Artist: Invisible Inc
Title: Stars
Label: Sumsonic Recordings
By: Simon Jones | 19 February 2004
Tracklist:

• A: Original Mix
• B: Inc Vs Rogers Mix

Invisible Inc "Stars"

Sumsonic has become well known for quality deep and melodic house ever since it's inception back in 2000. Having built it's foundations on a largely in house produced set of releases, recent months have seen the label add some new artists to their roster. Whilst Invisible Inc may not be familiar to anyone, the man behind the project most certainly will be. As one half of defining progressive duo Evolution, in addition to being a Grammy nominated producer, Barry Jamieson has been at the forefront of the scene for over 10 years, and with accolades for every project he has put his hand to, there's no surprise that this latest has received the exact same plaudits over the last few months as 'Stars' has become undoubtedly one of the most sought after tracks of the last few months, thanks in part to a man called Sasha who started the ball rolling at Homelands 2003, and creating a level of anticipation that few other tracks have managed to rival in the time since.

As the first chords subside to a soundscape of subtle keys, drifting melodies and deep grooves, it becomes clear why there is such a fuss about the track. It's hypnotic bassline floats below a sea of keys, synth pads and tightly layered beats that keep the soft energy flowing forward, whilst deep hooks take us further into the stunning melodies. As the layers of sounds fade into each other, the drums rise creating subtle swells out of which many sounds float to ad the final touch to this glistening progressive masterpiece, that you have to admire for both it's carefully arranged production and it's aural grandeur.

The b-side sees Barry team up with Sumsonic's own Paul Rogers for the 'Inc Vs Rogers Mix'. Taking a tougher route, hard beats and a chunky groove take precedence here, whilst the melodies are held back and introduced later in the mix, filtered and changed in places. Big strings rise from behind as phasing pads wash over the melody line, climaxing in a big sweeping wave of layered sounds that will command the attention of all on the dancefloor.

One of Sumsonic's finest moments to date, and yet another addition to an impressive production discography for Barry Jamieson. If this is a standard of what we can expect from both parties in the future, then the stars will be a regular sight as their skyward ascent continues.