Another weekend, another selection of tracks. These four represent my favourite tracks from the week's listening.
Paul Oakenfold feat. Robert Vadney - Pop Star (Original Mix) - Score 9/10
When I seen Robert Vadney's name on this release I immediately thought "Progressive Trance", and when I added this to Paul Oakenfold's world class production skills I knew it had to be a good tune. I was not disappointed and the solid beat, moody bassline and grunge laden vocal come together into an essential track. The little twists and turns only provide brief respite and the track keeps grinding away, building more and more with elements being chopped and rearranged at will. All this leads to a deep dubby middle section before things kick back out with that relentless beat pounding away. Progressive masterpiece :)
Hydrogenio - 777 (Ben Gold Remix) - Score 9/10
This is a uptempo hard tech trance track, the track slips into the groove very quickly and the filtered bass keeps things gritty. The break down is a simple affair providing folly for a typical epic trance synth riff before the beat kicks in and the trip begins. The build is huge, the drop typically tech trance with a hard as nails bass with attitude. The synth lead follows and the track grinds through to the end, will sound amazing in the mix and is a peak time tune!!
Luke Bond feat. Mark Frisch - The Other Side (Jorn Van Deynhoven Remix) - Score 9/10
Another tech trance track, the intro is designed for DJ's and the resulting drop is nothing short of perfect. This track has psy-elements with all that tech trance attitude and trickery. The main body of the track builds cleverly and the hard sounds keep everything on edge as the beat and nicely worked percussion underpin the magic. The breakdown drops a vocal in typical trance style, perhaps a little cheesy but not bad by any means, expect the typical larger than life synth strings before everything crashes into tech heaven. Heavy distorted synth leads, distorted gritty percussion and that pumping bass.... nice, I like this a lot :)
Top Track
Roger Shah & Sian Kosheen - Shine (Sean Tyas Remix) - Score 10/10
This is quite possibly the best work I have heard from Sean Tyas so far. This funky dirty trancer is a blend of styles all held together by a bassline groove, superb vocal and production skill. When the beat is going you just want to dance, when the break kicks in you want to be at a club with your hands in the air Ibiza style!!! The build up is huge and the drop just slams you back into that unforgiving tech trance monster beat. I defy anyone not to want to move to this tune.
Hope you enjoy the tracks as much as I did and check out all the mixes available. Until next time :)
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Friday, 16 March 2012
Alex Raven - In My Arms
Four mixes in this release.
Gabe Cruz Rework - Score 7/10
A gentle trance tune that has a simple production, however that doesn't stop it being effective. The slow building elements guide you through the main body into a soft and uplifting breakdown with a pizzicato riff and throbbing pads make you drift off into another world and when the beat drops things continue forward without much fuss. If you are looking for something mellow and melodic then check this out.
Hanski Remix - Score 9/10
The intro shows off a little back beat and chopped vocals setting the tone for a series of sounds crash into a solid groove and punch bassline. The track bounces along as distant tones come and go and before you realise what has happened the remix twists into a euphoric uplifting trance moment and the breakdown shows off a clever lead section before bringing the beat back to complete the scene. Things progress further into the climax before settling back into a solid pounding track.
Original Mix - Score 7/10
The original features a deep bassline and is much more uptempo than the remixes. The lack of midrange through the introduction to the track is offset by the break that introduces a sweet synth riff and clever percussive work, before slipping away into an awesome little breakbeat section that slows things down and provides a unique atmosphere as sharp synth arpeggios are balanced against phatt slow synths. Then when you least expect it the deep throbbing 4/4 beat & bassline combo return and the top end crowds up with so many filtered sounds that it becomes almost intelligible before crashing down into a progressive building synthfest. Some nice twists and turns follow before slowing down to the ending. I would still have like to hear a little more in the midrange in this mix, it is also perhaps a bit long.
Top Track
RMT Remix - Score 9/10
A thumping kick and gltichy beat introduce a floor shaking bassline and more serious track than the rest of the mixes. The cacophony of sounds have a dissident feel that adds eerie overtones and are almost out of key. However somehow things gel together enough that when the track gets going there is a nice ebb and flow to things with filter sweeps going in multiple directions. And when the breakdown lands this continues and provides a double-dip effect when you are left with just the strings and piano. Things pick up where they left off at the drop and it doesn't take long to get back into full swing with the piano accents providing a nice touch, the synths are lifted to epic status and just when needed things drop into a serious pumping affair and you come back down from the peak section. Awesome track with many layers of production going on.
A nice collection of trance mixes on offer here with a diverse range of productions.
Gabe Cruz Rework - Score 7/10
A gentle trance tune that has a simple production, however that doesn't stop it being effective. The slow building elements guide you through the main body into a soft and uplifting breakdown with a pizzicato riff and throbbing pads make you drift off into another world and when the beat drops things continue forward without much fuss. If you are looking for something mellow and melodic then check this out.
Hanski Remix - Score 9/10
The intro shows off a little back beat and chopped vocals setting the tone for a series of sounds crash into a solid groove and punch bassline. The track bounces along as distant tones come and go and before you realise what has happened the remix twists into a euphoric uplifting trance moment and the breakdown shows off a clever lead section before bringing the beat back to complete the scene. Things progress further into the climax before settling back into a solid pounding track.
Original Mix - Score 7/10
The original features a deep bassline and is much more uptempo than the remixes. The lack of midrange through the introduction to the track is offset by the break that introduces a sweet synth riff and clever percussive work, before slipping away into an awesome little breakbeat section that slows things down and provides a unique atmosphere as sharp synth arpeggios are balanced against phatt slow synths. Then when you least expect it the deep throbbing 4/4 beat & bassline combo return and the top end crowds up with so many filtered sounds that it becomes almost intelligible before crashing down into a progressive building synthfest. Some nice twists and turns follow before slowing down to the ending. I would still have like to hear a little more in the midrange in this mix, it is also perhaps a bit long.
Top Track
RMT Remix - Score 9/10
A thumping kick and gltichy beat introduce a floor shaking bassline and more serious track than the rest of the mixes. The cacophony of sounds have a dissident feel that adds eerie overtones and are almost out of key. However somehow things gel together enough that when the track gets going there is a nice ebb and flow to things with filter sweeps going in multiple directions. And when the breakdown lands this continues and provides a double-dip effect when you are left with just the strings and piano. Things pick up where they left off at the drop and it doesn't take long to get back into full swing with the piano accents providing a nice touch, the synths are lifted to epic status and just when needed things drop into a serious pumping affair and you come back down from the peak section. Awesome track with many layers of production going on.
