ARKADYAN have also released on BLOND:ISH’s Abracadabra Music in addition to other imprints such as Cosmic Awakenings…

ARKADYAN are new to our radar, but their latest release on Sol Selectas was hard to miss. They are a trio of talented producers who only dropped their first release in 2020, but already they boast releases on imprints ranging from Cosmic Awakenings to Madorasindahouse Records.

Their Afro house style seems to sometimes have a subtle flamenco influence in the rhythms and uses choppy guitar chords, but they also have a downtempo style with deep grooves and chugging rhythms.

‘Tulila’ is the name of their latest new release and it has Berber language vocals by Moroccan artist Radouan Naim who also played the guembri, which is a traditional instrument from his home region.

Radouan Naim’s musicianship is accompanied by some dramatic wildlife sounds, piano stabs and lots of flowing percussion. Its string section builds tension that subsides in the mystifying breakdown section that’s full of splendour.

Accompanying the release’s original track are remixes by two French artists, Manoo delivering a remix that builds on the original’s percussive flair, and Safar (FR) creating a DJ friendly version with a smooth flow and added atmosphere.

The original mix is what grabbed our attention the most, but both of the remixes have their time and place. Safar (FR)’s is probably the most accessible track on the release, but Manoo is the most accomplished artist due to his releases on Innervisions, Compost and Classic Music Company.

You can buy a copy HERE.