- New Orleans native Tony Estrada has been DJing professionally for over 14 years. With his upcoming release entitled “Close” about to drop on Piliavin and Zimbardo’s Distraekt Records, he will undoubtedly be making a name for himself on the production circuit as well.
“Close” is a darker toned progressive track, and while it’s debatable as to whether or not the three versions of the production will appeal to DJ’s outside of the tribal/progressive scene, the excellent quality and composition of the song is undeniable.
The original version is the best of the three. It features a vocal echoing “Close” throughout the track, in a voice that can best be described as deliciously evil. Another vocal runs throughout the production, creating a somewhat dubby undertone. The bass line rides low over a pounding kick drum, as various thunderous synth lines and effects fade in and out of the mix.
First up on the flip side is the Kingkade remix. This remix is definitely a dance floor stormer, even if it’s hard to say that there is anything new going on in terms of the trancey bass line and somewhat predictable progression. Disregarding originality, Kingkade know how to keep a club packed and the dance floor sweating – this remix is no exception.
Finally, there is the Victor Stereo remix, which adds a tech house flavor to the original version. The bass line on this interpretation of the track definitely reaches more toward house influences, yet maintains the dark voice crowing “Close” over a looped vocal sample and delayed synth note.
What makes “Close” a release worth picking up is how each version takes similar elements from the original, yet creates entirely different finished products in terms of a completed track. All three versions clearly stand on their own and could arguably be played in the same night without one noticing that they are of the same title (barring, of course, the growling vocal of the song’s name…really the only giveaway).
Distraekt Records has released some impressive vinyl in their short existence, and Tony Estrada’s “Close” is no exception. Expect great things to come from both the producer, the remixers, and the label – if “Close” is indeed any indication of what lies ahead.