MOVLTD017
Artist: Nikko.Z
Title: Anatole
Remixers: Haen, Sebastian Sellares
Release Date: 22 July 2022
Supported by: Nick Warren, Marsh, Paul Thomas, Kasey Taylor, Miss Melera, Lonya, ZIGER. GMJ, Mike Griego, Dark Soul Project, DJ Ruby, Basil O'Glue, Hobin Rude, Weird Sounding Dude, ao.
The latest release from Tash's Movement Limited welcomes Nikko.Z to the label for his debut single. As one of Movement Recordings core contributors early on, the Greek producer made his label debut in 2012 with a remix of 'Sandcastles' by Yves Eaux and Arnold from Mumbai. Well received, it set the course for Nikko to deliver nine originals and five remixes over the next six years, closing out that run with a thrilling rendition of 'No Sleep' by Marc De Pulse which landed in June of 2018. Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat Music, Antrim's Or Two Strangers and Madloch's Sound Avenue have all played host to Nikko's groovy progressive vision over the course of his near two decade long career, with his own flagship imprint Dopamine Music being a primary home of late. Having gotten the year underway with a remix for SLC-Music, Nikko now makes his debut on Movement's Limited division with 'Anatole', alongside remixes from Sebastian Sellares and HAEN.
The original mix is an apt barometer of where Nikko's headspace is at, with heartfelt themes descending over a bed of warm wavy grooves and retro rhythms. Glowing overlays add depth and emotion across the first act, as percolating arps open up, guiding the journey into a trance-inducing interlude, before breaking off into a rush of flickering percussive arrangements and vibrant melodies for a colourful finale.
Making his label debut and providing the first interpretation of 'Anatole' is Sebastian Sellares. Hailing from one of Argentina's most talent-rich regions in Cordoba, Sebastian Sellares has taken his melodic sound to some of progressive music's premiere imprints. UK behemoth Anjunadeep, Antrim's Or Two Strangers, GMJ and Matter's meanwhile and US powerhouse Proton Music have all served as landing spots for the Argentine's beloved sound. Now, following a well received remix of 'Surface' by Dmitry Molosh, Sebastian makes his Movement Limited debut with a stellar take on 'Anatole'. Pitched somewhere comfortably between dreamy reverie and progressive bliss, the Cordoba resident crafts a version that is equally at home above a festival skyline or sitting in the emotional sweet spot of an end of the night scenario. Captivating and poignant in equal measure, its heartfelt nature only furthers Sebastian's ability to achieve eager optimism and tasteful euphoria through his music.
Rounding out the release is HAEN who returns to the label for the second and final interpretation of 'Anatole'. Perhaps better known as Sachin Menon, the Indian artist created 'HAEN' as a moniker to further explore electronic music, fusing warm tones and atmospheres with experimental elements and sounds inspired from a broad spectrum of musical genres. Magician On Duty, Mango Alley and Songspire have all been vehicles for HAEN's transcendent sound, while the underground's tastemakers have also chimed in with support. Having made his label debut with 'Mos Eisley', a joint production with Mango Alley boss Mango, HAEN now makes a welcome return to the label with a spirited take on 'Anatole'. Smooth and rhythmic throughout, the Indian artist aims straight for the dance floor with driving grooves and quirky electronics uniting for an eight-minute hypnotic journey. Roboticized vocals, colorful arps and a wealth of free form effects set the stage for retro acid lines and a tension-filled break to put a cap on this creative gem.