#22 Feat. Banner in Progressive House

First appearing on Meanwhile in mid-2023 with a 3-track extravaganza of epic proportions, Tantum now returns to the label with another musical triptych in the shape of "Contact High / This is Real / Scatter". A production career that began with a high-profile debut on EIN2, German producer, Tantum, has made a name for himself blurring the boundaries between progressive house and melodic techno. Subsequent releases for Juicebox Music, Mango Alley and Guy J's Lost & Found have put Tantum firmly on the underground dance map. May 2023's "Secondary / Suan Pan / Narko" was a notable highlight on GMJ & Matter's imprint, while a remix of the duo's "Time to Space" a few months later showcased another side to his production credentials. Opening the EP, "Contact High" is a chunky rhythmic jewel that glistens with iridescent light as reversed melodies and rippling arpeggio build powerfully against a driving dancefloor beat and body-swaying percussive groove. Hypnotic and vibrant, a rasping bassline and pitched oscillator motif create a mesmerising intensity that builds through the breakdown before dropping back into the club-ready groove in the second half. The aptly titled "Scatter" impresses with its angular beats and liberally placed fragmented effects. Muted arpeggios and mid-range motifs infuse the middle sections as a searing glissando lead line rises and falls with analogue-filtered intensity. The combination of melody at the breakdown then heralds the arrival of the dominant kick to regain rhythmic vitality in the third movement. The final track sees "This is Real" delight with hits wood-block percussive cadence and syncopated bass sequence. Revelling in an array of complementary synth lines, pitched oscillators create an easy free-flowing character that is both innovative and dynamic. Weaving gently throughout in coruscating patterns, it builds intensity as the rhythmic gravitas hits its heights post-breakdown to inspiring and striking effect. Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren

Tantum

#46 Feat. Banner in Progressive House

A seasoned pairing, EANP have been powerful proponents of the Progressive House scene for a decade and nearly 200 production credits. Now making their Meanwhile debut, "The Other Side / Uncut Gems / Atoms" showcases a triumphant partnership. Combining the talents of Ezequiel Anile and Nicolas Petracca, the Argentinean duo have been working together since 2014. Both respected DJs and producers in their own rights, they have performed behind the decks throughout their homeland alongside the likes of Nick Warren, Hernan Cattaneo, and Nick Muir. Similarly, a sparkling portfolio has seen a plethora of original and remix material feature on the likes of Mango Alley, Juicebox Music, Reminiscence Recordings and Replug. Joining forces with fellow countryman and legendary figure of Juan Deminicis on the opener, "The Other Side" is a chunky driving number that revels in a gently shifting percussive groove that forms a strong backbone for a series of cadenced melodic components to sit atop with majestic ease. Building a more intense head-shaking groove with every movement, effected vocal phrases add to the intensity while languid and unhurried pads add subtle juxtaposition to the dynamic dancefloor structures. The result is a stunning progressive treasure that is certain to find favour with the DJ elite. Striding out on their own EANP continue the fizzing percussive urgency via "Uncut Gems" as shakers and closed hi-hats swing across the near 9-minute piece with club-friendly energy. A seismic sub-bass groove adds to the forceful character while Tech House characteristics shine through with angular effects and well-placed synth stab. A smooth arpeggiated sequence comes to the fore at the mid-point alongside a new melodic character as it extends into the third movement to create a hard-edged modern Progressive House jewel. The final track finds "Atoms" creating a dominant rhythmic framework that subtly comes to life through use of a muted synth motif in perfectly metrical syncopation. A deep sub-bassline adds to the story as the track builds through its phases with swirling white-noise washes and whistling wind-effects adding atmosphere and a haunting quality. Dropping back into the devastating hypnotic groove in the second half, "Atoms" is full of atomic authority. Taking the modern progressive house scene to new heights with its deep and tech influences, EANP have illustrated that the grass is greener on "The Other Side" with "Uncut Gems" and "Atoms" combining to make an impressive triptych. Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren

Juan Deminicis, EANP