Whether you dig the deeper shades of progressive house or roll closer to the dark and techy side of things, John Digweed’s Bedrock label has been the genre’s standard bearer for the past several years. Despite the different sounds, styles and artists, one thing is consistent across each and every release: quality. And “Bring It Back,” the newest latest from Lebanon’s 3LIAS and Ali Ajami, delivers.
The original version of “Bring It Back” is pure perfection. Sexy synths, a warm bassline, smooth grooves, guitar, drums and a pinch of magic. It turns down a low-key funk with a mild disco flavor and an almost jam-session-like progression of layers riffing off each other with an easy camaraderie. This one’s about the journey, not the destination. So enjoy the trip. The flip side features a remix from Manchester’s OC & Verde and is an almost complete rework. Where the original had a subtle swing and sultry vibe, the remix is a straight in-your-face ride with more punch but fewer elements. The groove from the original is replaced by a bold energy and pounding kicks and this one does indeed bring it back with a quasi-’90s progressive build. It’s got a different sound for a different set, but both will earn top marks among DJs, critics, and (most importantly) the dance floor.