A prolific and equally talented artist, Rick Pier O'Neil has won a host of plaudits for his "One Side of the Underground" series. Now reaching its fifth outing, the "Vol, 5" opener sees Rick join forces with Anthony G, a successful producer on the likes of Balkan Connection, Stellar Fountain and RPO Records. Driven by a pounding beat and subterranean bass groove, a heads-shaking percussion lays the foundation for a rich collage of melodies to flow across "Kohana" in powerful fashion. Ethereal vocal touches add further to the entwined motifs as a cascading arpeggio increases intrigue. Another collaboration sees Modern Agenda, Dopamine White and RPO Records contributor, Echo Daft, create a multi-faceted offering in "Vatsalya". A rolling rhythm creates the perfect vehicle for a swathe of motifs to swirl across the stereo spectrum and a central melody is repeated to potent effect. Once again vocal treatments add to the overall feel as the track waxes and wanes with ease in a progressive house powerhouse. The third original track sees O'Neil in solo guise as a club-friendly bassline soon finds a layer of melodies sat elegantly atop to create a glorious soundscape that revels in textured pads and gated white noise patterns. A deep and mesmerising offering, "Chaliponga" is full of the trademark flair that is so prominent in the French star's music.

Trilucid need little introduction to the underground dance faithful. A UK duo with a host of impressive production credits to their name for Perspectives Digital, Colorize and Songbird, their work for Proton Music has seen 2019s "Glint" and 2020's "Astral" (the latter with Phil Martyn) light up the label with a vibrant and memorable sound. Remixing Petar Dundov's "Salvation" in late 2020, Trilucid now return with a typically impressive remix of "The Sinner". Wrapped in a chunky rhythmic groove, familiar refrains from O'Neil, Michael & Levan and Stiven Rivic's original shine through amidst a chorus of new production work from the Trilucid studio. As the track evolves a stunning new motif is revealed that commands the listener's attention as it perfectly syncopates to the new percussive backdrop. Building in intensity, the breakdown and third movement showcase Trilucid's abundant skill and craftsmanship.

Fresh from a successful remix of Juan Deminicis and the forthcoming "Run Only Run" EP on Particles, Gux Jimenez has carved out quite a name for himself from his Cartagena home. A veteran of over 200 production credits since a 2008 debut, music signed to UV, Clubsonica Records and Balkan Connection have kept the Argentinean firmly in the limelight. Now debuting on Proton Music, the Gux Jimenez remix of "Imperial" takes the track on a driving voyage of meandering melodic flow, capturing themes that resonate with the original in new and exciting directions as soaring phrases coruscate within a rich sonic tapestry. The powerful groove adds a dynamic edge to proceedings and a rippling arpeggio in the second half adds class and maturity to an impressive debut.

New original tracks plus remixes from Trilucid and Gux Jimenez keep Rick Pier O'Neil front and centre "One Side of the Underground".

Directed by Jay Epoch
A&R by James Warren
Mastered by Rick Pier O'Neil, Trilucid, Gux Jimenez
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

One Side of the Underground, Vol. 5

Buy on Beatport

Rick Pier O'Neil - Imperial (Gux Jimenez Remix)

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