Slam Duck Takes the Reins of 'Pure Progressive' Compilation

Pure Progressive looks to Slam Duck to deliver two powerful mixes for the latest volume of their self-titled compilation series.

Sweet soundscapes have graced the scene ever since Solarstone launched Pure Progressive years ago. This beloved imprint has hosted countless artists during this time, including everyone from Tim Penner and Gai Barone to Andromedha and Lostly, but where the label has truly shined as of late is by way of their self-titled compilation series. The past two volumes of Pure Progressive saw Orkidea and Forerunners curate the atmosphere, and for the third, they’ve looked to another frequent face on the imprint, Slam Duck.

Hailing from Russia, Alexander Smirnov previously released music under the Shifted Reality alias, but his work as Slam Duck has continued to turn heads in the progressive realm. Not only has he churned out a number of gorgeous original tunes on labels like Colorize, FSOE Parallels, and JOOF Recordings, but he’s also showcased his remixing mastery along the way. Pure Progressive has also been one of his biggest homes, making him a perfect fit to take the reins of the compilation for this volume.

I started making music about 20 years ago, and from the beginning, my main motivation was to make it as diverse as possible. At the same time, however, that – along with my sets, had to be recognizably Slam Duck! Pure Progressive provides the ideal platform with which to do this, as it showcases how the artist evolves their sound from the studio to DJ set. I’m very happy to have the opportunity to convey my vision through Pure Progressive – a label and series that has no boundaries in electronic music!
Slam Duck

The first mix is centered on Slam Duck’s creations as he guides listeners to a state of progressive bliss. “Space Trace I” and “Space Trace II” bookend this mix, while the middle portion is filled to the brim with other brand new stunners, including “Afterglow,” “An Ode to Love,” “Allure,” and “Middle Ages.” These tracks all showcase the dynamic elements that Slam Duck uses in his productions, ranging from breakbeats and melodic trance elements to rock-infused guitars and vocals.

Then, it’s time for Slam Duck to fully display his skills behind the decks for the second mix that offers another 13 tracks of progressive goodness. Selections from the likes of Clameres, Avenue One, Gorkiz & Disto, Vasily Dvortsov, Esthetique, and more help build the immense soundscape from the Russian artist, while he also drops in his collaboration with Enlusion, “Baikal,” for added effect.

Listen to Pure Progressive Vol. 3 on Spotify or your preferred platform, and stay tuned for more from Slam Duck by following him on social media.