The word “classic” in electronic dance music means that a track is so strong, that it will never lose its effect on the audience. There are certainly a handful of tracks that have come and gone and garnered the title, but none are as iconic as Cruising. Airscape, of course the moniker of world renowned DJ/producer Johan Gielen, scored a world wide hit single with it in 1993 and now the song still sounds as solid and fresh as it did seventeen years ago thanks to a few 2010 reworks. This seems to be a recurring theme for Black Hole in 2010, I wonder what remix is next?
For the new Cruising 2010 Johan Gielen went back to the studio and delivered a brand new rendition, which he created together with Cor Fijneman. New and tighter beats, crisp synth lines and percussion lift up the theme of the original version and turn it into a state of the art floor filler for every DJ in the industry.
Marco V gave the original a brand new trance make over and the guys from Alkatraz added a bit more drama to the arrangement. In fact, all three versions are worth listening to and prepare yourself to have this track take over the dancefloor again for the first time, 17 years after it was originally unleashed.
Making their debut EP release on Dangerbox Recordings, we welcome “Second Way” with their two track EP titled The Friend.
This release has the perfect balance between soft progressive grooves and rough edgy basslines, a balance that is becoming harder and harder to find for many of today’s young producers. Second Way brings us two melodic tracks with a twist of dirt and pride in them along with a remix from Teana & Tilda. Teana & Tilda provide a soft progressive version of Second Way’s monster “The Friend Always Remains The Friend.”
Adding to the release’s charm is the cover art, something that sets apart Dangerbox from other labels. This is truly a visual and audio pleasure. Read on past the break for some high quality samples and be sure to vote for your favorite!
“
Music does have a place in every moment! ” - Andre
8/10
A week ago Frederic van Hooft unleashed a new 2 track EP on L8-Night Records, and as the B-side to his new production Bonn Lewis was charged with remixing the previously successful Palolem. Bonn Lewis is the production / DJ pseudonym of Ben Wilson from England. Bonn Lewis doesn’t tie himself down to one specific style, and although grounded in electronic dance music he flirts with uplifting, melodic trance, progressive and big room electro.
This latest rework on L8-Night Records manages to traverse many different styles in just under 8 minutes, and it’s this constant morphing, evolution and symbiosis that makes this a truly endearing track. I had first come across Bonn’s work with his Worlds Apart release a few months back, and I can safely say that his production skills have both matured and improved.
Read on past the break for a slice of heavenly progressive trance that will simply sweep you away!
I’ve been a fan of Ali’s work since 2005, and when I noticed his projects with Matt Smallwood, my interest was instantly renewed. These two producers have been around the scene for much longer than I have, and it seems they always manage to stay ahead of the curve with their pounding, driving and fresh takes on tech trance.
This latest effort on powerhouse label Reset Records is a dark and dreamy tech beast that slowly awakens to shake your core. Geez, was that a powerful enough analogy? But I digress…
Muze is a funky little tribal number that tosses in heaps of groovy funk, a growling bassline and a downright infectious in the breakdown that is reminiscent of Marco V’s Automanual. This track slowly creeps up on you and by the end of the track you’re left jonesing for more, but it looks the gents have decided to leave it at this. Here’s hoping we see some remixes in the near future!
“
You need to Understand, and you will... ” - Andre
9/10
8 years after his first vinyl release, Georg Levin can already be described as a long-time yet unlikely member of Berlin’s electronic music scene. With both his solo project and his production outfit Wahoo, he is definitely too much on the soulful side to be a typical representative of the techno and rock sound the city is known for. However, it may be this supposedly alien surrounding that gives his compositions and productions a distinctive blend. To his credit Georg also had a no.1 on Traxsource in late 2009 as a precursor to the release of this, his debut album.
Georg’s name isn’t household by any means, but this poetic master of music is quickly, and firmly, finding his spot in the today’s music scene, where one rarely only wears one hat. This singer, songwriter, producer has been busy in the studio, and his fruits are finally here to enjoy by all. Well, almost all, the album lands in stores in late March 2010, but till then, you can enjoy my review and the highlight samples I’ve included.
Read on past the break for my full review of this genre melting album, and be sure to sample the tracks for yourself, don’t just take my word for it!
Let’s see….this is review #5 today, and even though I told myself I’d be done after 4, I popped this gem into Winamp and well, I simply can’t let it sit idly on my computer without telling the world about it.
