The latest release on Balkan Connection finds the label revisiting Subconscious Tales ‘Helligkeit EP’ with a new set of remixes.
Originally released in April of this year the four track offering sits as one of the labels best artist showcases. Now as the summer season approaches Balkan Connection invites Rick Pier O’Neil, Subandrio and Nicholas Van Orton to reinterpret the tracks.
The release begins with Rick Pier O’Neil and his take on the title cut ‘Helligkeit’. The French artist and RPO Records label boss always brings a tight energetic sound to each and every project and he’s done so once again. Here his punchy kicks and vibrant percussion carve out a great groove before all the dreamy elements from the original begin to descend over the framework. Ethereal vocal pads and subtle melodies are the star of the show though, converging for several amazing moments along the way, most notably in a dreamy, harmonious third act which you’ll want to enjoy a few times over. Excellent remix from Rick.
Next up Subandrio provides two interpretations of two separate tracks from the EP, the title cut and also the EP’s closer ‘Tunnel’. On ‘Helligkeit’ we find him reinventing those dreamy elements in his own tripped out progressive world. Always apt at low end magic, Subandrio sculpts a wicked groove here while his percussive trademarks surround the framework. This one goes quite a bit bigger and fuller than Rick’s with the melodies really delivering some magic along with a hazy gate on the vocal. for all those progressive house fans who like to get lost in a cavern of sonic delights this one’s definitely for you. Massive stuff from Subandrio. Meanwhile on ‘Tunnel’ things stay a bit more stripped back and quirkier while still having that great Subandrio sound. The vocal elements play a nice role here, quite mysterious and a bit disturbed in a way, they bring a nice character to the mix and work well with the surrounding hooks.
Lastly we have BCSA head honcho Nicholas Van Orton taking ‘Rise’ into progressive techno land. I would say this is a bit of a departure for the much loved Argentine artist as we’re accustomed to deeper more groove oriented house but here there are definitely techno inspired designs happening. It’s rumbling low end makes for a large presence throughout and the time stretched vocals add a wonderfully trippy vibe to the mix. A few timely breaks with big drum builds lead the track to peak time territory which makes for one of Nicholas’ biggest sounding records in quite some time. Should be a favourite with the progressive new school and also one you might hear Hernan Cattaneo dropping in the coming months. A great set of remixes from Balkan Connection with all offering great alternatives to the originals. Don’t miss it.
