Solarstone + Alucard – Late Summer Fields 2009 [Solaris Recordings]
Posted by Andre on December 7, 2009 under Releases | 
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When it came time for Ferry Corsten to pick the track to remix from ‘Rain Stars Eternal’, he didn’t even blink. Written, composed, produced and notably sung by Solarstone, ‘Late Summer Fields’ had, on its original release been a cornerstone of his sets for 6+ months. Ferry has retouched Rich’s picture-perfect end-of-summer’s lament into a towering emotive volcano; one, it has to be said, that has every ounce of Corsten’s regulation floor-essence about it.
Aside from his mix, there are plenty of other sublime recreations going on this release. Solaris Recordings and Electronic Architecture alumni Forerunners rework it in their inimitable fashion with Club, Dub and Intro remix flavours of LSF, adding yet more halcyon shades to the track. LSF co-producer Alucard has also stepped back up for his stunning (and chasm-deep) Shadowlord remix, while Malta’s Tenishia keeps things locked floor-side with a bass booming drop and big-break kick-off.
This release landed on my desk 2 weeks ago and I’ve been purposely burning through reviews so that I could provide myself enough time to properly enjoy all 6 recreations on Solaris’ 39th release. We’ve got a long way to go, so head on over past the break and hit up some high quality samples, my track reviews and be sure to vote for your favorite of the pack!
Solarstone + Alucard – Late Summer Fields (Ferry Corsten Remix)
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Ferry’s sound has evolved over the years, and it seems that as of late, he’s returning to a softer, more euphoric sound, a sound he used to champion prior to 2005, and this latest remix solidifies his position in the world of melodic trance producers. To be quite honest, Ferry is back! Though I appreciated his foray into the glitchy and dark underworld of trance with his L.E.F. productions years ago, the moment he changed, he lost a loyal fan; but this remix has me eating from the palm of his hands all over again. Well, enough about my man-crush on Ferry, let’s actually see what all the fuss is about this track.
The track kicks off with a very soft groove that includes dry kicks, lovely chimes, and sawing synths. A minute in we’re starting to discover a truly surreal, almost celestial, facet to the song, and the next minute slowly pulls you in until at the 2 minute mark we’re enjoying stabbed and cut up vocals courtesy of Solarstone. At over 9 minutes in length, the track is long, but it allows the breakdown to explore many different sounds; Starting with a crisp and clean soundscape with celestial pads, chimes and chirps. Not much later we’re enjoying Solarstone’s voice, front and center, and then the soft crash of the breakdown that ushers in the last third of the track.
With overtones of peace, tranquility and happiness, this rework does not rush a single second, allowing the track to slowly develop into an emotionally tugging masterpiece. This is such a perfect opener for a DJ set while partiers bask in the setting sun off the coast of Spain.
Solarstone + Alucard – Late Summer Fields (Forerunner’s Club Mix)
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The Forerunners, which used to consist of Brendan LaBonte and Simon Duncan, now only consists of Brendan at the helm. Not to worry though, Solarstone’s staple production team still packs a punch with this rework, taking the lush soundscapes that Ferry highlighted and turning them into something that is much more suited for a club, though I wouldn’t be surprised if this rework becomes a staple in many roadtrip worthy mixes.
Solarstone + Alucard – Late Summer Fields (Tenishia Remix)
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Malta’s very own deliver a darker rework of this melodic masterpiece, and though the track kicks off with a deep bassline and rounded kickdrum, don’t be fooled, this version remains as true to the original as the previous versions I’ve discussed. This is a refreshing reminder that deep basslines don’t always imply dark tracks, and the high end on this remix provides a wonderful contrast with the pulsing bass line that underlies the entire track. There’s almost a very primal, tribal feel to the bass line….and I can’t help but groove along as I listen. It’s rather interesting to see the different approaches used to remix music, and the different emotional styles each evokes. So far, this release does a great job of doing just that!
Solarstone + Alucard – Late Summer Fields (Alucard’s Shadow Lord Remix)
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Alucard’s style of music has had a large impact on my musical taste. It was he who introduced me to Digital Witchcraft, and through his Mushroom Therapy series, I’ve discovered many talented, chilled out progressive producers. This remix reeks of Pete’s typically groovy, smooth and lush progressive sound. It’s all about the atmosphere in this gem, with things toned down in most areas, there’s a relaxing calmness to the track, and at 9 minutes long, there’s plenty of time to get lost in it.
Solarstone + Alucard – Late Summer Fields (Forerunner’s Intro Mix)
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As the longest version in this release (nearly 11 minutes long!!!), this version provides a fully intro ready mix for DJs, even though I felt Ferry’s rework was perfect as an opener. To each their own I suppose, and the simple intro added to Brendan’s club friendly version doesn’t add much to the track. You be the judge!
Solarstone + Alucard – Late Summer Fields (Forerunner’s Dub Mix)
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Much like their Club Mix, this version is perfect for a Friday afternoon drive to the beach, but instead of an entire vocal track within the song, Solarstone’s voice is reserved as a side instrument of sorts. Powerful nonetheless…maybe even more so.
The Verdict
Rarely do I ever purchase, or keep, every mix on a release. Actually, I can’t recall the last time I did so, especially with a release that packed 5+ songs into it. This one, in its entirety, is a keeper. Emotions abound in each version, and it’s for that reason alone that each mix stands out. There’s a version for every taste, but good luck eventually deciding on a winner, I know I haven’t been able to.
Score: 9/10
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