Michigan wizard John Beltran’s many stylistic shifts during his impressive career intersect to great effect on this release, his first for Glasgow’s Seventh Sign Recordings. The project sees him in fine form, skilful and versatile, capturing a storied artist as he cements his modern sound.

For titular piece “Highway,” Beltran’s Latin lineage and techno heart conjure shuffling, insistent percussion that hugs a hypnotic melody and deep driving bass. The swirling melodic hook progresses into a subtle but evocative string section, encapsulating Beltran’s compositional guile in a masterful piece.

“Thank Goodness I Found You” takes a creative right turn as polyrhythms melt into dreamlike melodies and voices. A unique track, fractured and complex in form, but warm and heartfelt in execution, Beltran’s deft touch neatly balances the strange and the soulful.

The solid, compelling “Now the Clouds Are Gone” opens side two with techno grace, weaving hypnotic melodies into a tense, building riff that drives the piece while retaining Beltran’s trademark crafted beauty. Rounding things off is an ambient mix of “Thank goodness”, Beltran teasing out new forlorn atmospheres as only this producer’s producer can.

Ranking among Beltran’s finest work, this is a milestone of this special artist’s stellar contribution to electronic music and a fitting addition to the formidable Seventh Sign catalogue.