#19 Feat. Staff Picks in Progressive House

Returning to Meanwhile with a full debut EP, Zankee Gulati continues his journey as a rising progressive house talent with the Mind Opener / Magnetic Island EP. A single remix comes from Argentinean duo, Analog Jungs. A recognised force in his Sydney hometown, Zankee Gulati has continued to see his star shine increasingly bright within the underground dance firmament. An artist and promoter renowned for his spellbinding sets across Sydneys clubs and for bringing the likes of Guy J, Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren and Ben Bohmer to New South Wales, the Australians performance in the studio has only cemented a rapidly growing reputation. A mounting catalogue of sumptuous offerings has increasingly featured on the likes of Sudbeat Music, The Soundgarden and Balance Music, plus a standout contribution to John Digweeds Futuro compilation on Bedrock, with Low Tide in collaboration with fellow countryman, Jamie Stevens. Two appearances on GMJ & Matters imprints in December 2022 saw The Magic Spoon feature on Beyond The Horizon, Vol. 2, while HereAfter found its way onto the flagship labels, Meanwhile Excursions, Vol. 3 in July 2023. Now hitting the heights once more, the light and airy tones of Mind Opener reveal themselves over a strong kick and ticking percussive top-line. Rippling arps and a strong motif keep the energy high as analogue edge gradually develops within the latter with an open filter creates a range of harmonic frequencies that shine over a beatless breakdown. Dropping back into the hefty rhythmic groove, the track then draws to its meticulously sculpted conclusion. Magnetic Island is a deep, chugging powerhouse. Full of rhythmic prowess and building elegantly through thumping kick and shaker-driven groove, a beautiful melodic passage develops within a hypnotic arp that filters to a powerful denouement in the final stages. The strong rhythmic narrative of its predecessor then finds its place once more in the final stages. A single remix comes from Argentinean duo, Analog Jungs, who first came to Meanwhile prominence on their 3-track Surrender EP in March 2022. Already regulars on blue-chip labels that include Mango Alley, Hope Recordings and Manual Music, the Córdoba-based pair excel once more with a chunky interpretation that creates a trademark rhythmic foundation and driving bassline groove. Adding tropes from Zankee Gulatis original, they turn Mind Opener into an exciting and dynamic new track that is redolent in additional production material and melodic invention. The result is a powerful remix that is an exceptional addition to the EP. New music from Zankee Gulati and a remix from Analog Jungs pull Mind Opener / Magnetic Island into the centre of the Progressive House map. Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren

Zankee Gulati