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One Side of the Underground, Vol. 6

Rick Pier O'Neil

Proton Music
PROTON0528 | 2023-01-20  
Returning for a further instalment of his long-running series whose first volume appeared in late 2017, Rick Pier O'Neil delivers three new original tracks on "One Side of the Underground, Vol. 6", while remixes come from Colombia and Australia.

Opening proceedings, the bristling bassline groove of "Anki" immediately supplies energy aplenty while heavy beat and atmospheric melodies flow across the 7-minute piece with ease. A hypnotic arpeggio emerges at the mid-point before powering into the second half in dynamic fashion. The lighter melodic air of "Namlus" showcases Rick's production talent as free-flowing harmonies and delicate string motifs join with deep bassline presence to create a rich filmic quality. Plucked synth passages enter the fray post-breakdown where the sonic collage paints a vivid picture. "Tlaloc" continues the oppressive bassline narrative of its partner tracks as shuffling hi-hats add a subtle urgency to proceedings. Pitched analogue synths and a fizzing LFO pattern pierce the mid-range midway, while a coruscating arp pulsates powerfully forwards into the latter stages before ebbing gently away.

A Colombian artist with a rapidly rising reputation, David Barragan is an artist who continues to impress via his Dabeat production moniker. Responsible for a host of production credits on the likes of Anjunadeep, Sprout and Sudbeat Music, his debut solo EP for Proton Music after collaborative work with fellow countryman Kamilo Sanclemente, saw "Equilibrium" illustrate an elegant touch and immaculate sense of rhythm upon its release in May 2022. Returning for his first solo remix, the Dabeat interpretation of "Ixchel" is full of intricate rhythmic flair as cascading rhythms blend with a deep bassline in a smooth new rework. Cleverly using the root melodic phrases from Rick Pier O'Neil's original, a raft of delicate new motifs and production material flows across the latter stages, culminating in a delicious and meandering arpeggio that provides a dance-friendly touch.

Another artist whose stock has risen rapidly among the underground dance fraternity, Zankee Gulati has witnessed a string of impressive releases from his adopted home in New South Wales. Quickly establishing himself in Sydney's club environment, Zankee's production work for the likes of Balance Music, Plattenbank and Nick Warren's The Soundgarden, has established the Australian as a driving force. Making his Proton Music debut after a string of releases on Particles, most notably with his 2018 "Breathe" EP, the Zankee Gulati remix builds a new rolling groove around "Imperial" that immediately supplies club-friendly rhythms. Familiar refrains from Rick Pier O'Neil's original flow through the near 9-minute remix while sumptuous pads add new texture. A pulsating white-noise crescendo heralds a driving second half as the iconic main synth motif plays out post-breakdown with hypnotic ease.

Continuing to flourish topside with Dabeat and Zankee Gulati, Rick Pier O'Neil shows his mastery, "One Side of the Underground".

Directed by Jay Epoch
AandR by James Warren
Mastered by Cid Inc.
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

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