Album Review: Ransom by Rich Gior
Released in 2008 under Overskin Recordings, Ransom by Rich Gior is a solid entry into the world of electronic music. Hailing from Portugal, this album dives deep into the realms of Progressive House, Techno, and House, offering listeners a pulsating journey that’s both immersive and dynamic. While it might not rewrite the rules of dance music, it carves out its own space with energy and flair.
The titular track, "Ransom," kicks things off with a hypnotic groove that grabs your attention right away. It's got this steady build-up, layering synths over a driving beat that feels like it could keep a club floor moving for hours. What sticks with me about this one is how simple yet effective it is—no unnecessary frills, just pure vibe. You can tell Rich Gior knows his way around crafting tension and release, something essential for any good dance track. It’s the kind of song you’d play when you need to reset the mood at a party or just want to zone out while staring at city lights.
Another standout has to be "Ransom (Luigi Daniell Remix)." This version flips the original on its head, adding a darker, grittier edge. The bassline gets thicker, almost menacing, while the percussion sharpens up, giving it an industrial feel. Luigi Daniell clearly understood the assignment here—he didn’t just remix; he reimagined. There’s a moment midway through where everything drops out except for a haunting synth line, and honestly, it gave me chills. If the original is for dancing, this remix is for thinking—or maybe plotting world domination. Either way, it leaves an impression.
What I appreciate most about Ransom is its consistency. With only five tracks (two remixes included), the album doesn’t overstay its welcome. Each cut brings something unique to the table without straying too far from the core sound. It’s tight, focused, and delivers exactly what fans of these genres would hope for.
Reflecting on Ransom, it strikes me as one of those albums that quietly does its job without screaming for attention. In a time when EDM was starting to explode globally, Rich Gior stayed true to the underground roots of dance music. And isn’t that kinda refreshing? Almost makes you wish more artists today would take notes instead of chasing trends. Oh, and fun fact: try listening to this album during a thunderstorm—it’s weirdly perfect. Like, who knew techno and lightning were soulmates?
