The Vitals:

Label: Next Dimension Music
Genre: Deep House, Progressive House, Tribal
Number of Tracks: 5
How to Obtain: www.beatport.com, www.nextdimensionmusic.com

Factor Scores:

Production Quality: 8.0
Programming and Arrangement: 8.0
Entertainment Quality: 7.9
Total: 8.0 - Great

Chris' take:

Cristian Paduraru is one of the hottest house producers right now. He has a very sophisticated sound that establishes him as a front runner and an innovator of the future of house music. He seamlessly combines classic house elements with new experimental sounds, giving his music a fresh approach to an already beloved genre of dance music for so many longtime and deeply established fans to enjoy. His work is always so refined that is seems almost effortless from him, like writing good tracks is just as simple as breathing oxygen. "Born Again" is the perfect example of just why his work is so much in demand. His original version is an aural adventure that is very light and pleasing to the senses. Taking an already amazing track a step further, Cristian has commissioned four other fantastic producers to remix "Born Again".

Dave Richards infuses his signature style including a driving bassline and loads of percussion as the basis for his remix. His version takes a really nice twist when he introduces a melody layered over the pads borrowed from the original version. His melody takes the track to a new level that ultimately creates a brilliant and original new track.

Next up in my Winamp queue is DJ Dima's remix. Dima also introduces a new, deep bassline that drives this track along very nicely. However, it is Dima's use of some brilliant synth stabs that really make this track have a life of its own. There are also spots that take me back to the classic days of house music and send me into "reminisce" mode. I love what Dima has done here. Simply wonderful.

Joseph Moody's Groove Mix is a very soft track—deep and soulful—very similar to the original. The major element that sets this remix apart from the original is the jazz turn it takes about two minutes into it. It is a very nice Rhodes piano loop that compliments the original's soft lush pads. My only problem is that it seems to get stuck on this loop for the rest of the track, causing it to drag. Eventually, the Rhodes loop goes away, but then you are left with just a simple percussion loop and pretty much nothing else. Not my favorite remix, but still very nice.

Finally, a remix from a name I have never seen before, David Alamo, who brings us his Zarmank Mix. David also builds his remix on some arpeggiating synth stabs. It establishes the vibe of the track from the "get-go" and eventually makes way for a percolating bleep sequence and swooshing unidentifiable sounds. Although I wished this track had developed more into something bigger, it is still a nice remix. Honestly, out of all, this is my least favorite.

Production Quality

Overall, a very nicely produced collection of remixes. Nothing sounding out-dated or dull. Everything was nicely and professionally done.

Programming and Arrangement

Every track uses the original's synth stabs and/or pads and builds from there, as remixing should be done. The producers did a great job building from the original and offering a variety of sounds that gave each remix an obvious difference from the original and each other.

Entertainment Quality

Since each remix has its own unique style, this release offers some great entertainment value. There are only two small areas that I felt could have been improved, but those improvements in my opinion are really so insignificant that in the grand spectrum, it doesn't really affect the outcome of the release. "Born Again" is a winner.