ex_libris - ex_libris-003 - ex_libris

After almost ten years under the radar, Dave Huismans, the brain behind A Made Up Sound, 2562 and Dogdaze returned with a new label and two new projects in 2025: to every fan’s delight ex_libris kicked off with a double release and an LP under the In Transit alias released only three months later on Fergus Jones’ FELT label. All three ended up in many charts and each one got repressed. Probably buoyed by this overwhelming response he announced this new, third ex_libris record just a week before release date and without any snippets. This plan paid off, the pre-order on bandcamp sold out in no time, more copies will hit stores soon.

This release, as well as the previous ones on the new projects might give the impression of a very different, maybe even “more mature” artist. But besides the fact he has described this new sound as a long-time companion, you can actually hear a few similarities between recent and older productions, as well as inspiration from the sound he plays as a DJ for decades now.

#6-27 (untangled) is patiently arranged, the dynamic of spheric and spaced-out leftfield soundscapes in the back- and foreground make this piece of contemporary Deep House a great example of his new signature sound: An immersive, even ethereal atmosphere that makes you get lost on the dance floor; it comes in waves, but the solid groove always brings you back safely.
After a clear focus on his love for House, Leftfield and Ambient on the previous ex_libris releases, #7 (cosmic ripples) is the first one reminiscing of his highly influential work in Dubstep’s golden era. Loads of metallic percussion alongside siren samples and crackling noises patiently pave the way for a slow half-time stepper. A wonderful 75bpm meditation that shows his sensitivity for space-filling atmospheres but always with a pinch of apparent randomness, in this case a wonderfully monophonic, edgy synth melody.

The shortest piece, #31 (reprise) closes the EP, going in a very different direction: Based on a flute sample in the distance, this tune evolves to a great, bass heavy filler. By creating rhythm only with sword-like samples and a proper bass shot every sixteen bars, surrounded by (A Made Up Sound-typical) shimmering bleeps and a spooky and very catchy melody, this piece just waits to confuse dance floors in the middle of, or in the beginning of a promising DJ set.

This truly unique way of production, that does not care about what’s popular leaves you wanting more, and I’m pretty sure we be excited for more to come.