Tom Trago – Voyage Direct Part 2 review

by Juno Daily on 22.03.2010 at 10:15am.
Last edited: 22.03.2010 at 10:15am.

Artist: Tom Trago
Title: Voyage Direct Remixes Part 2
Label: Rush Hour Holland
Genre: Deep House
Format: Digital
Buy From: Juno Download

Dutch electronic institute Rush Hour unleash the second and final Voyage Direct remix EP. Keeping their local sentiment, all four featured remixers come straight out of the label’s Amsterdam base. Aardvarck, Boris Werner, San Proper and Sotu The Traveler deliver a diverse set of mixes that continue to retain the interest in Tom Trago’s debut album.

Following a string of acclaimed singles over three years, April 2009 saw the release of the hot Amsterdam producer’s debut album. Turning heads instantly, the album was a hit and was followed up with a remix EP in August last year. Earlier this year, we saw the release of the Live Takes and now the final instalment drops to round off what has been a highly successful Voyage Direct campaign for Tom Trago.

Opening the EP, Boris Werner provides a latin infected house version of “Lost in the Streets of NYC.” With shades of disco, the rework has an airy quality to, induced by an intricately delicate piano pattern. A flowing groove keeps the rest of the track grounded as the other components drift off in a dream-like trance. Famed for his distorted dupstep-techno crossovers, Ardvarck hands in a tough electrodisco version of “On the Side.” Roughed up kicks combine with Soundstream-style string edits. Highly energised and full of power, the track is roughened up in Ardvarck’s trademark Cult Copy style.

San Proper ‘s “Use Me” remix sees disco looping edits, acidic synthbass merging with a Detroit feel before Sotu the Traveller closes the release with his hybrid of dupstep and electrohouse on his interpretation of “Voyage Direct.” As the long journey of his Voyage Direct draws to a close, Tom Trago will no doubt look back with starry eyes. Stretching the output from the album to the max but always maintaining the quality, he could have surely never imagined the ride would be this long and prosperous.

Review: Tom Jones