Dousk – D.I.Y. Part 2

Giannis Douskos is a classically trained Greek artist producing a very clean style of progressive dance music. His work has been featured on progressive psytrance compilations such as Afterhourz and The Cloud Foundation, but Dousk’s sound is best understood in the context of “true” progressive trance or house. There is no kind of twisted edge to this music; it is pure, pristine, and immaculately produced. This particular single is the second follow-up to Dousk’s successful debut album D.I.Y., released in 2005. It features one new track and a pair of remixes of songs that appear on the album.

Caribou begins with a retro-sounding electro-house beat, but it isn’t long before the simple rhythm receives some support from a soothing bass line. The song gradually unfolds as a blissful tropical melody enters, banishing all concerns in a soothing wave of sonic ambrosia. Dousk smartly builds a soothing kind of tension by playing around with the bass line after the break. When the lead melody makes a subtle return the impact is sure to win smiles all around. This is a very well-balanced tune!

On the other side, Dousk revisits the seductive grooves of Florence, a serene song that breezes by at 123 BPM. The sedate tempo is put to good use as emotional female vocals, warm hypnotic atmospheres, and subtle tribal drums spill forth with luxurious ease. Soft hints of piano add an elegance that perfectly suits the mood. Gorgeous.

Chris Nemmo’s mix of Anagram is a curious blend of elements, dabbling with ornate sentimentality and eighties-inspired synth-work. I suppose the name of the song is derived from the way in which the female vocals have been manipulated: it sounds as if she is saying something, but the phonemes are all mixed up. Not bad, but I like the others better.

D.I.Y. Part 2 is resting comfortably at the far end of my taste in progressive music. This is soft and enjoyable music made for listeners with an ear for quality. Should you enjoy the finer side of progressive dance music I would heartily recommend giving this vinyl a whirl. These songs are also available for download from Beatport and other digital download providers.