German house innovator Audio Monkey drops a new progressive gem on BluFin Records.
Audio Monkey is based between Dusseldorf and Ibiza and brings deep, progressive and melodic innovation to the tech and house world.
Halo is a slow building gem packed with tension that keeps you on your toes. The deft synth details build atmosphere while thunderous bass rolls low and sweeping effects lead into a spine tingling breakdown. Once the drums drop again, the cinematic mood is all pervading as distant vocals come into earshot to send chills.
This is a well crafted new weapon from Audio Monkey.
Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Audio Monkey - Halo[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Audio Monkey's latest release, "Halo," is a masterclass in tension-building and sonic sophistication. Clocking in at a steady 120 BPM, this track is a slow-burning gem that meticulously crafts an atmosphere brimming with anticipation and emotional depth. From a technical standpoint, "Halo" showcases deft synth programming that layers intricate melodic elements with precision. The synth details are not merely decorative; they serve as the backbone, weaving a rich tapestry of sound that gradually unfolds. The thunderous bassline is engineered with sub-bass frequencies that roll deep, providing a solid foundation while maintaining clarity, thanks to expert EQ balancing that avoids muddiness in the low-end spectrum. The production employs sweeping effects that are skillfully automated to create dynamic motion within the mix. These effects act as transitions, seamlessly guiding the listener into a spine-tingling breakdown. Here, reverberant soundscapes expand the stereo field, making the atmosphere feel vast and cinematic. The breakdown is further enhanced by the use of sidechain compression, subtly breathing life into the track by allowing the kick drum to punch through without overpowering the melodic elements. When the drums re-enter, the percussive arrangement is both powerful and immersive. The use of layered drum samples, combined with meticulous transient shaping, gives each hit a crisp, impactful quality. Distant, ethereal vocals drift into the mix, treated with lush reverb and delay effects that add to the haunting, otherworldly vibe. One of the track’s standout moments is the breakdown featuring heavenly chorus vocals infused with an ethnic touch. These vocals are processed with a combination of pitch modulation and granular synthesis techniques, adding to their mysterious and ethereal character. The atmosphere here is simply transcendent, leading to a climactic drive that employs rhythmic modulation and harmonic layering to propel any dance floor into a hypnotic frenzy. In summary, "Halo" is not just a track; it's an auditory journey meticulously crafted with advanced production techniques and a deep understanding of sonic architecture. #PureGold indeed. Love IT[/content]
[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"]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"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/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]
[/review]
