Redstar – Awakening Remixes Pt 1 [Red Force Recordings]
Posted by Andre on July 1, 2009 under Releases | 
3 Comments to Read | 61 views
'wake me up, before you go-go....'
Originally released last year on Enhanced Recordings, the “Awakening EP” proved to be a massive success. Not only had the EP gained support from the likes of Tiesto, Sean Tyas and Andy Moor, each track managed to land on a number of compilations including Sean Tyas’ Tytanium, Digitally Enhanced Vol 2 and Matt Hardwick & Kane Nelson’s Digital Society Vol 1.
The EP resurfaces on Red Force Recordings as a two-part release, the first of which features “Awakening” and its remixes, which include interpretations from Syna, Andy Piney and even a mashup of “Awakening” with the classic “Destination” by DT8 Project. To that I say: 
!
Read on for my impressions, samples and for your chance to vote for your fav!
Redstar – Awakening (Original Mix)
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I don’t know how this originally slipped by me last year, but I’m glad I caught on it’s second time around. The track kicks off with a unique little groove in the bassline, and before you know it, we’re in the front seat doing 120mph. The track matures with a deeper sidechained kick and bassline at the 90 second mark, and up until now the track’s been pretty standard with a mildly acid-like riff. At the 1:50 mark we’re treated to some neat stuttering effects that manage to kick the energy level up some, and remove some of the boredom. The breakdown arrives mostly unannounced, but once the melody drops its a whole other beast. Hands up, reaching for lasers, I simply can’t get enough of the emotion and attitude this track’s giving me. The build takes things to new heights, but unlike most drops, the track actually develops more after the crash! A stunning piece of work!
Redstar – Awakening (Syna Remix)
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Syna’s a name I’ve come across in the recent past, with releases on Finity and Solaris, this duo of 3 finnish producers certain have a unique sound. The track kicks off with a more techno friendly edge, and the melody’s been heavily modified to give it a more classical and deep sound that provides the track with much needed emotion. The overall sound is still technically trance, but there’s a heavy progressive influence (the fins are notorious for top-class prog) that includes a lush piano, spacey pads and a gritty synth based melody in the breakdown. Emotionally driven and rather epic for a progressive offering, this remix stands out.
Redstar – Awakening (Andy Piney Remix)
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Don’t be fooled, Andy Piney might sound British, but it isn’t. It’s actually the stagename for yet another Finnish producer, Antti Mäntysaari. This version carries much more energy than the previous remix, but the core elements don’t jive very well. The melody is a little tiresome (prior to the breakdown) and the bassline could use some added depth. I’m not saying this version is by any means bad, I’m just not feeling the vibe. It does however, have a very warm and summery feel to it, especially in the breakdown (love those strings!)
Redstar vs DT8 Project – Destination Awakening (Redstar Mashup)
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If you’ve not heard DT8 Project’s classic ‘Destination’, this mashup might not impress too much, but if you have and enjoy the original, you’ll want to add this to your collection. It carries the same awesome hair raising emotion and energy as the original version of ‘Awakening’, but adds Roxanne’s smooth and lush vocals to the mix. After some test plays over the past few months, this mashup has stirred up some serious demand, and it’s obvious why! Once they received the green light from Mondo, they decided this would be the perfect way to round off the release…and it is!
The Verdict
This was my first foray into Red Force Recordings, and I’m pleased to have discovered a new label that produces crisp, emotional and powerful trance. Keep your eyes peeled, this young American producer has the drive and talent needed to rise…and quickly at that! As for my favorite, I’m giving the Original a HUGE two thumbs up, with the mashup a close second.
Score: 8/10
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Links of Interest
Aaron said,
Duo of three Finnish producers, eh?
Reply
Andre said,
Interesting….apparently so. LOL
Reply
Redstar – Awakening Remixes Pt 2 [Red Force Recordings] » MusiCritics said,
[...] The EP resurfaces on Red Force Recordings as a two-part release, the first of which features “Awakening” and its remixes, of which I reviewed here. [...]
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