DJ Yura & Serge Franc feat Iskra – Era [Swordtail Records]
Posted by Andre on July 22, 2009 under Releases | 
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Along with Toes in the Sand Recordings, Swordtail Records is another of our favorite house labels producing cutting edge progressive, and this latest effort continues their string of successful releases.
Era is a deep and groovy little number that makes use of some exotic strings and a a vocal track that reminds me of Tiesto’s classic, Battleship Grey. The original is depicted in two different versions, a 1st Version and a 2nd Version. Adding an entirely different vibe to the track is Freza, with his Amphibian Remix.
Read on past the break for my full take on the tracks, some high quality samples and for your chance to vote for your favorite!
DJ Yura & Serge Franc feat Iskra – Era (1st Version)
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The track starts off rather epically with a tension building climb that includes the introduction of the beefy exotic guitar strings, and at this point, I’m completely smitten. 2 minutes in and we’re introduced to the wonderfully lush and soft voice of Iskra. I made a reference to an old Tiesto track in my introduction, though I still feel the two are similar, there is certainly less melancholy in this one. The entire track has a very exotic feel to it, imagine crossing an Asian vibe with something Arabian. This track is entirely win and also manages to remind me of another Tiesto playlisted track from 2004, Cages from Girl Nobody.
DJ Yura & Serge Franc feat Iskra – Era (2nd Version)
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As an alternate version to the 1st, this one takes a slightly different route by delaying the use of the exotic strings and instead using them to properly build anticipation and energy as the early moments of the track progress. Otherwise, the track’s structure doesn’t change much, but there is certainly an added depth and warmth to the track. The track also seems to have more energy than the 1st, and makes use of less vocals. A slightly different take altogether, and to be honest, both sound great and I’d have a hard time choosing between the two!
DJ Yura & Serge Franc feat Iskra – Era (Freza Amphibian Remix)
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With a distinctly tribal feel to it, this track quickly changes things up. For example, the seemingly irritating chirp used in the intro is a sheer fit of genius. To think I’d enjoy hearing it is interesting, to say the least! The track doesn’t slam into gear at the 60 second mark, instead it continues to build until there’s a mini build and whitenoise stuffed break at the 90 second mark. I’d classify this as tech house, I suppose, but don’t be fooled, this isn’t your average boring tech house. I guess a better approximation to its style would be tribal tech house with a hint of dirty electrotech. At 7:29 in length, it’s a whole 90 seconds shorter than the 1st and 2nd versions! Toss in a rampant breakdown and you’ve got something that is sure to move the stiffest of yokes.
The Verdict
I’m in love with the Swordtail Records sound. Each of these versions is a perfect example of genre melting progressive house, each with their very own persona. To choose one out of the three is asking so much of me, but if it must be done, then the 2nd version will have to prevail.
Score: 9/10
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