Rockka – Locked Up & Remixed 007 [LuPS Records]

LuPS Records opens the new year with the seventh edition of their popular 'Locked Up & Remixed' series. With the inaugural installment landing in February of 2011, these EP showcases take a look back over the label’s catalog, presenting new interpretations from some of the freshest talent in the underground. On the label's seventh and most anticipated edition, LuPS has invited rising talent Rockka to re-interpret select tracks from their back catalog. Hailing from Sri Lanka Rockka aka Lakith Adikaram has been releasing his own unique style of progressive music for the better part of three years. Although younger than most of his contemporaries, the Nugegoda resident has already compiled an impressive resume, showcasing his music via Balkan Connection, Droid9, Freegrant Music and One Of A Kind. LuPS has also been a comfortable landing spot for Rockka, with two remixes for the label across 2022. Now, returning for his biggest project to date, Rockka gives his own unique take on tracks from Rikk Earth, East Cafe and Matias Chilano.

First up Rockka takes Rikk Earth's 'You Set Me Free' into his world of groovy progressive house. With the Original Mix being released in 2018, Rockka overhauls the track in fine fashion, upping the tempo, while making tasteful use of the main elements. The groove gets reworked into something a bit fuller with more drive, while a complement of panoramic effects, misty atmospheres and effervescent percussion fill in the framework. Operating as a dub, the vocals get reprocessed and deconstructed into hazy atmospheric gates for a meditative yet powerful approach, building tension subtly across a melody-infused main break, before smoothly segueing into a thumping finale.

Released in 2015, it is East Cafe's 'Sonnenlicht' which is next to receive Rockka's re-imagination. Clocking in at over eight magical minutes, the Sri Lankan artist draws on the main themes from the original with a more progressive inspired framework. Warm, hip-swinging grooves, dusty percussion and balmy atmospheres marry beautifully across an emotive first act. Re-processed for a hazy, harmonic feel; the lead theme beams brightly during an expansive centerpiece, gently building emotion towards a finale that is both blissful and uplifting.

The release concludes with Matias Chilano's 'Sunday Morning' receiving Rockka's elusive production touch. With the Original Mix being released well over a decade ago, Rockka does a masterful job at bringing the track into a contemporary progressive headspace. Taking square aim at the dance floor, the Sri Lankan artist works devilish effects and crunchy rhythms over a nicely contoured groove and flickering percussive arrangements. Fragmented melodies and airy atmospheric phrasing add depth and emotion as momentum builds across the first act, perfectly shifting energy into a break of indistinct vocals and colourful harmonics, onwards to a spirited conclusion. It rounds out three inspired interpretations from Rockka, a rising talent who continues to impress, capping off a must-have seventh edition of LuPS Records' 'Locked Up & Remixed' series. Highly recommended.

Buy: https://bit.ly/3J7ZNYT

Release Date: 18-01-2023

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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