MOVD0243

Artist: Carsten Halm
Title: My Heart EP
Remixer: Jerome Isma-Ae
Release Date: 6 May 2022

Supported by: Solomun, Armin Van Buuren, John Digweed, Sasha, Adriatique, Dixon, Dubfire, Ame, Pete Tong, Guy Gerber, Joris Voorn, Mind Against, Agoria, &Me, Blond:Ish, Paul Oakenfold, Paul Van Dyk, Above & Beyond, John OO Fleming, ao

Movement Recordings opens the month of May by welcoming Carsten Halm to the label for his debut EP. Based in Cologne, the German artist has been a DJ for well over a decade, playing some of his country's trendiest clubs along with his self organized events. As a producer Carsten has made considerable strides since first appearing in 2016. Solee's Parquet Recordings has been a comfortable home for the Cologne resident, with three releases landing in 2020 that earned play and support from Animal Trainer, Artbat, Eelke Kleijn, Format-B and Solomun. Now following 2021 offerings via Clubsonica Records, Monkey League, Traum and UV, Carsten makes his Movement Recordings debut with 'My Heart', alongside a remix from Jerome Isma-Ae.

 

Destined to be a highlight in Carsten's discography, it is the poignant stylings of the title selection which get the release underway. Rhythmically charged from the outset, its smooth cadence, striking stabs and buoyant groove set the piece on a course for aural enlightenment. Emotive chord changes and haunting vocal phrases make for a thrilling first act, carrying momentum and mood into the main break. Glowing swells and soulful phrasing delight across the centrepiece, further enhancing the genuine mood, as a timely drum roll and rising sonics unite for a tasteful crescendo and balmy finale.

Making his second appearance on the label and providing the lone interpretation of 'My Heart' is Jerome Isma-Ae. The German artist has been one of the most unique, sought after and best-selling electronic music producers of the last decade. Combining influences of progressive house and techno with distinguished drum patterns, shapely basslines and a keen dancefloor sensibility have led Jerome to projects via Anjunabeats, Songspire and his own JEE Productions imprint. Having made his Movement Recordings debut in 2018 with a well received remix of 'Delta' by Ziger and Blusoul, Jerome now makes a welcome return to the label with a thunderous rendition of 'My Heart'. Adding more of a progressive state of mind, the German artist carves out a dynamic groove adorned with firing percussive, charming vocal fragments and fresh rhythmic themes. Emotive chord changes and poignant pads emerge as the second movement evolves, bringing goosebump worthy moments to its dance floor inspired framework, and ultimately propelling the track to a thrilling finale.

Adding further depth to the release is the second original 'Dreaming'. Beginning with beautifully contoured bass lines and neatly manicured percussion, its sleek design delights as the groove gets filled in and layers of melodic colour descend over the framework. Vibrant arps and tasteful effects flow through the first act, as luminous sonics steal the air leading into the main break. Complete with reflective qualities, the centrepiece continues the emotive ethos of the release, effortlessly transferring its impassioned vocals and heartfelt overlays to the dance floor, before a groovy drop pushes forward to smooth apex.

The final selection 'Escalator' finds Carsten diversifying his portfolio further with a deeper, heady creation. Sleek and trippy throughout, the seven-minute journey quickly sucks you in with its fuzzed-out design and evolving atmospheres. The narrative then shifts with hopeful overlays highlighting the main break; glowing and effervescent in equal measure, this timeless theme not only demonstrates how deep Carsten's repertoire goes but rounds out the release on a strong note.

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