Artist: Dana Bergquist
Title: McEnroe
Label: Symphonic Vibes
By: Darren Rhys | 31 August 2006
Tracklist:

• A1: Original Mix
• B1: D'Malicious Mix
• B2: Sharon & Robert Mix

Dana Bergquist "McEnroe"

Having forged a reputation as one of Sweden's most diligent and reliable DJ´s, Dana Bergquist graces Symphonic Vibes for their debut release, entitled 'McEnroe'. With an already extended discography, Bergquist's latest has caught the attention of many thanks to the support of John Digweed, among others.

The 'Original Mix' starts with a heavy intermittent kick and clap subtely filtering throughout the soundscape. Highly musical lead-synth parts and a bubbling analog bass groove combine effectively, providing the crux of the track. Collaborating with an incessant breakbeat rhythm, the combined elements keep things moving with a distinct energy and strong musicality. 'McEnroe' wastes no time in bearing it's key ideas, and dropped at the perfect time could prove a killer track for the dancefloor.

The 'DMalicious Mix' on the flipside immediately contrasts to it's counterpart, given that it's based around a 4/4 rhythm with an increased tempo and the introduction of some techy elements. A characteristic it does share from Bergquist's original is it's desire to waste little time in getting to the point. Following the initial "mix in" bars, riding cymbals, an energetic bobbing bassline and some punchy stabs push things along emphatically. The first break of the remix gives us a brief breather, before referrring to the synth-driven original with some pleasant lead-riffs of it's own.

Rounding off the package excellently is the Sharon & Robert Remix, which for me, is the pick of the bunch. Deep and progressive foundations see the track meander effortlessly through it's path with a solid musical bassline cutting solidly through the mix. A sequence of housey chords bring things gently to life, before the middle of the piece sees the introduction of a huge anthemic hook which adds prominence to what, up until that point, is a relatively subtle affair.

All mixes will find favour amongst fans of dance music with widely varying niches, and is a good introduction to the scene from Symphonic Vibes. The Original Mix, while not as uptempo or driving as the B-side, is the classier production of the two, with a bolder, heavier feel. It's electro-tinged bass and carefully executed melodic elements work very nicely indeed, and is certainly worth a listen. The Sharon & Robert Remix augments the quality of the release considerably, and is certainly something I'll be listening to for some time to come.