'All the way from OZ... here is the next installment in the Balance mix CD series from the Australian based EQ label. Following the success of local boys Shawn Quinn (001) & Kasey Taylor (002), EQ looked a little over the water to the states fro Balance 003 and enlisted the services of Orlando based DJ & producer Bill Hamel to continue their series of quality underground compilation mixes.'
"Bill Hamel is the founder of Sunkissed Records, America's leading underground progressive house label. In just the past year, Bill has worked with some of the industry's biggest names inc.BT, Evolution, Mara, Blackwatch, Sam Mollison, Innate, Andy Moor and Simon Noble. His work is regularly charted and supported by DJ's such as Sasha, Paul Oakenfold, John Digweed, Pete Tong, Nick Warren and Dave Seaman.
Recent and notable achievements in Hamel's production include signing to Bedrock for "Discotek", his collaboration with Michael Thomas (Blackwatch)..then to Perfecto for a remix of Jan Johnson "Superstar", and for "Disco Volante" his collaboration with Rich Rosario, and finally Ministry Of Sound America for his own track, "Phazon Phrequencies".
Bill's latest success is his remix of the seminal classic "Gorecki" by Lamb, with the band liking it so much, they will feature it on their next single release in 2002.
With so many past achievements, and even more future releases to come, Bill Hamel is guarenteed an incredible year of success... Easy to see why EQ chose him really!"
Titanium Promotions.
Bill Hamel Balance 003 Promo CD:
Disc 1 1. DARKO PHASED [BLACKWATCH SPANISH HARLEM DUB] 2. LULA THE DJ, THE MUSIC, AND ME [PEACE DIVISION FREAKY VOCAL MIX] 3. UDG GIVE ME FIERCE 4. WAY OUT WEST MINDCIRCUS [TARRENTELLA & REDANKA DUB] 5. JOESKI - GROUNDFLOOR EP [TRIBALFUSION] 6. HIPP-E PRESENTS PRIMARY FUNKTION 7. CHRIS LUM BIG TOOL 8. PACO BUGG & D'AMATORIA PRESENTS CIRCUS NIGHT AMAZONIA [CHUS & CELLABOS IBERICAN MIX] 9. SSL MEAN WHAT YOU SAY ? 10. GUY GARBER & SAHA Z KENNYS BACK 11. LAMB GORECKI [HAMELS BOOTLEG MIX] 12. BARRAKA SONG TO THE SIREN [FILTERHEADZ UNDERCURRENT VOCAL MIX]
Disc 2 1. HAMEL CLOSE [EVOLUTION MIX] 2. TILT HEADSTRONG [RELENTLESS VOCAL MIX] 3. QUIVVER BOZ BOZ 4. MIKE G BELLSLUT 5. GARDNER & THOMAS CONTROL 6. POWERPLANT FT MACHINERIES OF HEAVEN WITH OR WITH OUT YOU [BLACKWATCH ORIENT POINT MIX] 7. LITTLE GREEN MEN - NEED [SATOSHI TOMIIE MAIN-PATH MIX] 8. BLACKWATCH & GREED GENTLE RAIN 9. REDBACK - CLOSING IN
CD1: Bill Hamel opens the 3rd series of the balance cd's with Darko's 'Phased'. It is an ideal track to begin with as it has a nice chugging tempo and some clicky effects to it. It creates a progressive feel with a funky edge. The track sweeps up and releases the main body of the track, which edges on a more tribal approach. The track is fairly minimal but has all the elements in it to make it sound busy. An off key sounding effect releases another little sweep in to which the track drops slightly to add a couple more effects. The phrases are being repeated to good use, leaving you in anticipation of what will appear next. Some atmospheric effects edge out the bassline as it fades down to silence. Just the echoing highs and a little rumbling sound are left isolated. The predominent sounds of before re-enter, and begin the mix for Lula- 'the DJ the music and me'. Peace Division create a trademark hollow echoing sound on the opening, it rolls well with 'phased' . The bass dies to leave the familiar vocal: "i celebrate life.....", 'phased' almost out on underneath the track. The return of the bassline sees the opportunity to mix out 'phased' completely. This track holds a quality atmospheric and tense feel and the bass again dies to leave an amazing effect repeated over and over with the female vocal ebbing over the top. The vocal ends and the bassline pounds back in with more menace then before. The tracks gains a purpose and drives through the sounds delaying effects and echoing sounds to create a perfect atmosphere and to step the set up a gear. As the track peaks UDG's 'give me fierce' is entered. The beats cancel each other out slightly, but they fit well together as 'give me fierce' is not very busy at the beginning, so it doesnt clash. The female vocal appears again and on the end, the bassline to UDG comes into play. A storming little tribal bassline conjures up a nice flowing mix with Lula. As UDG is virtually in full-Lula's vocal haunts for a last time..and ends perfectly on the break of UDG, an excellent mix. "underground" chants lead the track to regain momentum. The set takes a step down from the tension of Lula, and cuts into a break quickly. The chants of "underground"again provide the body of the break, but as the tracks bassline returns it holds a more purposful edge. Colliding its way past the added effects and sounds, heading into full force, 'mindcircus' begins its own quest. 