Bastards of Funk & Sonic Union‘s ‘Glitter‘ has become an iconic track in the pantheon of progressive house since its release in 2009. And with its instantly recognisable drums, deep driving bassline, soaringly sweeping strings and THAT twinkling topline melody which combine to thrill your blood and send a shiver of anticipation down your spine, it’s no wonder. Now, two and half years after its original release, ‘Glitter’ is given new life with not one but TWO new remix packages on Lowbit Records, including the winners of the label’s remix competition for the track earlier this year.

Bastards of Funk & Sonic Union’s own 2011 take on their all-time classic kicks off with the instantly driving drums and that standout lead chord of the original – but don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a simple clone of its predecessor, because this version of ‘Glitter’ has morphed into an edgier, fiercer echo of its earlier self. With a new electro edge, a subtly interwoven, more melancholic take on the original melody and a bittersweet bite, this beast is an enticingly bad-boy relative of its more wholesome, innocent cousin, and invites you to the dark side because they have more fun there.

Next up is the mighty Soundprank, aka Canadian prodigy Colin Fisher, making his eagerly anticipated debut on Lowbit with a remix that can only be described as a masterclass in melody, atmosphere and emotion. The original elements of ‘Glitter’ take a back seat here as Soundprank makes the track totally his own, though intimately inspired by the original’s energy. Starting off in very deep, melodic territory, you’re lured in by hypnotic chords and intense layers of suspense and atmosphere, before a truly madly deeply INTENSE breakdown full of power synths coupled with the skilfully woven in drums of the original ensures that once heard, this remix will never be forgotten.

Polish powerhouse Kobana meanwhile has created a stunningly powerful remix that hooks you in with majestic, shimmering, summery waves of melody underlaid with the deep, deep bassline of the original and contrasted with the twist of a vocal stab. Thus does Kobana create an epically dramatic build-up that segues smoothly into a beatifully warm, uplifting, emotive rework that instils a nostalgia for summer sunshine and leaves you longing to hear more.

Last but not least it’s the turn of the winner of the remix competition, D Eye. He gets straight down to business with his remix, which grabs your attention right away with its energetic drums and bassline, punctuated by percussive flourishes and squelchy rhythmic chords. Gradually he filters in the original bassline and topline melody just before the breakdown, but successfully manages to make them his own by building the track back up to a peak-time dancefloor demon with enough energy to power the National Grid – while at the same time retaining subtle flashes of the original’s summery disposition.

With these ‘Glitter’ remix packages (Part 2 is out next Monday) undoubtedly two of the biggest packages of the entire year, Lowbit have most definitely saved the best for last!!!

Buy ‘Glitter 2011 Part 1′ on Beatport.