Austin’s finest Chad Cisneros and Dave Reed return to Enhanced with another stand out release. Utopia is without a doubt one of those ‘instant’ records that quite literally slaps you about the face repeatedly with its quite brilliant arrangement!
With a bassline worthy of rocking any crowd, and a synth line to die for, we’re pretty certain this is the boys’ best instrumental track yet… and having heard what they have in store for 2010, don’t be surprised if Tritonal is a name on everyone’s lips come the end of the year. It’s been on mine for 2 years now, is it on yours yet?
Remix duties fall to the undeniably brilliant Arty; another fantastic talent to look out for this year, and as with his Trapeze remix, he delivers a brilliantly lush and slick rework of the original. Also featured is Tritonal’s own reworking for early set plays, a lovely progressive take on the uplifting original.
Looking for some massive Techno? Then look no further than this hot new release on Canadian imprint 4Play Trax. The sister label of Amplified Digital, 4Play has been making waves with new and up and coming Canadian producers with remixes from some of the world’s best young talent. This techno release isn’t exactly what you might typically hear on this label, but I welcome the change up with open arms.
Along with the Original Mix are techno remixes by Peppelino and a Re-work from Sadowick & SDK (Techno), while our very close friend Joran rounds things out with a banging house remix that is more techno than anything.
Another great package put together by 4Play Trax and definitely something different from their camp but still quality music for your for just about any setting, except maybe your wedding. Or is it? Read on past the break for high quality samples.
Bissen gets back on the radar with fresh new reworks of two of his most requested tracks. Firstly his collaboration with vocalist Victoria Gross which dropped off the radar when the original label ceased trading and has, until now, only been available on very limited vinyl. Well not anymore it isn’t….
Bissen has reworked his originals bringing them bang up to date and showcasing Victoria’s soulful vocal to maximum effect. Also included in the package is John O’Callaghan’s original 2005 remix which stands the test of time very well making it perfect for both collectors and for JOC’s legion of new and old fans.
Continuing on the rework theme, Bissen this time turns his attention to “Sand”, again giving it the full makeover treatment this time coupled with the added bonus of a brand new FEI-FEI remix. As a final bonus, Bissen trips us out with his down tempo chillout mix of Like I Do – perfect for those post club moments, and we all know what those are typically like. Read on past the break for high quality samples of each track and be sure to add them to your crate, these are available for download at Beatport.com!
Henrik Kantola, aka ‘Chantola’ journeyed into the world of electronic music at the start of the millennium. Inspired by some of the top jocks and a self driven passion, this young Finnish talent began to produce in 2003. Beginning with Acid Pro and a hardware sequencer, Chantola played with basic loops and short tracks. As the results came, so did his hunger to buy newer equipment and software.
It wasn’t until 2007 that Chantola really found his break. Teaming up with a Helsinki based producer Jussi Vuorivirta, he formed a duo. Spiritus & Asper was born and full tunes began to materialize. In December 2008, their first completed production “Passion” was snapped up by Oulu based Wavedata Records, due out in June this year. As the momentum flowed, so did the label signings. With tunes set for release on Black Hole Recordings and Baroque, this young duo seem to be doing something right.
Today the main man Henrik Kantola presents his newest single Last Train To Mexico under his Chantola guise. A top progressive trance – progressive house – tech house release on the Nemesis label including remixes by Beach X, Wert and Paul Easy. If you like progressive trance, Finnish trance and groove you won’t want to miss this release. Samples after the break.
After being launched in 2003, RR Record went on to release tracks by Ron van den Beuken (under a few guises), Pascal Feliz, Nenes, Sam Sharp (aka Sander van Doorn), Tatana and many others! After being dropped off in 2005, the label made a triumphant return in 2009 with 10 releases, many of which featured the label head once again, but included a packed roster of producers, much like Maarten de Jong!
After a collab on this label in 2009 these two return with yet another 3 track pack that features a growling bassline, noteworthy hook and lead and some chilling breakdowns that are sure to cater to many of you! For some reason, there is a MdJ Dub Mix along with the MdJ and Trance mixes, but none of them feature any semblance of a vocal track. Regardless, each mix is banging with MdJ’s version packing a little more gusto than the Original, while the Trance mix makes it a little more peak time worthy.
Read on past the break for high quality samples of each version and be sure to add this one to your crate, especially the Trance mix if you’re a sucker for piano breakdowns.
