Rafael Cerato - Vocalizer EP

Ascendent French DJ/producer Rafael Cerato steps up for his Watergate label debut, with added spice from Israel's Niv Ast. Cerato is respected for his ability to traverse the breadth of progressive house and techno with equal skill. He's dropped silky rollers on labels including Diynamic and Stil Vor Talent, alongside tougher fare on Suara and Systematic Recordings, where he released the excellent 'Requiem' album in 2020. His 'Vocalizer' EP presents a trio of chugging, high energy cuts. The title track is straight up peak-time business, marked by a dramatic chord sequence, ethereal pads and crisp drums. Tel Aviv producer Niv Ast joins Cerato for the EP's next two tracks, bringing his distinct energy to the productions. 'Sunny Glaze' is an fiery cut, led by Niv's powerful vocal, a racey synth line and a full-bodied bassline. 'On My Knees' ramps up the energy to eleven, a superb slice of acoustic-inflected, indie prog, built around Niv's soaring vox and ecstatic percussive elements