The purported nexus for fans of progressive dance music right now is obviously Germany. What’s missing from that idea, however, is how all of the labels centered in the area are beginning to seriously outsource their material. Up and coming producers from all over are beginning to make in-roads. One of the most exciting is house producer Jesse Somfay, who recently had his first 12” released on Traum—a dreamy and romantic Villalobos indebted slab of wax that augurs great things ahead. The Stypod recently asked Jesse what he’s been listening to…

Derek Howell– You Wanna Do What

This is an absolutely stunning track from an absolutely stunning new artist. From his recent two part EP on John Digweed’s Bedrock label, ‘You Wanna Do What’ is a glittering progressive workout which just keeps building with gradually rising pads and paranoid sounds echoing in the distance. It reaches an absolutely blissful crescendo after what seems like an eternity of psychedelic build up. And this certainly is a very good eternity. Derek Howell is one of the hottest artists to watch out for in 2005 if you love excellent progressive music full of emotion.

[buy it here]

Polmo Polpo- Kiss Me Again and Again

Out on a new limited EP series from Intr_Version, Polmo Polpo crack out a 21 minute long punk-funk epic. The changes throughout the track are so groovy you could suffocate. Jittery guitar licks, warm basslines, and distant horns pop in and out as melodies shift in subtle ways. Thirteen minutes into the track a beautiful section of guitar arpeggios and strings come in and depict the sun rising in the funkiest possible way. The track then slowly shifts back into a form similar to where it began but just a little different full of paranoia and shuddering background percussion. A very hot tune to lose your mind to!

[buy it here]

M83– Don’t Save Us From the Flames

M83 has been one of my favorite bands of the last few years. From the new album Before the Dawn Heals Us, ‘Don’t Save Us From the Flames’ is a shoegazer’s wet dream. Dripping with reverb and slightly over driven guitars and synths, it recalls some of the most emotional moments from bands such as Slowdive. Simply put, beauty is back and it is here to stay!

[buy it here]