Artist: Apnoea
Title: Phnk
Label: Stripped Down
Cat. #: STRD020
Format: Digital
Release Date: 20th August 2021
Tracklist:
01 Phnk
02 Wormhole
03 Phnk (John Tejada Remix)

Melodic house and techno newcomers Apnoea continue to make waves with a superb offering on Stripped Down that comes backed with a John Tejada remix.

This German duo only debuted on the legendary Mobilee Records in spring 2021, but immediately turned plenty of heads. They have a combined 40 years of experience in the studio that has given rise to big solo projects on Noir Music, Get Physical, Last Night on Earth and many other labels. They remixed Timo Maas on Stripped Down earlier in the year, and their full debut on the label showcases a richly layered and emotive sound across two superb tunes.

They open up with the excellent ‘Phnk,’ a deep roller with twitchy synths and slick claps. As the synths grow in energy, you’re lifted off your feet and transported to the stars on a smooth and seductive house groove. ‘Wormhole’ is just as well crafted and hypnotic, this time with more edgy synth motifs looping above pinging kick drums. There is tension in the bleeping keys and turbulent bass that makes for added drama as the eight-minute trip unfolds.

Remixer and LA-based artist John Tejada is a long-time tech house mainstay. His famously pristine, well-crafted sounds have landed him on labels like Kompakt and Cocoon and made him one of the scene’s most consistent performers. Here he flips ‘Phnk’ into a sublime track built on clean breakbeats, with rich melodic patterns and lively bass all working to suspend you above the dancefloor.

This is another stylish statement from this fast-rising duo.