Stan Kolev & Juan Mejia- To the Clouds (Part 1)

About: 


Stan Kolev-- a serial Beatport chart-topper, a world-renowned Miami-based progressive house DJ and producer, and a certified globetrotter-- needs no introduction anymore. If you guys can still remember, "Emotional Content" was the Stan's first artist album, released in 2007 under Ready Mix Records. This time Stan returns to shore with a brand new collaboration with Juan Mejia-- label manager of the legendary Dutchie Music (and Grouper)-- entitled "To the Clouds". 


"To the Clouds" is, in fact, a two-part release from Ready Mix Records: this first installment features the original version, two remixes from label owner Adel Ghandour aka. Big Al, and Beat Factory (Big Al plus Levente Szabo). The second part, however, will be released next week-- really impressive line-up of remixes-- but we'll keep it a secret for now!


Sounds Like:


The original mix of "To the Clouds" features the perfected trademark sound of Stan Kolev-- haunting melodies, hypnotizing vocals and well-known "heart-quenching" synths. Not just that, this original version also caters a fascinating bassline that seemingly "lifts us from the ground and takes us higher into the clouds" and that dash of glimmering arps that gives us that brilliant stellar feel. 


Going not too far from the ground, Big Al unleashes the first of two remixes, the "Big Al's Deep Dub". This one in particular brings together heavy piano stabs, a low groovy bass, and some warm rhodes to balance the atmosphere. "Big Al's Balearic Mix" on the other hand also caters the similar elements of the previously mentioned version but highlights a Balearic-inspired electric guitar solo that really gives "To the Clouds" a touch of soul.


The last remix in the package is from Beat Factory, a project of Big Al and Levente Szabo. Aside from its excessive use of punchy percussion and stabs (in a constructive manner), the Beat Factory Remix also showcases its heavy chunky bass that effortlessly adds extreme dance-value to the track! Tight and sweet-- this is the remix by Ghandour and Szabo will definitely make it out to the venues.


Recommendation:


On to the verdict... This release as a whole is definitely above average. From the production quality to the undying creativity and propagation of groove, "To the Clouds" part one may just top charts this season.  


All tracks are definitely of good selection, but the Beat Factory remix is that one sick track that we would not even think twice in testing on the dance-floor. 


Watch out for part 2 next week! That you will really enjoy, take our word for that!