New Delhi-based DJ / producer Vipul is an artist evolving with time, back to share with the world his new influences by way of a melodic single for India’s Wind Horse Records. Vipul’s road to the label was somewhat guided by an Indian astrologer who affirmed that DJ’ing was his chosen path rather than a more traditional occupation. Vipul met the Wind Horse owner, Hamza, at his club residency where they immediately formed a friendship, with Hamza guiding Vipul’s growing aspiration and production sound. At a point of more maturity and accompanied by three inspired remixers, things sound much more organic on Vipul’s new release “Evolve,” a title alluding to his progress.
Vipul’s original starts with tribal percussive grooves and introduces a low, extended bass before building with deep, heady chords, all acting as just a tease of what’s to come. Its true bass line emerges with a bounce as the synths open up, and eventually a short, laser-honed stab combines itself with the rhythmic mix. Finally in the breakdown, a xylophone melody with a South African feel comes to the forefront before epically winding back into the regular order of the track.
The first remix of the release comes from Glasgow’s Ross Couch, owner of the Body Rhythm label. He makes more use of the xylophone melodies, layering different variations beautifully on top of one another, and also gives more light to the sparsely used vocal of the original. Orchestral strings add tension while the other elements take a rest at the midpoint. The whole affair is undercut by a distinctly UK style bass line riff.
Wind Horse’s own Hamza takes the song into a much different territory with a dragging bass and some subtle piano play amongst spaced-out synth interchanges. Around the halfway mark the kick takes a few hits off on its four-to-the-floor pattern and a new groove is delineated by a now constricted low end before returning to full force.
Juan Mejia runs the labels Dutchie Music and Grouper Recordings out of Miami, but his remix adds a Chicago warehouse flare to the original, especially noticeable in the bass notes. He strips the track down to its melodic components, all while maintaining drive, and allows elements to shape shift into new forms as others remain consistent, carrying the song forward.
Overall, this evocative offering from Vipul shows his transformation isn’t merely ensuring survival as an artist, but rather gaining him higher ground with each new rung on the hierarchical ladder.
Nick Warren - “The original and Juan Mejia remix are nice.”
Johnny Fiasco - “Solid.”
CJ Mackintosh - “Nice mixes … Ross Couch for me.”
Justin Harris (Music For Freaks) - “I love the Hamza remix!”
Tensnake - “Nice deep cuts.”
Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch) - “I’ve gotta give this one 5 out of 5 stars … and I never give 5 stars! Wind Horse has become one of my favorite labels on the planet, and this EP is why. Just sublime!”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Almost impossible to choose one favorite from these, as every mix is exceptional. I’m going for the original here, though, for those percussive vibes Vipul lays down so well. Another wicked Wind Horse release!”
Tom Lown (Savoir Faire / Lost My Dog) - “Nice rolling vibe on this and a cool bass line. I’m liking the original and the Ross Couch remix the best.”
Christos Kedras (Beat Philosophy / Kapa Music) - “Another great release from Wind Horse. Hamza’s mix is my pick … deep and dreamy!”
Dave Storm (Cabrio Records / Ibiza Global Radio) - “I like it! The original is my favorite … a nice atmospheric track.”
Kenny Substance (Pure Substance / Redflux) - “As always, a good original from Vipul. The remixes are dope, too, especially Juan Mejia’s mix.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “There’s a solid groove to this, a really driving bounce.”
Amit Shoham (Tarantic / Noice!) - “Love, love, love this release! Hard to pick a favorite mix here … I’m feeling every track!”
Velanche (Velanche’s Playtime Radio Show) - “Very solid release. I especially enjoy Hamza’s remix … it’s really cool and beautiful.”
CheckPoint Charlie (MyCuppaT / MyHouseYourHouse) - “Beautifully atmospheric and punchy as always. The original and Hamza remixes are stunning.”
DJ Tronic (Dancefloor Mayhem) - “This is a great deep house single. I’ve been a Wind Horse Records fan since the beginning. Will definitely be playing this in my deep house sets.”
Kyka (Housetrap / SSRadio) - “Ross Couch version is great! Hamza did also a very good job on this.”
Available now from Beatport and Juno Download.