Download on Beatport: https://www.beatport.com/release/one-side-of-the-underground-vol-1/2131248
Label: Proton Music, The modern dance music industry is saturated with DJs, producers and record labels. While many pass unnoticed, a few endure, going on to become industry icons that truly represent the industry with their continued contribution and unparalleled quality. One such figure is the globally renowned French star, Rick Pier O'Neil, who continues to represent all three areas of the music industry with poise and aplomb, now returning to Proton Music with his extended "One Side of the Underground, Vol. 1" EP.
A club DJ aged 14 and forming his own studio two years later, Rick Pier O'Neil has been at the cutting edge of the electronic music scene for his entire adult life. Unrivalled in experience and success, O'Neil's time as remixer for Sony BMG saw him work with such legendary names as Donna Summer, Lenny Kravitz and Ultra Nate, constantly filling the US Billboard charts and those in continental Europe. Shifting his emphasis to a deeper, underground sound, Rick Pier O'Neil success has been no less prominent. Fast approaching 1,000 production credits to his name, JOOF, Bonzai Progressive and Perspectives Digital are three of many to have featured the Frenchman's name, supported by such leading lights as Steve Lawler, John Digweed and Carl Cox. A tastemaker extraordinaire with three-decades experience behind the decks, O'Neil's musical curation extends to ownership of his own RPO and Garbage Records. in addition to stewardship of recently relaunched Mexican label, Frekency.
A regular on Particles with his Desaturate production partner, the duo's original work has brought much success. Now, a pair of remixes for Proton Music are complemented by a notable body of original work in "One Side of the Underground, Vol. 1". Filled with the forensic attention to detail that has been a feature of the Rick Pier O'Neil sound, the driving hypnotic beat and running bassline of opener, "Tribute", are juxtaposed against ethereal breakdown melodies that extend seamlessly into the third movement. Similar groove-oriented themes make their presence keenly felt in "Glade" while melodic counterweight is found in a sublime chord progression that ripples in generous vibrato joy. Dance-floor delight can be found in the intricate percussive cadence of "System" with its rhythmic stabs that supply groove in abundance. Freeform melodies float atop with a subtle vocal element intermittently placed in floor-filler of wonderful scope and execution.
The evocative vibe of "Earth Mover" stems from a spine-tingling bass progression that provides the foundation for a series of counterpoint melodies to emerge in delicate stratification while driving beats provide dance-floor credentials. Linked by a common sonic architecture and aural threads that flow between them "Shade Runner Part 1" builds slowly with its cavernous bass and rumbling, pitched effects that provide gravitas and atmosphere in abundance. Developing a more urgent character in the second half with a coming together of melody and driving rhythm, the running bass line and rhythmic intent of "Part 2" continues the "Shade Runner" narrative in compelling manner. A strong lead line is found at a stripped back breakdown before emerging on the other side, accompanied by a rapid-fire hi-hat pattern and an evolution of the enigmatic melodic sequences. Cinematic in its sound, the two parts make for dark and enveloping whole.
Able to draw upon a wealth of experience, the whole of Rick Pier O'Neil's production flair is present in "One Side of the Underground".
Directed by Jay Epoch
AandR by James Warren
Mastered by Rick Pier O'Neil
Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren
