Lifecycle’s full-length album, Luxury Condominium, is finally upon us. And we’re lucky enough to have a free B-side from the LP called “The Magic Word.” Acid, progressive, tearout–the tune is hard to pin down, but it’s quality nonetheless. Some words from Lifecycle:
“Although this didn’t make the final tracklisting for Luxury Condominium, a fine slice of progressive acidic breakbeat aimed firmly at the dancefloor.”
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Artist: Halobeatz feat. Curly Loops Title: Infected Ballerium Label: VIM [VIMBREAKS057] Release Date: Mid-June 2010 Tracklisting:
01. Original Mix
02. Will White Remix
03. Sifter & Adan Remix
04. The Scientifics Remix
The unique lineup of artists on this release prompted me to give a listen and share my thoughts right away. And the verdict? Another quality VIM release, no doubt.
Original Mix
Cologne’s boy wonder takes on his third release for VIM, this time in cahoots with France’s Curly Loops. I had to listen to this one about five times before being able to pin down its sound. Thick, phat breaks, distorted bass stabs, and a trancey synth melody make for quite a treat. Lightly sprinkled female vocal samples, a flurry of otherworldly effects, and the faintest of pads round out the aural candy that is Infected Bellerium.
Will White
Formerly one-half of late-90s big beat legends Propellerheads, Will White went on to produce some killer breaks tunes in the noughties (Wait A Minute, for one) under his own name, as well as under the Pimpwax guise. For a while it seemed as though he’d fallen off the face of the earth. But with his recent release on Dead Famous and now this beast set to be unleashed, are we witnessing a comeback? Let’s hope so. White’s old-school-inspired remix of Infected Ballerium, while having little to do with the original save for the female vocal sample, is sure to be a crowd pleaser. This party animal of a tune adds a funky male vocal sample, along with a few signature old-school sounds, to give it an overall electro-breaks feel. My only complaint is that it should just be released as its own tune!
Sifter & Adan Remix
Another outfit we haven’t seen much from in recent years is Sifter & Adan, but they, too, seem to be back in the game. The duo were known previously for their deep bass and this reworking is no exception. It’s a short, laid back breakbeat affair that maintains the original’s main synth hook with a little added distortion. Though funky all the way and heavy on the bass, this remix somehow maintains air of chill-ness.
The Scientifics Remix
Greek trio The Scientifics–the men behind the VIM imprint–round out the package with a warm tech-house ditty. A live bassline, and proggy synths accompany the original’s melody and vocal sample (“music is my medication”). This 4/4 reworking is out just in time for the summer festival season and is sure to get you grooving.
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Though relative newcomers to the scene, Leeds’ Richard Hale and Dan De Lissandri AKA Leuce Rhythms have already made appearances on such imprints as ChipSound, High Eight’s Re:Connect, and Mesmer’s Scarcity. There’s something for everyone in this release, from progressive to jungle.
Original Mix
For their third original production (and their second appearance on Scarcity), Leuce make quite a splash. The main hook and vocals on Headroot give it an early 90s hardcore/rave feel, but the meaty breakbeat, big bass stabs, cuts, stutters, and other effects are definitely 2010. Thankfully, the vocal sample is used sparingly, and although the track is pretty straightforward, what makes it stand out is the litany of aforementioned effects. (As an aside, the tune’s main chord progression is somewhat reminiscent of Fischerspooner’s Emerge, which made me chuckle a bit.)
Retroid Remix
I had to double-check the track info on this one at first, because the beat and scratch samples initially sounded like Florida electro. But as the floating synth layers faded in my concerns were assuaged. You can eventually hear part of the main hook from the original Headroot, but fully submerged and surrounded by lush pads and melodies. Retroid shows us what he does best in this remix, with layer upon layer of ethereal textures.
B-Phreak Remix
B-Phreak’s take is more in line with the original, albeit with a fortified breakbeat, a slightly filtered hook, and B-Phreak’s signature chop-treatment on the vocals. The main breakdown/buildup is quite massive on this one, with a rising siren atop a host of beat-repeats, flangers, and other effects. This remix is squelch all the way.
Phrea Spirit Remix
Jazzy drum and bass is the name of the game in the Phrea Spirit reworking. Aside from the vocal samples sprinkled here and there, this hardly resembles the original. A classic Rhodes melody leads the charge on this groovy roller, accompanied by string pads and a percussive-laden broken beat hovering around 170BPM.
