Based in Greece, SMS is a collaborative DJ and production outfit consisting of Mikele (AKA DJ Mikele) and Sotiris (AKA Liquid Light). Mikele is a long-time veteran of Greece’s club scene, headlining the country’s most prestigious clubs and supporting the likes of Sasha and John Digweed. Sotiris has a vinyl discography stretching back over a decade, and launched his own Blue Bass Records label in 2005 with Liquid Light’s “Loverise” and the follow-up single “Groove Addiction.” These early releases grabbed the attention of the likes of Laurent Garnier, Hernan Cattaneo, James Zabiela, and Anthony Pappa. With “Hexagram,” SMS’ new single for Blue Bass, the two redefine their sweeping electronic sound with an adventurous club-ready track that is tailor-made for inspired after-hours moments. A deep and warm four-on-the-floor kick anchors a funky techno line and bold key stabs as percussion, melodies, and synth fills effectively build over the cut’s eight minutes. A midsection climax leading to an unexpectedly gentle breakdown will certainly thrill nightclub dance floors. Sotiris himself delivers two remixes that trade on deeper flavors, with his Club Mix adding a solid low end drive and pulsing keys to the equation, and an accompanying Deep Mix stripping down some of the melodic elements while offering a few particularly dramatic flourishes. It’s a fine, ambitious single from the newly formed SMS, and undoubtedly the first of many superb productions to come.
Motorcitysoul - “Brilliant! Deepness, crazyness, floor action … all in here!”
Dave Mothersole - “I like Sotiris’ Deep Mix.”
Makossa & Megablast - “Good stuff.”
Shahrokh Dini (Shahrokh Sound of K) - “I like the two remixed versions … nice feeling.”
Will SumSuch (DeepWit / Etoka) - “Really nice hypnotic vibes on all versions. Great stuff!”
Chris Udoh (Tigerhook) - “Banging track … all mixes are hot!”
Louk (Compulzion / Druck) - “The Deep mix is quality.”
[sic] (mu-sic / Aux Technology) - “Some really interesting textures in this track. Club and Deep mixes offer good dance floor alternatives. Late night vibes all the way.”
QuestionmarQ (Red FM, Ireland) - “It’s Sotiris’ Deep Mix for me … hypnotic the way I like it.”
Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.