Louk's Reviews - October 2001
Louk
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Chiller Twist - Stringz Ultd
Plum Projects
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Stringz Ultd (Shelly Mix)
Stringz Ultd (Baptism Mix) |
Full Review: I came accross the Plum Projects label completely by accident but once I heard some of the songs on their site I was very interested. This, Their fifth release is really set to do well as it has already having plays from Tiesto and Graham Gold. The "Shelly Mix" of "Stringz Ultd" starts with a simple kick and bass before FX come in and the drum arrangement becomes complex. Some Nice warm pads are introduced with a nice synth underlay and some pitch bent synths. This leads into Some excellent vocals which take the track to the breakdown. In the breakdown some dark strings come in with a key triggered riff. This builds into quite a nice track and the only negative view I have is that I think it is a bit too slow. The "Baptism Mix" starts with a weird conga loop and oddbod percussion along with a kick. Eerie synths come in and leads the track up to the breakdown where some vocoded singing leads the track into a weird ethnic feel. This mix isn't as good a the Shelly mix but all in all this is a nice effort from this London based label.
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System F vs Armin - Exhale (Remixes)
Tsunami
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Exhale (Armin Van Buuren Mix)
Exhale (Inhale Mix) |
Full Review: It just had to happen! The best Tsunami release without a doubt this year rears it's head again with some excellent remixes by the artists themselves. "Armin Van Buuren's Mix of this track starts with his usual flanged bassline and tough drums and builds into a completely different synth underlay of that off the original (Check my reviews from may 2001 for a review of it). This drops to the break where parts of the riff come in with a choir and an electro beat. A very nice M1-Style piano takes the track to the build up where the track comes in in full. The "Inhale Mix" by (Ferry Corsten and Armin) takes some very odd drum programming and an fx loop out of nowhere to lead into a weird synth underlay and that sonar beep sound off the original. This dies into those ace strings and the riff off the original. The track kicks back in again and is another one that managed to make me attempt to badly breakdance to while listening. Both mixes of this are ace but the b side is definitely more my style. Well worth a purchase.
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Barthezz - Infected
Tremolo
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Infected (Original Extended Mix)
Infected (DJ Jean Mix) |
Full Review: "On The Move" by Barthezz has not had a bad run so far considering it has been licensed to one of the major record labels in the UK (Positiva Recordings). This is Bart Claessen's follow up track which does not manage to live up to expectations in my opinion. I really liked on the move and this to me isn't anywhere near as good as the track itself. His original mix has all the elements that were included in "On The Move" plus a 303 bit thrown in for good measure. The track builds up and when the riff comes in it is unexpected yet stil uses the same instrument as "On The Move". There is a vocal of "I've got an infection with the beat" which is chopped up pretty well but that's about it. The "DJ Jean" Mix starts with quite a tough chunky arrangement and adds 303 stabs. The track drops down to the underlay riff which is pitch bent and sounds awful and cheesy. The riff off the original comes in and this mix is a pretty much commercial cheese track. Both of these tracks are rather disappointing in my opinion, considering the hype they've received so far.
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Robert Smit - It's In The Game
Polar State
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It's In The Game
Beamrider |
Full Review: Polar State return with another driving trance track delivered by the main producer for the label, Robert Smit. He has provided us with such classic productions on this label as "The Generator", "Caveman", "Unawatuna" and using his own name for this production. "It's In The Game" is a very twisted number. Starting with a nice funky bassline, mad synth action, swirling FX and funky drums. This builds the basis for a rising synth sweep before the track kicks into some serious pump action. The track even has a hardcore kickdrum come in at one point which adds to the chaos. "Beamrider" is much harder starting with a tough bassline and sharp punchy drums, this track adds a dark riff with some pitch bent strings to create a tough workout of a tune. A good two tracker which I will be charting over the next few weeks.
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Soniced - Defence Mode
CMYK
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Defence Mode
Inside Out Nightbreed |
Full Review: This is release number 5 for Essential Dance's Tech-House/Progressive Offshoot CYMK. Produced by Robin Fitter (who has released as Phuture Grooves and Fitalic), these three tracks are varying in style. "Defence Mode" is a funky tech house number with an off the wall percussion arrangement and warm funky synth line over a simple bassline. The synth line is filtered around with throughout the track and works quite well. "Inside Out" is a simple percussive number with a warm synth underlay and synth stabs which are filtered to a really good effect and definitely make for end of night / 4 am listening as both have a really deep sleep inducing feel to them. "Nightbreed" isn't so good in my opinion, it is a simple progressive number with not much in it that caught my attention but it does have a very cool breakdown. Stick with both the A side tunes though as they are seriously worth a play.
