Midland's release, ‘Before We Leave’ on Phonica is full of string instruments and brazen drums. Producer Harry Agius who has previously worked with Julio Bashmore and Guy Gerber, takes away the typical house genre beat with his natural sounds and acoustic vibes.
The smooth strings, underlying in the track, are kept the same throughout only to make it more dramatic when they subtly change every so often.The string pad sounds also give a slight feeling of tension to the track only to be relieved when the beat drops again after the build. Agius then brings the drums back even more alive and powerful; everything in the track comes together.
The ‘Gerd Janson remix’ drops the track to a synthier, bassy retro beat. The synth plays the character of the bass and the main hook of the track, keeping the beat going, while also giving a melodic structure to the piece. The string/pad sounds are also are little more active in this remix, the overall beat is more alive and energetic. The big beat drop in the remix highlights the claps well as they are exclusively revealed with everything else being dropped out before it’s all brought back again in full force. The kick also plays a bigger part in this remix alongside the bass as they compliment each other pleasantly.
The ‘Bonus Beats’ version is full of space with the use of reverb making the vibe even more acoustic. The claps and drums are still prominent but alongside we hear some stifling sound effects, giving an overall eerie feel to the track. It’s all about the classic natural vibe here, everything brassy and bold, in your face and very realistic, a great spin on a house track. It’s almost like a tribal march or something you would hear outside at a live music party.
Naomi Campbell
Check out Naomi's music page here.
