Artist: Micah
Title: Microcosm
Label: Ruhnsong Recordings
By: Darren Rhys | 12 November 2006
Tracklist:

• 1. Original Mix
• 2. Micah 'The Breaks Gone By' Mix
• 3. Jaytech Mix
• 4. Joel Armstrong Mix
• 5. Austin Azua 'Ambientish Shlubble' Mix

Micah "Microcosm"

Having dipped his toe into the production pond nearly a decade ago, Canada's Micah Lukasewich has undoubtedly been one of the more consistent contributors to the progressive scene since. A slew of releases on a several established record labels have forged a solid reputation, and here he returns with 'Microcosm' on his own Ruhnsong Recordings label.

The 'Main Mix' kicks off proceedings, a quirky melodic outing supplemented by solid percussion and a 303-style lead line cutting through the heart of the mix. The bassline sweeps majestically through the track, constantly shifting things up and adding a good sense of musicality to the piece. A beautifully executed piano line sweeps through the middle of the piece, with this being the undoubted highlight of a solid effort. Micah has proven time and again his ability to create a strong bed of sounds to forge the intended mood in his music, I did feel however that this particular outing was a little over saturated with sounds and could do with a stripping down, leaving some of the stronger elements which are often hidden behind other parts in 'Microcosm'.

Micah's 'Breaks Gone By Mix' utilises the same key elements as the original, but interestingly enough strips things down to a simple breakbeat rhythm. For me this is the stronger of the two, and while less suited to the dancefloor, is a more straightforward offering and more effective as a result. The track does occasionally hint at being another instance of quantity of sounds over quality, but the simplicity of the drums ensures that this is a decent alternative to the original, and certainly my favourite of the two.

Australia's Jaytech has been recruited for remix duties, and following on from his meteoric rise to the forefront of the progressive scene with a plethora of exceptional pieces of music, turns in a typically excellent mix. The superb piano meanderings from the 'Main Mix' are utilised here, coupled with a simply monstrous square lead which is stunning, emotive and uplifting. Jaytech's trademark pounding beats are present once again, with an electro-tinged bassline consolidating what is, for me, one of the hottest tracks around right now.

The talented Joel Armstrong is the second of a trio of remixers on 'Microcosm', and while he does nothing to tarnish his excellent reputation on this re-interpretation, I couldn't help but feel a little underwhelmed by the production. A heavily processed piece, Joel's work never fails to retain interest, with constantly evolving fx sounds, percussive fills and other quirks skipping majestically through a solid bed of beats. I did feel that the core elements of the track, however, failed to deliver and was another instance of quantity rather than quality of parts.

'Austin Azua's Ambientish Shlubble' is a laid back affair, with a downtempo rhythmic sequence adding a little movement to a host of beautiful hooks, pads and squelches. The atmospheric body of the piece is based on the original, while a series of unique melodic riffs flitter around the track. The mix offers a good diversity to the release as a whole, and is one which I felt augmented the quality of the package somewhat.

Fans of Micah Lukasewich will be pleased with 'Microcosm', and as a package offers a good range of different sounds with something for everyone. Jaytech has once again thrived in the role of remixer, and turns in the strongest piece of music on this release by quite some margin. I was impressed with Azua's reworking, which is well thought out and certainly one for a Sunday morning following that heavy night out!