V-Sag – Solitude [Balkan Connection]

The latest release on Balkan Connection welcomes V-Sag to the label for his debut artist showcase 'Solitude'. The Greek producer has a long history in progressive house, dating back to 2006 when releases on Pure Substance, No Smoking Recordings and Vapour Recordings caught the attention of electronic music lovers. Support from the world's largest DJs soon followed with DJ Tarkan, Armin Van Buuren, John Digweed, Tiesto, Hernan Cattaneo, Deep Dish and Roger Sanchez all finding beauty in V-Sag's work. It's been a fruitful 13 year career thus far with the Athens resident going on to record remixes for Loreena McKennitt and Bad Boys Blue, while having his music showcased on Armada, Blackhole and Universal. Having forged a strong relationship with DJ Tarkan and No Smoking Recordings, the majority of V-Sag's recent work has been released by the Turkish label. Now embarking on one of his most anticipated projects to date, V-Sag debuts on Balkan Connection with a special seven track artist showcase.

It's a journey told over seven acts, flowing through warm harmonies, unique rhythmic structures and a bevy of poignant moments, all wrapped up in a progressive state of mind. Setting the tone for the EP is the lead selection 'Solo'. Smooth and meditative, it's detailed percussion, tranquil arps and guitar motifs converge for a compelling canopy of sound. Building in waves, vocal fragments advance the narrative into a heartfelt break, before effortlessly shifting energy into a glowing finale. Coming in deeper and more introspective is the second selection 'Sentimental'. Ghostly vocal wails blanket it's tight, compact groove before moving through effervescent artifacts and muted pianos. Dreamy arps and smooth chord changes bring a unique emotional perspective, before the piano storyboard becomes fully realized during a poignant break. The transcendent flow of energy continues with the sultry, hypno sounds of 'Nomad'. Punchy kicks and a chunky groove power the foundation, while elegant vocal snips and smooth rhythmic tones continue to drive momentum across this mid-set burner. Moving back into more melodic territory are the sparkling themes of 'Roadtrip'. V-Sag crafts a energetic flow of organic drums, perfectly sculpted bass tones and sparkling arps. It's this blend of melody and colour which perfectly sets the stage for a cross cultural vocal to steal the air, elegantly peaking during the main break before a percussive finale ensues.

The solemn atmospheres of 'Overlook' mark the collections midway point and carry a thought provoking quality. It's layered beats provide a foundation for impassioned overlays, clustered pianos and luminous tones to unite, before a wave of drums sparks a groovy drop. Looking to further diversify the collection, it is V-Sag's masterstroke to introduce the sublime vocals of Hadley on 'Come As You Are'. It's minimalistic, woody framework allows her breathy wails to fully saturate your pleasure centres, as a wonky arp adds just the right rhythmic quality. Ghostly and compelling, the main break allows the vocal to breathe, drifting through misty atmospheres, eventually getting washed away in favour of the organic groove. Rounding out the collection with an appropriately reflective quality is 'Blue Eyes'. Perhaps the most musical track on the EP, it's perfectly placed instrumentation works magic between percussive flurries and harmonic concepts. Cascading strums and symphonic drifts play off each other to provide an esoteric contrast during the centrepiece, providing a fascinating moment which rounds the release out on a high note.

In a career that spans well over a decade V-Sag has already provided progressive music fans with many memorable moments, with his 'Solitude' EP perhaps being one of his finest offerings to date.

Buy: https://bit.ly/2SJ5UbV

Release Date: 06-01-2020

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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