(Progressive House, Breaks, Progressive Trance) [WEB] Jacob Henry - Hopeful Romantic [Silk Royal Records (SILKRL036)] - 2012, FLAC (tracks), lossless

Silk Royal's 36th release, "Hopeful Romantic," is a new original by label manager Jacob Henry, who first debuted the track on April's "Silk Royal Showcase 02" compilation. In addition, two fabulous new interpretations by Schodt and Johan Vilborg, two of the leading artists on the imprint, are included in the package. The Original Mix of "Hopeful Romantic" was inspired, in part, by the unique style of Alex "Mango" Golovanov. Specifically, the uplifting, chord-based progression that arrives early in the tune (and continues throughout) is a direct tribute to the Mango "sound." Several of Jacob's own artist signatures, including the use of piano themes and reversed string effects, fill out the highly melodic and ebullient soundscape. There is also a "choir" vox effect, which quickly asserts itself as one of the lead themes and most memorable hooks in the tune. In the break, most of the percussion is stripped away, and we are left with only the main melodic motifs in full focus. The emotionally resonant and incisive drop to follow suggests that there is a reason to be "hopeful." Rising Swedish star Johan Vilborg, who recently received great international DJ and fan support for his hits "Altara" and "Warmer Days," offers a more dancefloor-friendly progressive trance interpretation. Vilborg has an uncanny ability at crafting "intelligent," club-oriented progressive, and this remix is no exception: the new melodic variations that he is written here are highly elegant and emotive; they also have the raw power to propel clubbers forward during the peak hours. Specifically, the highlight of the track occurs in the drop, when Johan's signature layered "power" chords sweep over the track with an almost overwhelming force. Finally, Schodt, an artist who has been a leading contributor on Silk and standout artist since its inception in 2009, delivers a truly awe-inspiring progressive breaks rendering. Schodt has already emerged as one of the leaders of this up-and-coming genre, on account of his superlative "technical skills," not to mention the almost incomparably rich musicality in all of his productions. From the beginning of the tune, gut-busting beats and bass create the foundation for an exceedingly poignant take, which includes the original chord progression, as well as a variety of subtle new melodies, atmospheric touches, and ethereal effects. Many of the new melodies Schodt has written are highlighted in the break, after which we are treated to a gorgeous new lead in the drop. The numerous melodic and rhythmic elements that appear in the latter half of the tune are masterfully mixed and truly breathtaking.