Label: Flashover Recordings
Release Date: 24th March 2008
After the huge success of their first release on Flashover Recordings, the US based duo Randy Boyer & Eric Tadla are back again with another smashing anthem!
The follow up from “Stemcell” is called “Alive” and this trance bomb features some amazing vocals done by Dan Sanfilippo. Also make sure to check out the powerful remix done by Agustin Servente and Matias Faint a.k.a. Heatbeat.
Original Mix
I thought the first I'd heard of Randy Boyer was when he remixed EnMass' massive hit 'CQ' with Kristina Sky. Upon doing some research I found out EnMass actually comprises of Randy Boyer and Eric Tadla, so it seems I'm already familiar with their work. While I loved the original version of 'CQ', I much preferred the 2007 mix with its harsh electro-style bassline. Technically that should mean I like their style of production that has found its home on Flashover Recordings. Unfortunately this isn't the case, the emotion feels forced and the introduction of a folksy guitar and male vocal on this release just doesn't work for me. While the bass is typical Boyer & Tadla fare, the beautiful synths of their previous work didn't turn up. The breakdown seems unnecessary, and a middle section that is reminiscent of a Sean Tyas filler doesn't help matters either. I can see they're trying something different, but they've failed to pull it off this time.
Heatbeat Mix
After all I've said about the original mix, thank goodness Heatbeat stepped in to save the day. The terrible male vocal has been transformed into a wonderfully over the top cheese-fest by a properly hyped-up breakdown that I can't help singing along to. The middle portion of the song simply consists of a repeated percussion and bass pairing, but it's so good it's more than enough to keep smiles on faces until the final break. It took a while to grow on me, but now I absolutely love it.
Rating:
The Heatbeat mix wins the honours.
8/10
Useful links:
Flashover Recordings
Beatport
Review by Matt Turner
www.mattturner.me.uk
