DJ Tab - Verso EP

Usually only recognised for his collaborative productions with Miika Eloranta (aka Super8) as one half of Super8 & Tab, this superb E.P. is affirmation (if ever it was needed) of Janne Mansnerus’ tremendous talents as a solo producer as well. Indeed, whilst the more prolific Eloranta understandably receives a great deal of kudos due to productions such as ‘Alba’ and ‘Cre8’, the productions present here are just as good as any Super8 track you could choose to mention.

Unlike some of the more recent Anjunabeats E.P.s, which have showcased the more ‘underrated’ productions as A-Sides, opening track ‘Verso’ leaves no doubt as to the standard the B-Side has to follow. Not dissimilar in sound to a Super8 production, this driving trancer gathers its energy from the deep atmospheres and crunching, high voltage synths that power it along through to its conclusion. Additionally, with its rapidly building breakdown and energetic choruses, it is also a definitive example of the trance sound of 2004 and yet still manages to sound fresh today.

‘Radiate’, with its elegant melody, airy vocal effects and its hypnotic waves of synths, gentle keys and gliding ambiances, does not have the raw energy of its predecessor, but is, needless to say, still an exquisitely constructed production. Put together, this is one of the finest E.P.s on the Anjunabeats label, although whilst Tab continues to concentrate on his collaborative productions with Super8 it may be a while before he provides us with another gem like this. Nevertheless, with this E.P., the wait will be more than pleasurable.