Ultraverse / d-phrag & Valentin Mavron – Celtic Ring / Forest For The Trees [BC2 Records]

BC2 Records celebrates their 400th release with a split EP from label A&R’s Ultraverse and d-phrag. The former, based in Ireland, first emerged in 2016 with releases via Crop Circle and Morninglory Music. Drawing inspiration from Depeche Mode, Hernan Cattaneo, Lee Burridge and Sasha, Ultraverse quickly established himself in the world of progressive music. In building a meticulous discography over the next five years, the Dublin resident continued to refine his sound, eventually earning the recognition of world class DJ Nick Warren who signed him to his The Soundgarden imprint as part of the label’s 2020 Winter Collection. Meanwhile, Bulgarian artist d-phrag has enjoyed similar success since making his production debut almost a decade ago. As a Dj first, the Plovdiv resident found his way into the studio following the success of his ‘Immersed’ show via friskyradio. Initial releases came courtesy of long-standing imprints such as LuPS Records and Mirabilis Records, before going on to find a more permanent home on Serbian powerhouse Balkan Connection, where he has notched twenty-four discography credits. Now commemorating BC2’s 400th release in style, Ultraverse and d-phrag unveil their ‘Celtic Ring / Forest For The Trees’ double a-side EP.

Beginning with ‘Celtic Ring’, Ultraverse crafts a euphoric slice of progressive house which is very much in line with the celebratory vibe of the release. Backed by muscular beats and a warm, key changing groove, it’s got infectious energy from the outset. Its powerful drive is encased in a perfect balance of electric rhythms, clattering percussion and sweeping effects. Following a timely break, harmonic phrasing marries beautifully with nostalgic chord changes, adding colour and depth across the second act, onwards to an exhilarating finale.

Rounding out the release is ‘Forest For The Trees’ which finds d-phrag collaborating with fellow countryman Valentin Mavron. Also based in Plovdiv, Valentin has served as one of BC2’s mastering engineers, while also recording six originals and a remix for the Serbian imprint. Having worked together previously on the three-track ‘Take Me Away’ EP, d-phrag and Valentin continue to build on their creative synergy with ‘Forest For The Trees’. Deeper and more spacious than its predecessor, the Bulgarian duo works clattering percussive arrangements and haunting tonal themes over warm bass swells and punchy beats, setting in motion a timeless melodic narrative. Hopeful pads and wispy effects continue to elevate mood, particularly across the main break which spearheads a glowing finale. A heady creation from d-phrag and Valentin, which rounds out a must-have 400th release from Balkan Connection’s burgeoning BC2 division. Don’t miss it.

Buy: https://bit.ly/3sSatB8

Release Date: 18-02-2021

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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