Label: Owano
Release Date: 17th December 2007
Cellection Music is very proud to present the very first release of brand new sublabel Owano. Owano is the official label/agency for Arabella, Cellec, Ersa & Robbert Niklas.
For this very first release we're proud to present the long awaited brand new Arabella tune, the official follow up for "Nabucco" called "Whisper". "Nabucco", released in January 2006 on KYR Records, was a big hit with massive remixes by M.I.D.O.R. & Storyteller amongst others!
"Whisper" is a strong driving trance track with very cool and typical Arabella influences. The package comes with a great number of remixes and all of them are cool in their own way.
Original Mix
I loved the first Arabella release, "Nabucco". Although I've never been that big a fan of the more progressive type of trance, but the haunting melodies of "Nabucco" were irresistible to any ears that listened. "Whisper never quite hits that level, but it's a fitting follow-up. A similar bassline is employed and a catchy, if slightly cheesy, harmony is used as the focal point of the track. This is pretty much guaranteed to make you smile.
Virunga Dip
This is tech-trance at it's techiest (if there is such a word). A dirty but not too harsh bass is the main focus, and it plods along nicely to the break. In typical tech style the original's main melody is teamed up with a synth to vary the monotony. This is produced well, but there's not enough diversity on offer here for my liking. Fortunately though the song is relatively short so it's not too much of an issue.
Dave Walker & Dave Moralee's D.A.D. Remix
I remember a few years ago when these guys had a song released on the UKTA label. I never saw this coming. Mr Walker in particular is now an accomplished producer having had releases on Flashover among other labels, and here he demonstrates how well he's doing. A superb combination of electro-influenced percussion and filthy bass work superbly and I'd buy all the tunes on offer here just to get this mix. Which would be a lot of money for one song. A piano break is added to build up the closing act nicely and a nice arrangement of synths top it all off beautifully. Fantastic.
Vincent Albertson Remix
A strange production to say the least, this is a collection of random noises that somehow work together. It's probably best described as the most progressive of the bunch, as there's no attempt to reach a peak like the other mixes. Yet again though, the production is crisp, and this is an interesting take on the original. I would gladly stick this in the middle of a warm-up set, and would even consider using it peak-time if the crowd was up for it.
Dimas Remix
This is the closest to uplifting trance here, and it's pretty good. Everything is standard fare, there's nothing groundbreaking but when you consider the guy who produced this is 15 or 16 years old, that's not a problem. As can be seen on his "From Dusk Till Dawn" E.P. on parent label Cellection the production is top notch, and this adds to the quality already on show. Dimas is a name to keep an eye on, as he's only going to get better.
Hugo Gerritse Remix
Chord progression present and correct: breakbeat chillout style. While not featuring the main melody, this is easily recognisable as a mix of "Whisper". A great compliment to an outstanding set of mixes, this is just what you need when returning from a club at 6am.
Rating:
One of the most varied packages ever released, it continues the trend of quality productions from Cellection Music.
8/10
Useful links:
Owano by Cellection Music
Review by Matt Turner