Artist: Felix Stone Title: Solvent feat. Astra Label: Flextone [FR0038] Release Date: April 12, 2010 Tracklisting:
01. Original Mix
02. Lunar Shift Remix
03. Parallax Breaks & M_Spark Remix
04. Youthful Implants Remix
If variety is the spice of life, then you’re sure to be in flavor country with this release. There’s definitely something for everyone here, from progressive, to psychedelic, to nu skool. Grab the release on Monday!
Original Mix
After a short radio tuning sample runs its course, “Solvent” switches into a tight broken beat and bubbly bassline. Astra’s vocals are strangely reminiscent of M.I.A. in her “Paper Planes,” but float lightly atop the synths and bass. While the beat, synths and vocals all scream progressive breaks, the bassline is nu skool all the way. Stone’s previous productions have leaned more on the prog side of things, but this track shows he can easily hang with Retroid, Mesmer, and others of the nu-skool-prog fusion ilk.
Lunar Shift Remix
As you might expect, the Lunar Shift take on “Solvent” is harder, faster, and meaner. The breaks are beefed up, the tempo is bumped from 133 to 135 BPM, and the bass is decidedly more wicked. The new synth stabs added into the mix have a slight hardcore feel to them à la Prodigy. On the other hand, the vocals are virtually untouched in this remix, which I feel detracts from the overall production. Though a great tune, I could have done with more toned down vocals or even a dub.
Parallax Breaks & M_Spark Remix
Parallax Breaks and M_Spark make another appearance on Stone’s label, and again it’s a mind-warping, stormer of a tune. Aside from the vocal samples here and there, not much of the original is recognizable at first listen. After a barrage of percussion, pulsating bass, twisted synths, and stutter effects, the breakdown slows things to a crawl. The haunting vocal samples build to a crescendo and the track’s conclusion. This remix gets extra points for harnessing the original’s progginess and transforming it into something I’d say approaches psy-breaks bedlam.
Youthful Implants Remix
No stranger to Flextone Recordings, the youthful Mr. Alex Virr makes yet another star appearance on the label. Sinister bass stabs, sped up vocal samples, and a few new synth lines make for a refreshing change of pace here. While the overall feel of the remix is nu skool breaks with a hint of garage, a dubsteppy breakdown keeps things fresh. Youthful Implants is not one to be pinned down to any genre or sub-genre, and I certainly appreciate that.
Artist: Lady Packa Title: Funk Soul Now/Pretty Bop feat. Elise 5000 Label: V.I.M. [V.I.M.BREAKS051] Release Date: Early April 2010 Tracklisting:
01. Funk Soul Now (Original Mix)
02. Funk Soul Now (Rektchordz Remix)
03. Pretty Bop feat. Elise 5000 (Original Mix)
04. Pretty Bop feat. Elise 5000 (RuN RiOT Remix)
It’s been a while since my last review, but I’m back with a vengeance. Although the two original tunes on this release are just so-so, the RuN RiOT and Rektchordz remixes are absolute stormers. See details below…
Funk Soul Now (Original Mix)
This is Packa’s signature techy breaks through and through. Dark, deep, and rolling with some proggy synth stabs coming in midway through, “Funk Soul Now’ in fact belies its title. A short but eerie breakdown that builds quickly into the track’s dénouement–probably the neatest-sounding part of the track.
Funk Soul Now (Rektchordz Remix)
In keeping with the original’s theme, the Rektchordz remix is tech-breaks all the way. The buzzing bass stabs and thick breakbeat stand in artful contrast with the eerie synths and atmospherics of the original. This is less in-your-face compared to other Rektchordz tracks I’ve heard, but the bass alone should do wonders on the dancefloor in the wee hours of the night.
Pretty Bop feat. Elise 5000 (Original Mix)
The flip of Packa’s single maintains the dark mood established in “Funk Soul Now,” but this time it’s more straightforward 4/4. The Elise 5000 vocals are—shall we say?—provocative, as is the synth pad that sweeps in and out. Though we could do without the sparse and somewhat random vocals, the aforementioned pads are probably the best part of the track.
