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(Armada/Stomp)
Markus Schulz has been described as both a progressive and trance DJ, but on the basis of his second mixed CD, it is obvious that this US-based DJ walks a unique road between the two genres. Over the last 12 months, Markus Schulz has released remixes of considerable note, many of them labeled “Coldharbour Remix”, a reference to the address of a London studio in which he completed this work. A large quantity of remix work appears on this double CD (8 tracks out of 20, not including the intro and outro), including five Coldharbour remixes. Ultimately this is a mix CD, but one which is so imbued with musical ideas from Markus Schulz that to call it just a mix CD does not adequately credit these ideas.
Overall, Coldharbour Session 2004 captures the distinct sound that Markus has been developing recently. There is a strong focus on progressive tracks, but without the tracks getting bogged down, a criticism sometimes leveled at progressive styles. Simultaneously, many tracks have an uplifting trance feel, but without relying on unsubtle build ups and breakdowns for effect. As a consequence of balancing the progressive and trance sounds, Markus Schulz has produced a CD which is both dark and uplifting. The track selection and remix work is often subtle, and always melodic. Compared to the other ‘big’ trance mix CD to be released this year, A State of Trance 2004 by Armin van Buuren, Coldharbour Sessions 2004 is as melodic, but deeper, slightly darker, and in my opinion, more innovative in its overall soundscape. Several tracks appear on both CDs, but with different mixes, providing an opportunity for direct comparison of the sound both DJs have produced.
Opening with sounds from an airport, CD 1 quickly moves into a smooth progressive feel. The third track, Taxi – Glistening, sets the musical scene with multiple rhythms and melodies providing movement and appealing complexity. Track 4 is Oceanlab – Satellite(Markus Schulz Coldharbour Remix), the first of only four vocal tracks on the CDs. This very popular uplifting track is given a darker feeling beneath the beautiful vocal part. This is achieved through slowing the track slightly, and using heavier reverb placed on both the vocal and the deeper chords and bass, particularly in the breakdown. The baseline is much more developed than a usual ‘four on the floor’, incorporating greater rhythmic variety and subtlety. These effects are used on many of the Coldharbour Remixes, resulting in tracks which are heavier with richer tonality and much more intensity than the original mixes. Instead of a big uplifting buildups, Coldharbour mixes are distinguished by building a deep and dark intensity that is then released to superb effect.
After this intensity, the sound lightens (Pinkbox Special – Simple) before again developing slightly more intensity with the standout track by Mark Otten - Tranquility (Markus Schulz Coldharbour Remix). The CD explores deeper progressive trance over the next 2 tracks before the return of an uplifting moment with Airwave - Lady Blue (Markus Schulz Coldharbour Remix) followed by two vocal tracks to close off the first CD with a gentle set down. Overall, CD 1 is melodic with tracks differentiated by a journey which explores the darker and deeper sounds of trance, contrasted with tracks of subtly and nuance.
The second CD opens with the well known melodically uplifting track Whirlpool Under the Sun (Markus Schulz Intro Mix), before delving again into rhythmically driven progressive tracks, including an exclusive track by producer to watch, Ozgur Can Sometimes. Through these tracks, the mix deepens until the only vocal track on the second CD appears Andain - Beautiful Things (Markus Schulz Shadows of Coldharbour Mix). The wonderful Luke Chable remix of A. Matsumoto & DJ Yoshi - Dreamer lightens the feel, which is then developed into the driving progressive Perry O’Neil Instrumental Mix of Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes. While this remix is admirable, I do wonder why it was included in preference to Markus Schulz’ own Coldhabour Remix, one of his best reworkings of a track in my opinion. The CD becomes steadily lighter again, once more setting the listener down with a soft landing. Overall CD 2 is more up-tempo than the first CD, but still explores darkness and intensity, coupled with an uplifting feel.
Characterised by excellent track selection, this double CD is a melodic, often subtle, and slightly dark journey into trance. Markus Schulz provides a sound that is gentler, less insistent and with a more progressive inspired feel than the euphoric Euro-trance sound that is dominant in much current trance. The feel of the CD is that you could play it when arriving home after a night of clubbing, with the beats not overpowering and more varied than just four to the floor driving bass. The CD is rich in melody and sonic beauty. It is a new, and very welcome sound of trance. This CD does not appear to have an Australian Distributor at this stage – it should!
