Artist: Paranoid Jack
Title: No Rest For The Wicked
Label: Release Grooves
By: Simon Jones | 11 May 2004
Tracklist:

• A: Nick Holder Mix
• B: Original Mix

Paranoid Jack "No Rest For The Wicked"

Having broken into the music scene in 1994 as a DJ in 1994, Manny Berenguel started making a name for himself on the Toronto club circuit with his blend of soul, disco and funk, having been influenced growing up by the sounds of the New York house scene. As his skills developed, so did his tastes, and when his love for techno and filtered house grooves grew, more and more he became the producer we know as Paranoid Jack, his early work finding it's way out on Stickman Records, and over the years he has gone on to become a highly respected producer and DJ both internationally and at home across the Atlantic, and after the massive success of his 2001 single 'Slavedriver', this debut for Release Grooves entitled 'No Rest For The Wicked' is an aptly named track for his return.

The 'Original Mix' ventures away from his usual filtered style, with a riff led groove driving at the centre of this infectious melodic house track. Rippling keys and floating melodies simmer slowly, building upwards in a funky and addictive style as tight keys cause the track to swing back and forth, with a shaking bottom end complementing perfectly. As the bottom drops leading into the monster breakdown, the melody line comes into it's own, a cutting vocal hook rising up in time with the keys, and sliding into a smooth outro that keeps the vibes running until it the end.

Meanwhile, 'Nick Holder' strips things down, but offers a dazzling house rework that puts the focus on the killer riff and vocals, weaving in a warm bassline and dropping soft melodies and subtle keys over the top, an acidic influence being clearly evident as this laid back summertime style mix unfolds. The subtle bass that causes the groove to swell is tremendous, and for those who would prefer to play the track earlier in the evening or even later at night, this is without a doubt the mix for you.

Release Grooves once again prove that when they want to offer up quality and addictive house music, that they are more than capable, and after a varying track record to date, this is a single that hits the spot in a big way, but that's no surprise as there seems to be never be any rest for this wicked producer from Toronto.