Artist: 16 Bit Lolitas
Title: Trading Places
Label: Extrema Records
By: Simon Jones | 14 January 2004
Tracklist:

• A: Original Mix
• B: Dub

16 Bit Lolitas "Trading Places"

Deep within Holland lies the Lost Orchestra Studios where the trio of Peter 'Snafu' Kriek, Ariaan Olieroock and Xpander.NL's Patrick Willer have their own production company, where they develop musical concepts and projects as well as audio for radio, film and TV. The 16 Bit Lolitas project is but one of the trio's many, the difference being that this is not merely an artistic outlet for their music, but also live act and DJ team, with the ability to interchange components in whatever way they see fit. This is reflected in their many forthcoming singles on labels across the world, and leading the charge is this latest release on Extrema Records entitled 'Trading Places', featuring the group's friend and vocalist Jenny Willemstijin.

The 'Original Mix' is a solid percussion based house track with some awesome analogue rhythm programming, which slides freely over a bassline that drives the percussion along, whilst adding tempo and a big sound. Jenny's vocal melodies draw you in, as her harmonies form part of the groove between each chorus. As each section fades in and out, the direction changes slightly so as the track develops you don't quite know where it's going to go next, yet it holds you captivated throughout.

The trio's 'Dub Mix' is somewhat deeper and darker, heavy drums prominent from the start and getting tougher as the groove moves along. The background sounds then fade out as a extended vocal refrain rises early on, soon subsiding to a massive synth based section half that drives along on a bed of big stabs and a killer riff that will get the room bouncing. Satisfaction guaranteed.

A great release to start off 2004 for Extrema, and an introduction to a production trio who look set for big things over the coming 12 months.