Artist: Invisible Inc
Title: Stars (Remixes: Part One)
Label: Sumsonic Recordings
By: Simon Jones | 18 April 2004
Tracklist:

• A: Ambient Mix
• B: Sleepfreaks Mix

Invisible Inc "Stars (Remixes: Part One)"

With the original 12" having recently been released with the original mix featuring alongside a mix between Barry Jamieson and Paul Rogers, Invisible Inc's 'Stars' has quickly become one of Sumsonic's biggest releases to date, but the demand for the ambient version was so high that they've brought forward plans to put out remixes of the track, and have assembled this remix disc which sees the much in demand ambient version go head to head with a new remix from none other than the Sleepfreaks.

The 'Ambient Version' doesn't really need much said about it. If you've heard Sasha play over the course of the last year or so then you will have found it hard not to have heard this. His opener of choice for much of his gigs throughout the summer and autumn of 2003, this track has caused absolute chaos amongst trainspotters leading up to the revelation of what it actually was. It may be simplistic in it's structure, but the arrangement of hooks and melodies create an overwhelming sense of emotion. As each melody line unfolds into the next, each soaring hook falling into place, this puzzle completed by some precision changes that leave eyes wide and jaws on the floor. But of course, you don't need me to tell you this, chances are that you've been one of those many it's spell has been cast on already.

It's no surprise that the remix duties could only be fulfilled by those 'Sleepfreaks' boys, although the mix itself is an actual surprise as it may not be what you expect of these two. After a long lay off, the Sleepfreaks sound has developed and the evidence is here, as 'Stars' gets ripped apart and given a dirty, chunky house makeover. Big beats and a gritty bassline drive the groove forward, the original melodies cut up and layered sparingly into the twisted soundscape that unfolds, getting caught in the loop and bringing atmosphere into the last few minutes, but maintaining the grungy edge that remains the focus throughout.

I'm sure that some people already left for the store the moment the remix 12" was announced, and I'm sure that some will have decided on whether this is a vinyl they want to owe from the first few words I wrote. Don't be put off by the fact it's going to become a staple in everyone's box, as this is one record that you can sit in a box by your hifi and pull out months down the line and still marvel at the glorious sounds that you will hear, as this is a release who's star will still be shining bright for some time to come.