Bobby’s name hadn’t appeared on MusiCritics until today, and though that seems horribly wrong, I welcome his name to our pages with open arms. I’ve known Bobby personally for a number of years now, and it’s about damn time I start recognizing his talent on the site. This isn’t to say I haven’t loved his previous work, hell, one of his very own productions consistently gets played in my radio and live sets (especially in the summer!), and you can buy it on Beatport here!
This latest effort by Mr. Savage comes courtesy of Gabriel Batz’ label, Ora Recordings. Based out of Montreal, Ora has received support from some of the world’s top jocks including Roger Shah, Solarstone, Mark Pledger, and many others. Beautiful Brontosaur is a rather savage track that starts off with a wonderfully progressively summer vibe that quickly, with nary an indication, transforms into a growling beast after the lush breakdown and crash. What Bobby’s done here is craft a track that would be the perfect opener for say, Marco V (at Guv), or in a few months, Armin’s 450th episode bash at the Koolhaus. Someone get this track in his hands, it’s destined to melt hearts around the world. Along with the 4 to the floor proggy beast is a quiet sleeper in the form of a Mesozoic Sunset Mix. This truly showcases the man’s versatility!
Read on past the break for a high quality sample of each track and be sure to support the music you love!
“
Now it's real, the Russians are taking over! ” - Andre
8/10
Evgeny Bardyuzha is a regular feature at Neuroscience. His tracks regularly gain the support of DJs such as Markus Schulz, Tiesto, Paul Oakenfold and Eddie Halliwell, thanks to his distinct and unique production style. Back in October of 2009, Evgeny released his debut artist album, ‘Point of No Return’, which we reviewed with critical appraise. Now, in 2010, Neuroscience brings you ‘Hylea‘, a track that was featured on his album, a track which I pointed out as a standard out production.
‘Hylea‘ is one of the strongest tracks from the album and it was an obvious choice for a full release with remixes. After teaming up with Russian website PromoDJ.ru, Neuroscience launched a remix contest, which well and truly delivered on the goods. It was hard work, but they managed to narrow it down to six winners including, Cramp, Vullcan, Rave CHannel, Broning, Deep Sound and Eryo. Not surprisingly, there are only 2 new names in that list! In addition, Evgeny has reworked the original album mix in to a DJ friendly club mix.
Read on past the break for high quality samples of each version and be sure to show some love by supporting the artists you love!
Fresh off their remixes on Outstanding and Pacha Recordings, The House Moguls kick start 2010 with yet another prime time original. “Only One”, featuring vocals from new diva on the scene, Bekah is another dynamic approach from The Moguls. Fusing techy drums with progressive synth lines and string arrangements, your sure to find yourself engulfed in the emotion of this track.
On remix detail The Moguls selected a batch of talented & respected producers. Hot off his WMC Anthem, Dj Chuckie & LMFAO “Miami Bitch” remix, Inphinity drops a rugged late night stomper, while electro pimp Kyle Watson brings his signature electro funk fusion. Also on the bill are heavyweights Dumb Dan, Paul Damixie, Paul Deighton, Alexander Orue, and Australian Idiot House Heads Acid Jacks!
Stop over at Beatport.com today to check the tracks out, sample and them, and ultimately, buy them!
Young Polish producer Pawel Zietkiewicz aka Paul Rigel makes a comeback on Neuroscience Deep with his latest EP: Flame of Rebirth. For the follow-up, he has chosen new guise, quirkily named ‘Zientol’. Previously hitting the bull’s eye with his epic progressive tracks Orion/Meteor Shower , this time he has tried out classical approach fused with funky progressive trance to make this 60th release special.
Package consists of 4 tracks: An original , dub (Very similar to original; I still wonder why they’ve provided an extra dub…!!) and remixes by G.S.R and Maciej Panczyk. So, lets get down to dissect those amazing ch00ns…!!
Read more for my views on each track and some samples.
Ben Preston’s name has been popping up nearly everywhere lately and this latest two track EP on 2Play records shows that this young UK producer is growing into his style, a style that started out rather ho-hum in the progressive scene into what we now present to you today: A well crafted uplifting trancer that ought to knock the knickers off any partier!
Avoid Gravity, which immediately conjures up images of humans cautiously tip toeing past gravity in order to not wake it, is a piano laced beauty that when played loud lifts your body and spirits, doing exactly what the title depicts. On the B-Side we’re treated to North To South, a crisp number that features a rather interesting kick (it sounds like it’s topping and bottoming out), a deeper groove and a simple, formulaic melody that manages to impregnate my cognizant thought for days on end.
I’m adding him to my shortlist of producers to watch out for in 2010, I think you should too!
Read on past the break to sample both of these tracks, they are a nicely rounded package that lifts without uprooting.