Simon Doty the act known for his dynamic signature sound defined by gritty analog synthesis, emotive melodies and tough, driving grooves has returned to the legendary Anjunadeep imprint with a very special & personal release.

This four-tracker ‘Dear Ben’ is an ultimately life-affirming tribute to a close friend and adventurer recently lost to a freak accident. Doty succeeds in conveying the tragedy of his manager Ben Sutin’s early death with the joyful, full-on life he lived, through his music, lyrics and the progression of the EP.

The title track is an elegy, with beautiful lyrics written and hauntingly sung by Canadian vocalist and composer Oliver Wickham, carried on waves of piano notes and striking bass riffs which ground the piece, while the strong beat asserts the power of life.

‘Open Air’ is again lyric- and vocal- strong, tapping London-based Richard Walters aka Liu Bei on vocals, with the positive affirmation that ‘the air is beautiful’ conveyed by humming bass and fast, chiming trills backed by singing synth chords.

‘Rave Generator’ is a romping festival to life and movement, always backed by that strong bass with pizzicato arpeggios. 

‘Uno’ unites joyful piano riffs, distant vocals, and melodic bass synth to reconcile loss with life.

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