Solaris Heights "Vice"

For years, Renaissance remained the epitome of do-no-wrong electronic music, serving as a true ‘rebirth’ in musical expectations and legendary club experiences. But from 1994’s Mix Collection Volume 1 on, they have continued to make decisions fitting the Renaissance name and stand at the forefront of the dance scene. Ramping up their single releases to complement compilations and artist albums, Renaissance finds sounds to fit their reputation and Solaris Heights and their new single ‘Vice’ fits the bill perfectly.

With full lush beauty, Jerome Sydenham’s mix flirts between house and trance- pushing all the right pads and keystrokes. Ultimately deciding on fun loving house, his interpretation of the darker vocal in the original is endearing and sweet. But the stronger beat it ends on begs for a barn burner to follow.

The original doesn't have the draw Jerome does, but it relies heavily on a moving bassline and bouncing bloops to help it dance. The vocals stand out here as the primary melodic line with a smooth, stalker’s charm- unsettling but never malicious. A secondary melody takes over at the halfway point, one pounded out on a keyboard from a soft saw synth, but it controls and moves the tune forward nicely. The dub is also included and works well with this one; actually showing off some of the original’s understated percussive fluttering and the hidden accents without the usual dub impression of something missing.

With flair distinctive of Renaissance, Solaris Heights pieced together something both original and familiar. Dark and intricate, yet emotional and full, ‘Vice’ finds a rare balance and builds on a powerhouse label with another strong release.