Against All Ødds - Reflections

Astral Records continues a strong spring season by welcoming Against All Ødds back to the label for a new EP. Hailing from Israel and previously known as Mimram, Against All Ødds emerged in 2022 on the strength of past releases via Freegrant Music, Timeless Moment and Parquet Recordings. The Against All Ødds production moniker was introduced to the world via Darin Epsilon's Perspectives Digital as part of the label's 'Around The World' compilation series. Immediately recognized for his astral take on melodic house and techno, the Jerusalem resident would go on to record projects for Beatfreak, Lost On You, Panda Lab and UV Noir, in turn earning praise from the genre's premiere tastemakers. Also finding a home on Astral Records, Against All Ødds would make his label debut with 'Higher Ground', a two-track showcase alongside a remix from Grigoré which capped off an impressive year for the Israeli artist. Now, following a single for Fideles Impressum imprint to begin 2024, Against All Ødds returns to Astral with 'Reflections'. The EP's title selection 'Reflections' sets the pace and lands with many of Against All Odds' beloved production hallmarks. Tight kick drums and neatly manicured percussion provide a DJ friendly intro, as rhythmic pulses set the course for the bassline to deliver a rush of free-flowing energy. Cruising effortlessly across the first act, it's an amalgamation of sci-fi vocal samples and wonky synth mutations which adds further depth and character, a vibe which is sure to cast a prophetic mood over the dance floor. The Israeli artist's elusive vision shines during the main break, as he maintains a sense of restraint and tension that astute fans will appreciate, before robotized vocals spark a dynamic moment and strong synth driven finale. Rounding out the release are the driving qualities of 'Lights Out', a track where Against All Ødds aims squarely at a peak hour dancefloor. Marrying the classic and contemporary sounds of the genre, the Israeli artist crafts an aesthetic that is groovy, powerful and effortlessly cool, one that balances a loud-soft dynamic perfectly. Holographic synths flash through a whirlwind of rebounding rhythms and coral monochromes across a smooth first movement, as emotion continues to rise during the interlude, before a series of haunting vocal fragments and reverent textures meet highly explosive beats and heavy basslines for a thunderous finale.