Artist: Monkey Island
Title: Feels Strange
Label: EQ Grey
By: Simon Jones | 18 July 2003
Tracklist:

• A: Original Mix
• B: Chus and Ceballos Mix

Monkey Island "Feels Strange"

Monkey Island are the duo of highly regarded producer Paul 'Plug' Still, this time teaming up with Ross Flinthan to create a techy house sound that the duo hope to develop over the coming months, and 'Feels Strange' is their first release. Utilisting a sample which maybe be familar to those who have heard 'Orbit' by the Second Hand Satellites or Bedrock's 'Beautiful Strange', this bass heavy cut has already done the business for djs such as Hernan Cattaneo and Satoshi Tomiie in recent months, and looks set to mark the start of a promising partnership.

The heavy bass of the 'Original Mix' kicks in right from the start, pounding beat patterns causing ripples that cut through the techy groove being crafted. The 'feels strange' vocal shimmers in and out of the percussion as effects bubble deliciously over the top, leading down into an soft vocal-led solo in the centre before the hypnotic percussive layers cast their spell once more, and the house groove keeps everything together as it chugs it's way forward. Trademark Plug stuff with a unique twist!

It's the remix that is on the money though as 'Chus and Ceballos' blend in their own unique tribal style. Massive echoing drums and a snake charming percussion form the basis of this Iberican remix, but it's the warm sub bass elements that the duo use in the mix that put the icing on the cake, and shows just why they are so highly regarded. The break is massive, as the vocal sits amongst rising synths and tribal chanting, before returning to the slithering beats once more. Subtle production with the big room in mind, just drop and it watch the floor go crazy!

It woudl seem EQ are heading down a more techy road with some of their latest releases, but this is by no means a bad thing, and whilst the original isnt exactly that strong, the remix more than makes up for it. Give it a listen, you won't be disappointed.