#53 Feat. New Releases in Trance (Main Floor)

Next up on Bonzai Records we welcome three legends of the label, Bonzai All Stars and Santini, who combine resources to deliver the superb 'Follow'. Christian Pieters (label founder and head honcho) and Dany Van Der Reiten (label veteran and all-round party animal) make up Bonzai All Stars who are renowned for the blistering sets and on-stage antics at parties and festivals across Europe. Over the last number of years, they've been instrumental in revamping Bonzai Records with their brand of retro inspired nu rave grooves, along with a little help for their many friends from the scene. The legendary Santini joins the guys, bringing his extensive musical and technical knowledge to the table. The man behind many projects in the early days of Bonzai, he was also the main man in the studio and responsible for a lot of the massive hits that came out during the heyday. He's still got it, his newest productions ooze quality and contemporary flair with some nostalgic hints along the way. The Original Mix gets us moving, opening with a muted kick and fading in arpeggio. A cool vocal creates intrigue before the drop reveals punchy kicks, spritely hats and an infectious 303 sequence. A melodic synth hook takes control of the groove as deep basses shore up the low-end. The track evolves into a hybrid progressive trance, tech monster with that gated synth at its core. A definite dancefloor mover, no doubt. The Tech Mix rounds out the release, focussing in on the grittier side of the groove with heavy hitting kicks and sharp, crispy hats combining on the intro. A hypnotic alarm contrasts with swirling pads that create a magical atmosphere before cool vocal shots come through. On the break, we're treated to a raucous climax thanks to edgy synths stabs and rolling snares that take us to the final act on this gem of a track.

Santini, Bonzai All Stars

#94 Feat. Staff Picks in Hard Dance / Hardcore / Neo Rave

Dolby D and H! Dude mark their Bonzai Records debut with the fantastic and much anticipated 'I'm A Mess'. Having worked together with great success on recent projects, these guys certainly know how to create energy and drive in a track. Dolby D aka Mickael David started his career in the South of France as a DJ before he moved into producing his own sounds. With almost 30 years in the business, he boasts an eye-watering release count on top labels, including his own Dolma Rec which launched in 2014. Award winning Belgian DJ, producer and creator of Technostep H! Dude aka Mathieu Massart has also enjoyed a career as a DJ before he too moved to production and amassing a vast back catalogue on some of the very best Techno labels in the world. Great to have this charismatic duo on board at Bonzai and no doubt we'll be seeing and hearing more from them in the future. We open the release with the mighty 'DIE V3' which wastes no time in getting into a full-on hard Techno groove. Prepare your speakers for maximum overdrive as pounding kick drums with force their way into your chest alongside an invasive offset bass. Shimmering hats and chaotic percussions join in as snappy snares take us through the motions. Cool vocals and scathing synth stabs highlight the midway point before the final act takes us into oblivion. A monster tune that will not disappoint. 'I'm A Mess' rounds out the release and keeps the high, energetic pace going with a straight up, in-your-face Techno stomper. Heavy, sub-level basses rumble in the low end as punchy, thumping beats, crispy hats and snappy percussions set the rhythms loose. A cool vocal runs through the track, adding a catchy vibe while a cacophony of hard synths wreak havoc within the spectrum. Another smashing banger that is not to be missed.

Dolby D, H! Dude