A1 – Abdul Raeva – Atlas Corporation [DUALITY4]

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Synergy ~ Balance ~ Harmony are the three key ingredients of Holly Lester’s rising Duality Trax imprint. The latest offering from the Belfast label presents a cosmic array of heavy-hitters from Estonian duo Abdul Raeva, a remix from ‘Pure Space’ founder Andy Garvey and there’s something unexpectantly serene at the end to complete the bundle. Even though the label is still in it’s infancy, it’s clear that Holly is focussed on taking it to the moon. So far, all four debut EP’s have an affixed identity and it’s one that Holly herself channels through her own outer-worldly productions. Sonic vibrancy, colour and transcendence pulsate through the core of the label and there’s no fixed limits on genre either, with all aspects of the astral breaks and techno spectrum being explored.

For Duality4, Holly call’s upon a close ally of the label. If you’re familiar with Holly’s work you’ll know that she has a label baby with Gestalt Boss Steffan Todorović called ‘Terrazzo’. It’s only two EP’s deep but has already established itself as a one-to-watch with two highly sought after VA’s already under their belt and a solid following beginning to emerge.

No introduction is needed for Steffan. His Gestalt imprint has already achieved modern cult status: with an impeccable catalogue of electronic warpers involving the like’s of Boulderhead, Tifra, Ed Hodge, DJ Life, Harrison BDP and more. Right at the time of the label’s inception is where Steffan would meet his future counter-part Joonas Arro. Firmly established as an experimental dream-punk and industrial techno artist under separate aliases, the next step for Joonas was to join forces with Steffan under their Abdul Raeva moniker, they’ve refused to look back since. Momentum is growing for the pair, so far, Echocentric and Gestalt recs’ have been ideal home’s for their energy-infused sound so it make’s ideal sense for their latest cosmic arsenal to be unleashed on the purring Duality Trax while it’s hot.

Sonic soundscapes fused with blood-rushing highs and a sense of a heightened being become the decimal functions of this EP. ‘Atlas Connection’ adopts the responsibility of making the first assault with a killer A1. Pumping and techy, this roller that would be the ideal after-burner for closing out a peak-time moment of a set. The bassline maxes out when the dangerous acid-line come’s into play and the supernatural noises inject a psychedelic edge to ensure it’s got all the attributes of a trippy encounter. ‘Death Race’ (A2) produces another peak-time weapon for the package as AR fuse another hastened bassline with a more formidable groove to it’s A-side partner. Maximum dance-floor impact is solidified as AR include another raw and mind-bending acid-line into the mix to ensure this race goes right to the death.

Duality Trax call upon rising Aussie DJ ‘Andy Garvey’ for remix duties and she doesn’t disappoint, re-imagining ‘Death Race’ into a ghostly breaks encounter that cuts like a sword. It’s a classy production with progression entirely in mind and an intention to generate sonic power. The drums are intensely sharp and metallic, Garvey also makes-use of the cut-throat acid-line but automates and compresses it perfectly to act in the background as a burning background fire to intensify the heated atmosphere.

Last of the package is ‘Guardian Of The Vault’. The B2 is a total curve-ball to the typical 4×4 power basslines that we’re accustomed to with the AR sound. The last production of this EP is a delicate and meditative calm-state of contemplative relaxation. Five sublime minutes of down-tempo bliss as a mist of subtly lucid pads and psyched out synths float about the atmosphere with a soul-cleansing technique.

Pre-order: https://bit.ly/3GDmwun
Abdul Raeva: https://bit.ly/3ViBj1N
Duality Trax: https://bit.ly/3Vi0BNr

Stream the A1 ‘Atlas Connection’ in full below: