Rather than
issuing a standard 50th release, the label jumps straight to release 51 with this
striking 8-track mini-album - a sly nod to the new sounds and exciting events still to
come.
Splitting the anniversary release into two parts (four tracks each) creates a
liminal space between the past and the future; between canonical house sounds and
futuristic sound experiments. Unwavering ambition and a daring vision have long
defined Artreform - and are deeply embedded in the creative credo of its founder,
DJ, producer, and vinyl connoisseur Joss.
After an impressive 13-year journey, it's fair to say that Artreform has never
succumbed to the lure of fleeting trends, remaining steadfast in its dedication to
quality tech house, deep house, and microhouse. At the same time, the label
continues to stay sharp, hungry for new ideas, and firmly in step with the times
- while many imprints of similar vintage slide into self-mythologizing mode, focusing
on reissues and retrospective compilations.
The new release makes this abundantly clear. The second half of the celebratory
mini-album features a vibrant, life-affirming dancefloor cut from JOSS; a peak-time
rave-inspired killer by iO (Mulen) - an artist who's been with Artreform since day
one; a stylish deep house groove from seasoned masters Gorje Hewek & Binu
Raal; and an ethereal vibe courtesy of Swedish standout Cirkel Square, whose
music sounds dreamy, arresting, and otherworldly.[info sheet from distr.]