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Cavanaugh - Do You Know This One!
Royal Club
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Do You Know This One! (DJ Alpha-Bet Mix)
Mad More |
Full Review: This is release number 8 for Dutch Company Private Recordings succesful Royal Club offshoot. Produced by the mysterious "Cavanaugh" this two tracker contains some nice club music. The "DJ Alpha-Bet Remix" of "Do You Know This One!" is a really uplifting and bouncy track which reminds me of a cross between Airscape and DJ Jean. With a riff that made me think "Where do I know this from again?" (when in fact it is taken from "Little Green Bag" by "G Baker" - which was featured on a certain advert for a big car company in the UK). This track should get you dancing within seconds of hearing. "Mad More" on the flip is a more darker number with mad synth stabs, tough drum programming, a simple bassline and vocals.
These tracks have already had many licensing requests here in the UK and once you hear this, are you really suprised? Check It out
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Vincent K - Solar Power
Collision
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Solar Power (Sacred Mix)
Solar Power (Remix) Future |
Full Review: The "Sacred Mix" of "Solar Power" is a hard speaker attack with simple synth stabs being played around with over some very tough chugging drum programming, a warped bassline and a solid kick. This drops down to a really twisted spoken vocal about "The spiritual self", the track builds up and kicks in to the synth stabs in full with no filters at all. Minimalistic but very good. The "Remix" of "Solar Power" has the above and a repeated synth stab every beat after the build up. This mix is also just as good. However if you flip over to the B side "Future" you have a much better track. A simple drumloop starts the track off with punchy claps added. Filtered FX Loops then fade in along with a short twisty bassline and vocoded vocals repeating the word "Future". Little else happens in this track but its a nice and dark tech track which works well in my opinion. All 3 of these tracks are worthy of a play so check them out.
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Angel's Reverse - Don't Care
Collision
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Don't Care (Delerious Mix)
Don't Care (Delerious Full Effect Mix) Don't Care (Delerious Instrumental Mix) Original Mix |
Full Review: Three mixes on this record are provided by Delerious aka Ron van der Beuken (who is behind the controversial "Mystery" - "The Mystery" track). The "Delerious Mix" starts off with a speaker shaking bassline and catchy vocals amidst nice rhythm programming. This drops suddenly to those Rank 1 Style supersaw strings and the vocals. I skipped over to the next mix at this point as I wasn't keen on this mix. Unfortunately, the "Delerious 'Full Effect Mix" was more of the same with some playing around and additions to the vocals. The track also feels just that bit more uplifting. While the "Delerious Instrumental Mix" is exactly the same as the "Delerious 'Full Effect Mix" but with no vocals at all. The "Original Mix" is a more tribal number with conga loops and a dark bassline. Hints of the vocal come in and the arrangement drops down to a simple synth underlay and a resonant 303 riff which when combined with the vocals works a treat. Nothing much happens in this mix apart from this but for a whole 6 mins this mix is a really nice progressive track. This is definitely the best mix of the track available so far.
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Super Fine Junk - Don't Make Me Wait
Residence
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Don't Make Me Wait (Philter Instrumental Mix)
Don't Make Me Wait (Philter Vocal Mix) Don't Make Me Wait (Original Mix) Don't Make Me Wait (Havana Connection Mix) |
Full Review: This Funky House track is the second release on Dutch label Residence. The "Philter Instrumental Mix" is produced by top UK artist Moose (half of Musique vs U2 and PF Project) and this mix consists of a really funky disco bassline, shuffled drums, filtered synth stabs and other elements all arranged in a really good way. There is a synth arpeggio thrown in for good measure too. The "Philter Vocal Mix" is all of what I've just mentioned plus some really nice vocals provided by Belinda Denice James (who is the ex-singer of UK act Basement Jaxx). The "Original Mix" is a simple looped groove with a chugging bassline, with the vocals on the Philter mix. Filtering occurs but not much else happens in this mix. The "Havana's Connection Mix" is a much faster mix than all the others. This mix is basically the Original mix sped up with a really funky organ added - this is the sort of thing I would expect to find on the Untidy Trax label in the UK. All in all this is a definite summer time tune.
