Placebo EP

Andrew Topolsky and Sasha Vasilyev mark their Bonzai Progressive debut with the superb Placebo EP. A mysterious pair, we don’t know too much about them aside from the obvious talent they have for putting together quality progressive house music. No doubt we’ll learn more in the future, but for now, enjoy this fantastic three track EP.

Placebo is up first, with its thoroughly convincing mesmerizing properties. The track is led by a strong, punchy kick drum and shuffling, rhythmic percussion arrangement. Deep basses add warmth while various arpeggios converge, creating a complex structure of layered sounds that keep you locked on. Subtle melodies find their way amongst the canopy of overlays. At over 10 minutes long, this one is an epic slice that will captivate, not to be missed.

Prana delivers a minimalistic kind of groove. A solid drum section is joined by layers of rhythmic percussions. A plucky bassline grabs the centre of attention, becoming infectious, boosting the vibe of the track tenfold. The life force of the track is those bright, contrasting melodic notes which fill the sound, joining dark droning pads that come through on the break. An intriguing cut, just shy of 11 minutes long and destined to add that extra bit of spice to the set.

Jump Into The Stratosphere rounds up this superb EP, and does it in style. Driven by a very tight drum arrangement made up of chunky kick drums and a plethora of percussions, this one goes deeper into the groove. Hypnotic arpeggios cascade as darker elements emerge from the low end. The track layers up beautifully and timely, with strong basses contrasting with the brighter elements. The break is imaginative and provoking thanks to swirling pads, relentless arps and subtle synth stabs. Top-notch stuff that will not disappoint.