Embarking upon a captivating auditory odyssey, the Berlin-based virtuoso, Revivis, reared in the rich musical tapestry of London, ventures boldly into the threshold of 2024 with the second opus on his venerable Santo Tomas imprint. Revered as a luminary force within the electronic music domain, Revivis, whose inaugural label debut in 2023 marked an indelible impression on an eager audience, now unveils his latest magnum opus, “Dance State.” In this symphonic endeavor, the British maestro unveils a narrative of profound maturity and expansive sonic exploration, intricately grounded in the elemental rhythms of house. Each of the four compositions within this EP serves as an artistic conduit, skillfully channeling the quintessence of ’90s House, the nascent allure of Acid-flavored Trance, and the effervescent vibes of the golden-era British Progressive sound.
Immersing itself in the evocative nocturnal panoramas of Berlin’s Neukölln district, the inaugural A1 track, “All Over,” under the artistic guise of Revivis, unfolds as a resplendent sonic tapestry interwoven with the threads of late-night inspiration. Pulsating beats and nuanced melodies harmonize with the very essence of the city, encapsulating the profound soul of Revivis’s artistic pilgrimage with an eloquence that resonates on a profound level.
The eponymous A2 opus, “Dance State,” unfurls as an Acid-imbued redemptive roller, meticulously crafted to provide a musical tableau that gracefully accompanies those profound, contemplative moments on the dancefloor. It stands as a testament to Revivis’s consummate skill in the construction of sonic landscapes that seamlessly coalesce with the rhythmic cadence of his live performances, imbuing each note with a sense of redemptive catharsis.
Within the domain of the B1, “Queen of Chaos” emerges as an unabashed homage to the euphoric piano interludes emblematic of the ’90s. Unleashing a torrent of nostalgic sentiment, this composition pays reverent tribute to an era where uplifting melodies reigned supreme on the dancefloor. Revivis, with discerning finesse, adeptly captures the very essence of that bygone epoch, invoking a euphoric odyssey through the annals of time.
Engaging in a sophisticated dance with the spheres of artificial intelligence and musical ingenuity, “Sophia,” the B2 offering of the EP, elevates the conceptual depth of the entire compilation. By deftly sampling the reflective musings of Sophia, an artificial intelligence entity, this track provocatively explores the nuanced intersection of technology and emotion, fostering a captivating dialogue between humanity and machine, and thereby enriching the auditory experience with a mesmerizing complexity.
In the intricate tessellation of “Dance State,” Revivis not only affirms his standing as an ascendant luminary but also meticulously fashions a sonic odyssey that transcends the constraints of temporal delineations. Offering salutations to the bygone epochs of ’90s House, Acid-flavored Trance, and the halcyon era of British Progressive sound, this EP serves as a testament to the artist’s evolving discernment while unwaveringly adhering to the foundational tenets of electronic music. Each composition assumes the role of a chapter within an unfolding narrative, a testament to Revivis’ consummate skill in interlacing diverse influences into a seamless and enchanting musical tapestry. As we immerse ourselves in the realm of the dance state, the auditory expedition meticulously curated by Revivis vows to linger in the hearts and intellectual reservoirs of discerning electronic music connoisseurs, leaving an indelible impression that resonates beyond the ephemeral bounds of time.
Words by Holger Breuer
Torture the Artist 