Release Label: Coldharbour Recordings
Release Code: CLHR 003
Release Date: Out Now
Introduction:
In February of this year, Markus Schulz released Coldharbour Selections #4 on Electronic Elements. One of the three tracks on that sampler caused so much of a stir that it was promoted to a full release with new remixes on the latest Armada sub-label Coldharbour Recordings. The track in question is Language, the result of a collaboration between two German producers, Mario Hammer and Andrew Bennett, with a little bit of help from Christian Schamweber aka DJ Mellow-D.
On remix duties for this one we have two young and talented producers, Santiago Nino and Elevation.
Mario Hammer is best known for his work as production and remix duo Hiver & Hammer, with notable remixes of Faithless, 4 Strings and Kosheen under his belt. However, within the past 12 months, Mario has changed his production style, citing fellow German descendant Markus Schulz as his biggest influence.
Andrew Bennett is no stranger to appearing on Coldharbour Selections releases. His track “Ocean Drive” was well received by many DJs in 2004. However, Andrew is perhaps recognised more for his achievements as a DJ due to a successful residency at the Trance Nation events in Germany.
Santiago Nino Dub Tech Mix
Any track that has Santiago Nino involved is instantly recognisable, starting off with tough techno-style beats accompanied by an incoming and pounding bassline. Santiago puts a slight variation on the introductory chords, and it works well within the rhythm of the track. A pause for the breakdown and then the main melody kicks in, sounding very powerful when isolated on its own. However, the bass and beats soon come back into play. The main part of the track itself is quite short, with a long outro which will keep the DJs happy. A good solid remix by Santiago here.
Elevation Remix
Similar to his remix of Armin Van Buuren’s Shivers, Elevation takes a track and breathes so much new life into it that leaves the entire trance community buzzing and begging for me. The track starts off familiarly to the original, but a quick change in the bassline shows his intentions of improving the track. Soon, Elevation introduces an additional melody of his own, one of his biggest strengths. With the track in full swing, the breakdown comes in, and Elevation showcases yet another melody of his own to compliment the main melody of the track, and it works extremely well. A quick roll-drum buildup and the main part of the track is unleashed in all its glory, guaranteed to do some damage on the dancefloor. For me, the best version of the track, and yet another top-notch remix by this talented young producer.
Original Mix
The original version of the track first surfaced in autumn 2004, receiving heavy plays from Markus Schulz, Armin Van Buuren and Paul Oakenfold. On first listen, it doesn’t sound very inspiring, since it’s just two piano notes being played over and over again. But, on closer inspection, there is quite a bit happening below the surface, the percussion in particular being a key factor in the drive of the track. After a brief pause for the breakdown, its back to the beats for one last showing before the track filters out. The original is a good version of the track and will go down well in many progressive-style sets. However I think it will be overshadowed by both remixes.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, the two remixes of Language have warranted the full release of the track. The Santiago Nino remix will fare well with the techno-influenced DJs such as Mauro Picotto and Eddie Halliwell, whereas the Elevation remix is currently being heavily supported by Markus Schulz and Armin Van Buuren. The track itself has featured on both the “A State Of Trance 2005” and “Miami ‘05” compilations. However, for me, like the new remixes of Armin Van Buuren’s Shivers, it is Elevation’s remix that makes this vinyl worth buying alone.
Useful Links:
www.djhammer.com
www.andrewbennett.cc
www.djelevation.com
www.armadamusic.nl
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Reviewed By : ImpactPlayaz