Artist: Cabala Feat Michelle Chivers
Title: Vision Of U
Label: Whoop Records
By: Simon Jones | 22 April 2004
Tracklist:

• A: Nick Muir Vocal Mix
• B: Nick Muir Dub Mix

Cabala Feat Michelle Chivers "Vision Of U"

It's been almost five years since Nick Muir last graced a Whoop! vinyl, but having spent the last few years working alongside John Digweed as Bedrock, producing several huge singles and remixing artists from Underworld to New Order, he now returns to the fold with his follow up as Cabala. Following on from the 1999 classic 'Dark Blue', Nick's new single 'Vision Of U' is another progressive epic, featuring the vocals of up and coming singer and songwriter Michelle Chivers, who makes her debut on this landmark single.

The 'Vocal Mix' as you might expect is rather big sounding indeed, with influence drawn from Muir's work within Bedrock. A rolling bassline and killer pads creates a dynamic energy from the early moments of the track, a driving groove soon developing. As the tempo spirals out of control, the main vocal hook is introduced with dramatic effect, synths floating around in the space between to keep the beats moving, and taking over as the main section unfolds. The vocal is then reintroduced, each subtle harmony change mirroring every little chord progression within the track, with Michelle's beautiful harmonies dropping us into the breakdown. The vocal and groove layers switch throughout the final few minutes of the track, with big beats ending the track on a high note.

On the other side, the 'Dub Mix' takes us into the darkness, as Michelle's vocals are twisted and contorted by all manner of effects and treatments, big synths and loops creating tension during the opening moments. Eerie sounds move through the groove, the pace building section by section, with a satanic mood developing as this tough and pumping interpretation drives along with the intensity of a train on impact course, not only providing a contrast to the emotion of the original vocal version, but instilling what I call the 'fear' that kicks a hole in your stomach.

Muir delivers an almost faultless single that Bedrock fans and progressive junkies in general are going to be unable to resist. It's been a long time coming, but this is a worthy successor to 'Dark Blue', and with the assistance of the talented Miss Chivers, has delivered one of Whoop!'s finest releases in some time.