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Progressive Review: Benja Molina - Astrea / Aura / Feeling out 5/9/2025 on UV Noir

 


RKP, Univack, and Purrfection’s regular Benja Molina returns to UV Noir with the exceptional Astrea EP.

Benja Molina is currently one of Spain’s most prominent Progressive House producers, known for his energetic and melodic House tracks and big club Progressive House productions. Signed to esteemed labels and with a wealth of new material in the pipeline, his future looks incredibly promising. Since 2008, his exceptional quality has been evident in every aspect of his work. His collaborations with international artists have consistently reached the top of Beatport nine times. Notable supporters include Hernán Canttaneo, Dj Ruby, Topo Larocca, N- Tchbl, Paul Thomas, and Mariano Mellino.





Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Benja Molina - Astrea / Aura / Feeling [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Benja Molina, a standout artist frequently featured on RKP, Univack, and Purrfection, returns to UV Noir with his masterfully crafted Astrea EP, comprising three mesmerizing tracks: "Astrea," "Aura," and "Feeling." This EP not only solidifies his position as a progressive house luminary but also serves as a treasure trove for DJs seeking meticulously produced, dancefloor-ready gems. Astrea (122 BPM) sets the tone as a deep, dreamy progressive house masterpiece. The track is characterized by its outstanding melodic layers, which are meticulously crafted using lush pads and ethereal synths that glide seamlessly over a foundation of cinematic soundscapes. The production process showcases advanced layering techniques, with reverb-drenched atmospheres creating a vast, immersive sonic space. The careful EQ balance ensures the melodic elements shine without overpowering the driving low-end, making it an ideal selection for progressive house DJs looking to evoke emotion and depth in their sets. Aura (123 BPM) shifts the energy slightly with a deeper, moodier groove. Its upfront, epic-like melody exudes optimism and confidence, skillfully woven into tribal-inspired grooves and buoyant basslines. The rhythmic complexity comes from the clever use of percussive elements and syncopation, creating a dynamic interplay between the kick and bass. Sidechain compression is finely tuned to allow the melody and bass to breathe harmoniously, maintaining momentum while preserving clarity. This track’s structure, with its carefully crafted breakdowns and builds, makes it a versatile tool for DJs aiming to control the dancefloor’s energy flow. Feeling (122 BPM) rounds out the EP as a quintessential progressive house track, embodying hypnotic, synth-driven melodies that evoke a sensation of weightlessness. The production shines with intricate arpeggios and subtle modulation effects that evolve throughout the track, creating a constantly shifting auditory landscape. The use of delay and reverb adds depth, while the minimalist yet impactful drum patterns provide a solid groove foundation. Its "no gravity" feeling is achieved through the meticulous automation of filters and effects, ensuring the track progresses organically, making it perfect for peak-time or after-hours sets. For progressive house DJs, the Astrea EP is invaluable, offering tracks that are not only technically polished but also emotionally resonant, capable of transforming any set into a captivating sonic journey. #PureGold 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]
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UV, along with our friends at Rhythm Horizons, returns to London on September 13th for a very special show at the incredible Colours Venue in Hoxton. UV label bosses Paul Thomas and Das Pharaoh (Fadi from Aly & Fila) will be joined by Alex O’Rion and Quivver.



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