Artist: Various Artists
Title: 4 Years of Crossfrontier Audio (Part 1)
Label: Crossfrontier Audio
Released: 12/10/2015
Genre: Deep house/Tech house
Berlin based Crossfrontier Audio celebrate their 4th Birthday in style with a two part release showcasing the labels many talents. It’s been a great year for Crossfrontier Audio. Label boss Marc Poppcke released his debut album “35” and key artist MUUI also gave us his debut LP “Escape The Remedies”, both received to great acclaim. Yoram has released classy EP’s during the year. Foreign Guest and Amentia have both recently made their debuts on the label. Rising talents Jonas Saalbach and The White Shadow have put out quality EP’s. Big names such as Einmusik, Solee and Los Saruba have also all contributed excellent remixes to top things off.
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We braved the arctic blast and ventured up to Glasgow to see the return of Glasgow’s prodigal son, Lars Sandberg (aka Funk D'Void) for a hometown gig on New Year’s EveThe first track on the EP is “Hera” from Berlin based Balthasar Egger aka Foreign Guest. Foreign Guest recently released on the label for the first time with the “Rek/Fin” EP which came complete with a Rashid Ajami remix. Eerie keys, stabs, and arps entice you along until the first break where lush synth chords are introduced to increase the emotion. Synth drenched breakdowns are beautiful. The track feels like it’s gradually but constantly building, especially when a big subby bass kicks in after the final breakdown to see you through. Quality melodic music from a talented newcomer.
Next up is “Xakiada” from fellow label newcomers Amentia. The due are comprised of Raphaele Prior and Etienne Desportes from Paris and Strasbourg. They made their debut on the label last month with the “Pankow” EP and are the latest additions to the label. Easing you in to things, the synth melody and pads are gradually introduced. Thunder and rain in the background provide a lovely ambiance in the breakdowns. Melodic sequences flit around to great effect before a rich vintage bass kicks in. Sweet uplifting synths give the track a euphoric vibe, really putting you on a musical high. A lovely track from the pair of up and coming French artists.
Label stalwart MUUI, aka Patrik Carrera, gives us “Toil”. Subtle and understated, “Toil” is a deep trip to lock yourself into, MUUI varies things throughout the track and always keeps it interesting. Pretty little piano melodies come in and out as well as beautiful strings, synths, and arps as MUUI builds the tension as the track progresses. Cleverly used ambient noises and effects all add to the track really well without ever making it sound overly frenetic. High quality stuff from the talented Australian raised artist now residing in Berlin.
Fellow key artist Yoram, from Amsterdam, provides us with “Luciform”. Yoram takes things in a housier direction. Rhodes keys and beautiful orchestral sweeping strings give the track a classic feel. Laid back, but with plenty of energy in the bass and percussion to get your groove on. Pretty little chimes tinkle away and lovely analogue chord stabs come in and out. Yoram adds arpeggiated synths to build things up to a climax brilliantly. Sweet stuff from the ever consistent Dutch producer.
To complete part one of the compilation we have “Foliage” from label founder and renowned DJ/Producer, Marc Poppcke. Things start off with birds whistling, immediately suiting the track title perfectly and making you imagine being outside with nature, in the foliage. A lush deep rolling bass and delicate keys take you into a leisurely groove. A big dreamy breakdown with the birds whistling would make for a really beautiful moment at a forest festival. Clever effects rise and fall, zipping in and out to brighten things up really nicely. Gorgeous vibes from the always impressive German artist.
A great showcase of the label talents to celebrate a really successful year for Crossfrontier Audio!
