Shine: Ghost Dance EP Label: Torque

A very interesting release from Torque featuring the epic & dramatic "Ghost Dance" by Shine. There are two great remixes and two unremarkable remixes. The original (#1) has a theatrical flair to it that also has nice exotic elements (tribal percussion and almost Asian-melodrama synths). I was disappointed by the Alanis & Kowalski remixes, as they stripped away what was good about the original. The Masa Ueda & Hightech remixes (#4 & #5) were excellent, however. Both kept interesting parts of the original, but took them to funky new heights. So, that said, try the original and Masa Ueda & Hightech remixes (#1,4,5).

1. (Original): Epic progressive techno accented by tribal percussive layers. The synths are very theatrical, but there is definitely an Asian sensibility to the melodies, there is a distinct flavor of the melodrama here.
2. (Angel Alanis remix): Tech-house maven Angel Alanis throws down a jackin' pumpin' remix characteristic of many of his DJ sets. Heavy pounding beats without a lot of the drama from the original.
3. (A. Kowalski remix): This retains the synth-heavy drama and adds some textured noise layers, and the beats are just as heavy as ever.
4. (Masa Ueda remix): A huge departure from the original as label-owner Masa Ueda adds a bass-heavy loop that takes it into a dirty & nasty realm. The drama is somehow built up slowly and peaks midway.
5. (Hightech remix): Funky and groovy straight house version of the original, with emphasis on the fun. This one especially highlights the percussive elements of the original. This is also very different than the original, and totally bumpin'.