Sebastian Markiewicz, a Polish-born producer now based in Manchester, launched Compatible Music in 2013 with the release of ‘Fibre,’ which featured a remix by house veteran Phil Kieran. The release established the label’s sound as firmly rooted in deep house music with a hypnotic edge.
Compatible’s second release builds on this foundation, featuring an original track by label head Sebastian Markiewicz and a remix by Bedrock artists Sirenize (the production pairing of Rowan Blades and Dennis White, also known as Thermal Bear of Traum Schallplatten fame).
The release opens with the original version of ‘Phantom,’ a raw, atmospheric workout driven by heavy, distorted drums, dubbed-out synth lines, and ethereal background textures. Over the course of its seven-minute duration, Sebastian plays with subtle hidden intricacies achieved through delays and variations in melody, culminating in the introduction of an epic church-organ melody that adds to the track’s musicality.
The release closes with the ‘Phantom (Sirenize Remix),’ which takes things deeper and employs a lo-fi approach to drum programming with gritty, shuffling snares and tonal-toms driving the movement. Snippets of the original version’s synth elements flutter around the percussion, while processed vocals are introduced in sporadic breaks, adding impact when the progressive groove is brought back in.
This release from Compatible is understated and intelligent dance music, offering a glimpse of what’s to come from the label.