Few producers have as high an engineering rate as Alvaro Hylander, a Spanish DJ & Producer based in Denmark. The artists latest productions might as well come with a "strong buy" sticker, and his releases for Solardish Records (Germany) and Etoka Records (UK) have been of a consistently high standard. What's most impressive about his music is his ability to sound utterly distinctive and forward thinking while mixing the warmth of Europe's south with the accurate coldness of Europe's north using what sounds like just a few intelligent elements. Alvaro's sound design works for big clubs as well as for beach venues and has the ability to tell a story of his deep understanding of house music & techno's past. Theorizing aside, the first track on the Sunset EP "At Night" builds on all of these influences and even makes a nod to the sophisticated DJ. It's got the usual tribal minimal stomp, but adds in expectant orchestral samples both droning and quick-hitting. A moody melody that seems to constantly ebb and flow, sometimes more intense, often less so, is joined by skipping percussion and strong pads that remain in the background throughout. The second track "Eva's D" was already featured on our Summer Sampler 2009 and now gets a full release. This track is straighter and more focused on deep-house vibes. Here too, Alvaro's rumbling pad melodies keep changing, fluid but always getting to the point. Spiraling filters and evil acid sequences augment this hot production. The third track 'Sand Textures' is a smooth melodic house track that fits perfectly into those warm summer nights that we had this year. All three tracks on this Sunset EP work their magic with stunning melodies and a solid groove adding some pump to the steady, pummeling regularity of the kick drum with a hint of house and techno. Here are some tastemaker dj reactions: Eelke Kleijn (Global Underground, Outside the Box Music).