Palms Trax shares first new single in five years, ‘Soft Trance, Hard Gossip’: Listen

British electronic producer Palms Trax has marked his return to solo recording with the release of “Soft Trance, Hard Gossip,” his first new single in five years. The track is the lead offering from his forthcoming double-A side EP titled “Keys To A Painted Garden,” scheduled for release on August 22nd through fabric Records.

This new material signals a notable moment for Palms Trax, who has primarily focused on his label activities and curating DJ mixes during his recent absence from releasing original studio tracks. His imprint, Cooking With Palms Trax, has remained active, supporting emerging talents such as Theo Kottis, Moving Still, and Willow, and maintaining a presence within the electronic music community.

“Soft Trance, Hard Gossip” showcases a club-ready sound characterized by a melodic synthesizer motif layered over a substantial low-end foundation and steadily intensifying percussion. The production is meticulous, combining intricate sonic details that reflect Palms Trax’s continued evolution within the dance music sphere. This single contrasts with the EP’s title track, which explores a deeper, jazz-inflected approach with broken beats and IDM influences, revealing a broader sonic palette.

Artistically, the release reflects a continuity rather than a departure for Palms Trax. He has alluded to a long gestation period for the single, underscoring his commitment to a style he describes as "sentimental dance music". This suggests a deliberate and patient development process rather than a rush to innovate solely for novelty.

Fabric Records, the label behind the new release, is a fitting platform for Palms Trax’s work given its legacy and sustained relevance within the club scene. The partnership aligns with his admiration for institutions that have endured significant challenges in the nightlife and electronic music landscape.

In addition to the release, Palms Trax is poised to reconnect with live audiences through a series of festival appearances. His upcoming performances include prestigious events such as Dekmantel Festival on July 29th, Dekmantel Selectors, We Out Here on August 20th, and Onder De Radar on August 28th. These bookings underscore his renewed engagement with the dance music community and hint at a more active phase in his career.

While “Soft Trance, Hard Gossip” stands as a robust declaration of his artistic direction, the full EP “Keys To A Painted Garden” promises to expand further on the textures and moods introduced by the single. Fans and new listeners alike will have the opportunity to experience the breadth of Palms Trax’s sound when the release arrives next month.

Details regarding the complete tracklist and collaborators on the EP remain limited at this time. However, this release marks a significant milestone for Palms Trax after several years of quiet on the solo front, suggesting that more new material may follow in the near future.

Overall, Palms Trax’s return is a reminder of his distinctive approach to dance music, combining emotive melodies with dancefloor sensibilities. His reemergence into the studio release realm after an extended break is poised to resonate within the electronic music scene, reaffirming his status as a respected producer and curator.