“
An example of all things good in Trance! ” - Andre
10/10
I don’t normally highlight single tracks, but this track from a 3 track EP, stood out so much that I had to give credit where credit is due. This track melts what I consider to be the best elements of Armin van Buuren, John Askew and John O’Callaghan’s sound to create a unique, driving and uplifting trance tune that is sure to raise the hair on your neck.
I’d love to say more, but I’ll let you all be the judge, for a high quality sample, hit up the read more link! If you’re looking for more info on Running Man I wish thee good luck. If you’ve got some dirt, hit us up in the comments, we’re dying to know more!
“
The master evolver, evolving new into old! ” - Andre
9/10
Just in time for WMC 2010 the boys at Bellboy Records are offering up a slice of springtime Tech-Funk with a bit of Nu-Disco sprinkled on top. Never one to be boxed into a specific genre Chris Cowie’s “X3” EP is a three tracker that has a little something for everyone.
Cowie’s first cut “3rd Degree” is a smooth four on the floor Tech-House number with large doses of funk and a springtime vibe that is perfect for the pools and beaches of Miami. If you’re tired of the winter blues “3rd Degree” is the right vehicle to get you headed into summer.
Cowie’s second entry “Disco Revenge” falls in the realm of Nu-Disco however the Cowman’s Tech-Funk vibe is stamped all over this one and it works beautifully! Great vibe, wonderful flow this Nu-Disco groover is unapologetically in a class by itself. Chris’s third offering “Sential” is for all the Bellboy massive out there that need the techier side of things no matter what time of year it is. “Sential” definitely has a springtime vibe to it but the techier lines are upfront and represented proudly with this number.
You don’t want to miss any of these beasts, especially “Sential”, which is just the perfect track for kicking a poolside set into high gear! Read on for some high quality samples and be sure to visit the label’s website.
“
A truly refreshing 24 minutes of Trance! ” - Andre
8/10
running out of colors gents?
Well, its deep into 2010 and Finity has finally unleashed its first release of the year, and after their hot finish to 2009, it’s no surprise to hear this solid release come from the hands of yet another talented Finnish trance producer. Thomas is no stranger to trance, neither is he a stranger to the Finity camp as this is his 4th release on the imprint.
This latest packs 3 tracks, each original productions, that span progressive soundscapes and plant themselves firmly in euphoric trance. Imaginary Friends is a catchy little number that pushes the pace some and includes some dreamy female vocals; while Walking Against It is more David West/Joonas Hahmo in style, once again featuring some great cut up and effected vocals. The last track is probably the most likable, with its Niklas Grosswald like sound that would fit perfectly early on in a slamming trance set. Don’t miss The One You Love!
Read on past the break for high quality samples and be sure to keep your ears peeled for this great label in 2010!
After Meridian and Dave Costa team up with Cat Martin for the classy prog trancer ‘Empty Spaces‘. Having remixed Will Holland’s Tears In The Rain, this is After Meridian’s first original work on the label. A warm bass and lush melodies make this a great track for the dancefloor early on in the night, and just the thing to kick things off on a sunny, summer friday afternoon.
The remixes in this package come from Andrew Bennett and Funabashi. Bennett’s remix is typical of his; smooth, slick progressive trance, and splicing / dubbing the vocals to great effect. Funabashi ups the groove and adds a sparkling top line to finish it off! Rounding things out is a 4th version that is void of Cat’s voice, for those of you looking for a more instrumental rendition.
Read on past the break for high quality samples of each mix. You don’t want to miss this hot new Enhanced release.
“
Start...Stop....Start....Stop....Start! ” - Andre
8/10
The latest package from Red Force Recordings is brought to you by their newest recruit, Harry Dyer (also known as Gravity). “Red Light Green Light” caught our ears on first listen and well, needless to say, we just had to review it! “Red Light Green Light” is a playful, prog-trance track with bubbly plucks and a very warm theme. We’re sure you’ll find Harry’s sound as unique and refreshing as we have, with direct parallels to David West or Joonas Hahmo’s style of trance.
On the remix front comes Anjunabeats upperclassman Adam Nickey. Adam drops this track into 6th gear, adding in powerful drums, a driving bassline and his trademark lush synthwork to create a full-on monster. Harry also took a turn at remixing his own tune and the result can be described as slightly harder and a bit of a tease!
Read on past the break for high quality samples of each version!