Matador makes his return to RUKUS with the incredible ‘Air’ EP. The months between his releases have been studded with accolades for the Dublin-born and based artist, from his recent remix of Eats Everything’s ‘Burn’ to his incredible live shows at Ultra Miami and Caprices Festival; and he shows no sign of stopping, offering us a five track summer knockout.

The opening track, ‘Itajai’, is laden with tribal grooves and a raspy, mid range float, and showered with modular plucks. In ‘Moonman’, strings subtly build and fall alongside panned, rhythmic arpeggiators. Soft vocal hits hover majestically over a tube-driven bass line; creating a warm, punchy soundscape.

‘Surrender’s’ live, acoustic drum fills, and gliding synth lines are a call to attention. With airtight sequences and mischievous flourishes, the Irish producer deftly navigates peak time techno in smooth, sophisticated style. The undeniable sound of the Oberheim leads the attack in ‘Shamen’. Evocative and emotionally charged; jazzy piano stabs punctuate a soulful, blissfully mesmerising vocal.

‘Air’ closes out the ep in captivating, ethereal fashion. Glorious Model55 twinkles and warm pads, grounded by a muzzled bass, epitomize the season and all it stands for. This latest musical offering is perhaps his best yet, wonderfully inspiring, thought provoking and invigorating.