A nice collection of trance mixes on offer here with a diverse range of productions.
Thursday, 15 March 2012
LTN - Ordinary People
Five mixes to choose from on this release.
Oridinary Mix - Score 7/10
Dub - Score 6/10
A well rounded progressive track with a housey vibe, the meaty beat and no nonsense drum pattern coupled with that simple chord sequence mean this track just pounds it's way to a balearic break with spacey sounds and dubby vocals then continues pounding its way to the full breakdown. Big pianos, lots of reverb and a vocal thats just perfect for the beach. It is also at the breakdown that you can feel a bit of a trance feel work its way in and the track then picks up a faster groove to keep things going.
The dub lacks the main vocal section in the breaks but keeps everything else the same, strange decision as the original mix already used the vocals sparingly.
Anhken Remix - Score 8/10
This remix uses some very clever drum programming and syncopated sounds to place a nice solid groove under the chords. The main body has an almost funky feel and you lose a little of that 4/4 feel, in a good way. The slowly expanding synths soon fill every inch of your head before fading into that piano laden vocal section. It provides a good break and the buildup is as intricate as the rest of the track but so subtle and diverse that it brings a nice contrast to that drop into the tech-trance groove. The subtly is extended into some key changes in the second half. Some really nice twists and turns in this remix.
Top Track
Jason Van Wyk Remix - Score 9/10
Jason Van Wyk Dub - Score 7/10
An ethnic inspired and reverb laden percussion groove lead the track into a huge bassline and effective melodic chord sequence. The contrast between the deep phat bass and echoing percussion works well and the the dubby feel provided from the synths and vocals really suit the track. The spacey feel is continued throughout the breaks with vocal lines being used rather than the full vocal. The best part is when the track gets into full swing and you have all the elements coming together in a beautiful harmony of timbres and when you are completly hooked the vocal lines drop in to provide a final twist before winding down.
The dub has stripped out all the vocals elements, including the spacey snippets used to form parts of the the groove and atmosphere of the remix. Again I think that as a result some of the magic has been lost, however that tribal free and serious bassline and still a joy to listen to.
Overall a very good release that provides something a little bit different.
Oridinary Mix - Score 7/10
Dub - Score 6/10
A well rounded progressive track with a housey vibe, the meaty beat and no nonsense drum pattern coupled with that simple chord sequence mean this track just pounds it's way to a balearic break with spacey sounds and dubby vocals then continues pounding its way to the full breakdown. Big pianos, lots of reverb and a vocal thats just perfect for the beach. It is also at the breakdown that you can feel a bit of a trance feel work its way in and the track then picks up a faster groove to keep things going.
The dub lacks the main vocal section in the breaks but keeps everything else the same, strange decision as the original mix already used the vocals sparingly.
Anhken Remix - Score 8/10
This remix uses some very clever drum programming and syncopated sounds to place a nice solid groove under the chords. The main body has an almost funky feel and you lose a little of that 4/4 feel, in a good way. The slowly expanding synths soon fill every inch of your head before fading into that piano laden vocal section. It provides a good break and the buildup is as intricate as the rest of the track but so subtle and diverse that it brings a nice contrast to that drop into the tech-trance groove. The subtly is extended into some key changes in the second half. Some really nice twists and turns in this remix.
Top Track
Jason Van Wyk Remix - Score 9/10
Jason Van Wyk Dub - Score 7/10
An ethnic inspired and reverb laden percussion groove lead the track into a huge bassline and effective melodic chord sequence. The contrast between the deep phat bass and echoing percussion works well and the the dubby feel provided from the synths and vocals really suit the track. The spacey feel is continued throughout the breaks with vocal lines being used rather than the full vocal. The best part is when the track gets into full swing and you have all the elements coming together in a beautiful harmony of timbres and when you are completly hooked the vocal lines drop in to provide a final twist before winding down.
The dub has stripped out all the vocals elements, including the spacey snippets used to form parts of the the groove and atmosphere of the remix. Again I think that as a result some of the magic has been lost, however that tribal free and serious bassline and still a joy to listen to.
Overall a very good release that provides something a little bit different.
Emma Hewitt - Colours
This release includes a few mixes including a rather outstanding production in the "Album Version" with great vocals and a sombre feel. However I will not review this, the "Strings & Vocals Mix" or the "Armin Van Buuren Radio Edit", lets get stuck into the serious stuff :)
Top Track
Armin Van Buuren Remix - Score 9/10
Armin Van Buuren Remix Dub - Score 8/10
This mix starts off with a solid beat and bassline before some gritty percussion gets introduced and a chopped vocal line bring real groove. From here the track builds in a restrained way and gently leads you to the europhic break featuring a really clear beautiful vocal section surrounding in choirs, guitars and magic!! When you have a quality vocal to work with then it is important that you let it do the work and Armin has really nailed this and continues to prove why he is at the top of the game with an epic build up from the breakdown and drops the beat to create the kind of dancefloor moment that people go clubbing for. The track is well tempered and keeps the sombre tone of the original, something that makes it a perfect match for the vocal.
The Dub is almost identical to the Remix with the main vocal being absent and some extra rhythmical vocal tones through the breakdown... I feel it is just a little flat with the vocal as the vocal added an extra dimension to the track. Still a great production though and can easily stand on it's own.
Jerome Isma-Ae Remix - Score 7/10
Jerome Isma-Ae Dub Mix - Score 5/10
Right from the outset the bass grabs your attention and the subtle fx groove is perfectly set up for the dirty electro percussion to provide a gentle lift just before the vocal comes and smacks you across the face!! Starting with a huge intro like this is brave, but as it grows and grows it snaps into a deep grinding affair, almost minimal in approach.... but this has attitude. The breakdown crashes into before you are subjected to an almost psychedelic experience with sounds swirling around as the bassline line ebbs and the dirty gritty synths build the tension again... and snap you are back to that deep groove again. A deep affair with some nice highlights.