'Mindcircus' cuts into a break and with it UDG is gone. 'Tarrantella and Redanka' were on hand for this remix, and their undoubted talent shows. Electro edged sounds are used in conjunction with tribal stabs and a humbling vocal. It is a classic track with all the elements that make it one of the most well produced tracks this year to date. It flowa through phrases of smooth synths and mini tribal drums. The track holds a progressive edge, but ebbs an ambience which contrasts. It drops to a break down. The bassline becomes breakbeat-totally unexpected. It shunts the electronic breaks to the forefront, cutting to leave the angelic vocal to carry the track into the main body again. The vocal has a lot more purpose and feeling as Joeski's -'the groundfloor ep' entrs underneath the ever tribal 'mindcircus. The bassline becomes slightly cancelled out as the mix takes shape. From past Joeski productions, the track contains similar tribal elements, and fits well. A slight increase in sound and a female vox see the full release of the track on the mix. 'The groundfloor EP' is quick to enter its first break, holding a feel of a US house track. It builds with some nice shuffling effects, pounding a pure house bass line. The vox is repeated over several phrases and the track does not veer from its chug until and moaning bassline changes and Primary Funktion powers through. The sounds are similar and tracks fuse well. Hipp-e, known for his typical US house sound does not let us down with an absolutely massive track. It has a same feel as that of 'Riddem Control' which got plays from all the major DJ's like Nick Warren and Sander Kleinenberg. A heavy bassline, contrasted with some timely high hats and deep bassline rumble. A chilling howl also slips beneath into the depths dragging the track through its paces. 'Big Tool' is introduced in a similar fashion to that of 'primary funktion'. Bill shows excellent track selection as they all fit well into each other, because they have a similar yet distinctive sound. The set at this time you feel is about to reach a pinnavle in which it can either race to a close, or mellow down. Either way, at the mid-point the set has not lost any of the listeners interest. 'Big Tools' bassline is distinct because of the mini drum roll after each couple of phrases. It samples the old jungle brothers vocal "you in my hut now", with that vocal at its peak the bass is changed. 'Big Tool' is less driving and heavy than hipp-e's track, but holds a more funky vibe, with plenty happening. Light toms and drum loops are used in conjunction with a typical 70's electro groove-which to this point is the highlight of the set in my opinion. It combines with the vocal for a superb touch. As 'amazonia' is mixed in the set reaches a minimal mix, but one which is obvious. 'amazonia' has distinct sound which is very abrupt and harsh. It is a melody mix until the commanding sounds of 'amazonia' signal a bassline intro. 'Big tool' is still shifting its high hats until 'amazonia' breaks. The track sounds like the cry of an animal which has been effected heavily, and interpretated in different ways. The track is the most driving so far, as it sets out its intentions to race through its synths and condemn the listener to a more ambient affair in the mid stage. The track hypnotically flows and the spacey effects from SSL's 'Do you mean what you say?' combine to forge an atmospheric feel. The bassagain slightly cancels out and 'amazonia' clicks its way beneath until SSL cuts out. Bill has already show-cased a couple or three vocal tracks, and again with this one. This time the female vocal is very soft and harmonic. It is minimal and spacey-fitting to the track and timing of the set. Some nice drum patterns sweep through the tune to bring back a sense of the tribal progressive we saw earlier on. The next track mixed is 'Kennys back' which is one of my favourite on the cd. It has a nice catchy bassline, i havent heard much similar before. It breaks down, reaching a climax and dropping to leave a small percentage of SSL in the mix, and then again in quick succession to totally wipe it out. The track is effected and vocoded to a tee. It holds the interest without being over the top in using the effects. The main break mellows out the beginning of the track and is of total contrast. When the track returns again to full status, it is not the same as before the break. It can almost be describes as a fluffy yet electronic body. Bill's very own mix of Gorecki is placed on the tracklist. 