Pretty Bop feat. Elise 5000 (RuN RiOT Remix)
Tom RuN RiOT’s take on “Pretty Bop” is more aggressive, as you might have guessed. Is it 4/4? Is it breaks? It’s kinda hard to pin down—like most RuN RiOT tunes. Regardless, distorted bass accompanies the original track’s rolling percussion, and the vocals are used sparingly (thank you!). Between the reworked drums and squeaky synths added over the original pads, we feel a dash of funkiness here. DJs: the intro and outro are super-short, as per RuN RiOT’s modus operandi, so be prepared to mix quickly, setup a loop, or make your own edit!
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This EP is jam-packed with prog-tastic breaks. I originally intended to have this review out before the release date, but hey–better late than never, right?
Collation (Original Mix)
The title track from these two Ukrainians takes its sweet time to fade into focus, with flanged drums building up the tension and exploding into a full-on breakbeat assault. A little reverb on the second beat stands out slightly (not in a bad way) from an otherwise tight rhythm. Meanwhile, synth stabs and rumbling bass swells duel each other into a frenzy. I really appreciated the clever programming that went into this track, like well placed stutters and filters applied at the intro and breakdown. Definitely more on the subtle side, and not so in-your-face (again, definitely not a bad thing), the original Collation is a serious builder.
Ascending (Original Mix)
Parallax joins forces with yet another Ukrainian artist, M_Spark, on Ascending. This tune ought to be right up label honcho Felix Stone’s alley, as parts of it remind me of his own Makin’ It. Arpeggiated synths, a slick drop on the downbeat, and a host of filters and stutters give the track a moody–if not melancholic–feel.
Ascending (Bubu Breaks Remix)
Bubu’s take on this tune sounds more like a dub than a remix. While much of synth layering has been stripped down, this version instead has beefed up the breakbeat and puts a bit more emphasis on the originally subdued vocal sample. Though not a bad remix, for me it comes off sounding like an older Icey tune with a hint of progginess.
Collation (Maxim Kuznyecov’s Acid Cream Breakdown)
Reminiscent of Kraymon’s recent Papillon Rouge, acid is indeed the key word here in Mr. Kuznyecov’s interpretation. At first listen, it seemed like very little of the original was retained save for the beat. Upon further auditions, however, it became clear that along with the breakbeat, the main synth patches were also ported over. They’re all present here in Maxim’s first remix, but ever so subtly. This is indeed a deconstruction, as the name implies.
Collation (Phrakture Remix)
Canada’s boy wonder takes what is probably the freshest approach to remixing the title track, and it is quite a departure. The bass is deep and dynamic, the synths are lush, and the hi-hats are in high gear. With the reworked melodies and stalls and stutters galore, the influence of BT on Phrakture’s work is clear here (and that’s a good thing). Out of the whole EP, this track arguably has the most energy, for lack of a better word.
Collation (Maxim Kuznyecov’s Acid Cream Meltdown)
More acid from the Russian-born, Budapest-based Kuznyecov, here. But this time it’s in 4/4 format rather than a breakbeat, and the intensity is upped a notch or two. For one, the drop at the end of the final build-up in this version is used much more effectively in a full-on 4/4 rhythm. While not of Three Mile Island proportions, this meltdown does have potential to unleash something fierce on the dancefloor.
Seems like Beber is still alive and kicking, though he averages about two tunes every decade or so. No matter, because this tune is great. Check it out:
Artist: RuN RiOT Title: Take My Hand EP Label: We Are Live [WAL03] Release Date: January 25, 2009 Tracklisting:
1. Original Mix
2. Dom Almond Remix
3. The Beatmonkeys Remix
4. RuN RiOT Remix
Hot off the heels of his smashing remix of Double 99′s Ripgroove, which won second place in the Skint remix competition, Tom Young (AKA RuN RiOT) brings us an EP packed with a diverse set of mixes.
Original Mix
Definitely vocal-driven, this track packs a dynamic bassline and trancey synths over an aggressive, signature RiOT breakbeat at roughly 134 BPM. Take My Hand defies categorization into any one sub-genre, but elements of tear-out and nu skool do stand out prominently. Though I’m not a huge fan of vocal tracks like this, its brooding bassline and twisted vocal effects during the breakdowns–especially the final one–are a very nice touch. If this is any indication of what’s to come, then 2010 should be a successful year for Mr. RiOT.
