Model 500: Sonic Sunset ( Remastered)

Presenting the 0th Celestial Orbit edition of Juan Atkins' deep Detroit techno masterpiece, "Sonic Sunset"—a pivotal release that pushed the boundaries of the genre and helped ignite the Detroit techno movement. Originally launched in 1985, this release marked a critical moment in Atkins' evolution as he ventured beyond the electro, house, and early techno sounds of Detroit and into uncharted territory.

Expertly engineered by Moritz Von Oswald at the dawn of his Maurizio and Basic Channel projects, "Sonic Sunset" signaled a new direction for Atkins, one characterized by a sleek, aerodynamic propulsion that would later define his seminal Deep Space album. Across five tracks, Atkins redefined techno with his forward-thinking approach, seamlessly combining hypnotic elegance with relentless momentum, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

The EP begins with two refined yet intense cuts: Sonic Sunset (Calm Mix), where delicate choral pads and arpeggios build tension, and the rhythmic take-off of the Cave Mix. From there, the journey deepens with Neptune, a 12-minute odyssey of lush, immersive soundscapes that would later inspire artists like Convextion. The EP's centerpiece, I Wanna Be There, is a 19-minute exploration of futuristic jazz-infused techno, featuring Atkins' own vocals, before closing with the rapid, high-energy pulses of *Sonic Sunset (Third Wave Mix)*—a fitting conclusion to an era-defining release.

Atkins’ relentless drive to innovate and evolve during this period not only set new benchmarks in the duration and depth of his tracks but also permanently reshaped the landscape of techno. "Sonic Sunset" remains a visionary work, etched into the collective imagination of electronic music fans worldwide.