Activa vs Chris & Matt Kidd – U.R. [Discover]
Posted by Andre on September 14, 2009 under Releases | 
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I never skip a Discover release, or at least try darn hard not to, and I’ve had this gem sitting on my desk for the better part of 2 months! GASP! Activa, a Discover Recordings staple teams up with two of my favorite hard hitting trance producers, Chris & Matt Kidd.
Aside: If you haven’t yet heard Chris & Matt’s remix of Enigma by Aethna, do yourself a massive favour, head over here to listen to it! Trust me, you want to!
Along with the original mix of U.R. are two remixes from stalwart producers/djs John Askew and Stoneface & Terminal. Each mix is slightly different, with John’s mix being rather unique for a ‘trancer’. Read on past the break for my full take, some high quality samples and for your chance to vote for your favorite!
Activa vs Chris & Matt Kidd – U.R. (Original Mix)
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Things start off with Activa’s typical crisp kickdrum and bassline, but this time around it’s evident we’ve got the stylings of an added party, in this case, Chris & Matt. They’ve instantly added a deeper edge to the track, keeping the tempo elevated and providing plenty of room atop the track for a simple vocal sample. Just past the 2 minute mark the track catches a second wind and keeps the energy flowing freely until we’re resting our tired legs in the simple and effective breakdown. It’s at this point that Activa truly begins to shine with lovely synths paired with deep celestial pads that combine to create a truly euphoric sound that we’ve all come to expect from the Discover track. Before we know it the tracks, far too soon!
Activa vs Chris & Matt Kidd – U.R. (Stoneface & Terminal Remix)
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It has been ages since I’ve actually listened to anything by this german super-trance duo! It’s been far too long. The track kicks off with a dreamy soundscape, some gentle chimes dance in the wind as the track beneath begins to take shape. The boys waste no time highlighting the melody as they jump right into the breakdown at the 2 minute mark. The melody is crisp and clean with tons of euphoria to eat up after the crash. I mentioned the original felt a little short, this number’s a solid minute shorter than that one! Yikes!
Activa vs Chris & Matt Kidd – U.R. (John Askew Discotech Remix)
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Wow, I’m going to have a rather difficult time describing this remix. Picture acid techno spliced with trance with a touch of electro wobble. This my friends, is cutting edge, and luckily John never shies away from a little innovation in his productions. The breakdown cements the track as a techno production for me, removing any doubt in my mind that John is quite possibly the most talented and versatile trance producer today. Have a few listens and discover what he’s capable of. Sheer genius I tell you, sheer genius…
The Verdict
This, though still in the same genealogical line as other Discover releases, showcases a hunger for the integration of new styles. Activa and Chris & Matt have created a euphoric monster that doesn’t cause your ears to bleed (due to the loud high frequencies you often hear in such a style) and John Askew takes a strange left turn when he decided to turn it into a Discotech smash.
As for my favorite? I’m giving the Stoneface & Terminal Remix the nod, though I have to give John an honourable mention for the wackyness he’s created. 
Score: 8/10
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