Aera

Ralf Schmidt has always been a nomadic soul. A spirit that reflects into his expansive take on house music. Yet, his first installment for Hivern might be his most diverse work to date. Four tracks with traces of techno, house, electro and even trance that showcase Aera's vivid vision and pristine production skills. Bibimbap starts things off by contrasting sparkling ambiences with caustic electro-infused sequences that keep meandering while a gauzy melody provides a mystifying counterpoint. Thai Park presents a much more humid atmosphere, pairing a woozy bassline with the shimmering tones of digital synths and building up the tension with menacing leads that sound as a swarm of tropical insects gliding through the jungle. On the flip, Rotunde builds around a rubbery bass, heavenly plucked notes and effervescent arpeggios. It's a serene take on trance, that reminds us that there's no need for saccharine to reach bliss. Lumen is the most vigorous track of the release, providing a heady trip through steady chords and playful arps with cyberdelic accents. It might have a big-room kick, but with all the nuances of a headphone-treat. The 12 inch comes wrapped in a sleeve by Barcelona-based designer Xavier Mar.

• 1 Bibimbap
• 2 Thai Park
• 3 Rotunde
• 4 Lumen