Spiritus & Asper – Passion [Wavedata Records]
Posted by Andre on July 15, 2009 under Releases | 
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After covering a few remixes by this rising progressive duo, it brings me great pleasure to review their latest effort on Wavedata Records, ‘Passion’. It’s amazing what a bit of research can uncover, and in case you wondered where their names originate, look no further than ancient Greece:
“The spiritus asper (Latin for “rough breathing”; Greek: δασὺ πνεῦμα dasỳ pneûma or δασεῖα daseîa), is a diacritical mark used in the polytonic orthography. In ancient Greek, it indicates initial aspiration, or the presence of the voiceless glottal fricative (/h/) at the beginning of a word.”
This latest effort proves yet again that the prolific Finnish producers excel at producing the world’s very best progressive trance, but I am seeing a very heavily disproportionate number of males emerging from the far north…does anyone know of any great female producers?
This release includes 5 versions of the track, including the Original Mix, and remixes from Basil O’Glue, Artic Degrees, Bright Side and one of our many favorites here at MusiCritics, Ville Lope! Read on for high quality samples, a few words on each version and for your chance to vote for your favorite.
Spiritus & Asper – Passion (Original Mix)
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It’s finally my turn, that’s right Mr. Alaska bound, to review a track by this up and coming duo from Finland. It becomes apparent that these gents love lush pads, as the intro and breakdown are mere excuses to showcase some of the most uplifting pad work I’ve heard since 2004. The track’s overall emotion exudes a certain exhaustion, the kind you might encounter after a long battle as you are on the cusp of winning. The track continues along rather swimmingly, and as far as progressive trance is concerned, these boys have managed to create a groovy number.
Spiritus & Asper – Passion (Basil O’Glue Remix)
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Slightly more throaty than the original, this version seems to have a mild side chained break beat added to it, creating an even more danceable tune. Or is just my ears playing tricks on me? Regardless, this version includes a rather interesting breakdown, with a vintage synth a la PvD / Three Drives from the 99-01 era. A gamble that pays off in my eyes as it manages to heighten the energy level. However, this energy seems to be short lived as the track seems to drift away.
Spiritus & Asper – Passion (Arctic Degrees Club Mix)
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Picture the original and give it a more human like persona and you’ve got Artic Degrees’ club friendly version. Funk. Groove. Filters. This little gem has it all, making it the perfect track for a packed club floor or a chilled out Balearic patio. Give this one a few listens and you will quickly realize it’s versatility.
Spiritus & Asper – Passion (Bright Side Remix)
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This version incorporates the groove of the previous, the lush depth of the original and adds a smoking hot tech-house vibe to it that will certainly hit home for many a club DJ at the moment. Don’t worry though, this is still progressive trance at heart, but it’s always a nice change of pace to have something that decides to push the envelope. In the end, isn’t that the true essence of progressive?
Spiritus & Asper – Passion (Ville Lope Remix)
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I’m always excited to hear Ville’s latest productions, needless to say, I’ve got some pretty high expectations for this one. With a faster tempo, club friendly synths (picture a massive room) and a strangely haunting vocal sample, Ville’s taken the very laid back original and turned into something I’d use to bridge an early night into the audio mayhem portion of my mix. What’s also happened in this version is a very subtle tint of tech-trance slowly becomes apparent as it progresses, something I had not noticed at first. Nothing says quality more than when something shows it’s true self as it develops.
The Verdict
A truly unique package and a stellar approach by each producer involved. My favorite has to be Ville Lope’s remix, it’s energy and groove are so infectious that i simply can’t ignore it.
Score: 8/10
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Links of Interest
Passion Remix in MusiCritics · Ville Lope said,
[...] Read the whole review in MusiCritics. [...]
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