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Jaytech - Vela - 30-Aug-08 06:31 AM
Now this is what I'm talking about!

As part of the ongoing mission to spread the Jaytech vibe Anjunadeep have put together this stunning all-round package. Lifting one of the strongest tracks from Jaytech's debut album 'Everything Is OK' and adding in three excellent remixes as diverse in terms of sound as one can imagine, this release really is the epitome of everything that is special about the resurgent imprint.

The original mix, with its electro-washed soundscapes immediately evokes comparisons with the sublime 'Spacelift', albeit with a somewhat beefier rhythm section. Indeed, Cayzer places considerably more emphasis on the bottom end here and this is massively beneficial to the overall listening experience as a result despite the richness of the melodies on show.

Now, onto the remixes. There is such an interesting array of sounds and influences on display here that it is rather difficult to know where to start. I honestly feel that I would have to flip a coin in order to decide whether Tritonal's 'Air Up There' Mix or Electrobios & Interplay's Remix is my favourite. On the former, the core melody is effortlessly retained on top of a hyperdistorted, adrenalin-driven groove to create an energetic number to really get the crowd going; skip to the latter and you'll be kicking back to a sexy, feel good beach anthem that seamlessly weaves together airy atmospheres and electro-inspired bleeps.

None of the superlatives that I can summon can effectively convey just how good this release is. Perhaps therefore it is best to remark that productions like this are the reason I have fallen out of love with conventional trance and straight into the arms of the progressive sound. Have a listen and you may just be following suit.

Anjunadeep - 22-Aug-08 12:19 PM
Slowly but surely the Anjunadeep label has grown from the promising sibling of the institution that is the Anjunabeats label to a dynamic and influential imprint in its own right. Indeed, by showcasing and accommodating far more disparate sounds and influences than the main label fans such as myself have become acquainted with the delights of a pluralistic progressive sound much removed from the increasingly predictable mechanics and sonic structures of so-called 'orthodox' trance. Indeed, as electronic music (and in particular trance) progresses, it is labels such as Anjunadeep that producers should be looking at in order to discover how to incorporate a diverse range of influences into their work.

The label begin with a real flourish, turning out masterpieces such as the funk-filled 'Larry Mountains 54' and Hawk's 'Need For Cognition', which placed darting melodies across a speaker-destroying bass section, as well as introducing the prodigious young talent Maor Levi to the scene. A number of distinctly average releases followed, but since the artist roster was bolstered by the likes of Boom Jinx, Michael Cassette and Jaytech the label hasn't looked back. Currently the most prolific in terms of output it has ever been, the eclectic outlook of the label will surely mean that there are many more great releases to come.

Jaytech - 22-Aug-08 11:25 AM
Prior to the release of debut album 'Everything Is OK', James Cayzer (aka Jaytech) had been rapidly assembling a formidable discography of groove-driven progressive house, effortlessly synthesising elements of funk, electro and conventional house on top of some muscular and exhilaratingly powerful bottom ends.

Indeed, since his 'Touch Your DJ' reinterpretation of his own 'Starbright', which pricked the ears of Above & Beyond and prompted them to sign him to their more outward-looking sub-label Anjunadeep, Cayzer has raised the bar with some high-class productions, culminating in the recent release of said critically-acclaimed debut album. In light of this, it is particularly difficult to isolate one standout production; if you have a preference for electro-dominated atmospheres, head straight for the likes of 'Spacelift' or its more robust cousin 'Vela'. If laid back, sun-drenched vibes are more your thing, then look no further than the sublime 'Essence'. And finally, if it's full-on, abrasive grooves you're looking for check out the likes of 'Pepe's Garden' or Oliver Smith's Tech Remix of 'Groove Nova'.

The release of 'Everything Is OK' gave Cayzer a licence to explore the use of disparate influences and the opportunity to integrate them into the trademark Jaytech sound. Now sit back and listen to that sound evolve into something special.

Daniel Kandi - Turnmills - 03-May-08 07:48 AM
Daniel Kandi pulls it out of the bag again with a superb double A-Side that showcases his ability to produce high-quality uplifting and melancholic trance with equal success. Indeed, in doing so the prolific Dane spoils the listener in terms of choosing a side to play first. ‘Turnmills’ is arguably the stronger of the two productions on display, with its warm, cheery melodies and gargantuan breakdown providing an exhilarating main room moment. Nevertheless, ‘Soraya’s’ melancholic piano keys and emotional soundscapes immediately evoke comparisons with the epic ‘Child’, serving to demonstrate his versatility as a producer. Highly recommended.

Remo-con* - Cold Front - 02-Sep-07 12:21 PM
Powerful, abrasive and crunchier than a mouthful of broken glass, Bart Claessen’s reworking of this driving trancer is indicative of the diversifying sounds coming from the Anjunabeats label in recent times. Retaining the core melody and jagged soundwaves from the Original Mix, Claessen’s reinterpretation is a unique clash of contrasting sets of sounds. Indeed, leading on from the gorgeous airy, gliding breakdown, the track morphs into a barrage of distorted, pulsating synths backed up by pulverising rhythm sections, with the core melody buzzing away merrily in the background. In a manner similar to his remix of the Signalrunners’ ‘Aria Epica’ and his more recent ‘Razorfish’ reworking, Claessen’s ability to fuse elements of tech and trance together makes this a refreshing alternative to the majority of releases on the Anjunabeats label. Of course, this inevitably means that it will not appeal to everyone, but it is a more than interesting listen nonetheless.

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