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Rank 1
» It's Up To You (Symsonic)
Reviewed by glen gavin
/ Submitted 01-02-04 16:03
Label: Kontor Records
Format: 12" Vinyl
Genre: Trance
Rank 1 need no introduction. Their name in tranceland says it all. They are renowned for producing peak time, feel good anthems which have torn most dancefloors to pieces at one time or another. So what have the three mixes of their newest outing got to offer??
The original mix begins in classic Rank 1 style with a subtle kickdrum and light bongo-like percussion, with a sharp, off beat high hat being added within a few bars. Then a long, drawn out synth chord builds in volume and the kicks fade gradually before the heavy two tone bassline crashes in, accompanied by a tougher, more driving kickdrum.
The melody is then slowly introduced in the form of a cascading chord sequence which repeats every bar. The long synth chord then rises again to signal more percussion to join the fray. This is closely followed by the overpowering vocal by Shanokee. The main part of the vocal is underlayed with a typical wash of soft undertones which build gradually until the cascading melody is reintroduced with much more conviction.
When the bass and kickdrums are thrown back in, everything sounds crisp. There's brilliant filtering of the melody as a short blast of the vocal drifts back into play, and some nice digital, echoed effects before the tune begins it's decent and slowly fades down. This is the mix that those who favour the more euphoric sound will prefer. It's not the best Rank 1 tune ever by any means, but is nevertheless a solid production performance that will satisfy a majority of tranceheads out there.
The instrumental dub is slightly tougher than the original and plays a bit more on the melody with a much sharper synth stab sequence and altogether more futuristic feel, but essentially keeping all the same elements except obviously the vocal.
The Dumonde mix is by far the toughest mix, and as you'd expect, the pairing of Jam X & De Leon do not fail to deliver.
Right from the offset the classic heavy pounding kickdrum and filtered effects take hold. There's no messing about with this mix. They've 'taken the bull by the horns' so to speak and provide a non-stop trancefest. The percussion arrangements are top class and their minimal use of the vocal is very clever. It's echoed in certain key places which really highlights the backdrop of powerful trance chords and helps to build expectancy. Those chords are then appregiated and slowly increase in volume until a drumroll signals the return of the powerful kickdrum and tight percussion. For me this is the mix that stands out the most. The overall production is very tight, and is constant which makes it feel more 'epic'.
Overall it's another outstanding release for Rank 1. 'It's Up To' You lives up to all the expectation and will no doubt rock clubland in the coming months. All three mixes offer something slightly different so this record will happily sit in a range of dj's boxes, and whilst it's admittedly not their greatest release, Rank 1 have again proved they've got what it takes when push comes to shove.
Well done lads!
Rating: 
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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.
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Comments:
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From: Shaun on 2nd Feb 2004 11:24.24
God I thought this was Class A Dross. Terrible effort from such a good production team.
From: Not Marcus on 2nd Feb 2004 11:37.47
I'm with Shaun, trance by numbers. Utter bollocks.
From: glen gavin on 8th Feb 2004 11:20.44
Reece played this on Friday @ Wildchild and it went off big time. I stand by my original grade of 8/10. It sounds wicked loud. It grows on you and the vocal gets stuck in your head. sorry guys but for me this is a winner!
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