Dutch producer GANZ has released his incredibly progressive EP, Gao, on his recently established label – The Hard Headed. 

The title track, “Light Years (Ft Maribelle)”, sets the scene slowly, creating an astral atmosphere of soft piano melodies and ethereal pads. Melbourne’s Maribelle provides gorgeous vocals that float atop carefully curated synths and arpeggiated blips and bloops. Gritty lead synths and skeletal percussion progress the track into the light, dreamy outro.

The EP continues from the same tone with, “Frolyfe” – Heavy synths combined with impressive vocals from Dutchman Digitzz carry the tune towards an energy filled, yet ‘feel-good’ drop.

Probably my favourite track on the EP – “Lone Ft JOY.” is an incredible collaborative effort from GANZ & What So Not. “Lone” transitions from ghostly pads into a signature WSN build, before dropping into dirty synths and colossal 808’s. Intricate melodies atop JOY’s breathtaking vocals add to the angelic qualities the track already possess.

“Faded” provides uplifting notes in the EP through fast paced, head banging drumwork, and intense synth work.  “Faded” leads its way into a hauntingly beautiful adieu for the EP, “Dark Places”, which features the goosebump-worthy, eerie vocals of Dutch singer MUKI alongside numerous orchestral elements.

The EP showcases shades of Flume, Porter Robinson and Hermitude, with GANZ highlighting his consistency, originality and diversity more than ever.  To celebrate the release, GANZ has announced that he’ll be touring Australia this July, where he’ll be joined by Tasmanian local Akouo.

You can stream the new EP from GANZ below or buy it on iTunes here.