One of the most gifted and long-standing contributors on our core roster, American sensation eleven.five, returns to Silk Royal for yet another memorable genre-bending contribution. "The Alliance", his second collaboration with promising Swiss duo Meyce, is the highly anticipated follow-up to "Explanation", which witnessed radio support from Above & Beyond and Kyau & Albert, amongst other leading global trance and progressive DJs. On remix detail, we have enlisted the venerable Latvian duo Blood Groove & Kikis, veritable masters of melodic and uplifting progressive electronic music.
The Original Mix kicks off with a tech-influenced groove, while a hypnotic lead begins to seep into the listener's psyche. The slightly ominous build in the opening minutes of the track resolves into a truly breathtaking climax, which proves to be quite euphoric and awe-inspiring. Blood Groove & Kikis, a formidable 'alliance' of musical brilliance in their own right, offer a jubilant and heart-warming take on the original. A "muscular" rhythm is accompanied by a layered soundscape, highlighted by a soaring lead theme. The main break is absolutely rapturous, as seemingly innumerable melodic layers coalesce, in support of the unforgettable main motif from the original.
Shingo Nakamura is a progressive house god. He knows the perfect balance of chill and upbeat. I can read a book, go for a drive, or get up and dance to his versatile sounds. His mixing is smooth and his tracks always have the best grooves. Plucks are definitely a strong suit for this guy. Maddie Farnsworth
A shifting collage of ambient layers and bright melodies that resists convention from a member of New Zealand's underground house scene. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 9, 2023