The Vitals

Label: Warner Bros.
Genre: Progressive House, House, Electro
Number of Tracks: 7
How you can obtain a copy: www.threebeatrecords.co.uk www.juno.co.uk

Factor Scores:

• Production Quality: 7.9
• Programming and Arrangement: 8.2
• Entertainment Quality: 8.2
• Total: 8.1 – Great

Track Listing:

A1 Jacques Lu Cont Remix
A2 Tom Neville Remix Dub
B1 Richard X Remix
B2 KRAFTY The Passengerz Revolution Club Mix
C1 Arthur Baker Remix
C2 Tom Neville Remix
D1 Pete Heller Remix (Phela Dub)

Summary:

New Order blows us away with this stunning new remix double featuring the song Jetstream from their album Waiting for the Sirens' Call, released this past March. With styles ranging from progressive/tech house all the way to near electro, this premium new set of remixes is not to be missed. Jacques Lu Cont supplies a nice lightweight remix consistent of what he does best: dark house. Capturing a good deal of the original atmosphere, he adds a favorable riding touch to the track. Next up Tom Neville (whose dub is much different, besides lack of vocals, than his full remix) lays down the rank bass with this top notch grooving dub. His vocal mix is a dab more sensitive and introspective. Equally as well done, it gives the listener a closer idea of the original mix.

The Passengerz bring us a more minimal look at New Order, with their nicely done house remix of Krafty. Arthur Baker and Richard X also throw their own style into the mix; giving us the most electro sounding mixes of the bunch. Baker adds some fairly uplifting handwork to the release. Pete Heller wraps up the record with a very signature sounding remix, putting a rather dark spin on the track. His is definitely not a remix to be overlooked. Though there are lots and lots of great releases coming out, don't let this one get past you.  If you're into anything from electro, house, to techno then pick this one up. There will be something for you. If you don't normally listen to/play these styles still give it a listen, you may like what you hear.

Factor Scores:

Production Quality: 7.9

Most of the remixers here laid down some very tight production, and equally tight mixing/mastering. Some highlights included both of Tom Neville's mixes, Baker's lower tempo eclectic electro-house mix, and Pete Heller's Phela Dub. Nothing incredible can be found on here, but doubtlessly high quality production all around.

Programming & Arrangement: 8.2

This is yet another excellent aspect of the release. Each remix on here has its own way of expertly building up and down. Tom Neville's vocal remix for example holds a fair amount of dynamic all the way through. Not a single one of these remixes was disappointing in this area.

Entertainment Quality: 8.2

No significantly low points were found on this release. Several highlights in entertainment and general fun included Tom Neville's Dub, along with Pete Heller's contribution to the set. Though a couple of the mixes were slower and less turbulent, they kept the vibes going with undeniable style and some serious grooves.

Total: 8.1 – Great

As put before, don't miss it. Couldn't have asked for a better comeback from New Order myself. However if you're not a fan of anything less than big epic tracks, this release is not for you. If house, electro, or progressive intrigues you, then check it out. This is and will continue serving as a great set of remixes for DJ's and home listeners alike.

Brian's Take:

I am loving this double set, and have been showing it through my recent mixes. As you probably could have told from the review the Tom Neville mixes are by far my favorites. This release will last long not only in my playlists, but in those of man