DJ 3000 - Meridian/Meloudic Landscapes

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  • This first single taken from DJ 3000's third full-length album, Galactic Caravan, follows the general template of Franki Juncaj's previous work—layers of ethnic percussion fused with Detroit techno—but shows some new subtleties in the mix, resulting in a deeper, more satisfying release than has been seen from him in some time. Juncaj hasn't done a complete about-face, but something here feels more mature, self-assured and—ultimately—more effective. "Meridian" bears the hallmarks of Juncaj's standard style right from the get-go, opening with a funky synth bass line that is soon joined by some hand drums and eventually a full rocking beat. All standard issue so far, but the interesting wrinkles hit soon thereafter, and they make all the difference—chanting girls; a swirling, backwards synth motif that appears at half volume, a level just low enough to add texture; a treated piano; and a squelching, acidic melody line that dances over the top of the mix like a dervish. This is dancefloor-ready material, first and foremost, but it shows real artistic growth for Juncaj. Some of his past productions have been simple (but effective) barnstormers, but there was never nearly as much sonic variety, depth of composition or lightness of touch. On the B-side, "Meloudic Landscapes" is even lighter and bouncier, with a series of bright synth melodies conjuring images of colorful lights on the horizon at sunrise, light years away from darker material that Juncaj was dropping during his first steps away from the UR camp. It's not nearly as intriguing or layered as its counterpart, but it certainly is uplifting, a real "hands in the air" kinda thing. And after these past few years of dark, minor-chord minimalism, it sure sounds refreshing.
  • Tracklist
      A Meridian B Meloudic Landscapes
RA