(Progressive House, Progressive Trance) Johan Vilborg - Altara - (Silk Royal Records [SILKRL030]) - WEB - 2012, MP3, 320 kbps

Silk Royal is thrilled to introduce a great new talent in progressive for its milestone 30th release: Swedish artist Johan Vilborg. The title cut of his three-track EP is "Altara," which sets the tone for the uplifting style that Vilborg has set out to master. A simple beat early makes plenty of room for a gorgeous, powerfully layered lead -- one that would make Arty blush. The lead starts to crescendo, and a new hook is introduced: an angelic vocal sample that soars above. In the main break, this sample comes into full focus and also is extended -- a cathartic release for the listener. The chords also are given an extra shot of adrenaline, resulting in a massive drop. The second track on the EP, "Fall," is a much moodier composition. More of a listening track, Vilborg's signature chords are again present here, but play a supporting role to a delicate lead arpeggio. This lead emerges poignantly in the main break as a full melody, with a funky new synth backing it as well in the latter half of the tune. Finally, the jubilant spirit of "Altara" re-appears in the closing track, "Leaving Home." A track is centered on a bouncy and euphoric 1/8 note melodic cadence, which only builds in intensity as the tune approaches the break. There, we are met by a stunning melody, lifted higher by gentle strings. When the main chords reappear in the drop, the listener's response is one of extreme joy, love, and hope.