The stark landscapes and crisp climates that characterize the winter months can clarify, if not intensify, our emotions. Music released this time of year has a tendency to be especially raw and poignant, which is certainly the case for the five exceptional cuts featured on "Winter Selections 03."

The release opens with "Perfect Travel," a lush and evocative deep-progressive gem by Silk newcomer Mcvinski. The Russian talent crafts a gorgeous, almost mystical soundscape in the early going, which is soon joined by a funky and erotic groove. In the main breakdown gorgeous pads and hypnotic synths create a deep and sensual, yet equally climactic score. In the final minutes of the composition, the various melodic and atmospheric elements are re-introduced one last (glorious) time.

Excited to welcome back Illumia, whose last contribution to our imprint, "I See U," dates back to the end of 2014. The equally deep, soothing, and sexy "I Know" is proffered here; the song derives its name from an infectious vocal hook that appears throughout the composition, in varying pitches. A buoyant and uplifting groove underpins the arrangement, and a variety of subtle and elegant melodic touches further enhance the sanguine soundscape.

Responsible for two glorious deep-progressive EPs on our imprint in 2017, Alex Pich contributes "Way Home Inside," another standout tune from the promising Russian composer. Subtly melodic, yet profoundly evocative textures envelop the soundscape in the early going. A patient rhythmic crescendo ultimately leads to a suspenseful, string-backed breakdown. The delicious tension of the arrangement is finally released in the song's latter half, in which the delicate (and gorgeous) melodic layers coalesce to lush and emotive effect.

Itwo5 (Ukraine) and singer-songwriter Ana Ana (Germany), both Silk Music newcomers, grace the achingly beautiful "Sea." Chilled beats and moody pads underpin Ana Ana's wistful vocals. The innovative broken-beat rhythm picks up a little bit of steam as the song progresses, but the overall listening experience, ideally suited for the after hours, is one of deep contemplation for the listener.

Conor Hynes officially launches his Aleyum alias on our imprint, courtesy of the stunning progressive breaks cut "Soul Remedy." The Irish talent crafts a celestial soundscape in the early going, replete with ethereal pads, cinematic atmospheric touches, and, of course, star-studded synth lines. The deeply cathartic main breakdown unites the harmonious sounds of Mother Nature with the gorgeous melody lines introduced earlier in the song, including a timeless guitar riff.