Label: Salin Records
Cat: SALIND007
Format: Digital
Genre: Electronic, Deep House
Release Date:
August 30, 2024 = El Grifo
September 27, 2024 = Famara
October 25, 2024 = The View + whole Album
Off the back of a deeply inspiring trip immersed in the beauty of Lanzarote, Christophe Salin returns with his latest LP – a softly spoken yet emphatic record that speaks of landscape, sun, sea and the finer things in the rich tapestry of life….
Ever since his first exposure to House music in the 90s, Salin has thrown himself into producing, DJing and all facets of hardware discovery. His initial work on white labels and edits blossomed into the formation of Salin Records, which he has used as an outlet for his recent creative expressions. His sound is firmly established in house traditions, with expert groove lines and melodic sequences being utilized to full effect, but it is his love of equipment which has continued to fuel his desire to explore his sound to the fullest. His tunes are fun, fresh and emotive, bringing together the very best of the genre, with his own personal twist on things riding front and centre throughout his enriching discography.
Whilst Salin draws deeply from house music, his new record ‘Ocean & Cliffs’ draws as deeply from a new source of inspiration – the island of Lanzarote. Following walks through the island’s captivating and dynamic landscapes, Salin was drawn almost to the ‘nothingness’ of space, its quiet and peaceful charm, and as a result, he began work on the bones of ‘Ocean & Cliffs’. When moving through the record there is a sense of Lanzarote’s influence being discovered everywhere – as if turning over rocks on the ground, sifting through sand on the beach, hearing the breeze in the palm trees. There is a soothing energy that can, in many ways, only really be found in nature, where someone is to fully embrace this state of mind and create music based upon these feelings. His new LP has a very natural energy to it, filled with rhythms that echo footsteps through the hills and the notion of being in a space much bigger than a human sense of scale – and that is the beauty of it all, isn’t it?
‘Intro’ provides this first glimpse into this world of music and space, and it’s a short but memorable melodic swell that feels like the morning sun rising, gently embracing the sky with its presence. ‘Volver’ flows into view next, and this cut retains the melodic notions of the opener, but starts to inject some energy into proceedings. The drums swing along to a variety of layers that reflect the various energies and interactions that persist within nature, and it helps to really place the listener within the environment. ‘Casa Del Agua’ serves up a more jagged feel, with smooth rhythmic segments complimented with driving bass tones and melodic lines, with some intriguing stop-start sections thrown in – as if your interest is perked by something you saw behind the next cliff.
‘El Grifo’ begins calmly, as sultry keys tinkle across the afternoon haze. The track opens up to include a razor-sharp rhythmic palette, with everything feeling like a whisper on the breeze. ‘Famara’ slides into view next, and this one has a heavier feel to it. The drums and bass do much to set the scene, with the keys that arrive just after having a deep set, rolling feeling – embracing and enveloping the landscapes in which it was inspired by. ‘Let’s get away’ brings things back to a more rolling saunter, with repeating melodic features acting as the cornerstone of the onward flow. Additional key lines float into view, giving a sense of things to come but also keeping things firmly on the table, and as a head bobber it is very enjoyable indeed.
‘On the edge’ extends things outward significantly, with plenty of time given for the opening rhythmic salvo to get going. The track has a real dubby undercurrent to it, with melodic flashes reserved for only the right moments, with the breakdown that occurs around the 4-minute mark really drawing the listener into the mix. ‘Sorry, but I’m not always happy’ emerges next, and this one has a really strong bouncy energy. Whilst the title of the track is honest in its convictions, the track remains hopeful, as if being reflective in yourself leads to brighter days – and it certainly does. ‘Wave’ comes next, and this one swells into life with feeling and groove. The keys that welcome us into the fold create a rich view, and diving in head first feels appropriate. The swells don’t exactly mimic the crashing of the waves, but they do evoke that serenity that comes with watching one of nature’s greatest rhythms. To wrap things up, ‘The View’ comes to the fore, and as an album this one has everything – a subtle, emotive core; driving, hypnotic drums; and a hopeful, uplifting message, unspoken of course but one that remains obvious to all that listen in.
Christophe Salin has always explored emotional depths within his music, an application of thought and process that makes his music feel alive. On ‘Ocean & Cliffs’, he weaves a visual narrative into the mix with a profoundness and honesty that make repeat listens feel so much more rich and enticing. Each track feels like a snapshot of his journey across the island, capturing thoughts, musings and vistas, with the listener taken along each step of the way through its vibrant underbelly. One for the dreamers, and landscape lovers – this is stepping along through the wilderness at its finest….
Written, produced & mixed by Christophe Salin.
Mastered by Christophe Salin.
Artwork by Daria Salin.
All rights of the producer and the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorised copying of this record is prohibited. SALIND007 ℗ & © 2024 Salin Records.