#95 Feat. Staff Picks in Trance (Raw / Deep / Hypnotic)

Duality Trax first opened its books in 2020 with an EP featuring Radiant Love regular Fio Fa and a remix of the year contender coming from Lisbons Violet. Since then the label has become known for its acute attention to detail, giving each release the shine it deserves while avoiding disposable practices and challenging the industry through its dedication to duality and balance, whether that be sonically or surrounding gender identity. Its really no surprise that one of house music's leading label figures Tywi was destined to make an appearance. Having started the Haws imprint in his home city of Cardiff, the labels wide-spread popularity began to gain the attention from some of the industrys most respected heads and became a breeding ground for new artists to emerge. A shared love of music resulted in tracks being shared over time and eventually DUALITY6 was born. In what will be his first full length EP, Tywi continues to join the dots between 90s house, prog, breaks and trance, with a huge remix coming from Frankfurt-based artist Maruwa. Title track Reality Checkpoint connects various styles with a modern take on progressive trance. Sonics feel as if theyve been projected from space in a kaleidoscopic mind-warping ride, coupled with the producer's impressive ear for world building soundscapes. A child of the 90s, Maruwa combines her classically trained ear with the nostalgia of her upbringing in the remix; channeling early trance records and deep, chugging rhythms into a wave of euphoria fit for peak-time. Its the first time the label has also delved head first into full trance territory, turning the intensity levels up while paying homage to both label owner and artists early musical influences. The B side opens up with Spellbound which feels like a guided tour around the cosmos, sat beside trusted travelers and embraced by everything-will-be-alright energy . The tracks interior is built around synths that feel both effortless and light as our tour guide brings us towards our final destination. The EP comes to a close with Laws Of Motion which draws upon alien electronics and a steady groove. Plucking sounds from the producer's wide ranging influences, Spellbound builds slowly with shades of leafy greens and deep oceanic blues, bringing us gently back down to earth.

Tywi