• Refreshing and invigorating twist
• Progressive Trance nuances with stand-out features
• Doesn’t dilute the emotions of the classic
When the popular website of 1001Tracklists came out with its top 101 producers for last year, the first name was surprising for me but gradually making more and more sense to me. Oliver Heldens has taught me a lesson over the course of time in his applaud-worthy career: the bearded hotshot always packs a punch up his sleeves, unleashing when least expected. Today, I have the pleasure to talk about another of his innovation, a brilliant and smacking twist on a gem from Above & Beyond called “Thing Called Love”.
Whether it was his all time hit “Koala” or the idiosyncratic synergy “This” (with Sander van Doorn) that reserved me as a complete fan, the Dutch icon has proved that he excels in smorgasbord of genres; from being pioneer of the Future House movement (yes, yes I don’t disregard Tchami’s involvement) to maturing his trademarks to various styles like striking peak-time Techno as his darker nom de guerre HI-LO. Despite the evolution displayed, he has stuck to the same playful-ness from his earlier days, the sole characteristic which has always kept him fresh regardless the types of endeavours he pursues.
There is a whole aspect of Helden’s increasing experimentation to be talked about, such as his dèbut in Toolroom last year or the series of dark mainroom Techno releases as the alternative aforementioned side-alias; or how Heldeep scored one of the most played record (“Dt64” from Moguai and Kai Tracid), but that would be lengthening this article. Therefore, let’s proceed on how this remix convinced me for a high-rating and superseded my anticipations.
As part of the tenth anniversary, Above & Beyond employed Oliver Heldens for a modernistic spin on the classic. The veteran British trio took a remarkable decision, as this revamp fuses a stronger take on the original, without washing away the sentiments that made it popular the first place. Using stabbing electro bassline adhering to Progressive Trance requisites, the talented heavyweight embedded a catchy and sprightly riff, almost synonymous of Anjuna’s offerings but with a lively hint of Future House-ish bounce. Add to this, the uplifting and dreamy arp-melody and atmosphere from the evergreen coupled along side the unforgettable charming vocal performance from Richard Bedford, this version carves and strikes its own personality in matter of few seconds.
If this same treatment can be applied to hits of yesterday rather than sticking a rattling bass hits and calling it a day, I absolutely approve of remixes. This serves as a model example, and deserves more admiration!
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