Like with the Armin Van Buuren remixes the dub mix is almost 100% identical, except in this case the track becomes so minimal that I feel it is a bit harder to like.
As a full package this is a good release and it is nice to hear some fresh vocals that impress enough to make me want to hear more from Emma Hewitt.
Top Track
Armin Van Buuren Remix - Score 9/10
Armin Van Buuren Remix Dub - Score 8/10
This mix starts off with a solid beat and bassline before some gritty percussion gets introduced and a chopped vocal line bring real groove. From here the track builds in a restrained way and gently leads you to the europhic break featuring a really clear beautiful vocal section surrounding in choirs, guitars and magic!! When you have a quality vocal to work with then it is important that you let it do the work and Armin has really nailed this and continues to prove why he is at the top of the game with an epic build up from the breakdown and drops the beat to create the kind of dancefloor moment that people go clubbing for. The track is well tempered and keeps the sombre tone of the original, something that makes it a perfect match for the vocal.
The Dub is almost identical to the Remix with the main vocal being absent and some extra rhythmical vocal tones through the breakdown... I feel it is just a little flat with the vocal as the vocal added an extra dimension to the track. Still a great production though and can easily stand on it's own.
Jerome Isma-Ae Remix - Score 7/10
Jerome Isma-Ae Dub Mix - Score 5/10
Right from the outset the bass grabs your attention and the subtle fx groove is perfectly set up for the dirty electro percussion to provide a gentle lift just before the vocal comes and smacks you across the face!! Starting with a huge intro like this is brave, but as it grows and grows it snaps into a deep grinding affair, almost minimal in approach.... but this has attitude. The breakdown crashes into before you are subjected to an almost psychedelic experience with sounds swirling around as the bassline line ebbs and the dirty gritty synths build the tension again... and snap you are back to that deep groove again. A deep affair with some nice highlights.
Like with the Armin Van Buuren remixes the dub mix is almost 100% identical, except in this case the track becomes so minimal that I feel it is a bit harder to like.
As a full package this is a good release and it is nice to hear some fresh vocals that impress enough to make me want to hear more from Emma Hewitt.
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Tastexperience - Control
Two mixes available this time for a nice release.
Original Mix - Score 7 /10
This is a no nonsense progressive house track that almost never stops to catch breath. The unforgiving and relentless bassline drive the whole thing with an 80's feel. This is highlighted further by the synth accents. The track grinds and grinds slowly adding more elements including a simple but effective vocal and clever lead sounds designed to sound guitar like. The eventual breakdown provides a nice expansion on the vocal and a bit of filter tweaking but that beat just keeps going. This is a serious workout but just wish the drop was bigger on the way out!
Top Track
Daniel Wanrooy Remix - Score 7 /10
I am a big fan of Daniel Wanrooy's work and his harder take on trance. This remix has a much trancier feel than the original and the bassline has been reworked around some more intricate drum and percussion work. The quick breaks and clever tricks keep an aggressive bassline under control in the mix and allow the other subtle elements to sneak into the track smoothly. The breakdown in this mix is nothing short of epic and I have to hear it at loud volume at the earliest opportunity! In keeping with the original the drop lacks a little drive but instead continues to chew up the dancefloor. Not as hard as some of Daniel Wanrooy's usual stuff but is every bit as good. A deep dark track with some nice touches and enough twists to keep you interested.
Perfect for those who like tracks that just keep going (like me) and the two mixes are quite different but equally good. I can see a few ears perking up if it was dropped in the mix.
Original Mix - Score 7 /10
This is a no nonsense progressive house track that almost never stops to catch breath. The unforgiving and relentless bassline drive the whole thing with an 80's feel. This is highlighted further by the synth accents. The track grinds and grinds slowly adding more elements including a simple but effective vocal and clever lead sounds designed to sound guitar like. The eventual breakdown provides a nice expansion on the vocal and a bit of filter tweaking but that beat just keeps going. This is a serious workout but just wish the drop was bigger on the way out!
Top Track
Daniel Wanrooy Remix - Score 7 /10
I am a big fan of Daniel Wanrooy's work and his harder take on trance. This remix has a much trancier feel than the original and the bassline has been reworked around some more intricate drum and percussion work. The quick breaks and clever tricks keep an aggressive bassline under control in the mix and allow the other subtle elements to sneak into the track smoothly. The breakdown in this mix is nothing short of epic and I have to hear it at loud volume at the earliest opportunity! In keeping with the original the drop lacks a little drive but instead continues to chew up the dancefloor. Not as hard as some of Daniel Wanrooy's usual stuff but is every bit as good. A deep dark track with some nice touches and enough twists to keep you interested.
Perfect for those who like tracks that just keep going (like me) and the two mixes are quite different but equally good. I can see a few ears perking up if it was dropped in the mix.
Paul Van Dyke feat. Austin Leeds - Verano
3 mixes on show in this offering from Paul Van Dyke.
PVD's Berlin Mix - Score 7/10
This mix starts off slowly and reminds me of some of PVD's earlier work with a slightly slower tempo. The track glides into a nice breakdown with the unassuming baseline providing enough body to keep interest throughout the buildup. The breakdown develops into some tasty gritty synth work and a sweet crescendo before dropping the beat again. When things kick off after the break you are swooped off to a different place before the track eases back down. A nice trance track.
PVD's Evolution Mix - Score 8/10
This mix is a lot edgier and builds on the return to some classic techniques. A real nice throwback with the beat having an almost live feel to it and some retro synth sounds swirling around. The fun part of the track is when the breakdown sounds out a synth riff that reminds me a LOT of For An Angel. That is no bad thing as the tracking has a nice techy feel and the uplifting breaks provide a nice respite from an otherwise deep dark trancer.
Top Track
PVD's Full Fire Mix - Score8/10
This mix is the most full on of the three and has a nice rolling bassline, a simple but effective synth riff slowly builds up with accents coming from swooshes, crashes and mini fills. The breakdown is a nice extended synth work out based on the predominant riff found throughout all the mixes here. The breakdown develops nicely and the release feels just right with plenty of energy after the drop with some room for the track to keep developing. The additional strings found in this mix are a nice touch however i would like to have heard this mix really cut loose for a big peak somewhere, but that never arrives. Still a nice track
Overall this is a nice release with 3 quality mixes with enough differences to suit your mood at the time. The apparent return of PVD to a style that help shape the trance music scene can only be a good thing!
