Arthur Schmidt & Mike Hovsepian – Nova [Infra Progressive]
Posted by Andre on October 15, 2009 under Releases | 
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I covered the previous Infra Progressive release nary a month ago, and I suppose you could say I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on their newest offering by Arthur Schmidt (one half of Basic Perspective) and Mike Hovsepian. Arthur is a staple of the Smu[th] imprint, while Mike is one half of the quickly rising star duo, Grube & Hovsepian (with releases on Neuroscience, Coldharbour, S107, etc…).
This latest effort is a trip down memory lane, as the gents manage to keep the old progressive trance vibe alive, all the while giving it some new life by providing an uplifting and airy melody to hum along to. Along with the original are three mixes from Benya, Niklas Grosswald & Trilucid. Each mix remains trancey and borders on the progressive edge.
Read on past the break for my full take on each mix, some high quality samples and for your chance to vote on your fav!
Arthur Schmidt & Mike Hovsepian – Nova (Original Mix)
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The track kicks off with waves crashing along the shore, and frankly, it doesn’t get anymore summery than that. It kind of makes the snow falling outside disappear, if but for a moment. As the bassline kicks in I’m reminded of a typical Tiff Lacey track and wonder what adding her to the track would be like….hmmmm.
As the track’s meat starts to show I’m reminded of older tracks like Swing to Harmony (Perasma) meets You Won’t See Me Cry (Markus Schulz) and I’m loving it. Phrase after phrase, mini break into groovy bassline, this track is as smooth as a fine Shiraz and you’d be hard pressed to find something that honors the progressive forefathers these gents have learned so much from. The track’s melody is a smooth as the bassline and nothing, and I mean NOTHING, feels out of place.
Arthur Schmidt & Mike Hovsepian – Nova (Benya Remix)
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With a more defined melody and crisp hats this track adds much airiness to the Original. The breakdown is the highlight, with subdued synths jacking the energy up beneath the crisp and decaying melody. This version is much shorter than the original, a full2 minutes at that, and it’s a welcome change in my opinion.
Arthur Schmidt & Mike Hovsepian – Nova (Niklas Grosswald’s Organic Remix)
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The track’s remix title truly says it all. This track has an almost organic band sound to it, with slight imperfections only adding to it’s authenticity and realism. I didn’t think another smooth progressive version of the original would go over well, but what Niklas has done is ground breaking in my opinion. Have a listen and feel yourself drawn into the synths, the lush pads and the deep kicks.
Arthur Schmidt & Mike Hovsepian – Nova (Trilucid Remix)
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This is without a doubt the most un-polished and most amateur version in the pack, and frankly, I don’t feel it belongs on the Infra Progressive label. It feels like it belongs on a typical Bonzai release, sorry Trilucid, but I know you can do better than this simplistic progressive number that seems to waver between uncertain and unsafe. Although, I will admit, you’ve got a decent groove and some semblance of an atmosphere.
The Verdict
After having only discovered the Infra Progressive label a month ago, I’m glad they keep coming under my radar. This latest from soon to be progressive stalwarts Schmidt and Hovsepian truly separate this label, and these producers, from the mindless dribble that often gets passed off as progressive trance.
As for my favorite, Niklas gets the full nod with a 10/10 from me with the other mixes providing worthy reworks. Have a listen!
Score: 8/10
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