Jim Siver "Lost Places"

With the number of producers releases tracks growing at an almost expotential rate every year, it amazes me that there are constants calls of dance music being a dead art. However, so much quantity is often hard to wade through and find the quality that truly deserves proper accolades. One of the few releases that has left a mark on my musical psyche is Jim Siver´s glorious ´Lost Places´. Currently out through Swordtail Records, this is one hell of a release that, for me, is a standout in terms of musicality and the level of production quality.

The original mix of ´Lost Places´ starts on a beat laden tip with atmospheric synths layered over the top. With a number of minor sound effects added to pique interest, the tempo of the track begins to pick up but only at a slight point. This particular track isn´t about pounding your aural senses but more about enjoying the more luxurious elements of progressive house that can sometimes be found in the genre. As the melody begins to build, it never becomes overpowering and as such stays on the same feel for the duration of the track. There´s such a haunting quality to ´Lost Places´ that some how manages to sweep you away. This is one of the best and most beautiful pieces of music to be released this year. Absolutely stunning!

Up next is Native´s Lamington Mix, which takes the original and reworks it into a somewhat stripped back version. Gone are the atmospheric synths, replaced by a murky underbelly that keeps this rendition very grounded. Having said that, the main melody has been retained and becomes the focal point now. As a whole, this version is much more techy in sound and contains subtle twists and turns that give it a much darker, almost menacing feel. Nevertheless, this is nicely balanced with the melody and is a very interesting composition to hear. While I don´t believe this will appeal to everyone, after a few plays, I appreciated the more quirky elements to its overall sound.

Last but certainly not the least is Simuck´s Deep Dub of ´Lost Places´ which is yet another completely different rendition of this very enjoyable track. This time around the tune has been turned into a beautiful piece of a deep house with a dubby bass line being the mainstay now. The melody is still present but is more subdued as the emphasis is more about that bass line. As the track builds at a gradual pace, it almost holds itself back and never really explodes. Added for effects are static sounds but these are only sporadic as the bass and melody happily intertwine. Overall, this rendition has such a hypnotic element that you find yourself smiling about everything and nothing all at the same time.

Without a doubt, Jim Siver´s ´Lost Places´ and its accompanying remixes is one of the best packaged releases for the year. From the progressive overtone of the original version to the techy elements of Native´s Lamington Mix and finishing with the deep house grooves of Simuck´s Deep Dub, this is one release that has something for everyone. More then anything, this is a stunning trilody of tunes and given the level of quality found in this release, it´s clear that Jim Siver is a name to watch in the future. Highly recommended.