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Oro Verde - You
Collision
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You (Lost Witness Mix)
You (San Project Mix) You (Original Mix) |
Full Review: Collision return for the third time this month with this track from "Oro Verde" (again a production team I know very little about). I'll be honest and say the "Lost Witness Remix" of "You" reminded me a lot of "You Take My Breath Away" by "Surreal". It is still a very good track considering my view of their other productions. This track starts with a shuffled bassline and filtered vocals over some effective drum programming. Simple Underlays come in as the track leads into the breakdown with some very nice strings and a really good riff. The track kicks back in and works a treat. The "San Project" mix is a more percussive and not so happy vesion of the tune. Eerie strings, tribal percussion loops and warm synth chords over a one note bassline are the features of this mix. Little else happens that gains my interest in this mix. The "Original Mix" is a much more lively and uptempo, simple synth chords over an opposing bassline and funky drum rhythm are the main order with hints of the "You" vocal dropped in. Again not much else happens but this mix is really happy and uplifting and definitely worthy of a spin.
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Lyric + Natali - Over Emotion
iNtra
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Over Emotion (DJ Spoiled Mix) |
Full Review: This one track CD is from iNtra records all the way from Israel. I never heard of intra up until a friend of mine passed me thier contact details. They are the label who have brought us the huge "More And More" by "Spoiled and Zigo". This release by Lyric & Natali has already had serious label interest in the UK having been licensed to "Hooj Choons" offshoot "Lost Language". The mix provided is by DJ Spoiled. The track starts off with some simple drum programming and chimes. A good bassline and short synth excerpts come in. This is followed by some synth arpeggios and hints of a vocal. The track breaks down and the vocal that comes in that really ruins the track in my opinion. It's a shame as the track seemed really promising without it. Still - it has received DJ Support from Paul Oakenfold, Dave Pearce and DJ Tiesto so give it a listen to anyway.
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Intense - Pulsar Version
Tri Lamb
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Pulsar Version
Grimlock Special Freedom |
Full Review: The Tri-Lamb label has in the past been very popular with some of the most diverse range of DJs around, with interest from the likes of Fergie, Anne Savage, Future Shock and Richie Hawtin (aka Plastikman) all supporting at least one of the labels tracks. This release from "Insense" is 3 tracks of percussive madness. "Pulsar Version" starts with a kick drum and bass loop. The drum programming increases as hints of a female vocal come in. The track then drops into a breakdown where a quick and very odd riff comes in. The vocal continues after the breakdown to lead the track in, by which point this track sounds really nice and progressive. "Grimlock" is a monster track from just after the word go when we are introduced to a really heavy kick and repeated loop. The track dies down to some fx, then a short gap follows before the track kicks in again. Sounding wicked too despite having quite a simple arrangement. "Special Freedom" starts off with a funky bassline over a pretty heavy percussion arrangement combined with FX. A short synth underlay is played with up until the break where a nagging riff fades in that takes you back into the track. Little else happens but thats not a problem. Each of the three tracks on this EP are very good and I would definitely recommend a purchase if you like something a little different.
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Signum - Five Yards
Jinx
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Five Yards
First Strike (ATB Mix) |
Full Review: The Mighty Signum return! I've been following these two producers since their release of "What Ya Got 4 Me" on Jinx at the end of 1998. Here they are with this two tracker which is a change from their usual trance productions and is a bit deeper. "Five Yards" starts with some funky progressive drums, fx and a bass loop. Already it sounds in the same style as Insense's production on Tri-Lamb I also reviewed this month not for much longer. The track dies down into a pan flute melody over some strings which sounds nice and ambient, then the build up occurs in which the track kicks in again sounding really nice and progressive. The ATB mix of "First Strike" on the flip starts with simple drums and a funky bassline. The track drops the kick for a while as female vocals are added with a synth underlay. The kick comes back in and the track carries on until it breaks down where a very nice riff comes in, which even though I usually dislike ATB's productions i'll admit sounds very good. That's all there appears to be in this track but still give both of these tracks on offer a listen as they are class.
