Artist: Hernan Cattaneo & John Tonks
Title: Sirocco
Label: Renaissance Recordings
By: Chloe Harris | 12 August 2006
Tracklist:

• A: Original Mix
• B: Nodding Dog Mix

Hernan Cattaneo & John Tonks "Sirocco"

Hernan Cattaneo and production partner John Tonks are back with a brilliant slice of progressive music. 'Sirocco' was first heard on Hernan's amazing mix compilation, 'Sequential' out on Renaissance last May. For the 12" release, Sirocco gets a remix chock full of electro elements and heavier analog synths, while the original still has that warm progressive flavour we've come to love from these two.

As the last song on Hernan's Sequential mix, 'Sirocco' leaves a lasting impression on you. The light twinkly synths become overwhelmed by a massive grooving bassline that starts the drive and movement of the song. Tribal drums and sounds add the organic but eclectic atmosphere while building into a peak that explodes once the sweeping synths fall into it all. A drop that goes down deep and just chugs with the bassline and beats before stopping into some mental stabs that build once more before peaking again. The excitement here lies in what's next, as the song takes change consistently keeping your attention with all its intricacies.

The 'Nodding Dog Mix' plays up the analog and electro sound that has been making waves in the last few years. A strong rumbling arppeggiated bassline steps in quickly to start while the beats take on an 808-like sound, with lots of edits and snare rolls. Hard stabbing synths cut into the beats, while spacey sweeps wash over and fade slowly away. Random electro bubbles play in the background twinkling and adding movement before dropping into a break of quieter sounds. Acid comes out from underneath building into a peaking frenzy that doesn't let up until the song is almost over.

As usual, Hernan and John deliver two outstanding pieces of music. 'Sirocco' has a very developed sound with its synth work and wonderful bassline, while the Nodding Dog mix is an exciting analog addition, and with these two completely different versions, there is sure to be one that pleases you.