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SILK019 LUIZ B. :: Song Of Life
Rising Brazilian star Luiz B., whose "Thought" was a standout on Silk Sampler 2, returns with the elegantly titled "Song of Life." The Original Mix begins with the song's central motif, a catchy Spanish guitar riff, upon which a gentle rhythm is built. Deep pad sweeps and a low-pitched, yet resonant lead synth add additional body to the mix. As one would expect, Luiz B's alternate "Club Mix" packs a bit more punch, with heavier beats and a stronger bassline. Further, unlike the original, the club mix continues to crescendo post-break, as additional melodies, basses, and even vocal samples are presented in the latter half of the tune. On the first of two remixes, Australian artist Approaching Black [Armada, Arctic Wave] makes his Silk debut, with yet another refined progressive classic. In vintage form, he succeeds in infusing the original with an uplifting new lead, as well as a stunning array of additional side melodies and string-based transitional effects. Silk veteran Soundstorm, whose original tracks "Iris" and "Contact" continue to represent some of the label's proudest work, rounds out the package with a more subdued take. A veritable master of down-tempo progressive, Soundstorm once again proves his uncanny ability for subtle rhythmic development and rich, emotional sound design.


SILK018 DANIEL MAHUAD :: Cerro De La Silla
Daniel Mahuad offers a taste of his native Mexico, with "Cerro de la Silla," so named for the state of Nuevo León's glorious, all-encompassing mountain. Mahuad, who has not-too-quietly put together an impressive debut year with releases on Perfecto Digital and Really Really Big Records, opens his Original Mix with an aggressive, peak-hour rhythm, not to be outdone by a club-shaking bassline. In the two extended breakdowns, a gentle chordal piano melody, as well as several echoing rhythmic effects, combine with the bass to enhance the climactic mood of the tune. Silk veteran Monojoke, who has recently been receiving heavy international Dj support for his remix of Jason Bradberry's "Seven Days," offers the first remix in the package. In typical form, Monojoke's rendering is a dramatic departure from the original, with brand new (and more chilled) melodies and bass engulfed in a signature wide-stereo soundscape of rhythmic samples. The result is masterful, as if Monojoke himself had spent time experiencing the breathtaking views atop the legendary "Cerro." Bale & Voltaire, perhaps best known for their remix work with affiliate Mango Alley and recent single "Green Wave" (Why Not), also come along for the ride. Their remix is a splendid, uplifting prog interpretation, with a steady bassline groove and gentle rhythm that allow the melodies and newly added arpeggios to really shine. This hugely talented German duo have proven to be another promising addition to the modern progressive landscape.


SILK017 JASON BRADBERRY :: Horizons
Fresh off his debut release "Autumn", British talent Jason Bradberry returns to Silk Digital with the massive "Horizons" EP. The opening cut, "Sunrise," begins with a radiant pad solo, soon joined by a driving rhythm and an uplifting arp sequence. The mood is only enhanced later on by a rapturous string section. Countrymen Solarity (a.k.a. Nick Harriman and Alfie Granger-Howell) continue their amazing run this year, with a prog-tech interpretation that fully re-envisions the main melody. Superior sound design and rhythmic progression prove to be distinguishing features of yet another of their productions. The second original track, Seven Days, is the "stormier" antithesis of the first: darker arps and ominous pads, as well as a breathy vocal stab that develops into a more lyrical riff in the breakdown. Silk veteran Monojoke provides two distinct and technically elite remixes. This first is a heady prog interpretation that offers an impressively dense and sample-rich percussion section, as well as innovative cuts and re-sequencing of the original vox. The second is an aggressive breaks take, which, like the first, combines a hypnotic array of rhythmic samples; yet, this "squared break" version also includes beautiful new variations on the original arp lines. Bradberry's third and final original, "Lost," serves as the ideal closer for the EP, with a deeper bassline and moody, late-night atmosphere. Polish artist K-Milian's remix, clocking in at just over ten minutes, is a sprawling, story-telling affair: frequent pad sweeps soar above a strong bassline groove and are ultimately joined by the the vintage, 80's-synth lead arpeggio of the original.


SILK016 SHIPSTAD & WARREN :: You & I
Silk Digital's latest EP exclusively features the original work of North American duo Shipstad & Warren, who, as teenagers, have quickly risen to the top of the progressive artists-to-watch list. With high quality tracks already out this year on Ora, Proxoz and Progressive Grooves, these young phenoms have no intention of disappearing from the playlists of top international DJ's anytime soon. The first track in the package, "Royak," sets the tone for the entire EP - deeply felt chord-based melodies rising above energetic rhythmic progressions. "Hand in Hand" takes a more romantic turn (as the name implies), with an extended break that highlights that wonderful moment of human connection. "You and I" follows suit, with a down-tempo breakdown (including minimal breaks) that plays as a cinematic interlude to the track. The future looks mighty bright for these precocious talents.


SILK015 ABDOMEN BURST :: Sky In Your Hands
One of newer faces in the burgeoning Russian progressive scene this year is Abdomen Burst, who recently witnessed a breakthrough with the bright releases on Proton, Toes in the Sand, Morphosis labels. "Moments of Love" immediately transports the listener into a tropical summer paradise, with an array of naturalistic effects, sensual voices, and gentle arpeggios. In the break, the visual element comes fully to life, as we are treated to the echoes of a primitive culture, enjoying the perfect day somewhere in the far reaches of the Earth. "Sky in your Hands" is the "night" to Moments of Love's "day" - this is an edgier, darker work, though, equally textural and melodic. Aggressive breaks, techy/buzzy stabs, and deep-in-the-orient pad sweeps create a rich soundscape from the get-go; yet, the real payoff comes in the stunning breakdown, in which a hypnotic arpeggio is met by the histrionic chants of an ancient people. For its 15th release, Silk Digital is thrilled to present a gorgeous two-track EP from the very talented Abdomen Burst - an artist whose work can now fairly draw comparisons to the prog-breaks classics of Silk veterans Arthur Deep and Aeron Aether.