Artist: Hamel
Title: Close (Evolution Mixes)
Label: Sunkissed Records
By: Chloe Harris | 15 April 2002
Tracklist:

• A: Evolution Mix
• B: Evolution Ambient Mix

Hamel "Close (Evolution Mixes)"

Evolution, John Sutton and Barry Jamieson, have been around for many years with remixes and original work on various labels, most notably Fluid Recordings. Their songs have found their way into the world's leading dj's boxes, as we'll as showing up on numerous compilations and albums. This time they tackle Bill Hamel's classic song, Close.

The Evolution Mix features all of those sounds we love. Vocal snips, pulsing beats, and a kicking bassline. The intro is a nice ambient build, with syncopated synths that create the purcussion, finally coming in with the kicks and claps. The drums are techier than the original, taking it in a different direction. The song picks up momentum, from the bassline to the vocal, before just letting up into the break. The break introduces a washing and cascading synth that opens up the atmosphere, before picking it up again.

The B side is a full on ambient mix from Evolution, which is pretty close to the A side. There is no apparent kick, though all the high hats are still in place moving it along. A very useful mix as an intro or set builder.

Sunkissed has been turning out great releases and having Evolution remix a classic, is a great way to change it up a bit. This track has found homes on both, Dave Seaman's Global Underground Melbourne, as well as Bill Hamel's Balance 003, which are not to be missed compilations.