Giuseppe Ottaviani Offers a Fresh Perspective on ‘Horizons [Part 2]’

Trance mainstay Giuseppe Ottaviani has unleashed Horizons [Part 2] – completing an evolutionary project that pushes past personal boundaries!

While the COVID lockdown had the world stressed and yearning to get back to the dancefloor, Giuseppe Ottaviani used his time wisely and embarked on an impactful studio project that would allow him to level up his creative wheelhouse. The new album he was brewing was appropriately titled Horizons, and the first part emerged in May this year. This weekend he finalized the captivating musical experience with Horizons [Part 2], which once again proves why Giuseppe is one of the most impressive artists ever to grace the scene.

Out now on Black Hole Recordings, Horizons [Part 2] welcomes a fresh batch of singer-songwriters to help bring the soundscape to life, including Richard Walters, Treetalk, Katrine Stenbekk, Jess Ball, and more. The way he chose the featured talent was simple – search out vocalists virtually unknown in the trance industry and give them a platform to work their magic. Add in a massive dollop of Giuseppe’s imagination, and the resulting offerings can be defined as thoroughly refreshing, unapologetically intense, and unyieldingly beautiful.

One aspect I particularly love about ‘Horizons’ is that it has a single feel and vibe that runs creatively, vocally, lyrically, tonally and sonically through it. It is the most ‘complete’ album collection I’ve made, and I couldn’t have done it without the incredibly talented group of singers and songwriters that gathered for it.
Giuseppe Ottaviani

Grab your copy of Horizons [Part 2] on our favorite music platform, stream the album on Spotify, and continue reading for a deeper look at the tracks.

Stream Giuseppe Ottaviani – Horizons [Part 2] on Spotify:

Get ready to feel warm and fuzzy because Giuseppe Ottaviani sparks a romance with his first group of tracks.

The heart-expanding journey begins with “Closer,” featuring Christian Burns. To make the best impact, Giuseppe chooses broad synth waves that reverberate over an encouraging yet soft bassline drive. It’s the type of tune that makes the spirit smile as the vocals kiss the air, emoting the same feeling that runs through the body after reuniting with a lost love.

Already, this album is proving to be a delectable treat for the weary soul, and then “Melody” rolls in to pump up the appeal. Sarah de Warren’s voice is incredibly soothing and speaks of chasing a crush with the lyrics, “let me be your melody.” It’s easy to see this track doing wonders for a progressive trance lover’s celebration on the wedding reception dancefloor.

“Keep You Safe” continues with the theme while nudging listeners off the cliff to dive into darker territories. The incognito undulating tone is a true highlight throughout this piece, weaving its way through a stunning vocal delivery by Richard Walters. He sings of always being there for the one he loves, even in the worst of times, and the electric melody burns this promise straight to the brain.

Hold onto your hat because a heavy storm approaches!

“Under Dark Skies” bursts in piping hot with a mechanical vocal clip that grabs the attention and refuses to let go. Giuseppe pulls out all the stops to show off his vivid techno prowess on this one, guiding listeners through a powerful auditory hurricane full of future-forward flair. It’s impossible to decide which element is better, the stern bassline hammer or the blaring top-end instrumental that’ll blow you straight out of your socks!

Since the last one left fans soaked in sweat, Giuseppe lovingly cools the body down with “Bittersweet” featuring Katrine Stenbekk. While the faithful vocal and twinkling notes cloak the spirit in warmth, the rumbling synth expressions make sure that this tune will still do major damage on the dancefloor – reserved for the moment when fireworks explode in the night sky.

“Silhouettes & Outlines” continues to lightly pull back on the overall intensity, with Jess Ball serving up an exhilaratingly edgy performance. The melody is highly ethereal, inspiring listeners to howl at the moon as they get swept away by the great beyond. The zesty rhythmic chug is yet another brilliant detail throughout this piece, making it virtually impossible to sit still.

Winding down, Giuseppe treats his audience to an overwhelming display of unique style and grace.

“Celsius” circles back to the debaucherous techno domain yet keep it trancey and classy with flittering synth tones and a recurring clap that gleefully sparks the senses to life. In its totality, it offers the perfect combination of lightweight beauty and heavy underground pizazz. If I could pick the time that this track would best fit in, it would be between the peak hour and closing when the masses are primed to transcend into an alternate universe.

Piggybacking off the divine fervor of “Celsius,” “Freedom” sweeps through the brainwaves like a colorful daydream. Sue McLaren was the perfect choice for vocals on this track because her voice is like being touched by an angel. Between her sweet serenade and the mind-altering melodics, there’s no better escape from the trials and tribulations of existence.

Giuseppe has one final trick up his sleeve to entice the music-seeker, and he calls on Treetalk to set the mood. “Won’t Matter Much” is a supremely laidback offering but simmers with masculine elegance. About halfway in, the airwaves are treated with an eccentric note shift that tickles the ears and sets the stage for an uncanny distortion to the vocal. It may stand a bit on the edge of melancholy, but it will lovingly linger on the heart long after the final beat.

Horizons combined, dance music enthusiasts get a clear view of who Giuseppe Ottaviani is not only as an artist but as a human through and through. His strength, sensitivity, energy, imagination, and intellect are on full display, and it’s a blessing to have an industry leader like him paving the way for the next generation. I can’t imagine the impact it would have on the scene if we all would give to our craft as Giuseppe has given us – It’s nothing if not a beautiful vision.

Giuseppe Ottaviani – Horizons [Part 2] – Tracklist:

Closer (with Christian Burns)

Melody (with Sarah de Warren)

Keep You Safe (with Richard Walters)

Under Dark Skies

Bittersweet (with Katrine Stenbekk)

Silhouettes & Outlines (with Jess Ball)

Celsius

Freedom (with Sue McLaren)

Won’t Matter Much (with Treetalk)

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