PVD's Berlin Mix - Score 7/10
This mix starts off slowly and reminds me of some of PVD's earlier work with a slightly slower tempo. The track glides into a nice breakdown with the unassuming baseline providing enough body to keep interest throughout the buildup. The breakdown develops into some tasty gritty synth work and a sweet crescendo before dropping the beat again. When things kick off after the break you are swooped off to a different place before the track eases back down. A nice trance track.
PVD's Evolution Mix - Score 8/10
This mix is a lot edgier and builds on the return to some classic techniques. A real nice throwback with the beat having an almost live feel to it and some retro synth sounds swirling around. The fun part of the track is when the breakdown sounds out a synth riff that reminds me a LOT of For An Angel. That is no bad thing as the tracking has a nice techy feel and the uplifting breaks provide a nice respite from an otherwise deep dark trancer.
Top Track
PVD's Full Fire Mix - Score8/10
This mix is the most full on of the three and has a nice rolling bassline, a simple but effective synth riff slowly builds up with accents coming from swooshes, crashes and mini fills. The breakdown is a nice extended synth work out based on the predominant riff found throughout all the mixes here. The breakdown develops nicely and the release feels just right with plenty of energy after the drop with some room for the track to keep developing. The additional strings found in this mix are a nice touch however i would like to have heard this mix really cut loose for a big peak somewhere, but that never arrives. Still a nice track
Overall this is a nice release with 3 quality mixes with enough differences to suit your mood at the time. The apparent return of PVD to a style that help shape the trance music scene can only be a good thing!
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Weekend Tracks 2012 Vol1
A quick breakdown of some recent tunes from 2012 so far.
2nd Phase - Lesson Learned (Original Mix) - Score 5/10
Unfortunately the original mix is a little bland by comparison. While not a bad track the whole thing feels a little too restrained and passes by without much really happening. The highlight of this track is the electro styled section that drops after the breakdow.
Top Track
2nd Phase - Lesson Learned (Garry Heaney Remix) - Score 9/10
I really like this tune, it has a nice solid beat underpinning a building trance monster! The track builds and drives hard into a sweet key change and the chord progression helps freshen the track at just the right time. The main riff and breakdown avoid any signs of cheesy melodies yet have and the big sounds you would expect from an epic trance tune. This is a quality production from start to finish.
Indecent Noise feat. Ridgewalkers - Full Moon Fever (Original Mix) - Score 6/10
An upbeat vocal trancer with a nod to the past with some nice filter tweaking through the body of the track leading to a pleasant breakdown. The breakdown has a nice backbeat and soft vocal section, and this is my problem with the track. The vocals aren't back but they are certainly not going to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The track also seems to lack energy throughout any vocal sections and the instrumental parts highlight this even further.
Indecent Noise feat. Ridgewalkers - Full Moon Fever (Power Dub) - Score 8/10
This mix has a real edge to it and the chopped up vocal snippets and audio candy make the whole thing much more rhythmical and energetic. The breakdown is still a laid back affair but when the beat drops this time you are ready to rock. Overall a real stomper with the absence of the average vocal from the original. 8/10
Tucandeo - Nibiru (Original Mix) - Score 7/10
A nice progressive trance tune with tribal overtones. Those ethnic sounds and heavily delayed spacey sounds deliver you into a beautiful piano drop just before the phatt base arrives to lay the bed for a trip through some classic trance production techniques. The song moves between a few different sections, each with a unique sound and feel with a seamless flow between them. Typical progressive track that sounds best in the middle of a mix!
Wellenrausch - Shape Of Berlin (Original Mix) - Score 9/10
This could only be described as a dark broody progressive gem. The warm bass anchors the track into a slow but solid groove, which is accented by some clever electro percussion programming. Add to this an almost ethereal atmosphere and some melancholic vocals and the puzzle gets closer to completion. The breakdown adds further tension and the track just continues to rise and build towards the peak.
2nd Phase - Lesson Learned (Original Mix) - Score 5/10
Unfortunately the original mix is a little bland by comparison. While not a bad track the whole thing feels a little too restrained and passes by without much really happening. The highlight of this track is the electro styled section that drops after the breakdow.
Top Track
2nd Phase - Lesson Learned (Garry Heaney Remix) - Score 9/10
I really like this tune, it has a nice solid beat underpinning a building trance monster! The track builds and drives hard into a sweet key change and the chord progression helps freshen the track at just the right time. The main riff and breakdown avoid any signs of cheesy melodies yet have and the big sounds you would expect from an epic trance tune. This is a quality production from start to finish.
Indecent Noise feat. Ridgewalkers - Full Moon Fever (Original Mix) - Score 6/10
An upbeat vocal trancer with a nod to the past with some nice filter tweaking through the body of the track leading to a pleasant breakdown. The breakdown has a nice backbeat and soft vocal section, and this is my problem with the track. The vocals aren't back but they are certainly not going to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The track also seems to lack energy throughout any vocal sections and the instrumental parts highlight this even further.
Indecent Noise feat. Ridgewalkers - Full Moon Fever (Power Dub) - Score 8/10
This mix has a real edge to it and the chopped up vocal snippets and audio candy make the whole thing much more rhythmical and energetic. The breakdown is still a laid back affair but when the beat drops this time you are ready to rock. Overall a real stomper with the absence of the average vocal from the original. 8/10
Tucandeo - Nibiru (Original Mix) - Score 7/10
A nice progressive trance tune with tribal overtones. Those ethnic sounds and heavily delayed spacey sounds deliver you into a beautiful piano drop just before the phatt base arrives to lay the bed for a trip through some classic trance production techniques. The song moves between a few different sections, each with a unique sound and feel with a seamless flow between them. Typical progressive track that sounds best in the middle of a mix!
Wellenrausch - Shape Of Berlin (Original Mix) - Score 9/10
This could only be described as a dark broody progressive gem. The warm bass anchors the track into a slow but solid groove, which is accented by some clever electro percussion programming. Add to this an almost ethereal atmosphere and some melancholic vocals and the puzzle gets closer to completion. The breakdown adds further tension and the track just continues to rise and build towards the peak.
