Leo Perez & Dhany G – Onix [roku]

Roku opens the new year by welcoming Leo Perez and Dhany G to the label for their debut EP. Hailing from Cuba and Panama respectively, Leo and Dhany have been frequent studio partners since first collaborating on a single for One Of A Kind in January of 2019. Often finding the creative space between progressive and organic house, the duo quickly compiled an impressive joint resume moving forward, recording key projects for Balkan Connection, Droid9, Transensations and their own Nature Rec imprint. With the second half of 2024 being somewhat of a production hiatus for Leo and Dhany, the duo get 2025 off to a impressive start with their roku debut ‘Onix’, alongside remixes from Ilias Katelanos & Plecta and Da Luka.

Beginning with the colourful monochromes of ‘Onix’, the duo continues to explore the groovy progressive blueprints from which they have made their name. A DJ friendly intro sets the pace for swing heavy rhythms, vibrant arps and subversive melodies to layer a warm, chunky bassline. Carving out an energetic path into the break, anticipation is high as soaring overlays and plucky synth hooks add texture and swing to the groove. Concise and well-crafted, the interlude percolates which each successive pass, building tension and anticipation, before a cosmic crescendo reveals an epic finale complete with emotive vocal fragments and shapeshifting synth lines. Beneath the powerful qualities of 'Onix' lies the equally intriguing vibes of 'Agata'. Leo and Dhany expound their organic vision here, with obsessive rhythms and hyperspace vocal fragments blanketing warm beats and exotic percussive arrangements. Clever textural co-actions marry lively chord stabs, while a hypnotic break complete with soulful musicality and balmy drifts preludes a funked up finale.

Making their label debut with the lone interpretation of ‘Onix’ are Ilias Katelanos & Plecta. Based in Greece, and often paired together as a creative collaborative force, Ilias Katelanos and Plecta have carved out a unique sonic identity in the world of electronic music and organic house, resulting in a string of uniquely crafted records that present a resonant worldly sound. A combined discography highlighted by releases via Melody Of The Soul, Musique de Lune, Rubicunda, Songuara and UV has made them an in demand production duo. Prolific and creative across 2024, Ilias and Plecta now continue their creative partnership as 2025 begins, making their roku debut with a powerful rendition of ‘Onix’. Bringing a contemporary club-effective state of mind, Ilias and Plecta reassemble the themes from the original for their own unique energetic approach. Timely effects, haunting vocal motifs and shapeshifting melodic fragments co-ax perfectly atop precise kick drums and electric grooves, for what results in a tasteful rendition that’s perfect for the dancefloor.

The release concludes with roku label boss Da Luka providing the lone interpretation of ‘Agata’. Hailing from Albania, Da Luka emerged from his country's electronic music landscape just over a decade ago. Whether operating in solo capacity or alongside occasional production partner Jorgio Kioris, Da Luka's creative vision would summon the praise of progressive music tastemakers Cid Inc, Guy J, Eelke Kleijn, Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren and more, in turn leading to releases via Electronic Groove, Juicebox Music, Mango Alley, WARPP, and his own roku imprint, the latter of which now operates as his primary home. As the label’s two year anniversary quickly approaches, Da Luka makes a timely return for his first production of 2025, putting his own progressive twist on ‘Agata’. Landing with a resounding thump, Da Luka finds success with a robust, dancefloor minded approach. Warm kick drums and shapely grooves marry beautifully with flickering percussion and haunting vocal elements. Tasteful chord stabs and emotive key changes create an enduring main theme leading into the break, ultimately highlighting the journey, flowing through evocative progression for equal amounts of exhilaration and serenity to round out the release on a poignant note.

Buy: https://tinyurl.com/3s5v9v73

Release Date: 24-01-2025

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

🎹 Spotify: http://bit.ly/ProgAstroSpotify
► YouTube: http://bit.ly/ProgressiveAstronautSubscribe
► Soundcloud: http://bit.ly/ProgressiveAstronautSC
► Website: http://bit.ly/ProgressiveAstronautWEB
► Facebook: http://bit.ly/ProgressiveAstronautFB
► Twitter: http://bit.ly/ProgressiveAstronautTW
► Instagram: http://bit.ly/ProgressiveAstronautIG