Page 67 - Zone Magazine Issue 018

\\ TUNES
Ravers Nature - Hands Up Ravers [Phoenix Recordings] [Trance]
Don’t panic about the name of this track, it is a remix of a 1994 hard dance tune that came in at 190 BPM but has been rewritten, slowed down and is now a fine slice of uplifting Hard Trance.
It starts with a galloping bassline and gentle percussion then builds with risers, snare rolls and vocal samples telling you to “put your hands in the air” which is what I suspect the crowd will do when they hear this track anyway as it is as well put together as a pre 2000’s Mercedes Benz. As the track builds there are odd vocal samples and whooshing noises that give tit that authentic trance anthem feel and there is a great big uplifting breakdown with the middle with loads of soloed synths, snare rolls and those all important risers to give it that extra emotive feel. As the track builds down it leaves you wanting for more and that is the only issue that I have with this tune as it really is a good one. I can’t Imagine what the original 1994 version sounded like but there is no feeling that this track has been pitched down in any way as it charges forth with great aplomb. So if you are looking for an uplifting trance tune that delivers in all areas and then some, this is one track that is a must check out item on your next download binge. You won't be disappointed!
https://www.k-directmusic.com/release/hur2017/
Layton Giordani feat. Danny Tenaglia - Live Again [Drumcode] [Techno]
Adam Beyer’s Drumcode label is going from strength to strength of late with a non stop release schedule showcasing both the labels established artists and their rosta of new talent as well.
This release is from the label’s youngest rising star Layton Giordani who burst onto the scene with his debut album ‘Where It Begins’ back in February and has had a great summer playing at some of the biggest and best festivals in Europe. It is also extra special as the title track from the EP features one of Layton’s biggest inspirations Danny Tenaglia. The track itself is a roller which starts with a fat kick drum and builds through layers of electroid noises that ramp up the intensity throughout the track and vocal samples that give it an edgy feel. The second track on the release is titled ‘Secrets Of Vibration’ which kicks off with a kick and a closed hi hat and builds up to a female spoken vocal from a self help recording about increasing your vibration which works a treat. The last track on the release is titled ‘Take it Back’ and starts with a pounding tomtom along with a kick and hi hat and builds with a sinister synth riff which gives it a real edgy feel. In fact all three are pretty intense and minimal but work a treat. My favourite has to be the opener ‘Live Again’ with Tenaglia featured as it has an intensity to it that really gives it an edge over the others but only a little one as all three are stormers.
https://www.facebook.com/LaytonGiordani/
RECOMMENDED
Arado & Alvin Kyer - Proper Games EP [Formatik+] [Tech-house]
For his first release on Formatik+ Arado teams up with his good friend Alvin Kyer to produce a pumping Tech House release with UK bassline house influences. First up is ‘East to West’ which features Ragga/ Dancehall influenced vocals, Large scale subs and massive hoover sounds. It starts with a swung percussion loop then adds the vocal hook then really finds its groove with a heavy bassline and a different vocal loop as part of the backbeat with mad sounds, risers and the aforementioned hoover sounds interspersed throughout. The track is a tough and relentless attack on your senses which is guaranteed to go off on many a dancefloor in the coming months. The second track is called ‘Front To Back’ and is more like their usual sound with again a percussive intro and with another hoover sound in play, then a galloping bassline and dubby vocals thrown for good measure over a skippy snare pattern which gives it a real swung and almost breakbeat feel to it. Its slightly more minimal in its approach but still sounds full of sweet sounding Tech house grooves from start to finish and is also destined to be heard on dancefloors all across Europe and hopefully further afield. This release isn't the subtlest of releases but that is the point. They wanted a brash fast paced EP and that is what has been delivered by this duo. Both tracks are dancefloor ready to batter your senses on both counts but in a way that will leave you begging for more and for that reason I’ve made it my recommended.
Release date: November 13th
https://www.facebook.com/Formatik-Records-345385529941/
Steve Bug & Langenberg - Chord Cluster [Poker Flat Recordings] [Techno]
Poker Flat label boss and dance music legend Steve Bug teams up with the ever prolific Langenberg for this superb two track Techno EP. First up is the title track ‘Chord Cluster’ which starts off with a thudding kick and slowly builds with a filtered synth riff and bright percussion to the introduction of some synth chord stabs which give tension to the very atmospheric soundscape. There is a break which introduces a deep string like synth riff and on it goes leading a merrie dance through your synapses as it is joined by an acidic riff as well which acts as the lead line. The track is over 8 minutes long and is a textbook example of how slow atmospheric techno should sound. Next up is ‘The Teaze’ which kicks off with an arpeggiated pulse right from the start as the lead sound which is backed by a synth bass line and and acidic squelchy sounds that move it along nicely as the main riff keeps the pressure on and drives the track ever forward. Tension is given by a deep tone that mimics the arpeggiated sound and the track again is well over 8 minutes long but never sounds laboured in any way. Both tracks are great examples of how you don’t have to go crazy in a studio to make great dance tunes and are shining examples of the ‘less is more’ ethos. My favorite is ‘The Teaze’ but both deserve checking out at your earliest convenience.
https://soundcloud.com/stevebug
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