Onium & Ivan Torres - Dub Excursions (Harmonious Discord)

As winter lingers longer than expected, waves of indecisive weather permeate the planet. The Harmonious Discord camp is picking up on deep connotations distilled in dreary afternoons. It’s a perfect time to revisit some of the label’s dub-minded artists with a special collaboration called Dub Excursions. Dub Excursions features label familiar Onium as well as two rising stars in the expansive dub techno arena, Ivan Torres and James Kelley.

Onium’s “Intentions” is a breathing invitation to rise. Artifacts of ambient works and eco-botanal shades temper organic dub influences with expressive synthesizer design. Cascading momentum drives this pensive powerhouse to a floaty array of melodic bliss. Next, “Perceptions” compliments “Intentions” as that selection set the path and “Perceptions” moves things deeper. The soundscape is filled with vinyl remnants and complex pads, but the other elements bring a more aggressive techno flavor to the later sections.

“Dub 7,” the EP’s first cut from Ivan Torres, cracks a smile in this rather serious project. It begins with evolving pads and a muted, dusty drum machine. The cut starts to open up in the middle with brushes of melodic leads that dance in-between the lush soundscapes. Its successor “Dub 8” is a good order sharper. Driving interstellar melodies and tense bass deliver on the dance-floor presence of Ivan’s contribution. Expect more from Ivan to come on Harmonious Discord.

On the remix tip, longtime Dallas-based sleeper sensation James Kelley (Subspec/Momentum League) drives the subtle but tense properties of “Intentions” into a skin-crawling warehouse techno piece. The once calming breaths now breed uncertainty as James layers on heady atmospheres. James gives us a crippling bass-bin workout for the after hours.

Nice Warren (The Soundgarden) – “A great EP!”
Anthony Pappa (Red Light District) – “Cool EP. I love ‘Intentions’. Some nice tracks that will be used.”
Greg Gow (Transmat) – “Love this EP. Nice and moody and deep.”
Craig Steward (DCSTrax) – “Stunning deepness here. Absolutely superb, great work!”
Haris Custovic (Laus Music) – “This is super!”
Jean Jérome (Kut ‘N’ Paste) – “Lovely deep vibes, will play.”
Taigo Onez (Bang Le’ Dex) – “James Kelley comes correct with the righteousness. Great tracks by Ivan Torres.”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “Breathtaking stuff here. Love it.”
Sharlese (KEXP) – “Nice chill vibe sounds.”
juSt b (Melodic Deep) – “Great collection! I love ‘Intentions’ – such warm, inviting & dreamy vibes with such a fierce remix!”

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

System360 - Reflected (ntier)

System360 is a passionate music maker from deepest New Zealand, usually found DJ’ing on Saturday nights from a small caravan outfitted with a low power transmitter. Tight beats, minor chords, rumbling bass, and swinging rhythms are usually heard emanating from within the gorge where this secluded producer resides. Inhabiting the underground fringes for a while, System360 (AKA Walter Yeoman) recently launched his ntier label to enable collaborations with friends, discover sonic possibilities, and ultimately release expressive tracks.

The latest ntier release – System360’s Reflected EP – presents four delicious deep house cuts, beginning with the moody-chord-and-piano-fueled “Reflected”. Its initial laid back demeanor disguises the dramatic tension to follow, as the track builds dreamily into layers of shimmering melody. “Light To You” exhibits strong dub techno elements pulled to the surface by a playful and catchy vocal hook. Melodic parts enter the mix as truncated snippets bouncing about the stereo field. Things get a bit more serious on “Edge Of Time” as the dub dial is turned up while the tempo drops down. Cinematic and affecting, the track utilizes dark pads and growling bass to great result. The EP closes with “Alchemy”, giving the release a foothold in classic house textures through familiar drum machine sounds and ingredients. System360’s fondness for pensive builds and blending melodic layers comes through as the track develops into a hypnotic floor workout.

Nick Warren (Hope Recordings / Way Out West) – “Very cool! All 4 are great.”
Gavin Hardkiss (Hawke) - “Digging these understated tracks. +++”
Lil’ Mark (EAR) – I love the production and sounds.”
Chris Udoh (Tigerhook) – “Great tracks!”
Atish (Desert Hearts) – “Nice, melodic and deep.”
Edground (Grooveland Music) – “Very nice release.”
Robert Owens (Compost) – “Cool Tracks.”
Lorenzo al Dino (7th District Inc.) – “Kickin!”
Michael Stukes (WHCR 90.3 FM – New York) – “Full Support!”
Distant People (Soul Elements Radio Show) – “Alchemy is working for me, as it feels like a retro warehouse track. Good feel on this one.”

Available Now From: Junodownload, iTunes, Spotify, And Amazon.