The Vitals: 

Label: Molacacho Records
Genre: Electro / Progressive House
Number of Tracks: 3
How to Obtain: www.beatport.com

Factor Scores:

Production Quality: 8.0
Programming and Arrangement: 7.5
Entertainment Quality: 8.0
Total: 7.8

Ikronix’s Take:

Barcelona-based Molacacho Records turned out this three-track release from Panamian DJ and producer Nigel Mack (a.k.a. Van Lazarux).

Production Quality: 8.0

We have different flavors of house here, but fear not: Justice is done to both the electro and the progressive styles. The original mix features a very controlled build, with suitably deep kicks and high percussion. The bass fits in nicely, not overpowering anything, not relying on any overblown sidechaining effects ("pumping"), which lets the kick and bass "breathe", if you will.

The Abood & Redzic mix continues on the progressive tip, kicking up the percussion and tempo, making it busier and more rhythmic. Everything balances well, no sore thumbs, and the focus is moved into the melodic areas of the song, instead of the bassy progression the original mix uses.

On the electro side, the Anthony Cox remix certainly serves as a change of pace. The percussion, while more minimalistic, is far more in-your-face than the other two, and everything screams for attention. This one demands club play, and the kick and bass absolutely pound. It’s easy to mess up, but the production on this mix avoids the most common pitfalls of electro and does exactly what it intends to.

Programming and Arrangement: 7.5

All three tracks have effective structures, making them smooth and elegant, the kind of things DJs love to have in their crates. If there’s a downside, there are no real surprises. No leaps, nothing that makes you sit up and your jaw fall. Still, no disappointments here.

Entertainment Quality: 8.0

Nothing to complain about in the slightest. Once you hear the track start, you know what you’re in for, and the result is excellent. The Anthony Cox remix, in particular, has a boldness to it that makes it really interesting to hear, so electro aficionados of all stripes will want to check that one out. The others are solid examples of their genre, but may not have as much wide appeal.