Portuguese DJ and producer Ricardo Cardoso aka Ritz returns to Piston with his album Meditation. Aside from contributing several tracks on our compilations, Ritz has also delivered a series of quality cuts for us over the years, including his last effort, on the remix for Lebedev’s Paris Night followed the superb Bronx 476.9625 EP with both being very well received as always. Ricardo got the electronic music bug in the mid 90’s after visiting clubs such as Climacz and Alcantara-Mar. He quickly got into Deep House, Deep Dub, House and Leftfield House. It was under the pseudonym M0u53 that in 2015 he released several singles and EPs on Audaz Recordings and Hush Recordz. In 2016 he changed his stage name to Ritz, and since then he has worked with many national and international publishers such as ARTS, Blossom Kollektiv, Hypnotic Room, Open Bar Music, Plastic City and many more. Ricardo also runs his own imprint called Left Hook Recordings where he showcases his own unique sound. He rarely does DJ sets and when he does, it is on special occasions using only his own music. We’re excited and delighted to present this work of art, enjoy.

First up we have the smooth and dreamy vibes of Acid Sundays which takes us on a post-club ride that will regenerate the mind and body. Roads is up next and heads for the floor with its straight up 4×4 solid beat alongside mesmerising chords and groovy bassline. Cluster, for 2bias follows and offers up a truly deep and moody slice thanks to dark tones and a toughened bassline while Dusty embarks on a more urbanised retreat delivering a solid deep house joint that will keep any set grooving. Genesis takes an upbeat approach with a superb analogue style bassline that bounces around the track flawlessly, attracting the richness of the pads and a subtle vocal that adds unique character to the sound. Blips and Clicks marks the midway point in the album and as the title suggests we’re in for a trippy one courtesy of intricate patterns and a deep grooving bassline.

Taking us into the second half we have Confessions which darkens the mood with a driving bassline and rising atmospheric pads. Spoken vocal adds an intriguing narrative as carefully placed blips add a cosmic vibe. The title track, Meditation, follows and we start to get into much deeper territory. Tight drums and shuffling percussion join a deep probing bassline as smooth pads engage the senses, drawing us down to the depths. Vibrant chord stabs cut through the darker elements creating a dynamic groove. Dimensions intros with a pumping kick drum and crispy hi hat combo over a mesmerising pad that ebbs and flows. A deep rumbling bassline ensures the bassbins will work hard as dark 303 style stabs come through. The penultimate track Bliss delivers exactly as the title remarks, a wonderfully blissful house slice with a vibrant, upbeat vibe, perfect for the summer party. Minor Threat rounds up this stunning album in style. Deep analogue style basses rule as tight beats rack up the rhythm to the backdrop of a chilling pad.

An exceptional 11 track album that tells the story of Ritz beautifully, absolutely not to be missed.

Buy it here: https://www.beatport.com/release/meditation/2692128

Argentinean DJ and producer Augusto Galiardi joins forces with fellow countryman GastoM on his return with the superb Afternoon EP. This one follows the fantastic Smoothie EP from Augusto while GastoM is marking his Piston debut. Augusto got into music from a young age. At just 13, his Father encouraged him to take his skills to clubs around La Quinta and Aquabarra. It was here that he nurtured the skillset needed that would take him around the world, playing top venues in several countries. His sets are composed of tech sounds, synths and percussions, with variations of deep, techno and progressive. In recent times, he shared the booth with Mariano Trocca, Lolu Menayed, Manu Desrets and Matías Sundblad among others. Currently, in addition to nightclubs, he has a monthly show on Radio Beat Club and throws private parties in Nordelta. Since 2015 he has been producing quality tracks that have gained massive support from labels and fellow jocks. Great to have him here and we hope to see more in the future. Buenos Aires based artist Gastón Martínez aka GastoM ventured into the world of music playing drums in an elementary band while learning the guitar from his brother and taking piano lessons. From his own love for music, he self-taught his way in the production of electronic music and, beginning in 2012 his career as an Electronic Music Producer at the School of Music of Buenos Aires (E.M.B.A.), started. His biggest influences in house music are Stimming, DAVI, Mark Alow and Kora among others. His productions are a mix between Deep House, Techno and Progressive House mixed with recordings of instruments and percussions, giving a unique and alive sound. Great to have him on board.

Deep meditating vibes and warm tones greet us on the intro of Afternoon. Sublime and mesmerizing, the groove captivates as it weaves a deep, meaningful narrative. Nice chunky beats lead a rhythmic percussion arrangement as a chunky, phat bassline emerges, rolling through the groove with authority. A melancholic flavour comes through as the synths and chords combine, leaving us totally hooked on the outcome. An absolute must for the later sessions, no doubt.

Xperiment opens with strong bass heavy sequence that is layered with various bass elements. From sweeping and punchy to pure sub-level rumbling, the bassline is king here, right from the off. A smooth and intricate drum arrangement gets the booty shakin’ while short, stabby keys come through. The break reveals a more melodic groove that catches the imagination before the climax back to the main event for the duration. A stomper that will definitely tear up the floors, not to be missed.

Buy it here: https://www.beatport.com/release/afternoon-ep/2704302