Dom Almond Remix
Dom Almond has taken many of the original’s elements and managed to create an even more intense version. The vocals remain untouched, as do the tempo and main synth line. But the breakbeat is cleaner, less percussive, and Dom’s sprinkled some nice effects here and there, along with another synth layer. The bassline is also way nastier–giving it a definite tear-out feel. While I think this might be my favorite of the bunch, an instrumental version of this mix might be even better.
The Beatmonkeys Remix
This remix is a change of pace from the others–quite literally. Drop the tempo about 20 BPMs, relegate the vocals to the background, add a filthy grunge lead along with some claps and bells here and there, and voilà–you’ve got the Beatmonkeys remix. OK, so it’s not as simple as that, but you get the point. I’m no expert when it comes to mid-tempo breaks, and part of it might be due to the subdued vocals (you’ll probably hear me bitch about vocals ad nauseum here), but this tune really appeals to me.
RuN RiOT Remix
Mr. Young rounds out this EP with a cheerful house version of Take My Hand. This remix maintains the clever drum work of the original, but in 4/4 format. (As an aside, it seems RuN RiOT’s unique beats are becoming something of a trademark.) Housey synths with a rave twist and hi-hats galore complement the now-tweaked vocals. Though mainly for house-heads, this remix also has some potential for cross-genre appeal as well.
Artist: Beta vs Mesmer Title: Tetris Label: Scarcity [SCAR04] Release Date: 2009-12-24 Tracklisting:
01. Original Mix
02. Retroid Remix
03. Jariten Remix
04. Quentin’s High Score Remix
A tasty Christmas treat coming from Mesmer’s burgeoning Scarcity label, featuring remixes by Retroid, Johan Soh AKA Jariten, and Quentin.
Original Mix Tetris starts out like a run-of-the-mill proggy breaks tune, with a standard breakbeat and ethereal synth stabs. But what comes next I found to be rather refreshing. A light and pleasant sprinkle of bleeps slowly fades in to the mix (which indeed sound very much like they came from the eponymous computer game), followed by heavy, rolling bass at the first breakdown. Multiple layers of synths, a plethora of Beta’s signature stutters and stalls, as and a host of tight percussion give the tune its progressive credentials, but the bassline is all nu-skool. It’s hard to tell who had a hand in what, because these two producers’ styles are quite similar, but either way a Beta and Mesmer collab has been long overdue, if you ask me.
Retroid Remix
Had I heard this in a club, I don’t think I would have initially guessed it was a Retroid remix. Pretty much everything from the original version has been beefed up or tweaked here, including the kicks, the massive Hybrid-like bass, and now-gated lead synth line. The Hungarian breaks don has also added his own original production to the breakdown, which fits in well, to his credit. This is definitely peak-time business.
Jariten Remix
The Bearded man’s rework is a more subdued affair if there ever was one. A new bassline and new synth pads are brought together over the original melody, with a quirky broken beat that is offset every 8 bars. The one thing this remix, the Retroid remix, and original have in common is a mean bassline–all different, but equally nasty. This isn’t my favorite of the bunch, but it’s definitely enjoyable.
Quentin’s High Score Remix
This housed up version of Tetris features very little from the original, most notably the supporting synth pads. Expect a classic 4/4 beat, some deep house synths, and a very discrete Rob Base sample in there, too, for good measure. Not my cup of tea, as you might expect, but surely there’s a time and a place for it. The original and Retroid versions are the clear winners in this package, as far as I’m concerned.
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Artist: Lady Packa Title: Sara’s Night/Solar Attack Label: V.I.M. [VI.M.BREAKS040] Release Date: Mid-December 2009 Tracklisting:
01. Sara’s Night (Original Mix)
02. Sara’s Night (Maelstrom Old Skool Breaks Remix)
03. Sara’s Night (Maelstrom Dubstep Remix)
04. Solar Attack (Original Mix)
05. Solar Attack (Digital Breaks Foundation Remix)
The V.I.M. crew is up to their fortieth release, this time featuring Spain’s best female breakster, Lady Packa, along with solid remixes by Maelstrom and Digital Breaks Foundation.
Sara’s Night (Original Mix)
Tech-breaks is the name of the game on the original, layering Packa’s signature tight drum break, a swirling bass loop and synth lines that flare into a barrage of bleeps. Short vocal snippets are sprinkled throughout the track, culminating in a heavily processed sample during the breakdown (“please take me higher”). Think Beaucoup Fish-era Underworld meets Flack.su–a tasty combination if there ever was one–and you’ll get where this track is headed.
