Colyn - Caroussel

Friday saw Dutch DJ and producer Colyn share his second EP on RÜFÜS DU SOL's Rose Avenue Records. Bridges In The Sky continues Colyn's strong start to the year, which already saw him score "Signs Of Change" as part of Afterlife's epic Unity Pt. 2. While the title track features vocals from his brother Maurits Colijn, the b-side and subject of this post, "Caroussel" is a sublime, slow-burning instrumental that, in my opinion, exemplifies Colyn's captivating creativity.

Emanating from the expanse of space, "Caroussel" is a creation event in that its arc, the birth and death of a star, leads to new life. There's great gravity and growth throughout, as the beautiful b-side spins in space, pulling all kinds of elements into its orbit. As the melodic play starts to take shape in the second half, the cool, understated keys begin to crystalize and captivate. This sparkling power takes the shape of a sun, sharing its strength through its warm resplendent rays. However, this empowering epic is ethereal, as this sun sets, leaving us cold and craving for more.

The subtle strength of "Caroussel," especially through its progressive melodic play and deft drum delivery, is exactly why I keep coming back to Colyn. It's captivating without being bellicose or overbearing. Get the golden mean of "Caroussel" below or as part of the Bridges In The Sky EP, here.

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Colyn - Merging Realities

This past Friday, Amsterdam's own Colyn returned to Afterlife for another immersive EP. His second four-tracker Patterns again plays perfectly on the Berlin-based label, staying true to their "odyssey through the realm of consciousness" ethos. My favourite of the four comes in the second a-side, as "Merging Realities" weaves its way between taught techno banger and subtle, melodic mover. It features the same potent percussion and moments of immense tension that Colyn displayed in his most recent original "The Future Is The Past." However "Merging Realities" never quite hits the same stride as the DGTL Records release. Instead one could say it doesn't stride at all, but rather it glides, buoyed by sublime synth swells and captivating keys. Like so many Afterlife releases, this can be equally enjoyed in a calming bath or on a massive system, surrounded by a mob of revelers. Set sail aboard the spiritual journey that is "Merging Realities" below and get the whole of the Patterns EP now here.

Afterlife · Colyn - Merging Realities

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Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Colyn - The Future Is The Past (GRIM Edit)

Readers of this blog should well know my love for Afterlife. Their releases and Voyage mix series are always excellent and, while I try not to drink from the same well too often, I cannot help myself when it comes to their immersive offerings. Despite "The Future Is The Past" not being an Afterlife release, Colyn will always remind me of them, especially this track whose cascading synths beg to be put to use in a Voyage mix.

As good as the original is, Toronto's GRIM has retooled the quality of Colyn in an abridgment or 'good parts version,' applying an incredible polish to the already exquisite gem. I literally laughed out loud when I first listened to GRIM's edit on my bike ride as the dueling melodies exploded in my ear. Each is awesome in their own right, but when they meet up and cross paths the track goes Super Saiyan like two stars colliding in epic fashion (something not unlike iTunes' built-in visualizer). Now of course the synths are the can't miss crux of the track, but there's no discounting the punchy drum design and delivery, nor the slick, sweeping movement that allows GRIM to present the more than seven minute track in a tight five minute format.

Powerful from start to finish, this exceptional edit of "The Future Is The Past" sits smack dab in the middle of an abbreviated techno section on tonight's all new episode of Bump In The Hump, alongside Afterlife's Tale Of Us and "Be As One." Catch it live in the mix from 7-9 PM EDT on Radio Humber or find the full episode after the fact on Mixcloud here. Stream the edit below and get it for free here.

GRIM · The Future Is The Past (GRIM Edit)

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Enlightened Listening for February 28

I'm not certain but this is likely the largest edition of Enlightened Listening ever. Stretching across nearly 80 tracks and over six hours, it features five albums and has its fair share of groovers and bangers.

The first two albums, Daktyl's UNREALITY and Caribou's Suddenly, have had me waiting with bated breath and show off both artists' incredible and thoughtful craftsmanship. The same can be said for the third album in the playlist, Tycho's Simulcast, although I can't say I was aware of its immanence. As to be expected with Tycho, it is utterly gorgeous and warm, preparing us for the long summer days that lie ahead. Turning more electronic and jacking up the funky groove meter, Wajatta's (the combination of Reggie Watts & John Tejada) sophomore album is sensational and sure to inspire more than a smile or two. Equally uplifting and groovy, Yuksek's feature-laden NOSSO RITMO will be undeniable at beach parties everywhere.

Speaking of outdoor events, I hope Sébastien Léger is one of the artists TBA at the All Day I Dream event in Toronto July 18th (here). His third EP for them is another amazing one, as mystical and moving as ever. Picking up with a more driving beat, Colyn comes through Rose Avenue Records with two powerful cinematic numbers. Even more driving, HUNTER reconnects with Roshin for fat joint "Floating." The enigmatic genius of Prins Thomas follows that up with a gritty growler in "Graut" which also receives a wicked and warped remix from Fango. Bridging the gap from the techno to the DnB that's still to come are two unreal originals from HomeSick in "Ampgain" and "Closer."

Immediately capturing my attention, J Majik lives up to his name with a godly remix of Joris Voorn's "Messiah." Flames erupt as Brookes Brothers and Kove follow that with the irresistible Kathy Brown led "Burn." Things really get lit with the return of 13 who is followed by a record I cannot say enough about, SBK.'s "One Man." I know we're still just in the second month of the year but I'm positive it will be in my best of the year list. Another man who is sure to find himself in year end lists is Apashe who delivers another ridiculous single ahead of Renaissance. Turning towards house, BROHUG brings us to the final true banger of this playlist, unhinged heater "Party Out."

Making the transition from house to disco both in the playlist itself and in a single track, CastNowski's "Deep Down" is fabulously funky fun. Next up in that same vein is Mercer who drops a dope bass-line on Bob Sinclar's "I Feel For You." Moving more organic, Duck Sauce's "Get To Steppin" leads us right into our finale, The Shapeshifters' follow up to "Life Is A Dancefloor," the sublime "Second Chance."


Daktyl - UNREALITY

Caribou - Suddenly

Tycho - Simulcast

Wajatta - Don't Let You Get Down

Yuksek - NOSSO RITMO

Sébastien Léger - Secrets

Colyn - Concepts Of Love

HUNTER - Floating (ft. Roshin)

Prins Thomas - Graut

HomeSick - Closer

Joris Voorn ft. HÆLOS - Messiah (J Majik Remix)

Brookes Brothers & Kove - Burn (ft. Kathy Brown)

13 - Atomic

SBK. - One Man

Apashe - Work (ft. Young Buck)

BROHUG - Party Out

CastNowski - Deep Down

Bob Sinclar - I Feel For You (Mercer Remix)

Duck Sauce - Get To Steppin

The Shapeshifters - Second Chance (ft. Kimberly Davis)