Ensoul

Progressive house is a genre that has seen it's fair share of popularity in the past, but has perhaps been in need of some development and creativity in the past few years. That creativity comes in the form of Wiljan's new single "Ensoul".

Opening with a cinematic piano chord progression, the tone is instantly set. You know from the outset this tune is going to be an adventure; the chords are allowed to hang in the air and build a level of suspense that gives a grand sense of motion and scale. Rich pads fill up the stereo space and serve only to enchance this effect, subconciously highlighting the space within which the piano chords sit.

Eventually, the piano is replaced by thick chord stabs conveying a syncopated rhythm that is maintained for the rest of the piece. Layered with a myriad of percussive hits and ghost snares, the drums roll through the track with a subtle, smooth power that gradually builds upon a feeling of momentum that runs throughout the track. Critical to this effect, each stab is coupled with a kick to give it a tight transient that helps it punch through the mix.

Wiljan has always been a highly underrated artist, but the exceptional quality within his latest slew of releases suggests that he is sure to be a key player in the development of the future garage, ambient and progressive house genres. Listen to "Ensoul" below: