Multi talented Belgian artist Manu Riga is back with more of his beautifully crafted offerings in the form of Trying Harder EP. He enlists the superb vocal talents of John M for this one and once again the results are outstanding. Manu Riga is fast becoming a leader in utilising strong vocalists in the progressive arena. His past endeavours have been greatly recognised, adding an extra spice to progressive house music with his army of fans dubbing him The Master Of Voices. His dynamic sound is ever changing and he adapts beautifully to each vocal artist he works with. He never fails to impress and we've no doubt there will be much more coming out of Manu Riga studios in the future. French singer John M aka John Morillion dishes out a sublime vocal on this one. He spent his childhood years living between France, UK and USA where he took in the different cultures which have influenced his style. His travel experiences culminated with the 2012 album Love It All which was followed in 2014 with his fan backed Born To Meet You.
The Original Mix of Trying Harder intros with a nice punchy kick drum and a gritty sounding pulsing bass tone. Rhythmic percussions come through setting the track up to be rocked out to on the floors. Suddenly the endearing vocal pops through, instantly locking you into the narrative. Subtle melodies compliment the vocal and the note changes on the layered bassline create hair raising moments. Mesmerizing arpeggios show up on the break and take us back into the main groove for the duration. Another solid slice that will not disappoint.
Shame sets out with a real deep vibe filled with solid kicks, bright hi hats and warm bass tones. A wonderfully sweet melodic air seeps out of the sound as the vocal starts to come through. The vocal proper starts and you find yourself totally immersed in the beauty of the sound and the inviting nature of the voice. A short break introduces analogue synths that give the track colourful layers and strong textures. Plucky synths layer up against teasing pads giving the track a dynamic feel making this an absolute must have no doubt.
The Dub Mix takes out the main vocal leaving a deep and grooving progressive slice for the late night sessions.
Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
[item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals and Lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[item value="10"]Manu Riga & John M - Trying Harder Ep [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Manu Riga & John M collaborate for two very nice tracks on the Trying Harder EP. Trying Harder is dark melodic progressive house with cinematic atmosphere, punchy basslines, chunky tribalish grooves, dark melodramatic synths and John M rockish hypnotic vocals with a nice message of having the courage to try harder. Shame is a much more smooth affair with deep pulsating basslines, xylophone melodies, electronic synths, warm strings, guitar riffs and nice piano while on top John M sounds sexier for a very erotic smooth delicate journey for those lets come closer late night affairs. Two quite different tracks with that Manu Riga unique touch that shines. #PureGold Love IT[/content]
[/review]Additional info:
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