Posted by JR

View all posts by JR → Subscribe to JR's posts via RSS

CJ Daft – Walk With Me: Reviewed

Artist: CJ Daft

Tracks: Walk With Me (Original Mix, C-Systems Remix, Niklas Harding Remix, Dunugoz vs Tha Roofas Remix, Short Mix & Radio Edit)

The summer is here and we now present this massive release from the Finnish producer CJ Daft.

Original Mix: I definitely see this track becoming a club classic. The track starts off with a nice house groove, and some excellent vocals by Patrick Baker. Male vocals seem to be sparse in the trance scene today but these are fitting and very well done. The percussion and plucks supplement his talent wonderfully. The lead pluck sound changes several times throughout the song, which enhances the diversity and never leaves the listener bored. The track reminded me a bit of the Deadmau5 remix of Longest Road, but this is only a compliment to be able to allude to such a classic. The persistent kick and lovely melody immediately direct you towards the dance floor. By 6 minutes in, your hands are in the air, letting the bass-line and synths carry you through this catchy track. A fantastic original!

Short Mix: An edit of sorts that contains several different aspects from the original. The bass is lush and the percussion provides a different and deeper feel. This mix also features background singers which are a great addition to the mix. The melody is created with a different synth than the original and brings trance elements to the plate. I wish there was a full version of this one!

Dunugoz vs Tha Roofas Remix: This track begins as a much deeper mix of the original, with several eerie sounds that add to the ambiance the re-mixers were going for. The vocals have a bit of delay that makes them sound like whispers after they are spoken. The cutoff plucks that hide in the background build energy before they move their way to the foreground and transform this deep track into a banging and more energetic tune. All elements introduced one by one throughout the song are voiced together to provide the listener with a track meant for the club. Would very much like to see how the transition works out in a club.

Niklas Harding Remix: Not much of an intro to ease you into this one; there’s just pure energy from the start. The bass-line is taken to a new level and completely infiltrates your ears, while the huge clap definitely shows its presence. The progression of the bass-line is great as well, constantly ascending to keep the power growing. The breakdown features some of the original elements of the song with some new additions such as some arrogated stabs that help fully develop the melody.

C-Systems Mix: A magnificent introduction, with some ambiance filtering through followed by some muffled piano-sounding note & techy percussive hits. The bass and full percussion hit you like a wall after the first minute and maintain their structure through this tune. The background singers make another appearance in this mix as well which only adds to the feel. At four and a half minutes, a massive techy stab pierces your eardrums. A top favorite of mine among these remixes.

Radio Edit: Self explanatory, shortened mix made for the airwaves.

Very solid release from this artist! Look forward to more tracks!

Released on the 25^th of June 2010 on Above Recordings!