Medlar - Celestial Bodies [12" Vinyl]

Over the last decade, Medlar has carved out a unique corner of the underground with releases on labels including Wolf Music, Razor N Tape, and Make A Dance, developing a sound that effortlessly bridges deep house, leftfield disco, broken rhythms, and jazz-infused electronics. Whether chopping up samples or building richly textured compositions from scratch, his productions carry an unmistakable warmth and humanity that has earned him a devoted following amongst discerning selectors worldwide.Opening the EP is ""Solar"", a sublime collaboration with South African vocalist mtsjungles. Riding a loose, shuffling groove of swung percussion, warm bass and glowing keys, the track unfolds with an effortless sense of space before the instantly memorable vocal of mtsjungles lifts it into truly soulful territory. Deep without being sleepy, it's the kind of record that quietly works it's way into your subconscious before becoming one of those tracks you find yourself reaching for again and again. On remix duties, New York's JKriv steps in with an inspired reimagining that trades some of the original's introspection for a brighter, more propulsive dancefloor energy. Leaning into the timeless warmth of classic Italian house, his version goes heavy on the uplifting organ stabs, shimmering strings, and crisp percussion. He strips back the vocal from mtsjungles and adds dubby touches to deliver an interpretation that feels equally at home beneath open skies or in the red glow of a packed basement.Flipping over to the B-side, ""Destino"", featuring the spoken word of For Mankind (known for his collabs with East Coast Love Affair), sees Medlar pick up the tempo for a sun-soaked slice of Balearic-tinged dubby house music. Built around classic piano stabs, a rolling groove, and a healthy dose of retro warmth, the track channels the carefree spirit of a Mediterranean dancefloor while retaining the subtle, leftfield touches that have become synonymous with Medlar's productions. Closing out the EP, ""Rigel"" heads back underground with a deep, rolling house workout built for those later hours. A pared back groove, Moog solos, subtle acid flourishes, and a classic '90s house sensibility come together to create a track that feels both familiar and fresh. A fitting finale that perfectly captures the balance at the heart of this EP: warm, soulful, and with an uplifting sense of optimism.