Review: Silk Royal Showcase 02 Mixed by Jacob Henry & Tom Fall

All true melodic progressive house fans know exactly why Silk Royal Records is one of the best labels around. The second installment of last years critically acclaimed Silk Royal Showcase 01 has now been on the market for almost a month. The second compilation in the series Silk Royal Showcase 02 is mixed by rising star DJs Jacob Henry and rising star Tom Fall.

Jacob’s mix is filled with deeply emotional and erotic dreamy after-hours progression. It’s an atmospheric journey that starts you off as a “Hopeful Romantic” and breathes through a lush environment of blissful sounds. Drawing attention to the opener and only track of the mix “Hopeful Romantic” is a standout intro to what Silk Royal provides to its listeners – the best in progressive house. Throughout the mix, pianos glisten over a brightly set “Sunset On The Sea” and even into the “Memory of the Sea (2011 Mix).” The sounds reminds of past and present electronica with a taste of summer and a hint of the ever-so lovely late starry nights. Matao’s remix of “Halo” by Louder Dale brings the pace up with his signature lead sounds and panning vibrations that provide a strong retouch to the fabulous original. The one and only, Matt Lange, places his evolving big atmosphere and heavy synth stamp on Schodt’s “White Tiger” featuring Aida Fenhel. Both Matao and Lange are definitely men of the moment in the progressive house scene. The two of them broke into stardom of the EDM underground scene last year and have been continuing to dominate the market with fresh material. Airdraw’s “Juno” is a warm knockout with brilliant production techniques tossed in. Airdraw manages to add different twists to his sounds that create a delightful melodic change to the scene. Finishing off disc one is Terry Da Libra’s “Dynamis” and it’s a gorgeous end to the spacey showcase of Silk Royal. Light energetic beats are filled with pads that are in motion with one another. A smooth melody compliments the aerie space remarkably. Just as the vibes settle into place from the melodic first listen, the second disc makes you want to play it loud and proud.

Tom Fall introduces a clubby vibe to the Silk Royal sound with harder synths and more upbeat and higher tempo tracks. Double stuffed with energy, disc two puts a spin on the progressive signature with more elements of saw synths, rifts and fine imprints of what’s known as a “tune.” Nigel Good’s remix of Soundprank’s “Burner” gives off a stunningly varying arrangment that is also quite aggressive with the lead and subtle vocal chops. 19 Hz’s “Round and Round” is a definitive highlight of the mix; the track provides a gorgeous melody and an absolutely stunning break to coincide with the euphoric driven experience. Truly beautiful as it is progressive, “Round and Round” is a track to start the morning and end the day with. Johan Vilborg continues his sweep of captivating the hearts of Silk Royal fans with “Warmer Days.” A smooth kick drum is highlighted with a warm low-end bass. A crisp percussion is complete with gorgeous vocals smattering through the track giving an infused energy to the upbeat showcase of power and grace. A track that’s been remixed time and time again gets a redux with Sundriver’s remix of Shingo Nakamura and Kazusa’s “Move On.” The remix does a fine tribute to the original, as this is the type of track Silk Royal Records have built their reputation on. It’s an energetic delivery that provides a fluffy atmosphere to the warm melodic original. A calming structure yet a seamless retouch on the serenaded-induced piano that builds up to the breakdown and falls ever so lightly onto an emotional powerhouse.

Another year and another compilation provides progressive house lovers with an impressive selection of what Silk Royal Records has to offer. One of the strongest leaders in the scene, the label brings a beautiful release once more. All lovers of melodic, deep and progressive will be thoroughly satisfied with this release. It is well worth the time of anyone who wants to kick back and relax, get ready for summer or be taken on a ride through the world of true progressive house.

Silk Royal Showcase 02 Official Tracklist:

Jacob Henry Mix (Part One)

1.) Jacob Henry – Hopeful Romantic
2.) Sergey Alekseev – Sunset On The Sea
3.) Shingo Nakamura – Memory Of The Sea (2011 Mix)
4.) Ad Brown – Why Do We Try
5.) Ali Mahmud – Wishful Thinking
6.) Louder Dale – Halo (Matao Remix)
7.) Schodt feat. Aida Fenhel – White Tiger (Matt Lange 2012 Re-Master)
8.) Espen – From Floppy
9.) Alexander Byrka & Bianco Soleil – She Doesn’t Know
10.) Nigel Good – Civilization
11.) Airdraw – Juno
12.) Sergey Tkachev – Mi Ta
13.) Terry Da Libra – Dynamis

Tom Fall Mix (Part Two)

1.) eleven.five – Crispy
2.) Jacob Henry – Cloak & Dagger (Dave Cortex Remix)
3.) Soundprank – Burner (Nigel Good Remix)
4.) Gregroy Esayan & Losing Rays – Cold Breath
5.) 19 Hz – Round & Round
6.) Rainbow Addict – Perfect Morning
7.) Johan Vilborg – Warmer Days
8.) Jacob Henry & Coastal – Serengeti (Original Mix)
9.) Airdraw – Release
10.) Gregory Esayan – When You Love
11.) Peter Illias – 7 Days
12.) Shingo Nakamura & Kazusa – Move On (Sundriver Remix)