The ‘Beautiful’ CD Maxi-Single release is an often sublime yet simultaneously frustrating release. The serene Alt + F4 Remix steals the show with its divinely beautiful core melody and sound elements reminiscent of the duo’s self-titled debut release and is perhaps the most ‘orthodox’ of the mixes present. Indeed, the Original mix itself ventures into ‘semi-progressive’ trance territory, with Sundawner’s Tribal Remix and the Faraway Project and Syna remixes following suit.
Perhaps significantly, the numerous remixes present are built around different elements from the Original mix, invariably creating a collection of sonically disparate reinterpretations; put simply, none of the remixes are linked by a common element from the Original mix. Nevertheless, the deep and spiritual atmospheres and vocals from Sundawner’s Tribal Remix contrast nicely with the trancier Alt + F4 and DJ Tab Remixes, and the gliding, airy Ambient Mix is an excellent closing track, although I would have liked it to have been at least four minutes longer.
One thing that stands out is the presence of edits and instrumentals; it would have been great to have had a couple more remixes on this CD; a Super8 Remix, for example, would have been an excellent addition to this release, having shown with his reinterpretation of Mirco de Govia’s ‘Voller Sterne’ that airier, gentler melodies can be successfully remodelled to create more of a driving trance sound, and an Allende Remix would have been perfect. Nevertheless, my observations are merely that; this is an excellent release that serves to underline the strength in depth with regards to Finnish trance.
The original remix, radio remix and Alt + F4 remix are all wonderful pieces of music. Orkidea is simply beautfiul!