PREMIERE: Alex O'rion - Echium (Simos Tagias remix) [Meanwhile Recordings]

Release Date - 11.2.22

SIMOS TAGIAS

ALEX O’RION

MEANWHILE SOCIALS

Finding his groove on Meanwhile with a clutch of impressive productions, Alex O’Rion has been a regular on GMJ and Matter’s best-selling imprint. Reaching a highpoint with May 2020’s “Echium” EP, we now return to O’Rion’s seminal work with remixes from a trio of outstanding artists.

And iconic name within the underground dance industry, Eelko Wijnja has forged a distinctive and innovative sound through his Navar soubriquet. A regular on the likes of Guy J’s Lost & Found, Roger Martinez’s Higher States and Cid Inc.’s Replug, the Dutch star makes his Meanwhile debut with a typically rich and evocative interpretation of “The Chase” that flows gloriously across its near 8-minute journey. Built upon deep kick and rolling arpeggiated synth line, familiar motifs from O’Rion’s original float into sonic range as deeply textured pads and evolving percussive groove wend their way forwards in delicate fashion. An array of sumptuous additional production, courtesy of deep bass and sympathetic new melodies, make their presence felt as the track explodes into the second movement with dancefloor grace. The result is a dynamic interpretation that places Navar at the upper echelons of dance music royalty.

Another familiar name to the Meanwhile cognoscenti, Simos Tagias made an impact via his March 2021 twin-track “Euphoria / Emotion” EP, before September saw a remix of Imran Khan’s “Horizonz”. A veteran of over 400 production credits dating back to a debut for Lynx Records in late 2012, the Greek artist now reworks “Echium” with typical aplomb. Taking the machine-gun hi-hat pattern of the original and a 16th note bass sequence, the meandering melodic themes of O’Rion’s work resonate across a dynamic rhythmic framework. With raw, seething power, Tagias builds intensity that pauses for breath at a haunting breakdown, drenched in reverbs, delays and the stunning motif central to “Echium”, before exploding into the third movement with shimmering effervescence and club-friendly groove.

The final remix sees another Meanwhile favourite enter the fray. An artist who has grown in stature with a slew of releases on the likes of onedotsixtwo, MNL and Proton Music, Sebastian Sellares hit the ground running in April 2021 with his “Dunes at Dawn” EP. This musical triptych showcased the Argentinian’s skill and artistry, while a remix of GMJ’s “Precipice” two months later was another label highlight. Working his production magic on “The Serpent”, Sebastian Sellares has found a way to illuminate the musical phrasing of the original while creating a spotlight that shines on an array of new production material, simultaneously driving the track forward with potent rhythmic force and effortless bassline presence. The result is a searing lead line, rooted in O’Rion’s original, that cuts its way through the second half with acetylene precision, perfectly illustrating Sellares’ sought-after production credentials.

Growing in stature with a trio of towering new remixes from Navar, Simos Tagias and Sebastian Sellares, Alex O’Rion blossoms once again with “Echium”.

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