In the two years since its inception, Anthea’s Partisan has enjoyed a steady ascent to buy-on-sight status. This is attributable to the label’s impeccable curation of artists with a similar ethos. Each release displays a fresh, experimental approach to twisting minimal, house, techno and electro into exciting new forms. Partisan’s latest instalment is a case in point.
Giammarco Orsini’s Regression Progression EP is the materialisation of all the production qualities we admire in the Italian artist. His ability to elicit an explosive energy from the simplest of ingredients comes from his preternatural knack for balancing precision with soulfulness. When we spoke to Orsini about the release in our Rising Stars feature, he described the EP as the creative nexus of all his influences, “from UK Rave Techno and IDM to some Italian Trance/House records”. Now, as we listen to the full four-tracker, it is safe to say that this exploration of sonic landscapes has paid off in spades.
Today we are honoured to be premiering the A1: ‘Italia 90’. The opening track sets the tone for the record, carefully using each element to build and sustain a floor-oriented euphoria. Opening with a locked kick and closed-hat combo, the already electric energy surmounts with the addition of a vibrant snare. Radiant synths and gentle pads dance above its chugging beat, which is propelled by its quick, intricate bassline. At around the 2 minute mark, a chromatic, trance-infused lead breathes space into the arrangement and creates an equilibrium of passionate emotion and powerful functionality. The entire track exudes bliss through shiny melodies, providing an effervescence that often hard to find in this corner of dance music.
The rest of the EP is flavoured by the same timeless simplicity. The A2, ‘Achimal’, provides a bass-heavy acid workout with its alluring low-end and relentless groove. On the flip side, the B1 ‘The Regresser’ is a guaranteed bomb with a deep aesthetic, marked by a buoyant bassline and captivating synth lines. Rounding off the EP is ‘Dmorning’, a futuristic cut that ventures into braindance territory with its tight percussion and cosmic rhythms– perfect for the afterhours.
In all, it’s a record where a nostalgia for sounds of the past meets an excitement for those of the future: a feeling that will truly come alive in the mix. With all-star support from the likes of Praslesh, RPR Soundystem, Francesco Del Garda, RPR Soundystem and Reiss, Orsini has once again proved himself to be an artist to watch.
An instantly memorable release, this is not one to sleep on. Pre-order your copy here.
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