Artist: Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren
Title: Light The Skies
Label: Baroque Records
By: Simon Jones | 5 March 2007
Tracklist:

• A: Original Mix
• B: Jim Rivers 'Red Sky' Mix
• C: Harry Peat Mix
• D: Retrobyte Mix

Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren  "Light The Skies"

Matt Cerf's career began as part of trance collective Second Sun, who's work has been most famously supported by Paul Van Dyk, as reflected by their numerous releases on the Vandit label. Upon departing the group in 2002, Matt went solo, and over the past few years has collaborated with Shawn Mitiska and singer/songwriter Jaren on various projects, appearing on labels that include Solaris and now all parties combine for the first joint venture 'Light The Skies', the latest release on Baroque Records.

Taking the lead is the Original Mix - sticking close to the duo's trance roots. Opting to take a laid back direction as opposed to full on peak time chaos, the duo use synth lines and melodies to great affect, interchanging parts of the vocal and melody via some very clever key changes. With the song based arranged of the vocal, this is a somewhat more contemporary piece - and with the spring and summer looming, expect this mix to find to find it's way onto several of the upcoming compilations.

Of course, it's always good to keep in touch with the underground, and that's where the ever consistent Jim Rivers comes in with his 'Red Sky' interpretation. If you're a follower or fan of his past singles on EQ Grey, Saved and Saw, then you'll have a pretty good idea of what to expect. Jim strips the track down to it's foundations, and lays down a subliminal blend of tech rhythms and bass grooves. The vocal is kept to a sparse minimum, emerging mainly during a build up in the mid section of the track, as Jim Rivers shows he is more than capable of traversing different styles with relative ease.

The house heads will not be disappointed either as Harry Peat is on hand - and his trademark blend of melodies, atmospheric moods and solid house grooves lend themselves well to the track. The vocal is placed more in the background, giving the mix a rather understated feel, and this in turn helps to establish the "late night mood" of the mix further, it's deep rhythms leading into a smooth, swirling drop that will change the tempo and direction of the night. Finally, Organized Nature artist Retrobyte is on hand to cap off the release, with a pulsating electronic club version that not only compliments the other versions on offer, but gives those looking for a more upbeat club version an alternative to the subdued original.

It's not often you see a double pack release on Baroque, in fact it's been quite some time since the last. Some might be surprised at this release in comparison to recent output, but in terms of overall versatility, this package hits the bullseye. Having already captured the attention of one Armin Van Buuren - having been sublicensed to his own Armada outlet, 'Light The Skies' is a track you'll be hearing a lot of in the coming months, but this is the package worth checking.