The Gate by NILU & Philipp Straub
A new artistic pairing to grace the Balance Music catalogue, NILU & Philipp Straub join forces to create ‘The Gate‘ EP.
The title track, The Gate’, is built upon a powerful bass groove and fizzing percussive hi-hats. Anchored by a dominant kick that is filtered with seething dancefloors in mind, a chorus of acetylene-edged synth leads and shimmering arpeggios combine to create a rich harmonic collage. Building easily as the track progresses, full melodic sequences emerge in post-breakdown with reverse-effected motifs and a dark rhythmic energy.
‘No Limit‘ is propelled forward via a huge, chest-thumping kick and dramatic stereo-panned effects, while light percussive claves create a subtle sonic tension of their own. Combined with a fast-paced arpeggiated sequence, NILU & Straubb have created a 7-minute tech-infused offering that offers a glimpse of melodic light at the stripped back mid-point before dropping back into the deep hypnotic groove of earlier movements in the second half.
A light percussive touch heralds the ‘Arrival‘ of the final track on the EP, before a mesmerising arpeggio swims gently across the left/right spectrum, juxtaposed against a strong beat and crunchy sub-bass pattern. Driving throughout the near 7-minute piece, the central arpeggio provides a dynamic energy while other melodic characters rise and fall away to create a sonic tension that is at the heart of a relentless tech house infused monster.
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Iconic compilation series & electronic music imprint. Since 2000, the Balance Mix Series has featured stars from Hernan Cattaneo to James Holden, solidifying its status in underground house music.