Friday, 20 June 2008
Vadim Soloviev feat. Marcie
Stay With Me
Vadim Soloviev is a promising producer and DJ from Russia and I was intrigued to see what was on offer in this release, not just because he is making a name for himself but also because he is from new generation of producers who will eventually shape the future of dance/trance music in the next few years.
Original Mix - Score 7/10
The original mix starts with a nice groove and slowly builds into the swing of things, with the gentle bass used to carry the track into the first vocal section. The vocals on this track are well sung although the underlying track doesn't really gel with the singers voice. That is the big let down with Stay With Me, the main chorus section is nice and really moves along nicely while never trying to be aggressive, the arrangement flows well separating the different sections in a subtle way, but that first vocal verse section just feels a little disjointed.
Genix Summer Stripped Remix - Score 8/10
This remix has a more tech feel to it, the main feature from the start of the track is the sliced up vocal which is thrown around the mix to good use and delivers a much nicer overall atmosphere than the original mix. The two basslines work against each other to form the groove which is tied together with some very tight drum programming. The breakdown is well thought out and while it is airy and large it makes no attempt to be epic, and when the track kicks back in you will be glad of that! The drop back to the 'peak' of the track is somewhat disappointing, upon careful listening the underlying bassline and drums are very similar to that of Eric Prydz - Proper Education and with a core sound so similar to that perhaps the remix should of been produced a little more carefully.
Mike Foyle Remix - Score 9/10
This is the gem of the pack. A nice upbeat trance track with a simple pounding drumline and bass although the clever editing of the loops helps create some nice movement as the track twists and turns. The production is really well done and the breakdown is intriguing with the vocal turned into some kind of alien language and choppy sounds coming and going, then it all drops to a nice melodic breakdown and the vocal appears in it's original form and the music fits the singing much better than the original. The breakdown is only a short reprieve as the track kicks out to a nice tech sound and complex groove and continues to build steadily. If you are using this in a mix then makes sure you have something special to follow this track with!
Dub Mix - Score 8/10
The dub mix is almost identical to the original in terms of composition and much to my pleasure dropped the entire first vocal section. This has far more impact than you first imagine as now with the absence of the vocal Stay With Me is allowed to breathe and actually comes through as a pleasant trance track. The main synth controlling the groove plays a bigger part of the song in this mix along with the very subtle use of almost unrecognisable vocal elements to carry the whole mix through to the end. Much more satisfying that the original
Overall this is a good release and the different mixes give some nice perspectives on Stay With Me, I still feel a little disappointed that better use wasn't made of the good vocals on offer from Marcie. Mike Foyle's remix might yet make it into my top ten as well, nice solid track :)
Sunday, 15 June 2008
Adymus
A Place Not Far
A Place Not Far shows some great promise for this young label - Fraction Zero. Three mixes on offer and each bring something different to the table
Original Mix - Score 9/10
The original mix is a superbly produced trance masterpiece with a lovely 303 style intro builds up until the melody drops in and the song takes flight, the swaying bassline, twinkly synths and sumptuous lead all come together nicely leaving an uplifting refreshing feel to this mix. The intelligent breakdown is short and sweet and when it all kicks off again you are left in no doubt that A Place Not Far is an outrageously good song. If Adymus can keep producing this level of work then it will become a name you will see a lot. This has got to claim a slot in my Top Ten.
Rob B Remix - Score 7/10
A nice song to drop into a mix. The simple intro builds into a nice steady groove then a phat bassline fills in the empty space. The addition of the twinkling synths from the original add the uplifting floating feeling. Make no mistake though this is a tough tech influenced remix. A Place Not Far has been chewed up and spat out to great effect, something which can be heard best during the lovely breakdown. Unfortunately this remix lacks the magic of the original and really doesn't make the most of all the different elements.
Maarten Hercules Remix - Score 9/10
The first drop in this remix is magical. You can change the entire direction of a mix with a track like this and as if to hammer the point home the swift interlude is greeted by the main body of the song immediately and for this few moments you struggle to keep up with the swirling sounds - in a good way. Almost as quick as you can find your bearings Maarten takes you on a detour through another quite special passage, again the production and creativeness on show is first class. In my opinion this remix only serves to prove how good the original writing was by Adymus.
Overall this is a great record for anyone who is into big moments and the very pinnacle of uplifting trance records for a new era.
Friday, 13 June 2008
Angel Makris
Phase One
Original Mix - Score 7/10
Phase One is a more progressive style blended with a touch of the Balearic. The slow steady beat lifts the track into an almost entirely ambient affair and sucks ou in with a beautiful melody, partly ripped off from Braveheart / DJ Sakin - Protect Your Mind. However Angel Makris settled for just the first 3 notes of the melody and has used them quite well to create sometime quite unusual although it would sound great at the beach I am sure :)
John Ilipoulos Remix - Score 4/10
From the lush sounds of the original the Remix couldn't be any further removed. The short percussive sounds and low kick all point to a techno masterpiece. Filled with glitches, blips and weird FX that track grinds along well. Not quite to my taste as the lack of any real melody or "hook" make it hard to grab onto anything and the groove doesn't progress much either.
Overall this release was a little disspointing, after hearing the uplifting qualities on offer in the original I am sure more could of been done with the remix to make a great tune, instead I am left feeling a little flat.
2 Producers
Insigma
This is a fine record with 2 nice mixes on show.
Original Mix - Score 8/10
A nice solid introduction makes this a very easy track to drop into any mix and the simple approach to the arrangement opens up lots of possibilities. As for the Song itself it is all based around a sweet melody and all the different elements melt into the background seamlessly. The breakdown has a dissonant quality to it which only serves to emphasize the uplifting main synth line when it arrives.
Alphalifter Remix - Score 8/10
This remix is somewhat deeper than the original and reminds me of some classic German trance labels. Again simplicity is key to the entire track and the sparse mix is filled with several tricks and twists to keep interest. My biggest concern with this track is that the middle section just doesn't build into the climax fast enough and overall the track should probably be a little shorter, which would of delivered more impact in the context of a dynamic mix. As it stands this remix will still make it's way into more than a few record boxes, and could well be a special weapon for some.
Overall a nice package with 2 quite different mixes meaning it feels more like a double A side record. Trance music at it's purest!
