Recently coaxed out of a long production hiatus (the result: a standout remix of The Midnight's "Synthetic"), friend and long-standing label muse Alex "Mango" Golovanov continues to reinforce his legacy in the niche of melodic progressive house, courtesy of a brand new collaboration with Norwegian producer, singer, and songwriter Astroleaf.

Mango & Astroleaf's triumphant new single, "We Tried," not unlike Astroleaf's recent "Open Your Heart" release on our label, features a heartfelt performance that reflects the singer's lament about a relationship beyond repair. Yet, the central lyrical motif -- "they should all know we tried" -- suggests that the singer has made peace and brought closure, a more optimistic sentiment that Mango's characteristically hopeful chords help to bring to the surface. As the song progresses, the emotional resonance of the composition steadily builds, culminating with a gorgeous new lead synth. The chemistry between Mango and Astroleaf is truly awe-inspiring and offers a portal back in time to the vintage melodic progressive house sound of the late aughts.

Who better to offer a summer-flavored, uptempo interpretation of a melodically rich progressive cut than Talamanca, the Dutch maestro behind so many (beloved) Balearic progressive anthems over the past five years? Following last year's globally acclaimed "Arrivals & Departures" debut artist album, Talamanca remains in peak form here, as he offers his fans another euphoric, summer-kissed classic. The trance-influenced chord progression, which proves rapturous from start to finish, has the effect of "buoying" the vocals from sinking into melancholia. In the song's thrilling climax, the listener is inundated with waves of melodic bliss.

It's rare to encounter a singer-songwriter who is equally adept at production, but Astroleaf proves himself a versatile, exceedingly skilled composer via a 'chillout' take of his own. A gentle drum roll carries the rhythm, while delicate background synths offer a soothing soundscape, upon which his vocal and memorable lyrics take center stage. A patient crescendo ultimately reveals an emotionally incisive final act, in which the synths come to the foreground of the arrangement, accompanied by Astroleaf's gorgeous backing vocals.