Why do we tell stories?

We breathe, we eat, we sleep. We seek connection. These are our basic human needs.

But there is one more need we all share, and it centres on stories. All across the world, stories are being recounted everywhere, in every imaginable way, at any given time. For telling stories is at the very essence of what it is to be human.

The universe of stories can be broken down into seven basic plots which underlie all stories ever told. Recognising these patterns is the gateway to unravelling the universal symbolic language from which all storytelling is spun.

Beginning with Overcoming The Monster, Chapter 24 has gathered artists from across the globe to bring these themes to life for its Seven Stories VA series.

Up-and-coming Dutch producer and Paradigm resident Malbetrieb (SoHaSo, Selador) opens proceedings with ‘Epic’. Fiendish acid licks intertwine with soaring vocal pads and uplifting top lines in a driving, melodic track.

One of the biggest producers in Ukraine, Stas Drive (Hope, Sudbeat) is up next with the titanic ‘Aphrodite’. A tribal tech groove pounds forth, underpinned by brooding and mysterious atmospheres.

Enter Dragon Suplex, a twin-headed tune producing beast from Switzerland who deliver the third track with ‘Mystified’ feat. Samzing. Another behemoth, this one is equally dark and banging, bringing a good dose of tension to proceedings.

As the compilation advances to its denouement, a little brightness starts to pierce through the storm clouds. Hailing from Peru, a breeding ground for young talent in the underground house scene, Frank Serin strikes a more hopeful tone with ‘La Sonrisa de la Mujer’.

‘Somnium’ by the London-based Chapter 24 boss Sam Pauli and label regular Reiver enhances the dreaminess on offer. A drifty, hypnotic and emotive cut unfolds into a tremendous, musical break.

Finally, the compilation ends with a focus on French producer Anton Dhouran. Having already been signed by Diynamic and with music forthcoming on Jeudi Records, Anton deploys his considerable skills on ‘Meyah’, a deep, groove-laden number enhanced by ethereal pads. The real story, however, comes with ‘A Kind Of Light’ which closes the narrative with a heroic instrumental tale.

They say that there are only seven basic plots but a thousand different stories.

And so, as the storyteller utters that age old, magical formulation, "Once upon a time...", let yourself be carried away…