Armin van Buuren – Universal Religion Chapter 4
Pin ItArmin van Buuren returns with another episode of his balearic compilation series ‘Universal Religion 4‘. A live mix compilation recorded at club Amnesia in Ibiza. Once again he offers us a mixture of sun kissed tunes with a splattering of energetic beats to keep the dancing going long into the night (or as long as the mix lasts in this case!). Amongst these are a number of exclusives, including 2 remixes by the man himself.
The compilation starts off with a new track from BT feat. Jes. Neither name I think needs further introduction! First impressions are good, very deep beginnings with strings and gentle guitar leading us into our first climb in energy. Then a clear drum kick strikes things off. A high hat then follows before we get some more strings and Jes joining the show. Her very distinctive voice lending to the record perfectly. Deep synths drive stabbing to create a very Cosmic Gate like feel. We then have two more breaks which have an overall uplifting feel. Perfect beginnings for this mix I feel, swapping between progressive and uplifting. I love the record I’ve just listened to.
We’re mixed into a record I’ve reviewed previously: "This Moment (Prog Mix)" by Nic Chagall feat. John Mendelsohn, I already have high thoughts about this one, it’s a clear sign from Armin it’s time to get the show started, when the break develops that is more than evident. Nice selection which fits in well.
The mixing into "Here For Me" is real nice, not letting the energy go for a second. Vocal cries, guitar and piano create a progressive yet very danceable atmosphere. The piano loop really helping proceedings. We then get a break where Cathy’s voice is as smooth as you could wish for, a very sultry feel. We then get a real bouncy bass line kicking us along; layers of bass create a wave for the mix to ride on. A real groove starts making us forget all about the emotional beginnings and just dance. Julien Vincent and Mark Otten team up to create another fantastic record. The drops of heavy piano chords at the end create a perfect close.
The energy takes another leap up, an electric start with a bass line so heavy it’ll rumble whichever room you’re in. A rather squeaky vocal from Maria which changes in tone considerably throughout the track, a track with both strong backing and a bold vocal. I wouldn’t normally go for a track like this but in the mix it works perfectly. Really engaging the listener. These really are some killer vocals that Armin has just dropped.
Armin chooses to end the vocal party with a remix of his own. "Beggin’ You" mixes in with a clear tribal feel and adds a touch more depth to the emotional barrage. Longful strikes of a guitar create a down tempo feel before Jaren sings us beautifully through the story this track brings. She’s a vocalist with a strong voice and it suits this track right down to the ground. She’s given the limelight as she yearns.
"take a look inside, I’m begging you, daring you to change your mind. Know you said you’d try but again, I’m begging you, baby change your mind…"
The track then mixes out and I don’t feel Armin does this as smoothly as he should, there is quite a lot of clashing in the lower frequencies. Eventually we get to the end of the vocals and onto a melodic stunner. Daniel Kandi returns to his roots and gives us a rather tasty bass line in the process, helping us appreciate those lighter moments even more. Playful instrumentation and a sweet bass line lead us to what makes this track a stunner. A drop dead gorgeous melody, simple but jaw droppingly effective. Synths work us through a whole flurry of emotions and not once does this track feel like it’s trying too hard to be great, it just is. It’s taken a while for that killer melody to come out but Kandi has struck gold this time. I strongly feel this will be contender for track of the year.
Next we are dropped Gareth’s remix of "Tuvan", I personally felt this was the weakest mix from the single release but it works well included here in the set. We’ve had quite an energetic start and this seems to balance the playlist well. Giving listeners a bit of a break while providing a change in direction needed for things to pick up once more.
One of the biggest club cuts of the year follows, a mix up between Lange and Andy Moor. The track starts energetically with a fantastic bass line getting the show rolling. A back playing melody keeping the listening attention high. When the break develops this comes to the fore and unwinds further peaking with emotions. The track has a slightly eastern feel to it, because of the instrumentation. The bass line makes this a clear club hitter.
Armin then mixes into an effort from one of his favoured remix duos. The Stoneface & Terminal remix of "U.R." The original coming from Activa vs. Chris & Matt Kid. Lovely synth work on this one to rev up the crowd and lift the atmosphere of the mix. The mix provides Armin with the means to change the flow of the mix once again, giving us a high point before we drop into deeper territory with Shah.
"Healesville Sanctuary (Roger Shah Mix)" gives us ethereal vocals and one of the most gorgeous breaks of the year. Some inspiration clearly garnered from "The Hymn With Zirenz". Getting not one but two breaks this will certainly appeal to those who love their pads. Some of the percussion on this one I feel could have been tweaked to give a more polished feel but overall the track works well and sets the stage for one of the highlights of the album, which I am sure many of you will have already heard.
Jorn van Deynhoven’s mix of "RAMsterdam" has had numerous plays on ASOT. I went into this completely fresh and came out with a feeling of just wow. Sharing heavy similarities to "Anticipation" by Lemon & Einar K this is a no holds barred track. Moving like a train fast and furious with the main attraction being it’s thundering bass line and catchy melody. The energy levels wind up and down perfectly on the record, during its calmer moments we have piano and some vocal chops joining the luscious pads. Anybody who loved "Anticipation" will feel right at home with this one. Peak time trance at its best.
Next we have someone who likes his trance full on. Ian Betts who is never one to shy away from making musical statements. A perfect follow on from "RAMsterdam" retaining elements of power from the second while reaching a few high peaks as is the usual in a record from this man. He certainly likes his uplifters!
"False Gods" is followed by one of my favourite vocal tracks of the year. The Sebastian Brandt remix of "Somehow". For my full thoughts check out the previous review for this one. The BPM in this mix is sped up a little too much for my taste but I find but it still works well to create an emotional closing to the disc. It’s not last to come though.
"Sin City (Rex Mundi Remix)" has that privilege. The remixer known for churning out heavy progressive cuts of trance, what we get is something exactly along those lines. Heavy hitting but with the right changes of pace to close the album as a whole.
Conclusion
Overall thoughts on this one are great. The disc starts off incredibly strongly, it fades a little in the middle but picks back up again with some great peak time trance. Not since ‘ASOT 2006‘ has Armin been as impressive as he has been here. The changes in energy are good and the track choice nearly perfect for the mood he’s trying to create in the mix. Particular highlights are those tracks Armin had a hand in himself. Both quality productions, of which "Beggin’ You" has just been given its single release so it’s available to pick up now.
There is something in this album for everybody to enjoy. Quality vocal tracks and effective instrumentals. The mixing isn’t perfect but that is not to be expected from a live mix. Overall I’d give the mix a 9/10. Well worth giving a listen to.
For more info related to Armin van Buuren check out the following links:
www.arminvanbuuren.com
www.myspace.com/arminvanbuuren
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=710045644
www.twitter.com/arminvanbuuren
Reviewed by: Darren Honour
