3rd Moon – Monsun
Friday, August 21, 2009
3rd Moon, an up and coming Polish duo whom I first heard when listening to the ‘DNA / RNA‘ release back in 2006. Since then they’ve mainly been involved with remix work and hit a high note with their remix of "Saved Again" by Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren. Their latest track "Monsun" has been an eagerly awaited release for many as it featured on the closing section of Armin’s ‘ASOT 2009‘ album. Armin always picks quality for his annual release so you know for sure the production value will be high even before listening. Do we have something with substance as well as quality though? Well that’s what I’m here to tell you.
Original Mix
The track starts off heavily with some deep hitting bass letting us know we’re in for something no holds barred. A drum pattern introduces itself, the whole thing has a slightly grainy feel to it and could do with some tightening up I feel. At the 30 second mark a bit more pace and energy is injected into the track making things feel a little jumpy. The whole thing steadies out a little before the pace picks back up and we get a quick hat striking off. At the 1:23 mark we get a rather spacey synth melody breaking out with the delicate touches of percussion thrown in giving a rather magical feel. At the 1:50 mark the main melody comes in till it drops off at the 2:03, although very simple in structure it’s effective. Strings then form the focus of what is now a rich layered feel. Choir like pads find their way in to bring a majestic touch to proceedings. At 2:31 a deep thud of bass indicates the change in direction of the track. That synth melody from earlier starts its ascension till we hit the 2:58 mark when we get another boom and the racy feel begins filtering through once more. We get a kick rolling at the 3:15 mark before that pounding bass line comes back to the fore; this is peak time Trance alright. At 3:54 we get everything going at the once creating a frenzy for your ear to tune into, many of the elements vying for your attention. The track does flatten out some after this period easing up on the listener a little, a soaring like feel carries us through the 4th minute. The melody takes the main focus while the bass rumbles beneath. At the 5:20 the structure of the previous break repeats before the track closes and comes full circle.
Conclusion
A very strong peak time Trancer which is simple yet very effective. It will more than likely strike those who listen to it with its power and boldness. This is certainly a track which has solid direction and execution. From start to finish it may not vary as much as some would like, the melody during the centre part does lose some of its freshness, and if it wasn’t for the accompanying pads I don’t think it could carry itself for as long. In its entirety the track has a stellar feel to it and strikes a good balance between its different elements. Hard hitting but melodic enough to please those whom like their Melodic Trance. 3rd Moon manage to put another quality release onto their already impressive catalogue.
8.5/10
For more info related to 3rd Moon check out the following links:
www.myspace.com/3rdmoon
Reviewed by: Darren Honour
