Artist: Leama & Moor
Title: Distance Between Us
Label: Primal Records
By: Andy Dixon | 7 May 2007
Tracklist:

• A: Jody Wisternoff Mix
• B: Streetlife DJs Mix

Leama & Moor "Distance Between Us"

When Leama and Andy Moor teamed up, they already had club cred. Along with incredibly successful solo works, like 'Melodica' and 'Halcyon' respectively, both had teamed up the legendary producers Parks and Wilson - Leama as one third of Odessi and Moor as a part of Tilt after John Graham's departure, so it wasn't a surprise when their collective project was officially launched, nor was it a surprise when it was a success. Their string of remixes, singles, and a debut album in late 2006 has now led to 'Distance Between Us' and its release on the Primal Recordings label.

While the original has been getting play for quite some time, Primal now delivers remixes from Jody Wisternoff and the Streetlife DJs. Jody's mix is a classic 4/4 workout. It primarily deviates using the layers that hover above its steady bass drum and snare bed with the occasional changes to end a phrase. The bassline is funky and can get your shoulders moving, but it grows into a less bouncy, more progressive drive by track end. The vocals here are very focused, borderline pop, with tinges of Michael Jackson-esque voice without the high pitch or scandal. It's well sung and is nicely underlined by a signature Way Out West melodic guitar to bring out some of its nuances.

The Streetlife DJs, London's own Stewart Rowell and Louis Gaston, take Distance down further; it's dirty, more electro, and revved up. It relies on heavy hi hats and a hard repetitive bassline of quick sine effects. It filters the vocals and severely cut backs on the verses to intermingle it with frontline guitar. Short-lived modulations combos and flanges end phrases to help build this level of energy, but it's the relentless bassline and chaotic hi hats that really keep it going.

It's surprising to say that the Streetlife DJs actually out remix the great Jody, but it might hold true here. It's not from an inferior mix from Mr. Wisternoff either, just a nice fresh sound from the Streetlife duo.