In a meeting of worlds, Guy J’s latest outing finds the Israeli magician conjuring two otherworldly cuts for Guy Mantzur’s buoyant Moments label, as he links up with psy-trance legend Astrix for a showstopping collaboration. ‘River / Tree Of Life’ feels characteristically like Guy J while still expanding upon the petit wizard’s unique catalog, and showcases the close ties between the progressive and psy realms in absolute fulgor.
As Guy J and Astrix step through the portal together for the first time on ‘River’, gripping percussions take hold from the onset, treading with aplomb as a myriad of effects and arrangements sway in and out in seamless fashion, releasing iridescent pigments into the air that swirl, suspended, in mid-air. Uninterrupted, ‘River’ undulates in mesmerizing shapes with finesse until it becomes a true force of nature, a score of tidal proportions where progressive and psy-trance become one. A sensory overload, ‘River’ is a most needed, revitalizing rush of euphoria that soars carefree into the future.
On the flipside, ‘Tree Of Life’ conveys a more reflective side of Guy J where entrancing repetitions act as a powerful pendulum, subduing listeners into a state of pure bliss. Solid, yet never overbearing, ‘Tree Of Life’ unfurls with an infectious and energetic wave of synth lines that intertwine with passion, culminating in a warm embrace that celebrates life through a kaleidoscopic lens. While it’s easy to get caught up in the names and obvious expectations, in the end, It’s creations like ‘River / Tree Of Life’ that elevate electronic dance music to an embodiment of art; a perfect illusion that grows closer to perfection with every play.
Guy J & Astrix’s ‘River / Tree Of Life’ is out now via Guy Mantzur’s ‘Moments’. Purchase your copy here.
