The first time I listened to "Ripen Vol.1", the latest EP from the Meanjin/Brisbane-based Australian DJ, composer and producer, Sampology, I experienced the unique set of sensations you feel when you hear an artist finally realise the creative visions you've long suspected them to be capable of.

Steeped in the rich traditions of progressive soul, jazz-funk, broken beat, the five-song release is a vivid exploration of what happens when a producer from the bedroom beatmaker tradition reframes their approach within a more traditional set of roles (writer, composer, arranger, producer and mixer), before bringing a rich array of instrument players and vocalists into their process. To be fair, it's an approach he's been inching closer and closer to over recent years and past releases, but viewed in the context of his existing catalogue, "Ripen Vol.1" feels like a high watermark moment for Sampology's creative sensibilities.

Opening with vibrant percussion, bubbling keyboards, and rich group vocals from Tiana Khasi, Hannah Macklin, and Kalila, 'Morning Sun' quickly unfolds into a floaty slice of positively utopian, jazzy house. I say utopian, not hedonistic, here, because the energy that runs through 'Morning Sun' feels more closely aligned to a perfect summer's day than a sweaty late-night party. Sampology's not looking to escape; he's looking to live. Dressed up in glossy chords, extravagant strings and delicate bell tones, 'Ripened' is a free-flowing orchestral soul number that culminates in a compelling spoken word performance from the South Sudanese poet, activist, actor and model NMMWL (pronounced NYA).

Three songs in, 'Marigolds for Movement' evokes some of the squelchy, brassy, jazzy sensibilities I remember the New Zealand drummer/producer Julien Dyne exploring on his breakout album, "Pins + Digits." Sampology's percussion choices (Conga and timbale by Gustavo Cereijo) bounce beautifully against a rubbery bassline, funked-up horns, smooth strings, and celestial synthesiser swirls. It's like gliding on a futuristic hovercraft towards an island in the sun.

From there, 'Samba Sampo' does what it says on the lid, taking Sampology's sensibilities into a Brazilian space fueled by grooves and melodies that keep on giving, before finishing up the EP on an acapella arrangement of 'Morning Sun' that eventually gives way a stripped back renditions of the song's drums, percussion and bassline, with some added ambience. Fittingly titled 'Morning Sun (Vocal and Beats Tools)', it closes things out like a perfect beachside sunset. Sublime stuff.

Ripen Vol. 1 is out now in vinyl and digital through Middle Name Records (order here)