A visionary artist with a unique sound, Stereo Underground makes his Meanwhile debut with a remarkable twin-track EP in the shape of "Souls from the Past / In the Middle of Everything". An iconic figure in the DJ and production spheres, Yariv Etzion has been a formidable figure in the world of modern Progressive House under his Stereo Underground moniker. Having performed in the company of John Digweed, Guy J, Hernan Cattaneo and Lee Burridge, and co-founding the biggest music school in Israel through the BPM College, the Stereo Underground star burns brightly. Moreover, a production career that has amassed a double-century of credits has overseen a glittering array of releases for the likes of D-Nox's Sprout, Sasha's Last Night On Earth and Dave Seaman's Selador. Add to that a debut album in the shape of 2019's genre-defining "The Art of Silence" on Balance Music, a Beatport number one hit with D-Nox in "Dolby" and a global progressive anthem with "Flashes feat. Sealine", and it is not difficult to appreciate the Tel Aviv-based star's appeal. Now finding his way onto GMJ & Matter's leading imprint, "Souls from the Past" is a typically powerful and imaginative offering that drives relentlessly forward with hefty beat and off-beat hats. A sub-bass direct from the earth's core gradually filters into listener consciousness as an oscillated lead creates eerie tension. A magical counterpoint motif provides melodic harmony as the track explodes into life in trademark fashion with open-filtered glory and shimmering delays. Hitting its mark in the third movement, the track illustrates absolute mastery of a chosen craft. A clicking and popping percussive foundation forms the basis of partner track, "In the Middle of Everything" as it quickly evolves through majestic rolling groove. A series of thickly texture pads and delayed synth stabs add atmosphere aplenty through a swirling, intoxicating panoply of effects. Adding a syncopated bassline in the second half transforms the track once more into full dance-friendly territory as earlier pads combine to create a generous and mesmerising sonic stage. Very much a producer of the moment at the heart of the progressive movement, Stereo Underground excels on Meanwhile with "Souls from the Past / In the Middle of Everything". Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Stereo Underground Design by Matter Text by James Warren

Returning to Meanwhile for his second solo outing on the label, Ruben Karapetyan arrives with another twin-track offering of considerable quality as he presents "Midnight Current / Between the Lines". A seasoned performer with almost 30 years of experience in the underground dance arena, Ruben Karapetyan has been hailed as Armenia's top electronic music export. Continuing to cement his place at the forefront of the global Progressive House community with a distinctive sound and mature production technique, a double century of production credits has seen the Armenian continue to succeed at the highest level. As such, a plethora of original and remix production material has found its way onto the likes of Paul Thomas' UV, Nick Warren's The Soundgarden and an array of releases for the best-selling Mango Alley, with his own RKP imprint continuing to flourish contemporaneously as a vehicle for his own music and a select collection of elite artists. Having opened his Meanwhile account with "Erectheum", part of the "Meanwhile Excursions, Vol. 3" compilation in mid-2023, Ruben oversaw a full debut with "Nostalgic Moments / Perceptual Isolation" in the summer of 2025. Now returning for a second twin-track offering, "Midnight Current" is a driving, commanding track that quickly builds with saturated bassline groove and swung shakers and hats. A sumptuous melodic palette enters the fray with thickly textured pads and a birdsong-style effect, while an arpeggiated lead adds to the sonic collage at the mid-point, rising to a stirring crescendo before a perfect drop back into the smooth flowing groove of earlier movements. The result is a trademark and immaculately crafted affair. Between the lines is a similarly deep affair with huge bassline presence and a kick felt in the heart of the listener's chest. A subtle tribal vibe begins to emerge with vocal chanting, hollow synth sound and haunting pads, before Ruben's club know-how comes fully to the fore with an immaculate juxtaposition between dancefloor character and head-swaying melodic textures. Additional motifs come to the fore in the breakdown before elevating the track higher still in the second half in a spine-tingling combination of melodic dynamism and rhythmic fire. Charged with sonic electricity and perfect for sets beyond the witching hour, Ruben Karapetyan excels with "Midnight Current / Between the Lines". Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren