131bpm – It’s Always a Gemini [EP]

French DJ and producer 131bpm, now based in Berlin, is one of the most exciting voices who have emerged from the European queer nightlife. As a resident at Berlin’s Body Language and Milan’s Vitamina, his sound blends Detroit electro, vocal house, Latin rhythms, ‘90s progressive, and uplifting, percussive club music in the most outrageous way, creating euphoria and endless sweat on the dancefloor. 131 bpm constantly evolves as a producer, DJ, and remixer with carefully selected releases on some of the most exciting labels.

Having followed his trajectory from day one, it was only natural that he would end up releasing on Jen Cardini’s Correspondant imprint. Correspondant has always been one of my most beloved labels. It has carefully cultivated a signature sound that is both dancefloor-driven and adventurous, shaping the darker and more melodic side of dance music. Emotionally charged electro, dark disco, EBM, leftfield techno releases that go beyond genre conventions have built a strong and impactful outlet for newcomers and established artists, elevating the label to one of the most distinctive and superb in an overflooded ocean by thousands of meaningless releases.

“It’s Always A Gemini” consists of two tracks and three remixes that take the notion of tribal house to the next level. “F.O.D.E” prospers on hypnotic percussion, restless groove and teasing vocals without ever falling into repetition. It doesn’t rely on drops as an easy gimmick, but it constantly shifts its momentum with subtle rhythmic mutations that create a perpetual sense of movement. “Alto Fragile” puts a more melodic approach at the forefront with warm synths and progressive textures that could drive an early morning floor to shreds. The remix package elevates the original tracks, adding to their core identity. DJ JM infuses electro undertones into “F.O.D.E”. Posture gives a sturdy UK bass alternative of “Alto Fragile”. The highlight is Anna Almani’s version of “Alto Fragile”. She introduces additional vocals, which carry a queer-centered message about consent. With her extraordinary production skills, she showcases a layer of emotional depth without losing its explosive rhythmic functionality.

131bpm once again demonstrates an intuitive understanding of tension and release. “It’s Always A Gemini” is a statement from an artist who understands very well that the best club records are not the ones that simply make people dance - they are the ones that keep them guessing. It is a masterclass on why and how you should sometimes favour groove over spectacle and movement over formula. 

Correspondant · 131bpm - F.O.D.E.

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