Deniro – Mind of Man (The Remixes) [Hook Recordings]

Hook is back with one of the biggest releases of the summer: Deniro’s “Mind of Man” remixes.

Originally released in 1996, Deniro’s Mind of Man became a pivotal release for Hook’s unique brand of no compromise trance. It was often quoted as the release that “Got Me in to the Hook Sound” and immediately became a firm favorite of many of the day’s major players. It gained a host of CD compilation licenses most notably appearing on one of the early Global Underground compilations, a brand which became synonymous for its taste and influence.

2009 sees this Hook classic getting the remix treatment from the tracks composer Chris Cowie using his X Cabs alias to put a new twist on the original. He’s joined by Nicholas Bennison, no stranger to the Hook label having recently released his first outing for Hook with his Deadweight Ep and also Jonathan Allyn, a newcomer to Hook but a name traveling fast up the Trance ranks.

Read on past the break for my take on each version, some high quality samples and for your chance to tell us which one is your fav!

Deniro – Mind of Man (Remix 2)

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Having never heard the original in it’s heyday, I’m rather excited to hear what Chris has done to revamp it. The track kicks off with tons of depth and attitude. The track makes use of a repetitive vocal sample (“I feel good”, which oddly enough, is the exact opposite of how I feel. Oh how cruel the world can be…) and simple layers continue to appear as we pass the 3 minute mark.  The track is easy to enjoy, it’s not that it’s simple, it’s just that the groove seems familiar, actually, really familiar.  Maybe I’m a little a more acquainted with the original than I originally thought. With very little down time in the track, it carries me from start to end on a happy vibe, and before I know it, it’s all over.

Deniro – Mind of Man (X-Cabs Remix)

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X-Cabs is Chris Cowie’s alias, and with releases on Hook, Propulsion, Nukleuz and others, I’m thinking we’re in for a hard hitting treat. The track kicks off with a very ‘99 trance like synth groove and a padded down kick drum: For some reason I’m drawing images of Oakie back in the day?! With a distinctly more old school edge to it, Chris has crafted a poignant 2009 rework of a track that I feel would work even better prior to ‘99.  The last time I discovered a song of this caliber was back in 2005 with The Movie (by The Bardini Experience and Chris P).  To sum this remix up: This is a full-on progressive trancer capable of transcending time.

Deniro – Mind of Man (Nicholas Bennison)

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Nicholas Bennison is the head honcho of Propulsion Records, and with a penchant for techno infused trance (sometimes psy-trance), this remix should shape up to be as eclectic as Zanta. Deep and brooding from the start, this track has heavy undertones of sadness and darkness, combined to create a boiling madness that lies just beneath the surface.  The breakdown is rather energetic with soft winds playing in the background atop crisp snares and hats. Amazing synths are brought into the second phase of the breakdown (approx 5:00 in) and an alarmist whirl is added to heighten the listener’s sense to the oncoming onslaught…..what a heavy build up and crash!  Talk about an emotionally powered drive!

Deniro – Mind of Man (Jonathan Allyn Remix)

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I’ve been seeing Jonathan’s name more and more lately (most recently on his superb AVA Blue release, Near You). This latest effort is a cross between his new age sound and the epic qualities of Chris’ original dating back to 1996. With dashes of psy-trance in the first minutes, Jon’s breakdown arrives to no fanfare, but as I close my eyes to enjoy the streetside atmosphere he’s created, I’m instantly swept away to a busy NYC corner as all I see are blurred lights and busy passerbys.  What a powerful breakdown for a melodic progressive trancer that adds to the mix a heapful of old age techno and new-age prog-psy-trance.

The Verdict

This is quite literally been a history lesson for me.  I’m glad this release came across my desk (major props to Nicholas for that!) and I’m glad I sat down and gave it the attention it deserved. As for my favorite, I think I’m going to choose Chris Cowie’s 2nd Mix for it’s brilliantly smooth sound.

Score: 8.5/10

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Links of Interest

Chris Cowie Website

Jonathan Allyn Website

Nicholas Bennison Website

Hook Recordings Website

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5. Jon Rundell – Mind Games [Teggno Records]