As a newcomer to the scene, Proximity solidifies the artists’ mastery of electronic music
Proximity is the latest release by electronic musician DEFSET. An alias for artist Leo Neelands, DEFSET takes its inspiration from the electronic dance and acid house movements that defined the cultural moment of his youth. Originally known for his work as a visual effects artist, Neelands, has worked on the effects of movies including Harry Potter, Gravity, The Hobbit, and Iron Man 3. But, with a lifelong passion for music dating back to his time making music on an Atari ST, Neelands career as DEFSET has solidified his commitment to the art as he has made himself known for a creative use of modular synthesizers and onboard gear, creating immersive music with glitchy, syncopated rhythms.
As the debut album of an artist who is new to the scene, Proximity follows a series of single releases, many of which appear on the full album. In 2021, he released ‘Deadlines,’ Shira2,’ and ‘Bathtime,’ all of which are featured in the full album, as well as ‘The Edge of the World,’ ‘Shira2 (Locked Groove Remix),’ and ‘Deadlines (Perry Granville Remix).’
DEFSET used his memories of the UK rave scene as a point of inspiration for the album. Rediscovering fond memories in the process of producing the music, DEFSET points tracks such as ‘HoneySwede’ to dedicated fans of underground electronic music. Looking to return to the music making process, Neelands purchased modular gear before the COVID lockdown began and spent the duration of that period producing this album, with every sound and element created from scratch. In its entirety, the album presents an energetic feel with the opportunity for listeners to enter a trance-like-state, absorbed in the atmospheric tone that carries through each track.
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