GMJ - Bayen Metai Valinor

As the Meanwhile label family goes from strength to strength with a regular supply of high-quality material from around the globe, Meanwhile Horizons turns to co-founder GMJ and a full-label debut with his "Bayen / Metai / Valinor". A familiar figure within the progressive house fraternity, GMJ stature continues to rise. The creator of almost 500 production credits, the Australian star is a regular contributor to some of the finest modern imprints that include Balance Music, Replug and Hernan Cattaneo's Sudbeat Music. As a regular on the flagship Meanwhile label with a host of solo and collaborative material, the Australian's full debut outing on Meanwhile Horizons is another powerful reminder of the GMJ attention to detail and immaculate fusion of rhythmic intricacy and melodic flair. Opening with the velvety smooth "Bayen", a deep resonant kick drum keeps the melodic actors in check as a gently swaying percussive backdrop provides subtle dancefloor energy. Building through the early movements, smooth motifs make their presence felt before a huge sub-bassline note and intelligent progression creates spine-tingling emotion. Arpeggios, pads and counterpoint phrasing then combine at the breakdown before dropping back into the rhythmic melange. "Metai" continues the easy melodic narrative as an influx of harmonious characters blend together with dulcet tones. Replete in long reverb tails, epic delays and evocative atmosphere, fizzing white-noise washes create additional texture as delicate melodic sequences flow across a sonic landscape held together by the aural glue of a mesmerising grooved bassline. The result is a timeless track that passes its 7-minutes in seemingly seconds. The final offering finds "Valinor" delivering a broken beat masterclass that coruscates over a head-shaking rhythmic path. A swathe of new layers are added in imperceptible fashion as the sublime groove catches hold under delicate synth phrasing and rich pads. Waxing and waning in understated fashion, the introduction of another wonderful bassline phrase adds texture and aural depth. Showcasing yet another facet of a versatile production portfolio, GMJ shines jewel-like through the sonic triptych of "Bayen / Metai / Valinor". Directed by GMJ and Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren