One of Bonzai’s most prolific artists delivers his stunning studio album, Now & Zen, filled to the brim of top quality original works and remixes. Audio Noir has certainly made Bonzai Progressive his home over the last number of years. He has racked up a hugely impressive back catalogue which covers many forms of music styles. His diversity has driven him to be able to complete this album. He draws on some of his past remixes and transforms them into his own Zen style, and he looks to the future with outstanding original works. This album will take you on a journey through beautifully constructed soundscapes that will allow you to detach from reality and create a sense of enlightenment. A much anticipated collection of works from an outstanding talent, definitely not to be missed.

The structure of the album brings out a beautifully crafted narrative that lulls us into its blissful realms. 17 tracks are huddled together with each bringing their own Zen like state. Audio Noir has selected some of the finest progressive tracks to be converted into this Zen structure. Tracks from Dark Soul Project & Mathov, Phi Phi, Airwave, DJ Fire, Samotarev featuring Max Magnum, Matan Caspi, Rise and Fall, Alexey Lisin & Ange and Cordoba are transformed into totally immersive and mesmerizing constructs that allow us to dig deep into our imagination. The attention to detail is sublime and ranges from subtle melodic phrases to full on intense, climactic soundscapes.

A large portion of the album is made up of Audio Noir’s original works, and he enlists the help of two outstanding vocalists to really get the goosebumps on the rise. Natalie Major is brought in for vocal duty on the wonderful Story Of Our Lives, a truly captivating track that intros with a very soft and deep bass tone. The vocals come through early on and straight away you get hooked on to the attractive sounds. In the background, rich cascading strings offer the perfect balance of both high and low frequencies. Quite simply a beautiful track.

Australian Epic delivers an abstract look into music with a mixture of contrasting sounds that converge in perfect harmony. From glitchy to warm rising pads and deep basses, the track builds beautifully into a raw almost urbanised sound complete with a tough edged drum section. Definitely something for the late night sessions.

Love intros with a tribalistic drum arrangement before cool plonky piano notes come through. A softer side develops with the introduction of beautiful strings that sweep through the sound. A deep bass walks through the groove as sensual vocals are unleashed. A deeply though provoking track, brilliant.

The Hawthorne Effect delves deep with a superb hypnotic trait that reaches out the deeper recesses of the mind. A melancholic sound prevails as wonderful sounds converge to the backdrop of a fantastic drum sequence. In contrast, a melodic piano phrase plays the track out and leaves you wanting much more.

Lena Grig joins Audio Noir on Like The Wind which intros with a cool bass pulse that leads up to a superb percussions arrangement filled with crisp hats and claps. A big 80’s synth sound peeks out and the strong vocal from Lena combines perfectly. A much deeper vibe takes over for the duration as the lower end is given free reign on this expertly crafted number.

Furō intros with cool percussions amid a plethora of superb FX that sweep through the track and lead us up to a fantastic synth riff. We are teased with the notion of a pounding kick drum as mini risers takes us through each section of the track. A world of melody is unleashed as the myriad of sound blends perfectly to the pulsing bass that dominates. A wonderful track full of anticipation and energy that will definitely grab your attention.

Navagio Beach rounds up the album and does it in style. The track bursts into life with a crash that fades out to reveal the most beautiful melodic piano sequence alongside soft gated synths, sweeping pads and the mesmerizing action of the sea. Quite simply, stunning.

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