Logged in as Guest, please register | 14 March 2010 - 16:30:07 (729) GMT 1
Users online: 15
 
 
Guests online: 186
Total online: 201
Guestbook
Guestbook		 Events
Notification		 Messages
Messages
 
Wednesday 20th, January 2010
Mike Shiver vs. Matias Lehtola- Nana/Snooze EP
Updated: Friday 22nd, January 2010




Captured Music label owners Mike Shiver and Matias Lehtola team up for this EP containing two originals (Nana and Snooze) and four remixes (two for each original). Remixes come from Bjorn Akesson, Filo & Peri, Dennis Sheperd, and Samuel Jason.


Snooze (Original Mix):

The original mix of Snooze starts off with a small ambient taster to precede the progressive style drums. This tune is very laid back throughout the intro and is compiled of many atmospheric textures and sweeps. There is an interesting bit where everything cuts out... and then you hear what sounds like a woman waking up with a yawn, which is shortly followed by a really cool mellow plucky melody that sort of puts a smile on my face. The beats drops back in for awhile to carry on the groove as the plucks become more prominent and bright with automations. This tune is a very good example of fine progressive trance. They bring the melody back in with a dark bassline to accompany the drums for awhile, and then it really takes off with cool sweeps and FX. This tune combines great melody, euphoria, groove, and your regular progressive and trance feel. This is a great tune, and I believe many listeners will appreciate the musicality in this one. 4/5


Snooze (Samuel Jason Remix):

Samuel Jason takes a very 'neo-trance' approach to this, or for you people who hate that term... it's a progressive trance take with cool progressive house elements. Solid punchy drums and funky plucky chords (using a sound that is common to much progressive house and neo trance) work together to give a cool relaxing, yet dancey, version to this tune. It's clear that he's utilizing many of the same FX as the original mix, which is cool. He keeps the groove going for awhile until the breakdown, which is launched by the yawning sample. The chords run around while the main melody from the original plays with them. The drums appear again with a cool saw melody and then transitions to the outro. This remix is just as great as the original, but kind of felt like not much was happening. Still a fantastic remix though. 4.5/5


Snooze (Bjorn Akesson Remix):

Popular uplifter Bjorn Akesson does his driving uplifting take on this tune. Banging drums kick it off while atmospheric synths bring the mood to the track. He combines some of the FX samples, as used in the original, with some of his own acid like ones. Some cool sounding plucks play a little progression up until the breakdown. Some heavenly pads delight the listener in the breakdown... and then that yawn sample comes in, followed by the melody done in true uplifting style. Bjorn builds it up really big before smashing it full on. However, the elements really become squashed at the climax, I'm assuming it's the mastering but there's not much they can do about that because huge choruses and banging kicks are in a loudness battle in this type of banging uplifting style. But it all sounds great nonetheless and this remix is massive. But I must dock some marks for the climax because things like squashing on those elements really take away from the experience for me, but that's not Bjorn's fault. Flawless production on the most part. 4.5/5


Nana (Original Mix):

The second original of this EP sets off with some partially glitchy percussion, which sounds quite nice. Not as laid back as Snooze, this one sounds a bit more electro/tech based, especially with the bassline that comes in. It's nice and driving, yet progressive like Snooze. The groove in this one is outstanding, every element seems to be placed in the perfect spot in the bar. Trancey licks flail about which precede the breakdown that is kicked off by a nice female vocal sample. The pads in the breakdown are interesting, but really cool, and they work well with the melody that comes in. The vocal makes an extended appearance (assuming it's saying nana in various tonal forms) and kind of sent chills down my spine. The melody is very uplifting in the build, which is interrupted by some electro FX, and then smashes with the climax That delightful vocal sample invites itself in again, and sounds great with everything and stands out quite a bit. This one is just as delightful as the rest, and I am very impressed! Great for all trance fans. Very unique! 4.5/5


Nana (Dennis Sheperd Remix):

Sheperd takes another, more funky, progressive trance attempt with Nana, with cool results. Solid drums like the rest, with some cool percussion fill in between. The bassline is quite techy and funky and really co-operates well with the plucks that Dennis brought in. He teases us with small portions of the vocal sample until the breakdown, where he chops up the vocal even more. The breakdown fills out with a cool melody and pads. The buildup is also cool, bringing in the bassline and some of the percussion before he drops the percussion only with some echoed FX from the big build leftover. Very dance floor friendly, and the funky groove in this one is really really cool. He kicks it up a notch by rounding all the pads and melodies back in, along with NANAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. This remix is also really cool, but didn't speak to me like the rest of them. It still gets a high score from me though. 4/5


Nana (Filo & Peri's Big Room Revival):

Vandit stars Filo & Peri waste no time as this 'Revival' starts off banging right from the get go. Banging drums, and some tribal percussion drive this beauty well. Plucky synths pitter-patter about and the vocal samples stutters across the stereo spectrum before diving into the breakdown. NANAAAA is the main start of this breakdown throughout its run, and is supported by some swell pads. A kick roll builds this, and drops in good fashion and not being overdone. The vocal plays once more in the middle of the chorus, and the melody makes me want to get up and dance. This remix is also really sick, and I am pleased with most of it except it feels like the vocal sample gets looped a tad too long. 4/5


Overall:
Okay, I'm not sure if it's because I haven't eaten much today and I'm lightheaded, but this EP really impressed me all around. Captured carefully chose their remixers and provided a great variety for each track. There is something for the proggers, housers, and bangers for both Nana and Snooze. My favorite in this package is definitely the Bjorn Akesson Remix of Snooze. Great EP overall, and definitely worth a pickup. 4.5/5

Written by:
Mitchell Claxton

Permanent link (use this if you want to link this content):

Share this!

Forum Discussion