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Those 2 - Live @ Calgary
2 Play
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Live @ Calgary
Kaboom |
Full Review: This is a return for Those 2 (better known as Mac Zimms and The Freak). In the past these two producers have produced some really excellent tracks... and some not so good ones, but this one is quite nice. "Live @ Calgary" starts with a funky disco loop and then a kick and bassline comes in. Piano stabs are played around with alongside a nice synth underlay. The track dies down into some crowd samples and the piano stabs return building the track up. When the tune comes back it sounds quite nice. "Kaboom" on the flip starts with a synth part like that off their track "Get Wicked". A tough drumloop comes in along with a funky bassline. The track continues like this until a really nice piano melody comes in along with a vocal saying "Kaboom". The track builds up and repeats more of the same but then drops to add a really funky riff also like the one from "Get Wicked" except I think this is a little better. That's all there is to this one but its still a really good production like "Live @ Calgary" on the A side.
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Precision vs DJ Buddha - Muzik
Playmobeat
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Muzik
Scary |
Full Review: This two tracker is produced by Precision (Pascal van Eijk) and DJ Buddha with the help of The Freak. "Muzik" starts off with a loop that has been used by E- Craig and also in one of my own productions. A vocal of "Muzik" and offbeat bassline comes in. Then the track drops so the synth underlay comes in and everything sounds nice and trancey. The synth underlay leads the track into the breakdown where a nice arpeggio riff comes in which sounds really good. The track at this point reminds me a little bit of the way Fancy Fair by Katana was arranged but this isn't a bad thing as this track is wicked. When the track kicks back in the riff is gone but there is a buzzy synth every so often. "Scary" on the flip is a lively hard house number with an opposing bassline and funky drum arrangement. The track carries on like this until some Amiga-500 style stabs come in with excerpts from a movie to go with. The breakdown comes in where some more of the movie excerpt carries on and a really frantic riff. The track builds up and sounds really good. Nice work Pascal + Buddha.
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The Freak - Things We Do
2 Play
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Things We Do (Mac Zimms Mix)
Things We Do (Original) |
Full Review: Here is a good two tracker. The "Mac Zimms" mix of this is a nice progressive number which starts with an echoed bassline and hypnotic drums with an bell repeated every so often. A vocal of "We cry a lot, we die a lot, we laugh, we snooze, we f*ck a lot, we dance a lot, we drink a lot, we get high" comes in and the track adds some mechanical fx loops which work really well. A nice uplfiting riff comes in similar to that of "Golden Girls - Kinetic" and the tune has a really long build up which works a treat sounding ace when it kicks back in. The "Original Mix" is a bit more simplistic in arrangement however it does add some synth underlays and plays the riff in a different key and is filtered around with, which sounds even better in my opinion. Thats about it but both the mixes on this release are ace and worthy of a spin, with the Mac Zimms mix being my favourite of the two.
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Yelmo - Rockin It
Detonator
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Rockin It (Hard Mix)
Rockin It (Trance Mix) |
Full Review: This is release number two for Redemption's offshoot label Detonator. Yelmo isn't a character off sesame street like I first thought, but is in fact Dom Harding. Dom produces as Airhead and Weirdo on labels such as TNT, Tinrib and of course Redemption. The "Hard Mix" of "Rockin It" is quality. Starting off with some excellent drum programming and an offbeat bassline, this track lifts you up completely when a tough 303 comes in to the arrangement with some stabs. The track breaks down where an excellent grinding riff comes in along with the "Rockin It" vocal. The track kicks back in with some extra synth underlays and continues to the second breakdown where a new riff is added on top. Excellent. The "Trance Mix" is slightly more laidback with simple drums, a loud as you like kick and offbeat bassline. 303 stabs come in taking the track into the breakdown where the second riff off the "Hard Mix" comes in. A new synth underlay comes in which left me smiling for some reason. Thats all there is to this mix really. Both of these tracks will make you attempt to breakdance to them as they are definitely a sign of good things to come on the Detonator label. Check out http://www.redemption.co.uk to order your copy
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Owen B - Out There
Redemption
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Out There
Out Of Control |
Full Review: Owen B is the latest producer employed for the Redemption label production roster. Having already made quite a strong name for himself with his releases on Fevah and Toast recordings and DJing at Fevah and Farenheit events, he appears to be one to watch. "Out There" is pretty much in yer face from the moment go. A nice tough kick comes in with equally tough drumloops and an "Ah Yeah" vocal. Then a synth underlay comes in with an opposing bassline and leads the track to the breakdown. A simple three note riff the fades in and kicks the track off again. I personally prefer "Out Of Control" on the flip. Starting with a deep bassy kick and tough and tight drum programming the track leads into a bassline and fx sweeps. A 303 underlay comes in next and elements of the synth underlay. The track breaks down where A vocal of "It's beyond my control" leads the track into one monster of a riff. The track kicks back in and sounds ace. Pre-Release Copies of this are on sale at http://www.redemption.co.uk so check it out!
