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The first installment of the massive collaboration from Stan Kolev and Juan Mejia, "To the Clouds"-- released under Ready Mix Records-- has seen light last week (click here to read the review); the original version, the Big Al remixes, and the Beat Factory remix were definitely worth the listen!
Earlier this week, the much awaited second installment has already hit the stores, which is why we are here once again to help you guys in picking out your favorite remix: Will it be the Silt remix, the Fer Ferrari remix, or the DeepSoundExpress Air remix? There's only one way to find out. . .
Sounds Like:
Opening this release is the Silt remix-- a track of deep groove, edgy reverberated stabs, and hazy mind-levitating atmosphere. This remix by Silt pretty much highlights the haunting aspect of the vocal samples utilized in the original mix: just brilliant!
Barcelona's deep, tech, and lounge music talent, Fer Ferrari also takes one with his own groovy-deep-tech reinterpretation of "To the Clouds". Aside from the dominating piercing synths and the rock-solid bass, Fer Ferrari's remix also features a harder and a more energetic take on the original mix.
Of course, the connoisseurs of anything rejuvenating, deep, and delicate-- Russia's hidden treasure, DeepSoundExpress surprises us with their very own remix dubbed as "DeepSoundExpress Air Remix"!
It was actually back in 2010 when we first heard the stunning sounds of DSE through their Aquamarine Recordings album release, "Sun Cocktail". Since then, we have been faithfully following them.
Their remix on "To the Clouds" is superb: extremely groovy bass-stab interplay, crisp and cool atmospheric pads, punchy snares and percussion, and some sublime piano keys on the breakdown. Get ready, this remix will definitely take you to the clouds!
Recommendation:
Wow. "To the Clouds" definitely deserved this two-part release, in our opinion. We enjoyed the first installment which came out last week or so, but this second installment is something we really really cherished.
If we were to pick ONLY ONE track as our favorite (but don't get us wrong, we totally love all the tracks), it just has to be the DeepSoundExpress Air remix. For one, it really has the groove: when we first heard this on promo, we could not help but start moving to it-- a symptom of a high-dance value tune! Second, the atmospheric vibes DSE had perfected complements that of the original, and having both in one track is simply magical.
So there we go! Stan Kolev and Juan Mejia with their latest release on Ready Mix Records-- "To the Clouds".
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!
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