Artist: Great Scott
Release: Safehouse
Label: Scarcity Records [SCAR03]
Release Date: 2009-11-13
Tracklist:
01. Original Mix
02. Stefan Anion’s Slightly Risky Remix
03. Mesmer Remix
04. Yreane Remix

Original Mix
Glad this release is finally seeing the light of day—with a star-studded lineup on remix duties, no less. The original mix, at roughly 132 BPM, can best be described as progressive breaks, with a twist. Tight broken beats, deep and bouncy bass, and an industrial, saw-like synth lead blend together to make for a rather refreshing listen. It’s not until the main breakdown hits that you hear the funky side of this tune, however, dropping into a half-tempo break with a seriously dubby bassline. The influence from a variety of styles is quite evident here. While a definite ‘yes’ for the progsters, this track has plenty of cross-genre potential as well.

Stefan Anion’s Slightly Risky Remix
Stefan’s interpretation is a pumping, 136-BPM four-to-the-floor affair. In addition to the tweaked out patches from the original version, the ‘Slightly Risky’ remix layers on a couple of new melodies. Arpeggiated synths and stuttered beats are in no shortage. Following a breakdown that boasts some jungle flavor, the tune explodes into its angry crescendo, reminiscent of Hybrid’s Theme From Wide Angle (Rolling Thunder Mix).

Mesmer Remix
In trying to think of who the original tune reminds me of, the best name I could come up with was Mesmer. So it’s rather fitting that the tune is not only getting released on Mesmer’s own label, but it’s also been remixed by the man himself. Maintaining the original’s tempo and main synth patch, the Romanian maestro adds on a couple of vocal samples, a nasty nu-skool bassline, and beefed up drums to give it his trademarked sound.

Yreane Remix
2009 has been a big year for the Russian known as Yreane. This remix is certainly the greatest departure from the original, and it’s actually quite a departure from Yreane’s other works of late. But it’s nonetheless a solid tune. Chopped guitars, moaning female vox, record scratches, and a host of other samples dominate this tune, with only a peppering of synths from the original mix.

Overall, I have to say this is a quality release. I’m somewhat partial to the original, but am finding it hard to pick a true favorite. After three long years, Safehouse is at last upon us. Go out and grab it Friday!