P4SS3NG3R - City Lights

Greek musician Greg Filaretos aka P4SS3NG3R returns to Bonzai progressive with the superb 'City Lights' which follows the equally impressive 'Fall With Me'. Greg mainly produces psytrance, though he is known to delve into other genres, including progressive house under his P4SS3NG3R alias, trance using his Soundpass moniker and indie dance music under the guise Bellar C alongside vocalist Bellar Chaimov. Through these years he has managed to make remarkable releases and collaborations all over the world. He has one of the most unique and hypnotic progressive sounds, combining influences of trance and techno with haunting melodies and structed basslines. His majestic beats build up the tension on the dance floor adding subtle, yet clearly crafted layers which are instantly recognisable. His productions and remixes manage to keep his signature sound embedded whilst still constantly delivering evolution.

'City Lights' opens the release, landing with a thump as a solid rolling groove takes hold. A powerful, plucky bassline sits at the forefront as gentler sounds remain distant. Striking synths grab attention, building the energy. On the break, trippy arps lead, with emotive note changes that marry with subtle pads beautifully before heading to the final act. 'La Noche' greets us at the midway point, dishing out a steady growing progressive groove made up of probing basses, tribalistic drums and a vibrant vocal which leads to the main break. Here, we find a cosmic saxophone controlling the vibe before the main groove returns for the duration. 'Stereotype' concludes the release and takes us on an energetic trek thanks to a powerful rolling bassline, plucky arpeggios and a somewhat dystopian vibe. Pristine percussions litter the groove which is driven by a strong drum section that will definitely get the toes tapping.