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Medicine Men - Psyckofunk
Carnal
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Psyckofunk
Mescalum Man |
Full Review: The excellent Carnal label return after a long absence with this two tracker produced by the main producers for the label "Medicine Men". "Psyckofunk" starts with a simple drumloop, a kick and some industrial fx. A vocal comes in and the track soon leads into a warbling bassline and some strong percussion along with a synth underlay which takes the track to the breakdown. The synth underlay filters up along with a different vocal of "Motherf*cking psycho!" and a really twisted synth riff comes in knocking you way out of your depth. The track breaks down again with a breakbeat, some movie vocals and stabs along with that vocal and sounds ace. "Mescalum Man" on the flip starts with a breakbeat, some fx and a simple two note synth underlay. A kick comes in with a warped bassline and eerie synth line. This carries on till the track breaks down where some really evil vocal comes in along with a very dark unsettling riff which gets you going mad when the track comes back in again. The track carries on like this way till the second break where a vocal of "Turn The Music On" is introduced. Thats all there is to this track which also sounds brilliant and as usual Carnal do it again with this two tracker. Check it out.
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Alvin Dorsey + Nick Pertel - Vicious Games
Black Hole
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Vicious Games (Fred Numf + Etienne Overdijk Mix)
K (Original Mix) |
Full Review: This release on Dutch label Black Hole is by Alvin Dorsey + Nick Pertel. I've never heard of these two before but oh well. The unpronounceable "Fred Numf + Etienne Overdijk Mix" starts with a tribal drum loop over a kick drum, some ride cymbals and FX. A bassline comes in with a gated synth underlay and some stabs. Another gated synth line comes in and this leads the track to the breakdown where a riff comes in which sounds OK. The track kicks in and the only thing thats added is some more gated synths later on. Nothing much else happens in this track and it is pretty average. "K" on the other hand starts with a kick drum and hi hats. A tough chugging bassline comes in along with some fx. This leads into some mechanical fx loops and this drops out as some chinese mandolin instrument comes in which plays a hypnotic riff and it sounds really good. The track kicks back in again and thats all that really happens in this track but it is very nice. Nice one Black Hole!!
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Scott Mac vs U.X.B - Profile
Black Hole Avanti
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Profile
Swell |
Full Review: One of my favourite producers to come from this year (Scott Mac of course!) has teamed up with two other producers from London (who are better known as U.X.B) in the UK to do this wicked two tracker on the Black Hole Avanti label. This is something a little different than Scott's Usual stuff as this is out and out percussive techno. "Profile" starts off with a repeated loop which is consistant all the way through the track. A punchy clap and FX follow with the loop being played around with. Hi Hats and Ride Cymbals follow next as the loop is filtered which makes it sound a whole lot nastier. Some synth sweeps come in which add to the twisted nature of this track and this is definitely one that got me nodding along to while writing this. "Swell" starts with a synth stab and kick drum. Hi Hats are added along with an FX sweep and claps. The Hi Hats then are effected with. A percussion loop comes in soon after, along with some Ride Cymbals and then the track drops down for a short break. In this break, the synth stab still continues as a synth underlay is filtered in along with a short bassline and the hi hat programming. The track drops very quickly where a female vocal comes in which kicks the track off again. Again another twisted track from these mad London folk. Going to be charted by me for a long time... More Please!!
