Blanka Barbara – Celestial Trail / Betrayer Moon [Juicebox Music]

Praveen Achary's Juicebox Music opens the month of February by welcoming Blanka Barbara to the label for her debut EP. Born in Poland but now based in London, Blanka Barbara first came to our attention in 2020 with a series of releases via her Rabbit Records imprint. Quickly catching the attention of the progressive house and melodic techno communities, the next two years would see the classically trained pianist and composer go on to record projects for Lane 8's This Never Happened, Ziger's Eat My Hat Music, John OO Fleming's Joof Aura, Mango Alley and Proton's Particles. Now, presenting her first project of 2023, Blanka makes her Juicebox Music debut with 'Celestial Trail / Betrayer Moon', alongside remixes from Funksun and Forty Cats.

Selection one ‘Celestial Trail’ lands with a resounding thump, as big pulsating grooves and flashing percussive arrangements make for a smooth hip swinging energy. Vocal overlays, cosmic effects and deconstructed sonics advance the narrative, keeping rhythm locked while energy continues to multiply leading into the break. Tension peaks here with a catchy lead rising to prominence, as waves of modulation and sweeping noise unite in a vortex of corrosive beauty, as the groove re-engages for a thrilling finale. Meanwhile, 'Betrayer Moon' keeps that same pace but with a slightly more introspective approach. A strong low end and timely atmospheric swells provide a perfect balance of groove and character, as textural coaxes and collapsing waves of light emerge for moments of chaotic tranquility, perfectly setting the stage for a delightfully disorienting break and billowing groove-centric finale.

The two remixes included here do a nice job at giving the tracks a different feel without losing any of that great dance floor sensibility which the originals have. Funksun returns for the lone interpretation of 'Celestial Trail', which follows his contribution to the label's 'Fables 001' collection from last year. The Goa resident maintains that dark energy of the original with muscular grooves getting layered with a clever array of stabs, pyrotechnic effects and crunchy rhythmic structures.

Following on from her 'Orbit / Airtime' collaboration with Dowden to get the year underway, Forty Cats returns to the label with a sensational take on 'Betrayer Moon'. Beloved for her sleek progressive creations, the Moscow resident adds a deeper colour here with voluptuous grooves, evolving atmospheres and a series of thought-provoking sonics, which ultimately makes for a profoundly meditative experience. A gorgeous interpretation from Forty Cats, which rounds out an excellent Juicebox Music debut for Blanka Barbara, an artist who continues to impress and rise in the world of progressive house. Highly recommended.

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

Release Date: 03-02-2023

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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