Monday, 9 June 2008
Orbital Frame
Neith / Solaris
This is a double A side release which is quite a lot more upbeat than some of the recent tracks.
Neith (Original Mix) - Score 7/10
The song verges on psy-trance or goa with a harder edge although the mix is finely balanced and swings from deep to uplifting in an instant and back again. There is plenty of sounds flying around the main synthline and the double break gives the track some nice dynamics. Something about this song reminds me of trance from an earlier era and one artist in particular - The Man With No Name. The track rapidly glides throuhg all it's different guises and keeps driving away in the background, this is the kind of song I love using just before a mix is going to kick off !!! I highly recommend a good listen to this one :)
Solaris (Original Mix) - Score 7/10
Solaris is a much bouncier affair and the phat bassline will keep you coming back for more as it growls under a bed of vocal pads. The track builds slowly and steadly with a nice feel surrounding the main synth riff and the well placed keychanges help lift the track without crowding the mix. All the signs point toward this being a great track, but something just seems slightly out of place and I can see it being hard to find the right place to throw it into a mix. The second half of the track shows a much harder edge with the bassline given some extra treatment but the song just doesn't gel together enough for me to warrant calling it a great song.
Neith (Original Mix) - Score 7/10
The song verges on psy-trance or goa with a harder edge although the mix is finely balanced and swings from deep to uplifting in an instant and back again. There is plenty of sounds flying around the main synthline and the double break gives the track some nice dynamics. Something about this song reminds me of trance from an earlier era and one artist in particular - The Man With No Name. The track rapidly glides throuhg all it's different guises and keeps driving away in the background, this is the kind of song I love using just before a mix is going to kick off !!! I highly recommend a good listen to this one :)
Solaris (Original Mix) - Score 7/10
Solaris is a much bouncier affair and the phat bassline will keep you coming back for more as it growls under a bed of vocal pads. The track builds slowly and steadly with a nice feel surrounding the main synth riff and the well placed keychanges help lift the track without crowding the mix. All the signs point toward this being a great track, but something just seems slightly out of place and I can see it being hard to find the right place to throw it into a mix. The second half of the track shows a much harder edge with the bassline given some extra treatment but the song just doesn't gel together enough for me to warrant calling it a great song.
Claudia Cazacau
Elite
This one is a quick review really, with two mixes on show.
Original Mix - Score 3/10
Quite a minimal sounding song without much atmosphere, but it does have a very solid beat and could be useful as a transition track. I think I might mark this track for a bit of a re-edit and use it in a mix to see what kind of effect it has. The whole song is based on repetition of the main synth sound, which almost resembles a riff !!! Other than this there is nothing to the track and it is a very weak song which is almost guaranteed to clear the dance floor.
Sied Van Riel Remix - Score 6/10
This remix is a joy to listen to after hearing the original, it has a softer beat and more groove. Sied Van Riel has also added a lot of new sounds and atmosphere while retaining some of the original song's elements but blended in a much better way. Unfortunately the added lead line and subtle touches still don't manage to turn this into much more than an average trance track. Once again I see this track having more favour with listeners at home than in a club environment.
Lets hope for some better releases this week !!!
Original Mix - Score 3/10
Quite a minimal sounding song without much atmosphere, but it does have a very solid beat and could be useful as a transition track. I think I might mark this track for a bit of a re-edit and use it in a mix to see what kind of effect it has. The whole song is based on repetition of the main synth sound, which almost resembles a riff !!! Other than this there is nothing to the track and it is a very weak song which is almost guaranteed to clear the dance floor.
Sied Van Riel Remix - Score 6/10
This remix is a joy to listen to after hearing the original, it has a softer beat and more groove. Sied Van Riel has also added a lot of new sounds and atmosphere while retaining some of the original song's elements but blended in a much better way. Unfortunately the added lead line and subtle touches still don't manage to turn this into much more than an average trance track. Once again I see this track having more favour with listeners at home than in a club environment.
Lets hope for some better releases this week !!!
Sunday, 8 June 2008
Ron Malakai
Memorable Touch
This release is the first on the new label "Cherry On Top" and could prove quite successful for them with the wise decision to bring on a great producer like Carl B who has started to make appearances on many records with good cause. Lets get down to the songs and see if the song is capable of launching a new label !!!
Original Mix - Score 5/10
The original mix is a standard trance track and although both the production and composition of the song are very good and there is not one thing wrong with the track that might be it's downfall for me. The mix shows a lack of ambition to try something unusual and new. The only thing that really catches the ear is the rising bassline towards the changing of sections through the whole song. The track seems to just go by without much fuss and by tomorrow I am sure I will have forgotten all about it, which is not a good sign.
Carl B Remix - Score 6/10
From the start of track we are treated to a much tougher sound with some percussive trickery used the cement a solid groove and the bassline fits well. The main riff comes in quite early in the mix and guides you through the dirty breakdown and into the uplifting drop. The track makes a much larger impact that the original mix and the overall arrangement is better with some clever twists to add interest and dynamics to the song. Like the original however when the track comes together and builds to it's peak there is no real energy and seems almost dissapointing.
Some people will really love this song but in my opinion there is just to many tracks out there that have a similar sound and deliver the goods much better. This isn't a poor relfection on Carl B though as he made a lot of improvements over the original mix.
Original Mix - Score 5/10
The original mix is a standard trance track and although both the production and composition of the song are very good and there is not one thing wrong with the track that might be it's downfall for me. The mix shows a lack of ambition to try something unusual and new. The only thing that really catches the ear is the rising bassline towards the changing of sections through the whole song. The track seems to just go by without much fuss and by tomorrow I am sure I will have forgotten all about it, which is not a good sign.
Carl B Remix - Score 6/10
From the start of track we are treated to a much tougher sound with some percussive trickery used the cement a solid groove and the bassline fits well. The main riff comes in quite early in the mix and guides you through the dirty breakdown and into the uplifting drop. The track makes a much larger impact that the original mix and the overall arrangement is better with some clever twists to add interest and dynamics to the song. Like the original however when the track comes together and builds to it's peak there is no real energy and seems almost dissapointing.
Some people will really love this song but in my opinion there is just to many tracks out there that have a similar sound and deliver the goods much better. This isn't a poor relfection on Carl B though as he made a lot of improvements over the original mix.
