For a label to reach that revered 200th release landmark in an electronic music business that is so volatile and unpredictable should be greeted with the utmost respect it quite rightly deserves.
Rotterdam-based DJ/Producer Paul Hazendonk has been the driving force behind Manual Music since its inception in 2005, and has established his label as a crucial platform for exciting talent, focused on sonic innovation that is always fresh and original. So, it is entirely appropriate that the label’s celebratory 200th instalment features two highly creative remix interpretations of the tracks from Paul’s MAN187 release from early summer 2016, courtesy of Hernan Cattaneo partnered with Martin Garcia, and Boss Axis, alongside a brand new original masterpiece of the highest order from the main man himself.
As an exciting new chapter Manual Music’s meticulous history begins, Paul has also masterminded a fresh, new artwork theme to mark the occasion, continuing a theme he introduced previously when the landmark first century of releases was reached. Such is the demanding, multi-tasking role of being a label boss, running parallel alongside a busy DJ schedule, means that as an artist, Paul Hazendonk often has to schedule short bursts of creative studio time, which he strives to channel into highly focused moments of inspiration.
The majestic melodious beauty of ‘Sanction’, married to an exceptionally developed groove aesthetic, is the sure sign of a masterful producer at work. This exceptional new track is joined here by Hernan Cattaneo and Martin Garcia’s exquisite interpretation of ‘Profound Shift Of Conceptual Awareness’. Having previously worked together on many projects over the years for the likes of Perfecto, Bedrock, and Shinichi/Yoshitoshi, their remix pedigree is second to none. Paul’s original version was a brooding beast of a track that sparked with electric intensity, and the genius of this Argentinian duo has been to create a deeply hypnotic, restrained and ultimately joyous interpretation.
Sitting perfectly within this excellent package is the Boss Axis Remix of the mighty ‘Spheksophobia’. The original version showcased Paul’s trademark attention to detail, with layer upon layer of intricate sounds and dubbed out FX evolving into a totally engaging, deeply monstrous groove, and here the German duo, dubbed “ministers of melody”, inject some of their renowned synth-heavy, euphoric fireworks into the proceedings with spectacular results.
Personal favourite here for me is the Martin Garcia rework, but amongst t=such a strong release, very difficult to choose a favourite.
Artist Info:
http://www.paulhazendonk.com
https://soundcloud.com/paul-hazendonk
http://www.instagram.com/paulhazendonk
https://www.facebook.com/paulhazendonkofficial/
Label Info:
http://www.manual-music.com
https://soundcloud.com/manual-music
https://www.facebook.com/manualmusicofficial
Words: Paul Sawyer
Mark 5 out of 5
