Retrograde/X-Dream
About
Otik returns to Aus Music with two tracks of melodic and club-ready house.
Otik's debut on Aus Music, the Xoul Trap EP back in May 2023, showcased his unique blend of atmospheric and breakbeat-powered techno. It is one of many releases over the last decade that have helped establish Ashley Thomas as an artist with a left-of centre perspective. As well as curating his own Solar Body label he has dropped his singer sounds on Mall Grab's Steel City Dance Discs and Martyn's 3024, where he served up his debut album Cosmosis late in 2024.
The lush 'Retrograde' is doused in loved-up synth layers and beautiful arps that swirl around a dusty, driving beat. The celestial charm is heightened with angelic vocal motifs that drift through the mix as the lo-fi drums drive on and lock you into a hazy trance.
'X-Dream' is another melodic masterclass, this time with a garage-tinged and shuffling groove. Gorgeously tender keys rain down from above next to more echoing vocal coos and heavenly synth smears. The whole thing has a hint of melancholy that makes for an even more lasting impact.