This is an absolute beast, make no mistake about it. Djamel has created something that’s really musical and organic, but has enough of a kick about it for people to dance to. If Buzzin’ Fly had been created in Detroit, it would release music like this, which is near perfection in my book.
The reckless abandon of the lead (a marimba or xylophone I reckon) creates the most enormous high during the original, which is interrupted superbly by an industrial sounding synth when it’s time for a crescendo; but it is difficult to do the thing justice in words. The track is 8 minutes long but it feels like only half that because of the way it evolves – it loops sufficiently to keep a groove going but there is all manner of variation in the lead: different patterns, different octaves, the lot. And I re-iterate, immense crescendos.
Pity the poor buggers that have to remix this – where do you start? Corrugated Tunnel’s interpretation goes for a more repetitive intensity, with a nice long breakdown in the middle. It’s more about the pads and the groove this version, and there’s an eerie feeling of suspense that goes down an absolute treat.
The Low Def Mix retains some of the madness of the lead, but loops in a more conventional way to the original, chugging along and building nicely. It’s less about highs and lows and more about the dancefloor nodding appreciatively, but there’s a good momentum that creeps up on you. Another fine effort.
This release has got everything – even the mastering seems above the usual standards. And as intricate as it is, you don’t need to be an anorak to be blown away by it. Top marks!