Around U

Samotarev returns to Bonzai Progressive with the superb Around U and enlists the stunning vocal talent of Max Magnum with remixes coming in from Manu Riga, Matan Caspi and Rion Oidua. Recently we saw Samotarev on remix duty for Manu Riga’s Tai Chi Girl which made a huge impact, much more planned for 2015 so stay tuned.

The Original Mix intros with nice chunky kicks and crispy hats alongside snappy drums that get the rhythm flowing smoothly to the backdrop of a deep and captivating synth. An unexpected twist throws the synth into some very cool note changes that just ooze pure house grooves. A deep throbbing bass bubbles up from below and carries the sound for the duration as intensity builds with each layer being added. The stunning gritty vocal from Max comes through beautifully and brings a thought invoking narrative with an infectious groove. You find yourself locked right in here as the vocals melt into the sublime synths. Top notch stuff that is definitely not to be missed.

The Dub Version is there as a great tool for those who don’t want the vocal which leaves us with a deep and hypnotizing groove that will be a welcome addition in any set.

The on form Matan Caspi delivers the first of two mixes with his Retro Remix. We last saw Matan on his superb Aim To The Moon which was very well received indeed having appeared on many charts and the tool of choice in many sets. The remix intros with a subtle kick as the synths rise up in the background alongside a very cool plucked guitar riff. The kicks transform into cool punchy hits with a deep, dirty, pulsating bass shoring up the rear. Sharp hats and a tight percussion section hold the rhythms perfectly as that brilliant vocal does its work. Tougher edged sounds filter through as big stabs gather pace resulting in an absolute stomper of a track, superb stuff.

Matan also gives us his Dub Remix which removes the vocals and leaves us with a stomping trek through the grittier side of house music. A great tool for any jock.

Top Bonzai artist Manu Riga delivers his stunning Late Night Mix which will go down well on the floors for sure. Manu aka Adriaan Baussens is currently in the midst of his busiest time ever, collaborations, remixes and original works are top of his agenda as well as a new radioshow alongside Matt Holliday called Dark Progressive, which will air on Tempo Radio. Next year will see Matt & Manu’s efforts realised when their debut EP gets a run out which we are so excited about. In the meantime his remix on Chris Harris’ Feels Real? is gaining lots of interest from all over which is no surprise as it holds real progressive flavour. On the remix here the intro brings a punchy kick and a very cool percussion arrangement that gets things flowing nicely alongside some fresh and crispy hats. A warm bass comes through and brings a fantastic groove along for the ride as pads sway in the background. The vocal fits into the sound beautifully as Max Magnum unleashes his breathy tones and delivering very cool lyrics. Great stuff yet again from Manu and a definite must for your crates.

Fresh off the back of his Eyepatch Recordings debut track – Electronic Lover, Rion Oidua rounds up this fantastic package with his remix. A classic chunky kick and crispy hat intro gets us on the move as the drum arrangement tightens up to dish out its rhythmic grooves. Rich pads sweep across in the background with subtle note changes creating a wonderful atmosphere. A deep plucked bass drives the track as vocal snippets are littered throughout. On the break those pads take over and the addition of the vocal makes for a sublime affair before the track builds back into the main groove for the duration. A wonderful slice of prog that will turn a few heads no doubt.