'Gorecki' is one of the most sought after tracks to date. It cuts to a break after 2 minutes of first being entered. The track is nice and chunky, with a funky edge pictured. The main break is absolutely stunning. A female vocal tinges the clicky sounds and mumbling bassline. The tension is built and ambience is declared. The bassline adds to the vocal which continues to run in conjunction with the bouncey bass. The final track 'Song To The Siren' begins. This has a similar atmosphere, and an opposite vocal from 'gorecki'. If one thing can be said about the first cd its that it doesnt lack vocals. They have all varied in their purpose, some to create a full on US house sound, some for a more atmospheric/ambient touch. This track has the key which all the final tracks in a set should have. An emotive vocal, a chugging bassline, soft smooth synths an an overall feel that caps off the variety gone before it.
CD2 Hamel begins cd 2 with his own track 'close' with has undertook a remix by bedrock favourites 'Evolution'. The track is an ideal opener because it has a nice mellow opening phase, which sees an introduction to a nice chunky bassline. The track shuffles through repeated phrases with a harmonic vocal chord over-lying. It drops to relax you nicely into the pattern it is going to form for the rest of the set. The track has a typical 'teknology' feel to it-reproducing the atmosphere and anticipation of the original. An undertoned vocal whisps below the ever constant chunky bassline and synth. The break at half way holds all the elements minus the bassline then cuts to nothing but a cool synth with what sounds like male chords, but effected. The synth builds and creates a warm atmospheric. The chunky stabs return to take command of the track as the synth dies and the bass returns. The track continues in the same way until the introduction of 'headstrong'. Tilts 'relentless vocal mix' is chosen above the other 3 mixes. It certainly dominates the mix as it drives over 'close' to create a more purposeful approach to the set. Echoing through the bassline its cuts out 'close' altogether and dies to a break leaving the clicky highs of 'close' the sift underneath. 'Headstrong' has to easily be one of the best tracks of the year. Its almost chinese style female vocal blends with the opposing menace of the bassline-still rumbling. To accompany the bass, little drum taps add an extended rhythm. The vocals filters out to a mild hum. The track takes true tilt form, masking in similar fashion to quivver's 'boz boz'. It continues to hold an almost ethnic approach contrasting with a dubbed bass. It dies to a break fitting of being placed anywhere in the track-absolutely fantastic. Its all based around the two features of the main body. A grumpy rumble and a tantalising vocal. The rumble stops- vocal in full harmony- drum taps prominent. The bassline comes back in but only at half pace, the opening build is reproduced but it still is not hitting full pace. It winds back up, ever building. As mentioned 'boz boz' is next up, and with quivver's involvement with tilt, the track fits cosily into the mix. Nothing clashes and 'boz boz' gradually takes full throttle away from 'headstrong'. It abruptly ends and hits back in in superb fashion. An ideal track to pick up the set and lighten the dancefloor through the mid-stage. Quivver's talent shines as the track shows varying elements in production, sounding simple but yet busy and complex. The bass cuts, and clicking effects lead to a mini breakdown. It has effects that stand out from the rest of the track, it leaves you trapped concentrating on the funky edge it displays. The track takes a mild change as more techy effects are used to force a second break. Familiar effects see the breakdown last only a couple of phrases as it doesnt let you catch a breath in this epic trip. Layers are extracted to leave it in a more simplistic form, ideal to introduce the next mix, which Bill duely obliges with. 