Artist: Bedrock
Title: Santiago (Remixes)
Label: Bedrock Records
By: Simon Jones | 4 January 2006
Tracklist:

• A: Bedrock 'St James' Mix
• B: Guy Gerber 'Hot Rod' Mix

Bedrock "Santiago (Remixes)"

It's been some time since we last saw anything from John Digweed & Nick Muir's Bedrock project, with the last single 'Forge' released back in 2003. With the duo involved in numerous projects, both individually and collectively, not to mention Digweed's extensive globe trotting with his DJ career, it's little wonder that there's such a gap between singles, and this only adds to the buzz that builds around each one as their existence becomes known, and that's what exactly happened with 'Santiago' after it's debut on John Digweed's Global Gathering Essential Mix.

Whilst Bedrock's main 'La Coruna Mix' may not have been quite what the long standing faithful expected, it's uplifting mood and heady Balearic rhythms carved it's own niche throughout the latter half of 2005 and took the "Bedrock sound" in a new, yet unexpected direction. Meanwhile, the 'St James Mix' here on this remix 12" takes the more "traditional" route, a funky pumping bassline driving through a tightly produced arrangement of soaring synths and chunky beats. In some ways it's still more subdued than much of of Digweed & Muir's previous work, but has all the right elements that make it a guaranteed hit on the floor.

Guy Gerber's 'Hot Rod Mix' then rounds off the package with a twisted and dirty house interpretation that would find favour from electro and tech lovers alike. A tough, gritty bassline, acid style synths and an oddly captivating melody hook that preludes the filthy beat finale place this mix in a different category to all the others. In some ways it's far removed from any of the other mixes in many ways, but still maintains just enough elements that acknowledge it's association.

Without a doubt, 'Santiago' is a turning point in many ways, both for Bedrock as a production outfit, and for the label itself, the output of which has become increasingly more varied with each release over the last six months or so. With that in mind, it shall be interesting to see where 2006 takes Bedrock, and also the individual careers and projects of both Digweed and Muir.