Portuguese DJ and producer Ricardo Cardoso aka Ritz returns to Piston with his album Meditation. Aside from contributing several tracks on our compilations, Ritz has also delivered a series of quality cuts for us over the years, including his last effort, on the remix for Lebedev’s Paris Night followed the superb Bronx 476.9625 EP with both being very well received as always. Ricardo got the electronic music bug in the mid 90’s after visiting clubs such as Climacz and Alcantara-Mar. He quickly got into Deep House, Deep Dub, House and Leftfield House. It was under the pseudonym M0u53 that in 2015 he released several singles and EPs on Audaz Recordings and Hush Recordz. In 2016 he changed his stage name to Ritz, and since then he has worked with many national and international publishers such as ARTS, Blossom Kollektiv, Hypnotic Room, Open Bar Music, Plastic City and many more. Ricardo also runs his own imprint called Left Hook Recordings where he showcases his own unique sound. He rarely does DJ sets and when he does, it is on special occasions using only his own music. We’re excited and delighted to present this work of art, enjoy.

First up we have the smooth and dreamy vibes of Acid Sundays which takes us on a post-club ride that will regenerate the mind and body. Roads is up next and heads for the floor with its straight up 4x4 solid beat alongside mesmerising chords and groovy bassline. Cluster, for 2bias follows and offers up a truly deep and moody slice thanks to dark tones and a toughened bassline while Dusty embarks on a more urbanised retreat delivering a solid deep house joint that will keep any set grooving. Genesis takes an upbeat approach with a superb analogue style bassline that bounces around the track flawlessly, attracting the richness of the pads and a subtle vocal that adds unique character to the sound. Blips and Clicks marks the midway point in the album and as the title suggests we’re in for a trippy one courtesy of intricate patterns and a deep grooving bassline.

Taking us into the second half we have Confessions which darkens the mood with a driving bassline and rising atmospheric pads. Spoken vocal adds an intriguing narrative as carefully placed blips add a cosmic vibe. The title track, Meditation, follows and we start to get into much deeper territory. Tight drums and shuffling percussion join a deep probing bassline as smooth pads engage the senses, drawing us down to the depths. Vibrant chord stabs cut through the darker elements creating a dynamic groove. Dimensions intros with a pumping kick drum and crispy hi hat combo over a mesmerising pad that ebbs and flows. A deep rumbling bassline ensures the bassbins will work hard as dark 303 style stabs come through. The penultimate track Bliss delivers exactly as the title remarks, a wonderfully blissful house slice with a vibrant, upbeat vibe, perfect for the summer party. Minor Threat rounds up this stunning album in style. Deep analogue style basses rule as tight beats rack up the rhythm to the backdrop of a chilling pad.
An exceptional 11 track album that tells the story of Ritz beautifully, absolutely not to be missed.