The latest release on Balkan Connection finds David Duque & Net Son presenting a new two track EP.
Hailing from Colombia but now residing in Panama David Duque teams up with Azerbaijan based Net Son for their much anticipated, first ever collaborations. A collective discography that includes Armada, Soundteller and Mistique Music makes his an exciting project and accompanying the two originals are remixes from Paul Hamilton and Kobb.
The release begins with ‘Hope Valley’ which finds the styles of David and Net Son coming together nicely. Backed by a club friendly, tech house style groove the duo slowly works a variety of subtle motifs into the track as it builds momentum. A soft tonal theme eventually initiates the main break where the atmospheric qualities get a chance to shine. The drop has little fanfare and rightfully so as it’s smooth flowing nature stays intact as a result. The third act continues the melodic story board with rising pads adding just the right emotive vibe without going too far. A classsy old school production from David and Net Son. The companion piece ‘Ishtar’ comes in with a similar design profile and equally enticing melodies. Again the subtly in which they are conveyed is wonderful, amidst the hazy loops and drifting atmospheres lays a nice message with feelings of hope shining brightly, particularly during a gorgeous main break. Two beauties from David and Net Son.
The two remixes supplied both take the tracks into radically different territory with Paul Hamilton beefing up ‘Hope Valley’ with tough kicks and an overall clubbier construction. A few melodic swells throughout the first act make for nice moments while a flurry of rides packs a lot of hypnotic power. The subtle musicality of the original is well conveyed here and a gorgeous break concludes with a nice build for one of the biggest moments on the EP, and surely one that your dance floor will remember long after the night is over. Great remix form Paul.
The lone interpretation of ‘Ishtar’ is provided by Kobb who is making his third appearance on Balkan Connection. Kobi Yitzhaki aka Kobb is a 31 year old Israeli producer who’s big break in electronic music came when he was announced as one of the finalists in Heineken’s Thirst competition. Kobb earned a slot alongside John Digweed at the final 5000 person event and since then has been focused on developing his own unique production style. His initial studio creations (in 2010) for Plattenbank and Asymmetric Recordings were hugely impressive and some of his more recent work for Dopamine Music and Suffused has been equally inspiring. Kobb is no stranger to Balkan Connection having remixed Lonya’s ‘Tilll’ in March of 2015. Now he returns and takes ‘Ishtar’ into more stripped back, techno inspired territory. Anchored by a thumping groove, nice tonal themes and shifty percussion it’s definitely got a great nose for the dance floor. Clustered claps and a variety of unique designs tantalize the senses as the piece breaks down into a warm, bassy second act. Ethereal designs and airy atmospherics add a moment of beauty before a quick build summons the groove for what should be a massive moment. A great way to close out the release and one of Kobb’s all time best remixes perhaps. Awesome release from Balkan Connection. Don’t miss it.