Sara’s Night (Maelstrom Old Skool Breaks Remix)
When they said “Old Skool Breaks,” they weren’t kidding. France’s Maelstrom brings us his own contribution to what I call the old skool breaks revitalization movement, recently championed by the likes of Future Funk Squad, Elite Force, Meat Katie and Peo De Pitte. Retaining little from the original save for the vocal samples, Maelstrom’s interpretation instead features a percussion-driven breakbeat and snarling bass reminiscent of turn-of-the-century Bushwacka! and Ils tunes. Old skool is coming back in a big way, and not just for nostalgia’s sake. This remix put a big, stupid grin on my face.
Sara’s Night (Maelstrom Dubstep Remix)
I’m slowly but surely getting into dubstep as a genre, though I’d still consider myself a newbie. The same qualities that make our Frenchman’s “Old Skool Breaks” reworking outstanding are present in this version. Added to the mix, however, is an eerie synth pad that adds another dimension of darkness. Though a bit on the sleepier side of the genre, this remix is still likable and could fit well into a range of settings.
Solar Attack (Original Mix)
While equally dancefloor-friendly as the flip side, this next outing by Lady Packa takes a slightly different approach. Rapid bass stabs and a beat that switches back and forth between four-to-the-floor and breaks give “Solar Attack” a definitive proggy, techy feel. A pressure-valve hi hat followed by a flurry of drum rolls and twisted, robotic synth pads drive a rather futuristic breakdown–probably my favorite part of the track.
Solar Attack (Digital Breaks Foundation Mix)
The Digital Breaks Foundation’s interpretation of “Solar Attack” switches gears a bit, dropping the tempo to around 120 BPM. The bass stabs and vocal samples are left as-is, supported by a beefier breakbeat–complete with organic snares and a serious kick–and some original synth patches. It’s got a dubbier feel compared to the original mix, but at the same time maintaining the same mechanical vibe. This one’s perfect for the backroom, or any mid-tempo prog-breaks set, for that matter.
Artist: Macho Title: So Let’s Begin Label: V.I.M. [VI.M.BREAKS036] Release Date: 2009-11-25 Tracklisting:
01. Original Mix
02. I:lyke Remix
03. The Scientifics Remix
04. Toy Quantize Remix
Slovakian breaks remixed by Germans and Kazakhs, and Greeks? It’s a small world after all….
Original Mix
A didgeridoo-like synth loop reminiscent of the Prodigy or Aphex Twin kicks off this tune by Slovakia’s Macho, which is joined shortly by a fat, no-nonsense break-beat and a barrage of industrial guitar licks. The sinister, trancey pads slowly layered onto this tune, along with the 136 BPM tempo, give it a signature psy-breaks feel. All in all, this is a great original work, with the fusion of hardcore/rave and psychedelic synths making it a keeper in my book.
The Scientifics Remix
Tech-funk by design, this remix from the Greek trio is a slow roller at 128 BPM. Prevalent hi-hats amid an intricate percussion arrangement complement the groovy bassline well. Only past the mid-way point of the remix do we briefly hear a toned-down synth line from the original, but it seems to be more or less an afterthought.
I:lyke Remix
This rework by Germany’s I:lyke takes a rather leftfield approach, retaining virtually none of the original track’s elements. I:lyke slow things down tempo-wise, add a completely new samba rhythm, then layer on meaty bass stabs and a wealth of beeps and bleeps. Though not my style, or my favorite of the remixes, for that matter, this tune would be right at home beside tunes from the likes of Flore, Mephisto Odyssey, et al.
Toy Quantize Remix
Kazakh newcomer Toy Quantize put out quite a doozy with this remix. Acid synths from the original, staccatoed cymbal crashes, and new melodies layered on top of thick drums make this my favorite remix. It has one foot in psychedelia and the other planted firmly in the tech realm, but the track will be most appealing to the tear-out types.
Lifecycle’s full-length album, Luxury Condominium, is finally upon us. And we’re lucky enough to have a free B-side from the LP called “The Magic Word.” Acid, progressive, tearout–the tune is hard to pin down, but it’s quality nonetheless. Some words from Lifecycle:
