Simon Patterson - Northern Lights

Simon Patterson is a producer who's ability comes from that classic mixture of a pure love for music and raw talent. Using experience of what works as a formula and his own ability to take this formula and twist it to his own benefit, 'Northern Lights' is everything a trance song should be. There isn't much new here in terms of how the song works but the beauty of the genre is that there so many ways of doing the same thing that it sounds original every time. The song starts with a fairly heavy build before the breakdown which reminded me of a Coldplay song with the even chords and the strained vocals. The drop is great and once again isn't too original, reminding me of a Norin & Rad style tune, but still does the job. So while this song doesn't do anything new, it doesn't need to. Trance is tried and tested, we know what works and we know what doesn't, so the best that can be done is the formula we have but in the best way possible. This might be one of the best examples of this in 2012. 

Out now on Beatport

Dan Stone & Nitrous Oxide - Nautica

I have been excited about this release for a while. With its driving intro, beautiful build up and satisfying drop, this song is the reason people love trance. A collaboration that in hindsight seems so obvious, pulls together the best from both worlds with Dan Stone providing the europhic edge to Nitrous Oxide's uplifting heavier style. Released today on Anjunabeats as part of Nitrous Oxide's 'Worldwide Collaborations' EP that also contains the excellent 'Energize' produced with the often remixer of Nitrous Oxide tracks, Space Rockerz.

Fon Leman - Colibri EP

Fon Leman is an artist who has been quietly releasing great progressive tracks for a long time and nothing has changed here. This production is of an extremely high quality and when you listen to it properly you can really hear the work that has gone into it. The original mix is a great track but the "Angry" Remix is really where this comes into its own. The build is epic with various synths flowing in and out to create a great atmosphere followed by a breakdown that delivers on the quality of the build. Well worth purchasing and definitely a tune that will grow on you the more you listen to it. 

An honourable mention should go to the 'Blend' Remix which takes a slightly more muted approach to the track. Although at times more bassy than the "Angry" Remix, this track more complements it rather than trying to compete with it. 

This available now on Beatport

Heatbeat - Chowmein EP

Chow Mein


Heatbeat have become famous for high energy tracks who manage to keep a europhic melody relevant amongst the signature heavy drops.

 'Extra Bacon' is the perfect example of this, with a dose of cut up vocals and a melodic breakdown followed up with a great drop. 

'Chow Mein' delivers more of the same but seems more destined for success. Obviously produced with festival tents and superclubs in mind, expect to hear this one wherever you go.

Another strong release from Heatbeat shows that the Argentine duo are anything but a fluke. A testament to that would be their remix of 'Afterthought' by Parker & Hanson and their last track 'Rocker Monster' which are 2 of the best productions of the year so far.