Josh Wink propels listeners into deep space with the atmospheric 'Progression'
"It will leave your body and mind satisfied, filled with gratitude and internal smiles."
Josh Wink takes listeners on a sonic journey to the outer edges of deep space with his latest release, 'Progression', which dropped on August 9.
The track is the centrepiece of his new two-track EP of the same name, which marks another highlight in the ongoing celebration of 30 years of his iconic label, Ovum Recordings.
'Progression' is a ten-minute odyssey that invites listeners to drift through a cosmic soundscape filled with meticulously crafted bleeps, pulsating beats, and ascending synth lines.
As the soundscape swells, it crescendos into a euphoric climax, emphasising his trademark use of tension, keeping the listener on edge as the sound evolves and transforms.
Here’s what the artist himself has to say about what inspired him to create the masterpiece:
“I started it in my studio with a certain direction in mind. I had a flight to San Francisco from Philly and I finished the basic outline of what became ‘Progression'. I was sitting on the window seat and at 32,000 feet was mesmerised by the calm and serenity of the Mammatus clouds which seemed to be on fire due to the setting of the sun. Intense variations of orange, pink and purples, like looking into hot embers of a campfire. I was moved and influenced by my serene visions and felt a deep tranquil state which influenced the floating, soaring and introspective nature of the song.”
Read this next: The 20 best US rave anthems of the '90s
He adds: "I like to make statements in my compositions and I believe when listened to from start to finish, it will leave your body and mind satisfied, filled with gratitude and internal smiles," emphasising both the atmospheric and euphoric qualities of 'Progression'.
Paired with an equally hypnotic Ambient Mix, the EP taps into the lost art of the chill-out room, where space and reflection are just as crucial as the beats and offers a more introspective dive into the atmospherics of the original.
Read this next: Jonny Rock & Generalisation rework A Mountain of One’s tracks into dubby, transcendent groovers
Wink’s influence on the electronic music scene is undeniable—who isn’t familiar with his 90s hit, ‘Higher State of Consciousness’?
With a career spanning over three decades, he continues to innovate and explore the vast landscapes of sound. Through ‘Progression’, we get a glimpse into the mind of an artist who remains at the forefront of electronic music…whatever the genre.
Listen to it here.
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
Cut through the noise—sign up for our weekly Scene Report or follow us on Instagram to get the latest from Asia and the Asian diaspora!