Fresh material from Munich label Permanent Vacation is delivered via Tom Mangan (aka Tee Mango) who comes in with his new EP You Are the Sun. After Tee Mango’s latest release Don’t Let It Slip EP – which made itself into Keinemusik’s BBC1 Essential Mix – the producer returns with an ode to the sun in two versions; one for the rising and one for the setting sensation.
The first track, You Are the Sun (Sun Up Mix), emanates the feel of a tropical summer. The track is introduced by a poppy piano melody, then followed by a 120BPM House bassline and Techno beats. From the start, it feels as if the piano is the main character of Tee Mango’s story. The keys lead the way, guiding a series of evolving sonic layers. “You are the sun” echoes, whilst a newer more melodic piano refrain enters the soundscape. Dominating the scene that was just occupied by the piano, a euphoric pause marks the peak and breaks housey beats into bass guitar strings to the end. A euphoria travels the body while hopeful senses linger.
Following the first track, You Are the Sun (Sun Down Mix), follows a different vibe and the listener is asked to pause and reflect on their previous experience. The ecstatic melodies and relaxing pleasures leave the body for this mix. l20BPM lounge music is a perceptible feature of the track, as uplifting house beats intertwine with bass and the words “you are the sun”. A little chime reverberates in the end, to resemble some Frankie Knuckles’ whistling sounds’. Deviating from the Sun Up Mix here, the piano exits center stage to become the underlying thread that carries new percussive elements.
As spring is around the corner, Tee Mango’s You Are the Sun EP appears to be a tangible set of sounds whose melodies do not seem to be very distant anymore. Containing an inevitable craving for colorful and sunny days, for drinks with friends; yet, there’s this contrast of a (nocturnal) nostalgia that prevails as the uncertainty of such a reality remains still wobbling. Although, there is one almost certain thing; one can find comfort in music and rely on it to stay hopeful and long for You Are the Sun’s vibes to be the case soon. Very soon.
You Are the Sun EP was released on 19th February 2021 on Permanent Vacation.
Words by Iman Cavargna-Sani
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