On the imprint’s latest, Oath takes the vibrations right up into the slipstreams via Elfenberg’s latest slice of proggy, euphoria driven excellence….
Elfenberg has become a well known figure within dance music spheres for his expertly crafted and otherworldly chuggy sound. Taking cues from a wide variety of influences, Elfenberg’s music slots in very nicely within the most celebrated of trance laden progressive house and techno – with his signature twist always allowing for a few surprises along the way. Each release he has brought to the fore has provided another string to his impressive bow, fuelling the dance and the emotions with delicate, poised techniques. As much as his tunes are dance floor orientated, his sound has a subtly and deftness to it, an enchanted rhythmic and melodic blend that gives over so much to the listener. His sound ensnares the senses, providing moments to get lost within and moments in which to let yourself go – a music universe that has always remained acutely blended and emotionally poised.
‘Ritmo Paradiso’ contains all of Elfenberg’s signature motifs, but as always it’s an EP which spreads itself sonically wide but presents a soundscape which is razor sharp in its focus. The title track swings into view with a deep, pulsating bass and drum loop, which shifts frequency to draw focus to the high hat that slides into the mid section. Acidic flavourings wash over the top of the groove, with the core melodic driver emerging from the mid range. Percussive elements add texture and forward momentum, with slowly evolving pads creating a gentle yet expansive backdrop. ‘Vasastan’ comes next, and this one seeks a different kind of feeling. A spaced out, IDM leaning rhythm provides the basis for a lucid acid line to permeate from side to side. The stage is set for all manner of wondrous melodic features to present themselves, from the flowery keys through to the swelling synths, it’s an audial whirlpool in which to get lost over and over again.
Varhat then gives his spin on the title track, which draws focus to a variety of core elements of the original. The acid notions and bass line become ever so slightly more fluid, washing over the ever evolving drums with purpose and presence. The progression is something to behold, with particular attention paid to the frequencies and shifts in density. ’Styggforsen’ lands next, and once again the rhythmic section gets things going. The acid line provides the core focus, revolving around the kicks as shifts in scale and scope help propel the track forwards. The delicate keys and pads add a lot of variety up top, and as things flow onwards it’s an immersion that could last a lifetime.
’Thank You For Your Patience’ comes next, and this one shifts the tempo up a notch. Spacious, large scale rhythms provide the basis for swinging melodic elements to cater across, with the breaks that land just before the minute mark providing a real jolt of energy. The rolling bassline cuts like butter though the bottom end, with the breakdowns providing some compelling listening. To wrap things up, Abdul Raeva put their twist on ’Styggforsen’, which lays out one final slab of proggy goodness for us all. Swirling synths and acid notes, pumped up drops and rock solid rhythmic sections – what is there not to love about this remix? an ender any EP would be proud of.
It seems with every Elfenberg record, there’s a journey to be undertaken and a tale to be enjoyed, and this one is no different. From the word go, the rhythms are intoxicating, the melodies are otherworldly, and the overall sensation is one of progressive excellence. Always on the move, eager to showcase more, it’s a truly tantalising experience – and one that Oath is beyond thrilled to present….