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Jaimy + Kenny D - Keep On Touchin' Me
Wildlife
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Keep On Touchin' Me (Erick Morillo Edit)
Keep On Touchin' Me (DJ Jaimy's Fatal Mix) Keep On Touchin' Me (Erick Morillo Boneapella) |
Full Review: Release number 13 for Black Hole's "Wildlife" sublabel comes from Jaimy + Kenny D who are an act I've reviewed quite a few tracks by before. The "Erick Morillo Edit" of "Keep On Touchin' Me" starts with a conga loop and a kick. This leads into excerpts of the vocal and a funky bassline. A synth loop comes in which is played around with (reminding me a bit like a remix of "Scott + Leon - You Used To Hold Me"). This drops down for a siren to come in and the riff of the track. Vocals from Lilian come in and the track goes pretty funky from there but I'm not overly keen on this mix at all. The "DJ Jaimy's Fatal Mix" starts with simple drum programming. A conga loop comes in to make this sound a little more complex and progressive and this leads into some FX sweeps. The track breaks down and another conga loop comes in along with a flanged bassline. Some metallic synth stabs come in which are flanged along with elements of the vocal. The track breaks down when the full vocal line comes in as a siren comes in and the track builds up. The track kicks in but sounds pretty minimalistic, it's an OK attempt though. The "Erick Morillo Boneapella" is a nice acapella of the track along with the riff from his mix and some sirens. This mix would make good use if you layered your own percussion on top. All 3 of these mixes are pretty average but if you like it a little funkier they may be your thing.
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Lilian - You Give Me Music
Wildlife
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You Give Me Music (Original Mix)
You Give Me Music (Jaimy + Kenny D Mix) |
Full Review: This release is by Lilian Van Sonsbeek (who provided the vocals on Jaimy + Kenny D's "Keep On Touching Me"). The "Original Mix" starts with a kick drum and synth stab which are played over a tribal drumloop. Hi Hats are added along with some FX Sweeps which lead the track into a funky bassline. Some gated synth chords come in too and this leads the track into the breakdown. Lilian's vocals come in over a pretty commercial sounding underlay and synth stabs. The track then goes really commercial after that point and is not really my sort of thing. The Jaimy + Kenny D mix on the flip isn't so bad, starting with a simple kick and snare with some flanged synth stabs, the arrangement quickly goes very deep and progressive sounding. Synth sweeps come in along with excerpts of Lilian's vocal but this is still very simple and nothing else happens. Again, not really my sort of thing but check it out anyway.
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Taste Experience - Alamana (Remixes)
Black Hole
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Alamana (Geert Huinink Mix)
Alamana (DJ Debra Mix) |
Full Review: This release on black hole is by Taste Experience. Their Track "Summersault" was quite a huge track in the UK, being licensed to the succesful Manifesto recordings label. This is the same track but under a new name of "Alamana". The "Geert Huinink mix" of this track starts with a spanish guitar and gated chords. This leads into a kick drum and funky bassline with the chords still carrying on. A conga loop is added and this leads the track to a short break. The gated chords still continue but a synth underlay is introduced as the guitar comes back in and the drums. The vocal off the original mix comes in which really works with this mix. The "DJ Debra mix" on the flip is a more darker number. Starting with conga drums and tough hi hat programming over a strong kick the track carries on like this until the bassline comes in with some FX. This leads the track to the breakdown where a dark synth sweep comes in along with the vocal and evil synth underlay. The track kicks back in and thats all there is in this mix. These mixes are nice, just a bit too laid back and simplistic in my opinion.
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DJ Jaimy vs DJ Emjay - Siberia Express
Fatal Tracks
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Siberia Express (Original Mix) |
Full Review: This one sided release on Black Hole's sublabel "Fatal Tracks" comes from DJ Jaimy (one half of Jaimy + Kenny D) and DJ Emjay. "Siberia Express" is a dark progressive track which stats off with a kick drum and some mechanical FX. A tough yet funky drum loop comes in and leads the track into some synth sweeps and a complex percussion layout. A gated synth underlay also comes in along with a repeated "tribal" like instrument. This leads the track to the breakdown where some chimes come in with a female vocal (which is effected to sound like a railway station announcer). The track kicks back when some whistles are added. That is all there is in this mix but it is definitely worth a purchase in my opinion. Excellent track.
