Estiva – Friends & Enemies EP [Enhanced Recordings]

Enhanced Recording’s favourite Estiva had a fantastic 2009 with releases like I Feel Fine EP (Reviewed Here), his debut compilation Enhanced Sessions and remixes for the likes of Couldharbour and gigs all around Europe. I’m right now really enjoying his remix of Eide & Andrez – Forget Me.  Also, his colab with another young Enhanced artist Temple One (Joe Garett) is on the brink of release. Here he is with his 5th triple-tracker EP titled ‘Friends & Enemies’. The pack contains 3 tracks: 1 self-titled, ‘Privilege’ and ‘Dalmatia’.

Read more for my take on each track and some samples…

Friends & Enemies (Original Mix):

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Basically a very simplistic arrangement with kickdrum and snare creating the foundation for the track. As we approach to breakdown, it’s all about soaring synth lines. At 4-minute mark, piano lead takes over to create a surreal melody. A very well executed rock-influenced track.

Privilage (Original Mix):

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An ode to the legendary club of Ibiza, Estiva presents us with the most club-friendly track of the pack. Bouncing percussion laced with typical Estiva bassline makes a your head bob in a jiffy. Breakdown doesn’t offer much in terms of melody, but the whole vibe is immense; making it a nice warmup track.

Dalmatia (Original Mix):

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Again, it’s all about those big room synths. Huge synth stabs coupled with gentle plucks makes it up for a smashing finale to this EP. It rises and rises with suitable chord changes and finally leaves you gasping for more….!!!

Verdict:

A noteworthy followup to his last EP. Though it was hard to top his last effort, I would say he has presented a different side of him, diverting from ‘mushy-mushy’ sound. This EP has a completely different vibe attached to it and it’s sure to capture listeners, who prefer trance with a heavy tinge of proggy sounds. My pick would be Friends & Enemies and also Dalmatia…..tough to decide actually…!!!

8.5/10.

Links of Interest:

Estiva Website

Enhanced Recordings Website

Related Posts

1. Estiva – I Feel Fine EP [Enhanced Recordings]
2. Eide & Andréz – Forget Me [Enhanced Recordings]
3. A.M.R. – Sand Dunes [Enhanced Recordings]
4. Ferry Tayle & Static Blue – L’Acrobat [Enhanced Recordings]
5. Arty – Vanilla Sky EP [Enhanced Progressive]