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Ukrainian vinyl label ARTREFORM significantlyraises the stakes as its important anniversary (a soon-to-be-released 50^threcord) is gradually approaching. ARR048 is a double record, including three originaltracks by Romanian producer Funky Trip and four Barac, Petit Batou, Lorgu, andLukea remixes. ARTREFORM’s founder, Kyiv DJ and sound producer JOSS, obviouslytrusts and bets on Funky Trip’s talents, and this bet looks set to play out bigtime. Nicolae CatalinCimpoier (Funky Trip’s actual name) is a notablerepresentative of the new wave of the Romanian electronic scene that catapultedmany stars to global fame. Thanks to a series of successful releases on RawaxMusic and Stamp Records Paris, this Bucharest musician perfected hisrecognizable sound of crystal-clear minimal house, embellished with warmemotions and exquisite, shimmering melodies. Now it’s high time Funky Triptransitioned to vinyl!

The second part of ARTREFORM’s latestdouble vinyl release captures a new Romanian electronic scene star, Funky Trip,presenting a track called “Magic Women.” Just like femme fatale encountersoften tend to, this occasion leaves one too many questions unanswered. FunkyTrip’s signature minimal house maintains tension through a looped leitmotifwhile the rhythm section and spacious ambient pads gradually trick the listenerin. “Magic Women” has the appeal of an ideal “second track” in the mix, the oneintriguing enough yet leaving space for further narrative development. FunkyTrip’s delivery is delightfully contrasted by a beautiful remix by Lorgu thatbrings to the table an atmospheric, groovy house with many small nuances. Thenext track, “Les Voix,” is another collaboration with Mia Zedan and a perfectspecimen of ARTREFORM’s sound pedigree: a powerful bass line coupled with anenergetic and inventive tech house beat. However, its full depth of immersiontakes effect via a remix by Lucas Morello, known as Lukea. His sci-fi-infusedvibes of cosmic alienation and observation elevate this remix to the adornmentof this Romanian-French-Ukrainian fruitful creative collaboration.