An effervescent electronic success, “Universal Children” weaves soulful vocal samples, string-laden pulsations, and hypnotic rhythms — showcasing the memorable sound of Sydney-based artist Altered States. The house-inspired debut single track from a forthcoming album of the same name, “Universal Children” moves from dramatic orchestral intrigue into an excitable array of colors, balancing nostalgic soul and modern electronica with cohesive savvy.
The evolution from flourishing strings into a pulsing repetition is done with artful precision; bass-y booms and whirring synth punctuations excel into a ghostly vocal presence, which beautifully underlies more charismatic soulful leads. A bright synth arp appears thereafter, continuing to dazzle in showcasing the effort’s strong grooving and atmospheric balancing. “Universal Children” is a thorough success from Altered States that has us fully anticipating the upcoming album.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.