Enlightened Listening for November 6

We've made it through another week, and what a week it was, so let's celebrate with some new music.

This week's edition of Enlightened Listening opens with ATTLAS' second album of the year, an even more sublime offering than his usual ethereal excellence. It's not the only awesome album either as the ageless Kylie Minogue offers up an absolute delight in DISCO. Staying with longer releases, This Never Happened continues its unbelievable run of quality as Deeparture delivers an incredible EP, just as Overmono complete their inspired Everything U Need with two more top-notch tracks. Closing the book on EPs, HERO's CLUB NOWHERE is another stunner that, like CRY BABY and Dirty Work, will keep me coming back for weeks, if not months.

Now for the singles: Moullinex delivers sensuous pleasure in "Ven," Tiga turns Elderbrook's "Back To My Bed" into an infectious, uplifting roller, The Magician goes Italo disco on Mercer's uber-catchy "Lemonade," The Reflex brings "Sweet Freedom" closer to Michael McDonald's original, KUU deliver a chill second single, KAS:ST does dark and dismal with "VTOPIA," and we get the first taste of what promises to be a killer collaborative project from Frustra and Maddmon in "Eternal Wake."

Stream all of this new music in the playlist below and find individual releases linked at the bottom. 

ATTLAS - Out Here With You

Deeparture - Stator Vane

Moullinex & Ekstra Bonus - Ven

Overmono - Everything U Need

Elderbrook - Back To My Bed (Tiga Remix)

Mercer - Lemonade (The Magician Italo '85 Remix)

Kylie Minogue - DISCO

Norman Doray & Darren Crook - Sweet Freedom (The Reflex Revision)

KUU - We'll Always Have This Dance

HERO - CLUB NOWHERE

KAS:ST - VTOPIA

Frustra & Maddmon - Eternal Wake

Paraleven - Retrograde Mixtape IV

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.

Paraleven · Retrograde Mixtape IV

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Full, Uncut Interview with Hot Tub

Recorded August 5th on Skype, this is my full conversation with Ryan Krumins, aka Hot Tub. Topics included: his move from playing guitar and piano in indie bands to using those instruments in his new house project, his love for house and its melodic nature, the 'gold standard' of Lane 8 and his label This Never Happened, the move from live performances to DJing, the supportive west coast scene, his forthcoming productions, and of course his episode of My Mixtape which premieres this Saturday August 15th at 11 PM EDT on Radio Humber. Listen now below and follow his socials at the bottom.FOLLOW HOT TUB: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Lane 8 - Halloween 2019 Mixtape

This Never Happened head, Lane 8 is at it again. Known for his quarterly, season-based mixtapes, he has just broken the mold by following his "Fall 2019 Mixtape" with a haunting Halloween edition. Stretching well over two hours, this mix strays a bit from the standard fare of seductive deep and provocative progressive house to allow for more spine-tingling techno and blood-curdling bass.

As always Lane 8's track selection reigns supreme. There's the usual onslaught of IDs, mixed in with some classic cuts from Justice, Gesffelstein and even The Bloody Beetroots' smash "Warp 1.9." And while those old cuts still hold power, it's the new and unknown tracks that do the most damage as you have no idea what evil awaits. Prior to "Let There Be Light," we're welcomed by a creepy choir of sorts. Later we're embroiled in a shadowy chase scene as wolves and all manner of malevolent monsters howl and yelp in the distance. Even deeper into the mix, the astral imagery becomes increasing alien, beaming us aboard a spaceship helmed by freakishly, grotesque creatures.

The whole of the mix is a heart-palpitating journey through sound, endlessly filling you with helplessness as you attempt to navigate the vile vision of Lane 8's crafting. Especially thanks to the largely voiceless nature of the mix, it is nearly impossible to rein in your imagination. So sit back, turn off your lights and up your bass, and let the evil genius of Daniel Goldstein lead you astray.FOLLOW LANE 8: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Jerro - Pantheon

Lane 8's label This Never Happened has quickly become a go-to source for soulful, deep and progressive house. Over the few years of its existence it has introduced countless artists and given rise to some sublime singles. Belgium's Jerro, seemingly one of Lane 8's favourites as his tracks appear in most Lane 8 mixes, has just authored his second This Never Happened EP, Pantheon.

This four part EP builds on the success of awesome April debut The Fool, offering breathless and blissful beauty in its title track, magical souring synths in its midsection and a captivating killer cut, "Coil" at its close. "Pantheon" simply screams This Never Happened, and I'm totally here for it. Its power lies in the fact that it could easily be played acoustically while retaining its resplendent refinement. Warmth is the word that comes to mind when "HYE" hits my ears, while it too succeeds through a soulful grace and refinement. The following track "Lido" seems to straddle the previous two. It's like a beautiful sunrise, sending its radiance over the horizon while casting shadows to create a lush, picturesque panorama. Finally "Coil," the most powerful of the EP, sends you into said scene soaring through the hyper-real and incredibly cool environment. A peak time record for sure, the progression in "Coil" and in turn, Pantheon as a whole are a thing of magic. Stream it all below and get it now here.FOLLOW JERRO: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER