Salbany presents the much-anticipated “Crossroads” EP on Portuguese label Paraíso, accompanied by remixes from techno legend Cisco Ferreira (The Advent) and Detroit’s AMX (The AM).
Released on December 6th, “Crossroads” is available in both 12-inch orange vinyl and digital formats.
A devoted enthusiast of analog machinery—synthesizers, sequencers, and external effects—Salbany has been crafting his sound through hands-on experimentation. His catalog can be found on notable labels like Modulhertz Records, Corpus Black, Assemble Music, and Solid Tracks Records, with a memorable collaboration alongside r-Keat on the esteemed K-Vinyl.
This EP feels like a tribute to the legacy of Detroit techno and Chicago house. Salbany’s studio approach, rooted in analog gear and the joy of live experimentation, shines through in every track. You can sense the feeling behind it all, the genuine joy of playing with synthesis and patterns, creating an intimate connection between the music and its maker.
‘Close your eyes’ waves as a classic vocal on the opening track, “My Life,” with a rumbling melodic bassline and classic keyboards, evoking the expansive euphoria of 90s Detroit parties.
Salbany’s music flows naturally, reflecting the same energy and authenticity as his live performances. He has the ability to translate studio improvisations into tracks that command the dancefloor making it one of his special traits.
Strings and pads glide over driving drum machines, with rolling pianos and subtle vocal snippets weaving their way through the mix. Listening to this EP conjures the spirit of Jovonn, Derrick May, Robert Hood, Juan Atkins, Ron Trent, and other early pioneers of the Chicago and Detroit sounds. Salbany’s sonics don’t just nod to the past—they feel like a continuation of a movement—a reminder of when techno was about breaking boundaries and imagining the future.
“Mito” stands out as the EP’s most enigmatic track, with frenetic arpeggiated synths creating a serious, mysterious vibe. Airy and eerie, it strikes a balance between sophistication and rudeness, making it a hit for a dancing crowd.
The remixes offer their own narratives. Cisco Ferreira (The Advent), a cornerstone of techno’s history, bridges generations with his interpretation. It’s a meeting of timeless grooves and aesthetics, almost like a passing of the torch. Meanwhile, AMX, with her Detroit roots and classical background in Metro Detroit’s Oakland Youth Orchestra, delivers a remix full of groove and swing. She embraces the original bassline, amplifying its undeniable dancefloor energy.
Ultimately, “Crossroads” is a unique release where past and present collide. It bridges generations of artists while keeping the essence of techno alive; a sound that continues to make us move, think, and feel.
-Francisco Barahona
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