|
|
Alex Parsons (feat. Simon Rutherford)
» Televised / Twisting My Mind / Intruders
Reviewed by glen gavin
/ Submitted 30-03-04 20:37
Label: Tan-Tien Recordings
Format: CD-R
Genre: Hard Trance
Rising star Alex Parsons is about to launch his new label Tan-Tien Recordings with two of his own tracks and a collaboration with Simon Rutherford, and after being very impressed with Alex's recent guest slot on 'The Bangers & Mash-Up Show' on Worldwide FM, expectations were running very high.
Televised begins with a solid kickdrum and up-beat percussion arrangement which lead swiftly into a techy, quite driving bassline rythm which provides alot of energy. The 'televised' vocal is looped and layered over the gradual additions of subtle percussion and digital effects as the tune progresses, until a phased drumroll leads to the next phrase.
The drums are then faded slightly and some cool synth chords are layered over some more digital effects and the vocal. As the kicks dissappear, old skool style synth stabs are added, before a tough kickdrum sequence lead into the drop in which the chords, old skool stabs, kicks and percussion work together to give a tough but not too overpowering feel.
The overall feel to the tune is more one of smoothness. It's a techy affair with a slightly uplifting edge. Quite reminisent of some of the older Nukleuz Purple material. Nice arrangement, and tight production. Not quite enough kick to be classed as classic but an excellent tune nonetheless.
Twisting In My Mind is produced in conjunction with Simon Rutherford and with a pounding kickdrum and fast paced percussion which quickly builds to a deep, throbbing, two-tone bassline, it is in my opinion the pick of the tracks on this release!
As the track progresses there is more than enough going on to keep your attention with subtle echoed effects and some squelchy, energetic stabs breaking up the techy rythm. The break is introduced by a seductive 'Twisting In My Mind' vocal, and is comprised of some dark stabs and a deep, gargling undertone which provide the perfect backdrop to the main riff when it crashes in. The riff is fast paced and sounds very futuristic. It builds very well as it approaches the drop, in which everything jumps back on board to give a very powerful, driving tune. Techy, but uplifting. Fast paced, yet controlled.
The bassline rythm remains a strong component throughout and use of digital effects is very clever. This one is going straight in the box for me. I can't see how it won't be successful. It has all the qualities of a dancefloor hit! Very impressive!
Intruders takes a while to build, starting with a heavy kickdrum, minimal percussion and some sporadic sweeping effects, before the deep bassline rythm comes into play!
As the tune progresses, the synth pattern is constructed, slowly rising to a higher level with each phrase before the main break. The break keeps the digital effects as an undercurrent to the synth sequence which continues to grow in velocity and collect extra layers until a quick drumroll and swoosh signal the drop.
This track is more progressive (in the building sense of the word) as it seems to continuously add new layers as it moves on. The bass is certainly more forceful during the drop as is the melody. This progressive feel means that there is always an air of expectancy.
Overall this is definitely a strong release, worthy of a place in most harder dj's boxes. If you like most things on Nukleuz, you'll certainly like this. Twisting In My Mind is the track which stands out the most and in my opinion should be the A-side, but all three tracks could easily find their way onto most peak time sets without too much trouble.
A good, solid release from Alex and the Tan-Tien boys. More of the same in the near future please!
http://www.tan-tien.co.uk
Rating: 
Share this ::  :  :  : 
Follow HarderFaster :: 
If you would like your tune(s) reviewed on this site or played live on The Bangers & Mash-Up Show on Worldwide FM please email Glen direct on nelg.glen@btinternet.com
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
|
|
|
Comments:
|
From: glowworm on 7th Apr 2004 03:25.14
Wicked tunage all of 'em!
Nice work Alex, and a good review!
|
|
Back to previous page
All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by
their respective companies. All other content is (c) 2001-2024 HarderFaster.
|
![[HarderFaster] - Work Hard, Play Harder!](/images/mainbanner_top1.gif)
