Michael Badal – Cold (w/ Remixes)
Posted by Andre on October 15, 2007 under Releases | 
Be the First to Comment | 27 views
Our latest review covers an incredibly well crafted piece of progressive trance, but none other than our very own Michael Badal. Michael has been a resident on Tracklists.ca for over 6 months now, and having seen releases on Baroque, Emalodic and now Moonrising Records (parent of MoonMood); its without a doubt this talent is quickly climbing the charts.
Along Michael on this release is a wonderfully uplifting take remixed by Stalker, sure to please those searching for some lighter and euphoric progressive trance. The final remix in this package is courtesy of hard hitters Ground Control, aka Rozza & Simon Hunt, delivering a peak time trancer sure to tear up any floor!
Original Mix
Having heard many of Michael’s previous songs, the change in tone from the start seemed slightly foreign, but that lasted for all of 3 seconds. The slightly acid overtones in the song clash perfectly with the raspy synth introduced after the 60 second mark. Layers upon layers allow Michael to build a beautifully complex song without overwhelming the listener. Michael’s melody work shines bright throughout the song, and I must say, this has to be one of the most intoxicating melodies I’ve ever heard. Into the third minute the play between the underlying bassline and the lush pads is amazing. What really allows this track to shine is the impeccable mastering, every feels like it belongs and nothing overpowers. I highly recommend this original mix to anyone looking to evoke emotions in themselves, or in a crowd. Sure to do the trick!
Stalker Remix
Stalker, of ‘Magic Crayons’ fame back in 2006, presents to us a fantastic euphoric trance, heavy on the energy, without forcing the listener into that state of mind. Having previously worked alongside Niklas Harding, Anders is sure to deliver! From the start, Stalker places a little more emphasis on the bassline, bringing it to the forefront by giving more depth than was in the Original Mix. The first 60 seconds create fantastic tension, raising the energy level until we’re introduced to a fantastic rolling side chained basssline at the 60 second mark. Once again, the next 30 seconds continue to build energy, and the listener is giving a bit of rest as the melody is carefully introduced into the second minute. This remix provided a totally different experience, and carried very different energy throughout by highlighting some darker and more dreamy tones, especially into the fourth minute. The melody is giving a slightly asian influence, and allows the last half of the song to carry smoothly. I would recommend this version to anyone looking to spice up their collection, certainly an original piece which won’t quickly be forgotten!
Ground Control Remix
I first discovered Ground Control some months ago when they saw a release on Emalodic, gaining worldwide praise for ‘Then & Now’. Needless to say, this was the version which I had looked forward to the most prior to reviewing. Instantly, the tempo has clearly been given steroids, while the energy level is slowly increased as the song is revealed. An incredibly crisp and punchy bassline is introduced at the 30 second mark, and lays the foundation for proves to be an absolute stormer! As the song develops, a certain tension fills the atmosphere, forcing the listener to wonder what will happen next…..but wow, the energy level gets taken to a new level as the melody is introduced just shy of the two minute mark. Into the third minute we’re introduced to a wonderful break, foreshadowing a fantastic build. Very simple synth and pad work allow the song to progress while minimizing audio clutter, there is clearly a fantastic grasp of stereo field separation! Coming into the break at the five minute, I was mildly disappointed as I expected something ‘more’, however, the energy unused in the crash was used in the next few minutes. This allowed the song to continue along without boring the listener, a very wise choice! Certainly a great trance rendition of Michael’s song, and I am sure this version will find its way into many playlists (and wishlists) this summer!
This release package is forthcoming on MoodMoon Records (daughter label of MoonRising Records) in the very near future! Be sure to check out the Label’s and Artists’ websites below!
Loading ...
Add A Comment