- There is really no need to mention the great first year Cuba Recordings have had to their hopefully long and prosperous years ahead, and it is with great accomplishment that the label are set to release their first Two Disc release, with the Russian based Koala providing the release. Imagine is the release in question, and it comes with an action packed array of mixes that should please almost everyone!
First up is the Original Mix which is very impressive. A nice crisp kick drum gets the track under way while a nice electro driven baseline gets the track really moving along nicely. Subtle melodic tones merge beautifully with the driving loops until the track hits a retro style breakdown that sees a heavy high toned synth pattern go solo, but not for too long as the beats come roaring back in to take the second half of the production out in style.
Following this is Punkt Vocal Mix. Short and too the point, this mix definitely has a more widespread appeal to it, as the main vocal rides over smooth beats and subtle guitar riffs for the first half. The track soon gets a lot grittier and dirtier as the guitar riffs intensify and the beats become more vibrant. Quite a good mix that probably showcases the raw live sound of Koala.
The first remix comes from U & K with their One More Tequila Remix. Quite a smooth house remix, this track flows nicely with a smooth funky baseline and some nice crisp percussive sounds. A not too gritty synth line rides hand in hand with the baseline with good results to keep this remix flowing nicely for the most part.
The Imagin-apella that follows is a short DJ tool featuring the main retro synth line from the original mix.
A very nice first disc to this two disc release, with the Original mix for me standing out as the feature production.