Sultan And Ned Shepard
Did We
A new offering from Vandit and has been inspired by the electro feel doing the rounds at the minute. With 3 mixes including a radio mix there isn't much variety so lets hope the two main mixes do the business !!!
Dub Remix - Score 7/10
This is a measured track that calls on some production knowledge to pull off the minimal arrangement used. The song doesn't disappoint however and the bouncing bassline and lively percussion keep things ticking over while a lush melody builds up and floats through the breakdown. I can see this mix being used by a lot of people as a way to set the mood for the evening, uplifting and very much in the spirit of trance music.
Tyler Michaud Remix - Score 9/10
I love the intro to this track and reckon I will start my new mix CD with this song. The slow intricate building spits out an electro beat and steeps the song with some clever rhythms - quite the opposite to the Dub Remix. The lush melody has been stripped back slightly and given way to the new wave of tech-trance and unlike many efforts at this style of remix Tyler Michaud has succeeded. The mix is fresh and the breakdown simply breathtaking not to mention the outrageously good production and the ability to sway between styles with consumate ease. This track is an essential tune in any decent DJ's box!!!!
I won't even bother covering the Radio Mix here as it is the usual 3-4mins affair and doesn't offered anything over the two very original mixes presented also.
Dub Remix - Score 7/10
This is a measured track that calls on some production knowledge to pull off the minimal arrangement used. The song doesn't disappoint however and the bouncing bassline and lively percussion keep things ticking over while a lush melody builds up and floats through the breakdown. I can see this mix being used by a lot of people as a way to set the mood for the evening, uplifting and very much in the spirit of trance music.
Tyler Michaud Remix - Score 9/10
I love the intro to this track and reckon I will start my new mix CD with this song. The slow intricate building spits out an electro beat and steeps the song with some clever rhythms - quite the opposite to the Dub Remix. The lush melody has been stripped back slightly and given way to the new wave of tech-trance and unlike many efforts at this style of remix Tyler Michaud has succeeded. The mix is fresh and the breakdown simply breathtaking not to mention the outrageously good production and the ability to sway between styles with consumate ease. This track is an essential tune in any decent DJ's box!!!!
I won't even bother covering the Radio Mix here as it is the usual 3-4mins affair and doesn't offered anything over the two very original mixes presented also.
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Noteworthy tracks
Well I have listened to a varied selection of tracks today and a few really stand out, as time is short I can't do a full review on these tracks but I highly recommend you try and get a listen to some of them !!!!
Tracks for this week seem to be a little more uptempo and a few tracks could easily be used at the peak of a great mix! Another note worth mentioning is the excellent remix of Solid State by Gareth Emery (again!). It was always a good track and the original mix featured in an earlier Mix CD of mine so it was nice to hear a different take on the song.
Until next time...
- AB Project - Relentless (Original Mix) - Score 9/10 (new Top 10 tune !!)
- David & Carr - Cypress (Alucard Remix) - Score 7/10
- Dreamia - Good Bye (Indecent Noise Rework) - Score 7/10
- Majai - Phoria (Airbase Remix) - Score 7/10
- Robimon feat. Tiff Lacey - Goodbye (Cressida Remix) - Score 6/10
- Menna De Jong feat. RE:Locate - Solid State (Gareth Emery Remix) - Score 9/10
- RE:Locate feat. Menna De Jong - Spirit (Paul Miller Remix) - Score 8/10
Tracks for this week seem to be a little more uptempo and a few tracks could easily be used at the peak of a great mix! Another note worth mentioning is the excellent remix of Solid State by Gareth Emery (again!). It was always a good track and the original mix featured in an earlier Mix CD of mine so it was nice to hear a different take on the song.
Until next time...
Thursday, 22 May 2008
Something for the Weekend
Just a couple of tracks reviewed for the weekend.
KLC Ft. Michelle - Sleeping Satelittle (About Blank Remix) - Overall Score 6/10
This slow burning trance track is great for opening a laid back set, the vocal is reasonably different from the original and some digital editing helps change the rhythm. This almost minimal track pushes along nicely with a bouncy bassline and gentle sounds. The track never really goes anywhere but that is part of the beauty of it!
Stripwalker - Wackjob (Thomas Penton Remix) - Overall Score 6/10
Another slow building track that is probably closer to progressive house with an electro sound. The track builds on a solid bassline that just screams funk and a plucky synth creating the groove leaving you nodding along without relalising. The little breaks and fills work well throughout the track and provide just enough variation to another quite simple song. I think Wackjob could do with a little rework just to make it truely outstanding, the energy levels don't really seem to pick up enough for me, but again it would fit in well with a laid back approach to a mix.
Kryztow de Fier - Industry (Original Mix) - Overall Score 8/10
This track is a real trance monster. The huge drop at the beginning alone makes it usuable in just about any set and any time (as long as the tempo is about right). Industry eases out of this break with a solid beat and things build up at a slow but rewarding rate. The bubbling synth in the background just keeps hammering away in the background as the track shifts the main parts in and out well, with the drums being so unpredicable at times you don't know if the track is going to explode and rock the place or just stop! The simple approach to arrangement leaves the big break to do most of the work in the track with a subtle backbeat keeping things ticking over until the main beat creeps back. It is the small details that make this track worthy of a decent score, good production, nice flow and enough balls to make anyone pay attention when the 2nd half of the track comes to light.... enough said - you will just need to try and listen to this unique track.
Another track which is slower and pretty damn funky too, this one sits somewhere between house and trance. The funk bass and classic 80's stabs, which have been revamped of course, all add to the appeal of this mix. Sitting at 130BPM it is a measured affair with plently of tension and the release to go with it. The simple nature of track is what leaves enough room for the big stabs, big bass line and dubby fx sit well together. All of which helps deliver a song which is quite a surprise package.
That's it for this weekend! I hope you get a chance to listen to some of these tunes during the weekend and if you do get lucky then I would love to hear your comments too!
KLC Ft. Michelle - Sleeping Satelittle (About Blank Remix) - Overall Score 6/10
This slow burning trance track is great for opening a laid back set, the vocal is reasonably different from the original and some digital editing helps change the rhythm. This almost minimal track pushes along nicely with a bouncy bassline and gentle sounds. The track never really goes anywhere but that is part of the beauty of it!
