MRIZE031 | Mindset – Yuu (The Remixes) (Out Now)
I already gushed about Mindset yesterday (check out his forthcoming release ‘Olympus’ here), and now it’s time to turn our attention to the remixes of his outstanding original ‘Yuu’, which was released earlier this year on Macarize. Label owner Kris Ljungberg couldn’t get enough, so he decided to hands the reins to axisONE and V I F to give ‘Yuu’ another lease of life!
axisONE infuses his remix with rippling waves of siren-call vocals, heartbreakingly bittersweet melodies, dramatically uplifting synths and chords so big they’re the aural equivalent of a tsunami tidal wave! And watch out for the breakdown – its staggered synth/drum combo is so ridiculously happy you won’t be able to stop smiling!
The V I F remix is seriously smooth and reflects his talents as a producer, remixer, arranger and sound engineer. I LOVE the stripped down melody in the breakdown, the atmosphere, the subtle build-up back to the irresistible, irrepressibly feel-good driving force of the main melody…in fact I love the whole damn thing and I can’t stop pressing play!
‘Yuu (The Remixes)’ is out now on Macarize and let me assure you, it’s one you’ll be wanting to wear out the repeat button on…buy a copy on Beatport.
MRIZE034 | Mindset – Olympus (Original, Matao & David Folkebrant Mixes) (Preview)
Jay Ardrey aka Mindset is most definitely at the top of my list of favourite up and coming progressive producers this year. At just 19, he’s already forged his own distinct sound, a well-deserved name for himself in this increasingly competitive genre and huge respect among fellow producers and the progressive house community.
His forthcoming original on Macarize, ‘Olympus’, is the perfect example of his talent in fusing progressive and trance with unique amounts of emotivee intensity. ‘Olympus’ starts off with warm topline melodies tinged with trademark Mindset melodic vibe, surrounded by shimmering waves of trance synths that lead into a HUGE breakdown with a piano hook so beautiful it actually makes your heart ache – before building you back up with massive layers of trance stabs, a deliciously old-skool sound and driving bassline.
Matao‘s remix unleashes a funkified bassline, kicking drums that will drive you straight to the dancefloor, soaring overarching synths and teasingly feel-good piano hooks…but it’s the killer combination of disco-edged electrifying stabs and effortlessly uplifting vocals that will really have you reaching for the lasers.
Meanwhile, stylish Swede David Folkebrant delivers a remix that’s more ‘pure’ progressive; its irresistibly funky bassline groove hooks you in straight away while his piano-heavy feel-good flourishes, instantly uplifting chord progressions and endless layers of twinkling topline melodies will steal your heart and never give it back!
‘Olympus’ is out on Macarize on 28th November – which can’t come too soon…
MRIZE027 | Lunarbeam – Horoscope (Original, Mindset and Domestic Technology Mixes) (Out Now)
Time for another gushing session, aka my review of Macarize‘s new release, Lunarbeam’s ‘Horoscope’. I can’t get enough of this; it’s one of the most uplifting releases of the whole year in my opinion, unlike anything else I’ve heard recently AND both remixes are outstanding!
The original is a beautifully uplifting and dreamy prog-trance track, with a really distinctive soaring topline melody that I can’t get out of my head, topped off with lush piano chords. With its irrepressibly warm, summery vibe, this is a track to fall in love with and fall in love to.
The Mindset remix kicks off with driving drums and a more melancholic, reflective, deeper feel, adding a deep heavy bassline to the melodies. And then, without warning, it induces a massive head rush with warm pads and uplifting chords, and at this point I must warn you: this remix may make you feel uncontrollable happiness!!! It stays true to the boundless energy and sheer joy of the original, which in turn makes it a sheer joy to listen to!
The Domestic Technology remix takes things to a more laid-back level; slower, more chilled out and with an altogether more retro vibe on the topline melody. With layers of intricate melody, deep deep bassline, distinctive drums and stripped back piano hook, this radiates blissed-out beauty into your ears, your heart, your soul.
It would be hard to find a more beautiful release all year. Go get your copy here!
MRIZE025 | Thomas Feijk – Hi (Out Now)
OK confession time: I am all-out obsessed with my favourite melodic progressive label, Macarize. And I’ve been bursting to blog this post on their latest release, Thomas Feijk‘s ‘Hi’ for the last 2 days!!! Can’t. Keep it in. Any. More!!!
Thomas’ original draws you in with instantly infectious drums and layers of interweaving melodies, culminating in lush piano chords and addictive vocal loops that combine to create a multi-layered melodic gem of a track which tugs at your heartstrings and makes your soul soar. It’s therefore no surprise that the big boys Above & Beyond recently supported this on Trance Around The World!
Fellow Finns Ayleon add some really beautifully retro nu-disco synth stabs and an electro-edged bassline as well as Balearic guitar riffs for a take that is wholly distinctive in its own right while still showcasing the emotive elements of the original at its heart.
Meanwhile, Mick Elsa‘s remix is all about the massively melodic breakdown after the 3 minute mark, which ramps up the emotion before delivering a banging build-up and driving drums accompanied by airily uplifting synths.
Last but definitely not least is the turn of Mindset, who is fast becoming one of my favourite up and coming progressive producers! This remix marks itself out from the rest immediately as deeper and more reflective, and I love how he’s kept the warmth of the original melodies while making them completely his own. Warning: his breakdown may melt your heart into pure liquified melody…
MRIZE025 | Thomas Feijk – Hi (Original, Ayleon, Mindset and Mick Elsa Mixes) by Macarize
I actually can’t choose which one I like best, because they are all genuinely fantastic productions in their own right. And that’s what I love about Macarize – the way they consistently find the best new talent and deliver properly top-quality originals and remixes that you’re guaranteed fall in love with every single time.
Alright, that’s enough gushing for now. Just do yourself a favour and go get this EP on Beatport!
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