Moderat ‎– The Unofficial Mixes Of Moderat Pt #1

Man oh man, Shacketon absolutely slayed it on this remix. His remix of Rusty Nails on perfectly divides the line between techno and the haunting, percussive dubstep sound that he normally brings forth on his Skull Disco label. I'm not a true fan of Shackleton's past sound as some discogs members are but that's more of a genre preference for me than it is a reflection on his production abilities (which are nothing less than top notch by the way). For me, what really drives this track home is the bass synth that I used to hear in my old progressive house tunes. I dont know exactly what lovely piece of analog hardware is employed to create this warm, lush sound, but I know it when I hear it. This same sound was present in a lot of James Holden/Ogenki Clinic productions in the 2000-2004 era of progressive house. My friends and I used to call it "the come-up bass" because it was this bass that seemed to create that "moment" when listening to prog at high volumes. What a great surprise to hear it in a Shackleton record 5 years later. When I play this record, I dont try to blend it beatmatch it. I dont want to be distracted with all of that. I just hit play and listen.

For me this is all about the Shackleton remix- don't get me wrong the other 2 mixes are great and T++ is one of my favourite artists but they just don't raise their game to the epic proportions of the man Sam.

The use of the original's samples with the additional elements adds a new dimension to this tune. I think sometimes Shackleton is really in his element remixing (his pole remix being a good example)- he doesn't seem as constrained by having to fit into his own (very unique) sound.

What he really manages to do with this remix is create tension and texture that make for a really immersive listen and one that I can come back to again and again and still get something from it- in my mind that is the definition of a great piece of music.

This tune always leaves me feeling that it could build to even more- its almost 'tantric' in that respect: the pay off never quite reached but always suggested, leaving you wanting just that little bit more. UNEQUIVOCAL GENIUS.