Stripwalker - Wackjob (Thomas Penton Remix) - Overall Score 6/10
Another slow building track that is probably closer to progressive house with an electro sound. The track builds on a solid bassline that just screams funk and a plucky synth creating the groove leaving you nodding along without relalising. The little breaks and fills work well throughout the track and provide just enough variation to another quite simple song. I think Wackjob could do with a little rework just to make it truely outstanding, the energy levels don't really seem to pick up enough for me, but again it would fit in well with a laid back approach to a mix.
Kryztow de Fier - Industry (Original Mix) - Overall Score 8/10
This track is a real trance monster. The huge drop at the beginning alone makes it usuable in just about any set and any time (as long as the tempo is about right). Industry eases out of this break with a solid beat and things build up at a slow but rewarding rate. The bubbling synth in the background just keeps hammering away in the background as the track shifts the main parts in and out well, with the drums being so unpredicable at times you don't know if the track is going to explode and rock the place or just stop! The simple approach to arrangement leaves the big break to do most of the work in the track with a subtle backbeat keeping things ticking over until the main beat creeps back. It is the small details that make this track worthy of a decent score, good production, nice flow and enough balls to make anyone pay attention when the 2nd half of the track comes to light.... enough said - you will just need to try and listen to this unique track.
Top Track
Sami Saari - Sweet (Deck Jagger Remix) - Overall Score 9/10Another track which is slower and pretty damn funky too, this one sits somewhere between house and trance. The funk bass and classic 80's stabs, which have been revamped of course, all add to the appeal of this mix. Sitting at 130BPM it is a measured affair with plently of tension and the release to go with it. The simple nature of track is what leaves enough room for the big stabs, big bass line and dubby fx sit well together. All of which helps deliver a song which is quite a surprise package.
That's it for this weekend! I hope you get a chance to listen to some of these tunes during the weekend and if you do get lucky then I would love to hear your comments too!
Thursday, 8 May 2008
Ashley Wellbridge feat Meighan Nealon
I Believe
I have not heard of Meighan Nealon before which is usually a good sign, sometimes singers come out from nowhere and this girl shows potential. There is 5 mixes on offer here, including a couple from the awesome Gareth Emery.
Original Mix - Overall Score 7/10
Original Mix - Overall Score 7/10
The original is a very understated piece of trance music using classic arrangement and some nice production but it is the piano riff which is the heart of this mix, with soft sensual vocals pulling the track together. This is perfect for those hot afternoons outside with your friends.
Gareth Emery Radio Edit - Overall Score 4/10
Not much to say, it is a 4-min edit aimed at getting some airtime, and truthfully this record deserves some recognition. In reality the radio edit is not really very good, seeming disjointed and with some production hangovers.
Gareth Emery Remix - Overall Score 7/10
I am a big fan of Gareth Emery's work and after hearing the original mix I believed this track could be something pretty special. The drop out into the main body of track certainly grabs your attention and soon delivers that sound Gareth Emery is becoming famous for. Clever use of the vocal and the groove helps carry the track through to a nice climax with the piano riff becoming a reworked synth line, which weaves in and out during the track. Overall though I was left longing for something a little more and I believe it may be down to the overall lack of amtosphere in the track. Was it special ?? Not really, a good track but it certainly isn't going to be the most memorable song in a set.
Gareth Emery Dub - Overall Score 6/10
No real difference between this mix and the "full vocal" mix, dropping the vocal lead doesn't really improve the track and in fact makes it seem slightly too drawn out.
Sied Van Riel Remix - Overall Score 8/10
This is the most upbeat of all the mixes and has a tech-trance feel, using FX percussion and slow arrangement to build antcipation, a task this track does very well! The vocals have been heavy processed too and sweeping pads help create a real atmosphere in this track which combined with brooding underlying body supplies a classic trance record. The outstanding dynamic breakdown and classic filtered lead line help Meighan's voice stand proud on a track worthy of a place in anyones record box. The slow return to action will mean that this track will likely be one of the big tunes in Ibiza.
Gareth Emery Radio Edit - Overall Score 4/10
Not much to say, it is a 4-min edit aimed at getting some airtime, and truthfully this record deserves some recognition. In reality the radio edit is not really very good, seeming disjointed and with some production hangovers.
Gareth Emery Remix - Overall Score 7/10
I am a big fan of Gareth Emery's work and after hearing the original mix I believed this track could be something pretty special. The drop out into the main body of track certainly grabs your attention and soon delivers that sound Gareth Emery is becoming famous for. Clever use of the vocal and the groove helps carry the track through to a nice climax with the piano riff becoming a reworked synth line, which weaves in and out during the track. Overall though I was left longing for something a little more and I believe it may be down to the overall lack of amtosphere in the track. Was it special ?? Not really, a good track but it certainly isn't going to be the most memorable song in a set.
Gareth Emery Dub - Overall Score 6/10
No real difference between this mix and the "full vocal" mix, dropping the vocal lead doesn't really improve the track and in fact makes it seem slightly too drawn out.
Sied Van Riel Remix - Overall Score 8/10
This is the most upbeat of all the mixes and has a tech-trance feel, using FX percussion and slow arrangement to build antcipation, a task this track does very well! The vocals have been heavy processed too and sweeping pads help create a real atmosphere in this track which combined with brooding underlying body supplies a classic trance record. The outstanding dynamic breakdown and classic filtered lead line help Meighan's voice stand proud on a track worthy of a place in anyones record box. The slow return to action will mean that this track will likely be one of the big tunes in Ibiza.
Delerium feat Sarah McLachlan
Silence (Niels Van Gogh and Thomas Gold Remix)
This new remix introduces the electro feel present in trance tracks in 2008 and at the same time keeps all the beauty of the original. With a solid beat and swinging bassline the track bounces along nicely at around 128 BPM and has a few twists and turns along the way. I can see this going down well in a more laid back set however if you are looking for a peak time moment then the Tiesto mix still shines.
One of my favourite tracks of all time, yet somehow this new mix lacks the magic to make it into my top ten.
Overall score 6/10
One of my favourite tracks of all time, yet somehow this new mix lacks the magic to make it into my top ten.
Overall score 6/10
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