms together over the course of the track. This one's meant for the late nights and those dark smoky rooms. "Around The Sphere" ups the techno energy a bit with an analog bass line that filters throughout, along with big acid squelches, pristine percussion, and soft ethereal pads serving as a juxtaposition to the tough-sounding beats. "Liquid Comedown" takes futuristic riffs, big synth lines, and dramatic strings, giving this one some moodiness and mystery. And then "Numbers" delivers lush grooves, meticulously programmed drums, and soothing sounds to round out this great EP.

Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch) – “Liquid Comedown and Numbers are the ones for me. Great work both.”
Anders Lyngen (Utzekatze) – “Cool and interesting sounds. Nice synths.”
Cuillere (Jack Junkies) – “Feeling Numbers for sure.”
Rob Zile (Brain Food) – “Great grooves.”
Simon Kirk (Proton Radio) – “Massive release! Liquid comedown is my fave, so deep and uplifting. Magic.”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Top notch melodic house / techno. A great collaboration between these 2 experienced producers!”

Available Now From: Beatport, Traxsource, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Smok - The Source (Viva Recordings)

Smok’s latest release on Viva Recordings brings us an arctic blast of deepness. The Finnish producer has had a slew of success recently on labels like unquantize, Atjazz Record Company, and his collective’s Youth Control label. "The Source" is a chilling soundtrack well suited for the winter months, with ethereal swirls and floating, haunting strings that accompany a steady, pulsing bassline.

Austin based (and Harmonious Discord Recordings label boss) PointBender teams up with the Viva crew for his first time on remix duties for the label on the flip side, lending a slightly more melodic and spaced out flavor to the remix. Keyboard stabs that sound like they are something alien, along with longer, drawn out peaks and and valleys make this remix the journey cut on this single. Whichever mix you like, just buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Steve ‘Griffo’ Griffiths (Fluid radio show) – “It’s hard to decide on a fave, but the original mix is slightly ahead at this moment (but subject to change).”
Nick Warren (The Soundgarden) – “The original is very good.”
Wil Russell (Pop Out and Play) – “Pointbender gets first place for remix duties here. Nice switching about and a shuffly shaker makes it a good little groove.”
Tony H (Late Night Munchies) – “It’s the PointBender remix for me.”
Joe Silva (Purespace) – “Beautiful sounds and just that edge of darkness. Well done.”
Simon Kirk (Proton Radio) – “Beautifully deep work from PointBender. A real delight.”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Beatport, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Various Artists - Act I (Taul Boy Records)

With a worldly flair inspired by the fading summer heat, Taul Boy Records launches its Act compilation series with Act I. The series is a planned seasonal collection showcasing the label's artists while providing an outlet to stretch outside usual musical boundaries and experiment with new sounds. Listeners will be taken on a sonic journey laced with deep house, techno, and indie-dance flavors. Act I begins with the 'in your face' energy of Dolce, then to the mysterious, global allusions of Pulsion Thanatos, to the eclectic and building power of Organoid, and then closed out by the dark but hopeful whims of Keda. These selections offer variety and distinction, giving DJs a range of vibes to explore in different settings. Dig in … dig in deep.

Tyler Stadius (Deepsite) – “Some cool, original tracks.”
Lönya (Asymmetric Recordings) – “A great EP, support.”
Terry Jasinto (Dance Klassique) – “Really liking ‘Everything Nothing’. I can fit this into a lot of the sets I play.”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “Darkly mesmerizing music. Dolce is particularly captivating.”
Velanche (Urban Landscapes) – “Good variety of grooves.”
Jon Wesley (Music Goes On Radio Show) – “I really like all 4 tracks, hard to pick a favorite. I chose Keda since I’ll likely play that on first.”

Available Now From: Beatport, Juno Download, Apple Music, And Spotify.