After laying the groundwork with Two Opposites’ “Electropobia EP”, OWL – the white-label offshoot of OPIA Records – returns with its second release, proving once again why the parent label is celebrated for its forward-thinking, eclectic approach. This time, it’s Artem Stan who takes the reins, delivering his “Exotic Cruise EP” and steering the series into dreamy, proggy waters.
The opener, “Exotic Cruise (Dreams Primates Version)”, feels like a sun-drenched voyage designed for late afternoons that seamlessly bleed into neon nights. Built around a glistening synth line that drifts and sways with a hypnotic ease, the track slowly layers its momentum, creating a groove that’s equal parts patient and irresistible. A long, sweet break stretches the anticipation to its limits, granting dancers just enough space to breathe before the loop returns, sweeping them right back into motion.
This version is as much a tease as it is a release: playful, radiant, and utterly transportive. Whether it’s on an island terrace, a late-summer festival stage, or a sweaty club floor, “Exotic Cruise (Dreams Primates Version)” makes a strong case for soundtracking the golden hour and beyond. Artem Stan adds to OWL’s young yet promising legacy with a cut that balances dreaminess and drive in perfect harmony.
Words by Holger Breuer
Torture the Artist 