Mitch Dodge
In the latest installment from Moto Music, label head Dan Piu presents his latest project Time Synthesis to the world, and the music contained within represents yet another compelling step forward for one of dance music’s most revered and celebrated voices…
The work of Dan Piu aka Georgios Boutopoulos, whether it be under his numerous aliases or via the helming of Moto Music and No Acting Vibes, has become synonymous with deeply emotive, beautifully produced analog dance music. His records have appeared at some of the key turning points for dance music, and have consistently embraced a multitude of musical styles and tones that have allowed his bountiful sound to continually evolve. Whether its warm deep house, captivating techno, through to exciting bleep and electro, there is little that hasn’t been covered in his musical universe – and it is not only this diversity of sound but how he has been able to thread these styles together so cohesively that makes his discography such a celebrated one.
Never one to shy away from introducing new aliases as a means of introducing new dynamics and motifs to expanded musical universes, ‘Remember the Future’ is the debut outing from Time Synthesis, a collaborative project together with the legendary Berlin DJ Estimulo, widely known for his countless, now highly iconic DJ mixes (EstimuloShow) as well as his numerous sets in and beyond Berlin. Their debut EP as a piece of music, it is as quintessential as it is fresh.
‘Strobes’ gets things going, and the manner in which this track builds, grows, and flourishes is a sight to behold. A glassy, emotive chord line sets the tone atop an ever-evolving rhythm section that leans heavily into techno sensibilities with flurries of hats and snares. ‘Pools’ arrives soon after, and this number keeps the pace aflowin’. Set deep within the swirling, filtered drums and sweeping arpeggio keys, the track blossoms with far-reaching chords coming to the fore. Powerful and precise in its energy, and subtle in its inventiveness, this is a slice of techno to absorb and swim within.
On the flip, the record firmly enters into deep house territories, with two versions of the track ‘Wayne’ – with Dan’s Raw Mix up first. The drums carry on with a carefree saunter, which provides the perfect basis for the key and bass lines to align with the momentum. A wondrous piano chord progression adds a particular sun-kissed flavour, and then comes an array of classy melodic touches that add depth and personality. Finally, Estimulo introduces the ‘Ambient Pass’ version of the track. Taking things down a little bit, the drums remain crisp but the melodic elements are reworked, with high-end pads and simmering metallic tones creating a sense of intrigue, before expanding around the midway mark into something very glorious indeed.
‘Strobes‘ is out 6/06!