'Bellslut' is one of my favourite tracks on the cd. It is really funky and has a quality high pitched effected vocal. Again, the tracks in the way they are mixed and the selection, fit perfectly, not clashing but complimenting each other. The mix reaches a thin mix, then drops to leave a nice vocal sample. Cool undertoned electro effects ebb a certain flare which carries on in 'boz boz' form. Chilling effected vocal samples twist the track as 'control' lurks ready to pounce. The mix takes a slight dip in volume as 'bellslut' keeps its effects lighting the way to the bass change for 'control'. Both tracks cut at the same time, 'control' pounding in to create possibly the most bass 'rumble' in any track this year! Driving through it phrases it terrfies you into where its going to go. This out-smarts headstrong as 'relentless' its takes a mini pause, but its false hope of a breather and it storms to the next glimmer of a breakdown. It eventually comes, holding a deep feel, but a sign of a more ambient atmosphere is shown. The pronounced "control" haunts the break as synth's become stronger and stronger... " let your body lose control".. chants to signal the return to full pace. It isnt long after when Powerplant's 'With or without you' starts its own epic journey. It begins as 'control' cuts to 'half beats'. 'With or without you' is more of an atmospheric track and it begins on a melody, cancelling out 'control'. It builds to signal a thumping bassline, again with high hats clicking to create a nice vibrant edge. The vocal 'control' is thrown back in for one final fling. Powerplant have built up a reputation for being favourites with Sunkissed, and many A class DJ's their tracks hold a cool blend between progressive and trance. The track has fine production skills which have been remixed by Blackwatch (Michael Thomas). The female vocal on the track is slightly effected but is much more simple than those gone before. The track signals a break, as it fades to next to nothing, "with or without you" is effected with an echo, providing a thunderous approach for the bass to return. Again it seems the track is only short in length as slight undercurrents suggest that 'need' is being mixed in, the bass clashes slightly due to satoshi's usual storming bassline on his productions and remixes. The set dips back into the driving, deep and forceful pushing for the conclusion. An excellent mix lets the energy remain in the set. The American style house vocal increases the energy level one step further. The track is deep but edging away from a trance edge that Powerplant are known for, instead possibly conducting a more progressive house workout. "When you want me..when you need me..." repeat to form the first break, leaving the track with a superb atmosphere, the vibe takes a more subtle approach to a driving end. Its an ideal peak time track, a dominent bassline, catchy vocals, atmospheric house sounds... again it teases you by dropping a couple of gears, playing games into where it will take you. It take a step down for what seems a long time, but all the time the tension and atmosphere is building, keeping interest. For the final break it seeps to the solo vocal. Next up is Blackwatch and Greed's 'gentle rain'. No set at the moment can be complete without a Greed track. Favourites with Sander Kleinenberg, Anthony Pappa ect, their productions have been outstanding=combined with Blackwatch-you can imagine! The mix is more obvious than those previously past, but it holds together well as it cuts to its break. Possibly the most ambient vocal that Greed uses, is again focussed here. The set takes a mini breath as the track goes to a simple bassline and the vocal, symbols are added to create an increased atmosphere. It breaks altogether, beautiful effects ebb on a mini teasing drum pattern. Underneath can you hear the track ready to burst into full flight. It obliges, running through similar patterns as shown previously. The final mix of the set begins, and the appropriately named 'closing in' is left to fulfil the set and bring it to a close. The mix returns to its smooth flow, a deep bassline etched out the ambience. As the set progressed, it could either take an atmospheric or driving path. 'Closing in' mixes both. The bassline has an electronic edge, but the main synth/body of the tune is a typical final set record. It caps off a masterful piece of mixing and record selection. It peaks into a quirky number, which evolves into a trancey state. A suitable end to a tremendous journey!
SUMMARY: Bill Hamel recreates a fantastic journey, touching on many forms of progressive. During the first cd he sets a basis of US house, sampling some of the most renowned vocal samples to date. Whilst on cd 2 he goes deep into the depths of driving progressive house, only to twist the balance and fulfil a trance edge ambience which is in keeping with the feel of the set. Outstanding mixing qualities are shown, timing perfect, time selection to a tee. EQ decided to go overseas for the mixer of Balance 003- there choice payed off-enhancing Mr.Hamel's reputation, as a quality and respected producer and DJ, further! Easily one of the best mix cds in recent times!
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