Eric Prydz (...Of Progressive House): Opus

As a MEGA fan of Eric Prydz's music, a review of the DJ’s latest album ‘Opus’ has been a long time coming. Released in 2016, ‘Opus’ is complete with 19 songs taking the listener on a melodic journey through light pop components fused with obtrusive EDM beats. Prydz is one of the most talented electronic/progressive house music producers. His composition is absolutely captivating and he seems to possess some sort of magical ability to perform hypnosis on his listeners as his gentle yet bouncy beats are thoroughly addictive. The album is exuberant with 'Mija', 'Generate' and 'Liberate' sounding particularly uplifting. Prydz released Opus under his own name in preference to his alter ego 'Pryda', which seems slightly unusual for an album built upon nostalgia and euphoria. As one of the fathering figures of progressive house high expectations were in place for Prydz's new album. Following his 2004 hit single 'Call on Me', topping the UK charts for five weeks straight, its difficult to not linger in anticipation of Prydz's next move. Prydz managed to top expectations yet again with another unique sounding album reminiscing fruitful sounds of a summer spent partying in Ibiza.

Starting with his dynamic single 'Everyday', Prydz has been teasing his fans for the past five consecutive years with an annual release of a hit single from the album. 'Everyday' plays on the vocals of 'Call On Me' as Prydz applies a similar fading in and panning technique to the looped lyrics of the introduction. This is followed by a definitive introduction to the main melody. Expect to hear 'Everyday' during your body pump class as its; upbeat, fast paced, and one can imagine the 'Call On Me' girls in leotards and leg warmers bursting in. The lyrics concerning 'working', 'surviving' and the 'night shift' creating the illusion of a hot hard gym class. Yes, this hurts but we are having a blast whilst its happening (kinda), PLUS we want to look like the girls from Prydz's 'Call On Me' video!

"For many EDM acts, once they go pop, they stay pop, but Eric Prydz’s career has represented a kind of balancing act between overground notoriety and underground cred" ...Pitchfork.

Opening the album with 'Liam', Prydz immediately introduces us to a wide range of instruments weaved throughout the album's songs. Multiple layers of Kraftwerkian synths, delicate strings, and clean repetitive snares and symbols are incorporated into the song and album alike. A variety of tempos merge neatly together. A rich texture formulates during 'Liam' with the strings playing the same smooth seductive melody through out. We are immediately immersed within Eric Prydz's euphoric musical landscape.

Sunset at Café Mambo, the name alone reminisces summers in Ibiza watching the sun and sea fixated one another as the magic comes alive. The gentle xylophone tones create a watery illusion as the tempo increases, the build up to a night at Café Mambo had begun. Although we eventually break out of the artificial haze, Prydz doesn't interrupt the magic altogether keeping the electronic tones staccato and high pitched. The use of the renowned venue's name places the attention on the Spanish island presenting a picturesque party scene every time we hear one of Opus' 19 songs.

'Floj' simply screams Prydz creating an immense build up, the synths provide a gradual introduction to the eclectic melodies to come. The track is heavily synthesised, fast paced and thoroughly energetic. The build up created concerns that of a drum beat and a legato synth maintaining the uplifting magical aspect carried throughout the album. The song reaches a euphoric climax falling into a whirlwind of staccato synths and proceeding to thicken in texture creating further amplification.

'Opus' accumulates sounds of summertime, excitement and extravagant international party locations. This album's primary concern is an eccentric build up and euphoric drop. Eric Prydz has composed a glorious eclectic mix of electronic sounds with melodic beats, using a sophisticated range of instruments from strings to synths. Nothing can obstruct the avid party goers from a dance floor adorned with Pacha cherries whilst 'Opus' is playing.