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Manhattan - Robot Funk 2001
Zone
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Robot Funk 2001 (Cimmera's Space In Amnesia Dub)
Robot Funk 2001 (Kavova Dub) |
Full Review: Tim Harley's Zone recordings label returns on this review page after what appears to be a long time but the Zone label have certainly been keeping themselves busy as three corkers arrived in the post today. Produced by Manhattan, there are two mixes on offer here. On the A side is the "Cimmera's Space at Amnesia Dub" which starts with a simple percussion loop and industrial FX which are reverbed and delayed to perfection (like their last release Arlington Road). As the track progresses, the drums increase and sound a whole lot more complicated as synth sweeps are added with a beepy synth line. The "Karova Mix" takes a much more melodic approach starting with synth stabs over some basic drum programming. A vocal of "New York, Brooklyn, Manhattan Island" introduces a transposing bassline and FX, as the beepy synth line off the original takes the track to a short break. Nothing much else happens really except more synth underlays and some strings are added later on but its a very reasonable attempt all the same. I personally am usually more into percussion based progressive tracks rather than the melodic stuff, so the "Cimmera's Space at Amnesia Dub" clinches it for me. Good stuff!
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Andy Lindsay - Strummer
Zone
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Strummer
Divinorum |
Full Review: This is release number 19 for Zone who in all fairness have done exceptionally well for themselve in the past two years. This release is by Andy Lindsay who I will certainly be looking out for other material by if they are all like this. "Strummer" on the A side is a pretty twisted track. Starting with a funky percussion loop, we are introduced to some of the most off the wall FX and synth programming around. Frequently occuring bass sweeps add to the mayhem of the arrangement. Midway through the track we are treated to a three note bass slide. Although this track is a little bit simple it is a great slice tech house. "Divinorum" on the flip starts off with a very spacey string beginning, layered with eerie FX. A harsh loop comes in with a synth underlay and some FX sweeps. The percussion in this track increases and more insane synth programming. The track then leads into an unexpected break where a very nice synth riff comes in that blew me away completely. This is absolutely brilliant. Both of these tracks I would have thought of as a little too techno like for Zone but thankfully they've added to the label's excellent credibility.
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Tim Harley - Darkness Calling
Zone
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Darkness Calling (Original Mix)
Darkness Calling (Kavova Mix) |
Full Review: The final release from Zone this month comes from label boss Tim Healy. Tim has produced quite a few of the tracks on Zone under various aliases such as "Harley and Little", "The Limray" and on this release he's used his own name.The "Original Mix" of "Darkness Calling" on the A side starts with a simple percussion loop and a pretty heavy kick. Dark synth stabs and hints of the main vocals come in alongside more complex drum programming. The breakdown comes in where another synth stab comes in which is filtered with. The vocals in this track of "Now they will know why they are afraid of the dark" and "Darkness Calling Me" should give you the impression that this isn't intended to be the happiest song around. When it kicks in though it sounds brilliant, especially with the synth stabs that come in near the end. The "Karova Mix" on the flip starts with the usual drum programming and adds some "Der Scheiber" insprired FX. A funky bassline comes in with excerpts of the vocals off the original and some groovy synth stabs. Some ride cymbals follow soon after but thats all there is in this mix really. Nice all the same though. Both sides make this record a very cool slice of progressive house which is well worth a check.
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Ransom - My Dance
Tsunami
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My Dance (Ferry Corsten Mix)
My Dance (Duplex Reshaper Mix) My Dance (Original Mix) |
Full Review: The mighty Tsunami return with a release that was supposed to come out a few years ago but nothing ever came of it. Good thing that Purple Eye have decided to release it though as the track and new mixes are brilliant. "My Dance" by "Ransom" first made an appearence on Loaded records back in 1993 and these new mixes update on the classic. The "Ferry Corsten Mix" has his sound all over the track using tough drums, a funky bassline and updates the instruments of some of the parts from the original to give them a modern sound. When that synth underlay comes in, if you didn't know the original you would think that Ferry wrote the track himself as it has his name all over it. This leads to the riff which is completely twisted but very happy which works really well in my opinion. Then the track kicks in and got me dancing immediately. The "Duplex Reshaper Mix" goes for a more funkier approach using a darker bassline and plays around with the synth underlays. The mix also includes some hi string parts which give this mix a progressive feel. Not much else differs from the Ferry Corsten mix though and this mix is very nice all the same. The "Original Mix" is very simple in arrangement, starting with a funky cut up bassline over a tribal drum pattern, the track adds lots of off the wall synth programming when the synth underlay comes in. This leads to the riff and in all fairness there isn't much in this at all yet it makes a good listen. This is definitely a good sign showing Tsunami are releasing excellent tracks of a consistant high quality.
Louk