MANU RIGA – CIMMERIAN (BONZAI PROGRESSIVE)

Notable Bonzai artist Manu Riga is back once again with a quite stunning piece of work. “Cimmerian” is an ethnically charged dark prog house stomper and comes backed up with top notch remixes. Manu is a busy guys at the moment as he works hard in the studio on his own material, remixes and collaborations which makes for a very exciting future.

We open with the Album Mix, the intro alone will have you intrigued as a watery effect rises from the depths accompanied by hair raising ethnic vocals. It’s not long before the kicks ramp up the energy on an epic journey that lies ahead. Brilliantly crafted percussion arrangements build up layer upon layer to create a strong progressive groove while the bass drones away in the background drawing you in. The ever changing vocals are prominent throughout and are a very strong feature of the track with some beautiful synth work matching up perfectly. Just at the midway point the intensity of this track increases tenfold as a myriad of sounds clash in total harmony and a big surprise pops up in the shape of some classic piano, awesome! This is an experience not to be missed and a testament to the stunning talent shown in Manu’s work.

Veteran of the progressive sound Van Bellen is up first on the remix. Yoogie is responsible for some absolute stunning remixes and releases on Bonzai over the years and here he continues with the same forthright creativity that always inspires. To say we are in for an epic journey is an understatement, the track opens with a superb punchy kick with percussions supplying a cool underlay. The bassline creeps up out of nowhere and before you know it your locked into a full on progressive ride. Brilliant synth and pad work keep the ears trained with anticipation as the dynamics of the track flow effortlessly. The break reveals beautiful melodic sequences which leads us straight back into the pulsating rhythm, superb stuff!

The impressive LoQuai takes to the mixing desk next with a progressive masterclass. The ethnic vocal opens the track and then powers straight into a head on collision with chunky kicks, crisp hats a brilliant rolling bassline. LoQuai certainly takes the track deeper with dark grooves and minimal use of the vocal, when the vocal is used it creates full effect and this creates a wonderful dynamic within the sound. Intense strings rise and fall as this non-stop relentless groove weaves its magic across the spectrums, top notch indeed.

Finnish DJ and producer Cid Inc. aka Henri Hurtig debuts on Bonzai with a huge progressive monster. Henri is responsible for a massive amount of releases and remixes across many many labels and his talents don’t stop there as he also runs his own label Replug. Here he kicks off the remix with a nice chunky kick drum alongside a rhythmic shaker while the bassline rises up to form the basis of a true hypnotic experience. The bassline also forms subtle melodies from deep within and as the track progresses the intensity builds to that of merciless heights. The break reveals stunning sequences that provide respite before getting launched right back into this upfront progressive groove.