A little serendipity here as yesterday's post about SWIM (here) led me to this mix from Paraleven: a powerful three-hour affair with healing and harmonizing at its heart. The fourth edition of the Atlanta-based producer's Retrograde Mixtape series comes just like the others did, in line with Mercury being in retrograde. As with each previous edition, Paraleven has been tuned the mix to 432 Hz; a small shift from the standard 440, but one said to be mathematically consistent with the universe and warmer feeling due to its longer wavelength. But beyond the x's and o's nitty-gritty, this mix struck a chord with me thanks to its incredible curation and seamless mixing.
As the first half-hour of the "Retrograde Mixtape IV" washes over me, I'm struck by the fact that I've barely noticed any transitions, just as no track has truly stood out. This is not to say that the mix has been faceless or mere background noise, but rather that it's been immensely easy to enjoy. Of course, there are little moments that speak to me more than others, but they are more of an ethereal feeling, a sonic time and place. For example, Double Touch's "Greatest Day" is full of the feeling of flying, as though it transforms you into a gull soaring over a tropical island paradise, floating on the warm vocals of Reigan. The next track, Dosem's "Eternal Summer" builds on that breathtaking beauty while shifting the soundscape to a busier locale. It is at this point that I cannot help but think of this mix as perfect for slow panning aerial shots of vacation destinations and naturescapes worldwide. It reeks of natural beauty and organic power.
Without going any further into the mix, as we're not here for the finer details but rather the larger harmony, "Retrograde Mixtape IV" is indeed a resplendent respite. For fans of All Day I Dream, Afterlife, Anjuna, Colorize, This Never Happened and melodic house & techno more largely, this mix is a cannot miss. Stream now below, find the tracklist here, and be sure to follow Paraleven's socials at the bottom.
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