AudioStorm - The Day When I Left (2019)

Podgorica, Montenegro based DJ and producer Ognjen Vukovic aka AudioStorm delivers the stunning full-length album titled The Day When I Left which is his second album for us at Bonzai Progressive after his equally superb First Steps from 2015. From his early childhood he was fascinated by music. He enjoyed its energy and beauty and it was that which made him decide to follow a career in electronic music. He quickly realised that he had to absorb as many different genres of music as possible and became obsessed with several bands. By the beginning of the 90s, as grunge rock took over, he turned his attention towards the pioneering electronic bands of the burgeoning underground dance scene and in particular the music that was coming from Goa, India. Psy-Trance, as it became known, was for AudioStorm a diverse, forward thinking, adventurous mix of eastern and western cultures and new and older sounds. A melting pot of possibilities. It was listening to this music which inspired him to begin to explore more progressive sounds. As his interest in electronic music grew, he began to write his own tracks. He has a diverse range of releases from Progressive House and Techno to Chill-Out, Lounge and Indie Dance. This clearly indicates a talented producer who does not let genre boundaries cloud his musical vision. The album kicks off with the title track, The Day When I Left with its slowly evolving groove taking us on a brooding, emotive journey deep into progressive house. From here we move into a more upfront vibe in Pride & Honour which offers up rich, colourful melodies with an Eastern flavour to the backdrop of a solid, chunky bass. Black Meteor is up next and ramps up the energy levels with a quicker tempo and a sublime cosmic vibe. The track is powered by a chugging bassline and tight beat arrangement as space-age pads and FX fill out the spectrum for a rip-roaring ride on the floors. Revenge Of The Nature prolongs the energetic theme with its ethereal, galactic glow caressing the floor, keeping the crowd locked in to the trance-like groove. First Empire marks the midway point in the album and unleashes a strong progressive vibe full of reverence and stoicism. The rich pads contrast with stabbing bass plucks and a deep underlying chaotic arpeggio which gives the track a solid feel. Next, we have the creamy tonal layers of Dignity which deliver a sublime prog mover that will definitely get the floors moving. We continue with the dynamically charged Define Infinity before talking a step into a more laidback vibe with the mid-tempo Antarctic Mist. Sunset In Khartoum lifts the mood with a wonderfully captivating and hypnotic groove before the album finishes up with the rugged grooves of Freedom Fighters. With this album AudioStorm proclaims his stature within the progressive house scene in a way that captivates and inspires. A dance-friendly collection of great tracks that will not disappoint the seasoned jock or the discerning late-night clubber.