Artist: Midway
Title: Monkey Forest (Disc One)
Label: Lost Language
By: Simon Jones | 26 April 2003
Tracklist:

• A: Cultivate Mix
• B: Original Mix

Midway "Monkey Forest (Disc One)"

Producer Ralphie B's Midway project has gained huge support from all the big names in trance over the past months, with his tracks gaining support from Judge Jules, Tiesto and Armin to name but a few. 'Monkey Forest' is probably his most successful track to date, and it's been picked up for a re-release on Lost Language, with the usual splattering of mixes to accompany it.

The first of the mixes comes from 'Cultivate', who recently got signed to the label with their track 'Broken Pieces' which is due out soon. Utilisting tribal rhythms and drum grooves, the synths are sandwiched in the centre as the track progresses forwards, swirling towards a heavenly string break as the riffs rise from the centre of the track, driving across the groove in tight formation, it kicks through the main break in swooping fashion to the outro.

On the b-side is the 'Original Mix' which was first heard on Misja Helsloot's In Trance We Trust cd, and now gets included on this remix package. Aimed at the more driving dancefloors of Godskitchen and Gatecrasher, it builds and builds with it's string and synth combination, with hi hats peppering the soundscape. It's well produced, but its appeal is limited in comparison to the other mix on this 12".

A mixed bag really. The Cultivate Mix has an old skool feel to it but will work well in today's climate whilst the Original is more suited to the more upbeat and driving end of the progressive spectrum. Try before you buy..