Slime reaches a new milestone for the label with the launch of its first physical release. To celebrate, they welcome the return of Swedish producer Materia, who has crafted Atlas, a debut full-length album that extrapolates the fundamentals of house, garage, dubstep, and techno -- then fuses them into a listening experience full of warmth and texture which reveals further depths through every repeated play. "Otherland" is the opening statement of intent. Windswept and widescreen, its cinematic qualities are pushed to the fore from the outset with melancholy chords drenched over skeletal percussion. The mood intensifies as the ice-cold beat drops and the track draws you slowly under its spell. "Clouds" sees a collaboration with NYC vocalist Winter and UK lyricist Koast. Over a narcotic half-step rhythm, Koast delivers a heartfelt paean to hedonism taking its toll, while Winter adds her gossamer voice to proceedings, elevating the track into something solemn yet beautiful. "Grounded" evokes hazy summer nights spent in a neon-soaked metropolis, as live strings, guitar and brass coalesce into a laidback groove that exudes a rich sensuality. "Shallow Waters" goes south of the equator and turns the tempo up for a rolling house cut with live Rhodes and flute in a playful interchange. "Shadows" finds cavernous space in dubwise rhythms, with a booming sub-bass strapped to skittering beats and emotive chords. "Headspace" combines dub and techno textures with startling results, offering up an expansive galaxy of spectral sound to drift into. "Skylight" sees the return of songstress Winter to add sugar-sweet vocal textures over a gorgeous drum 'n' bass rhythm that is full to the brim with sunshine. "Downstream" draws the listener down deep into a seductive house groove with live saxophone played with a mischievous touch by Startslow. "Ruins" is a joint composition between Materia and the highly-regarded Bristol producer Forsaken, who combine for an atmospheric slow-house jam with a moody energy all its own. "Synthesis" completes the journey with a grand flourish, delving into tech-house territory for an epic nine-minute excursion into interstellar rhythms that takes you off the edge of the world into ecstasy.
