Tai Chi Girl (Remixes)
Top Bonzai producer Manu Riga is back with a re-vamp, alongside two superb remixes of his 2010 stomper Tai Chi Girl. We recently saw his Ethnology remix of JWM’s Wild Soul, which was our first glimpse at his tougher side with aggressive beats and driving grooves. Aside from that he has struck up a new partnership with the superbly talented Matt Holliday, expect to see some greatness from these two early next year. A very exciting time in the world of Manu Riga lies ahead as he ploughs through his exhausting workload, so stay tuned for more we promise you will not be disappointed.
First up is the Manu Riga’s 2014 Revisited mix. The intro gets us moving with a nice punchy kick and a smooth plucked bass as shuffling hats bring a steady rhythm. Ethnic voices litter the groove and take us to the break where we get a look at those very cool melodies on offer throughout. Sweeping pads float across the sound beautifully taking your mind on a sublime journey taking you higher and higher with the introduction of the wonderfully rich flute. A brilliant and contrasting remake on the beautiful original that will definitely be a firm favourite among many.
It’s been a while since we saw Samotarev around these parts and we’re delighted he returns with this fantastic remix. The intro sets off with a punchy kick as a rolling bassline gets the groove moving. Bright crispy hats build up the rhythm alongside a tight arrangement on the drums and sets the scene for an epic ride. The track settles into its flow as a much fuller, warmer bass shows up, hooking you in to the vibe. Cool eerie synths fill the space as well placed FX add beautiful textures to the sound. The main break reveals a melodic sequence as plucked strings deliver that ethnic trait associated with the tune and brings out the true character of the track. A relentless and driving prog groove that will appeal to many.
Thorin delivers his remix and transforms the blissful original into a full on driving progger. Fresh off the back of his latest works, Secrets, we always know that Thorin brings his A-game with quality in mind. Nice big chunky kicks provide the intro as crispy percussions form up bringing a cool rhythm to the sound. Things start to toughen up with gritty synths rising alongside cool FX and a melodic pad sequence. As the layers build we get a taste of those ethnic influences in the form of superb plucked instruments and that baying vocal. At the midway point on this epic journey the myriad of sounds have blended together beautifully with the bassline doing a great job holding everything in place. This one really gets under your skin with its mesmerizing melodies and driving grooves, not to missed.
Rounding off this superb package is the 2010 Remastered UK Progressive Mix which intros with smooth breaks that build a solid rhythm alongside a groovy bass that dances across the scales. Subtle pads rise up and take us into the true theme of the track, an ethnically charged atmospheric progressive groover. Wonderful vocals captivate as melodic arps flow through the sound creating a scene full of bliss. A track that stands the test of time, if you don’t have it, go get it.
