Artist: Eleven of July
Title: Call from the blue
Release Date: 11 March 2022

Supported by: Above & Beyond, Adriatique, Agoria, Âme, Anthony Pappa, Armen Miran, Armin van Buuren, Be Svendsen, BEHROUZ, John Digweed, Khen, Markus Schulz, MATAN CASPI, Mind Against, Nick Warren, Paul Oakenfold, Paul Van Dyk, Pete Tong, Solomun, ao

The latest release from Tash's Movement Recordings finds Eleven Of July returning for his first EP. Since first emerging four years ago, Italian artist August Proto aka Eleven Of July has enjoyed a steady rise in the world of melodic house and techno. His astral sounds have found favour with andME, Dj Tennis, Dubfire, Undercatt and more, while landing him releases via Awen Records, Dear Deer, Eat My Hat and Us and Them Records. Having made his Movement Recordings debut last year with a contribution to the label's popular 'Technical Progress' Vol. 11 collection, Eleven Of July now returns for his first EP entitled 'Call From the Blue'.

Spread across four tracks it's the cosmic techno sounds of the title selection which get the EP underway. Dark and mysterious from the outset, it's punchy low end and rippling rhythms provide momentous drive, while astral hooks and haunting atmospheres fill in the framework. A symphonic lead theme rises, adding further spice to the groove, before a second and final break serves drama and tension as the framework resets for a prophetic finale. The second selection 'Needful Things' surveys a similar design profile but with a further lean into progressive techno territory. Beginning with a stripped yet punchy groove, the piece evolves with crunchy rhythms, wispy vocal elements and an arcane lead line carrying into the main break. Low end swells and swirling noise make for a tense interlude, as the main theme shape-shifts deeper into your subconscious, eventually melting down to a wave of noise and frantic final act.

The EP's halfway point is marked by 'From Beyond' which finds Eleven Of July continuing to flex the peak time side of his studio repertoire. Tough and muscular throughout, it's an incredibly thrilling seven-minute journey. Bulbous beats and pulsating grooves provide the foundation, while metallic tones marry percussive flashes and icy pads, before getting washed away in a trail of thunderous sonics. The release concludes with 'Not Going Far' where Eleven Of July explores a darker narrative without drifting too far from the mood set by its predecessors. It's tough, rolling groove is perfectly carved, adorned with dynamic drums, waves of percussion and compelling cosmic artefacts. Sitting as a tasteful complement to the previous selections, its melodic prowess proves irresistible, with a striking lead theme paving the way towards an exhilarating finale. It rounds out an inspired collection of music from Eleven Of July, making for an excellent return to Tash's Movement Recordings