IBIZA, 11 May
Mike Rish 'Shokl' on Meanwhile
Mike Rish's 'Shokl' arrives as his first release on Meanwhile since 30 August 2024's 'Akhnaton / Gröv / Cloudbreaker', a gap of about eight months. The track, filed as Progressive House, was released on 9 May, as the Ibiza season opened for the year. Guy J placed it sixth of 10 on his 'Music For May' chart on 7 May.
Meanwhile was last covered on 4 April, with Zankee Gulati's 'Mind Opener'. The percussion and harmony sit in even balance across a busy percussive surface, moderate in both level and headroom, with an airy top end that keeps the whole mix light on its feet. It is a considered return after eight months away from the label, unhurried rather than urgent, and a sixth place finish among 10 tracks on that chart says the wait did the record no harm.
The label said
Meanwhile, Bandcamp about text · sourceAn artist with a rich and impressive pedigree, Mike Rish returns to Meanwhile with a triple-tracker of exceptional quality in Sunset on Mars / Tornn / Shokl.
A Melbourne native with a strong back catalogue stretching back over 15 years, Mike Rishs debut quickly became a starting point for a successful career, predominantly focused on the sound of Progressive House. Since 2009, the Australian has gone on to see his music featured on the likes of Vapour Recordings, Anjunadeep and Guy Js Lost & Found, while a trio of EPs for Meanwhile between 2021 and 2024 have seen Mike Rish sparkle with a collection of beautifully crafted original sonic sculptures. Now returning for the first time since August 2024s Akhnaton / Gröv / Cloudbreaker triumph, 3 new original tracks take centre stage.
The compelling Sunset on Mars opens with a thumping beat and smooth percussive top-line before a swathe of effects-laden synths percolate the soundwaves with rich delays and reverb. A powerful bassline adds dancefloor urgency while an evocative arp filters its way to the foreground through the second movement. Rising and falling with club-friendly knowhow, the track gradually picks up pace before entering the second half full of punchy bravado. Immaculately constructed, Sunset on Mars is an aural triumph.
Continuing the powerful rhythmic character of its predecessor, Tornn is a thumping, chugging bassline monster that rolls seductively across its 7-minute timeframe. Endless delays and effects swim across the stereo spectrum in swirling atmospheres as vocal snippets talk of remembered dreams and an eerily pitched menace. Evolving easily through its phases, the second half comes to life as bassline and rhythmic prowess take control across the shape-shifting soundscapes.
Opening with a strong tribal rhythm and subtle jungle-themed effects and bird calls, another chorus of reverb-drenched effects and delays across a smorgasbord of vocal cuts, provide a beautiful dub-inspired atmosphere. Coming to the fore at the stripped-back breakdown with expansive ease, Mike Rish gently picks up the pace through the second half to create and intriguing and dynamic listening environment through his sublime layering of vocal elements.
Returning to the label that is fast becoming a second home, Mike Rish delights Meanwhile listeners with Sunset on Mars / Tornn / Shokl.
Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren