Oliver Heldens, also known as HI-LO is back to his HILOMATIK imprint for a brand new release titled ‘Bonzai‘. ‘Bonzai’ is inspired by a Japanese phrase and represents long life and a cheer of enthusiasm, and follows recent releases: ‘Brazil,’ ‘Arpeggio’ (with Space 92), his ‘Pura Vida EP’ the debut release on HILOMATIK which also received a standout remix from Wehbba, and his two-track ‘Nirvana EP’ with Reinier Zonneveld.
The track starts off slow but really springs into life like the namesake. Beautifully composed synth melodies plunge listeners forward into the halfway point where it transforms into a melodic techno heater. The track checks the boxes for what is to be a summer hit. ‘Bonzai’ has already received much acclaim at his recent shows and is being supported by DJs such as Adam Beyer, John Summitt, Nicole Moudaber, Wade, and Marco Faraone.
“I made this track during the pandemic in 2020, partly inspired by the sounds of the iconic Belgium label Bonzai Records (Jones & Stephenson – The First Rebirth, Push – Universal Nation), and by Age Of Love – Age Of Love that also has a distinctive sine-synth lead melody like this track. I named the track BONZAI as a little tribute to the Bonzai label, but also because of the atmospheric Japanese vocal samples in the 2nd break of the track. Back in 2020, it felt a bit too trancey for HI-LO, so I kind of focused on finishing other tracks instead, but this year felt like the perfect time to give this track a fresh makeover and take it to the next level. It’s become a 135bpm melodic peak time techno anthem that blends Techno and Trance very nicely in my opinion, and that also works very well at much higher BPMs.” HI-LO says.
