John Johnson – London [ICONYC]

ICONYC commemorates the 20th anniversary of John Johnson's 'London' with a new set of remixes. The seminal track was released in 2001 on the famed English Ministry of Sound imprint 'IDJ 'and gained huge popularity after receiving heavy play from both Sasha and John Digweed. It continued the wave of success for the New York based producer and remains a standout piece on his meticulous discography. Regarded as one of the defining tracks in the progressive house golden era it's irresistible hooks have stood the test of time remarkably well. Now twenty years on, ICONYC invites Hernan Cattaneo & Marcelo Vasami, GuyRo and Giana Brotherz to update the track for 2021.

Making their label debut and providing the first interpretation is Hernan Cattaneo & Marcelo Vasami. As one of electronic music's most beloved DJs, Hernan Cattaneo has been travelling the world for over two decades delighting crowds with his impeccable taste and exquisite programming skills. Also host to progressive music's premiere podcast series 'Resident', Hernan showcases music from both the genre's veteran's and up and coming talents on a weekly basis. Also much lauded in progressive music lore is Marcelo Vasami. First hitting the scene in 2005, the Buenos Aires-based artist quickly became one of the genre’s most recognizable names, eventually showcasing his music on Balance, Replug and Sudbeat. He continues to be one of his country’s most popular DJs, having shared the stage with Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, Guy J and Cid Inc. Having recently collaborated on a remix for Morttagua's 'Imentet', Hernan and Marcelo now pair up once again for an inspired take on 'London'. Keeping the warmth and musicality from the original, the duo manages to add a housier flair with a funked up groove, layers of buoyant percussion and a wide array of catchy rhythmic hooks. Trippy synth phrasing and bubbly arps converge across a colourful first act, before a tension filled interlude spearheads an exhilarating finale.

Returning to the label and providing the second interpretation of 'London' is GuyRo. Coming off his most prolific year to date, the Irish born, Spain based artist put a firm stamp on 2020 by winning Bedrock's remix contest for 'Rust' by Stelios Vassiloudis. Released in December and enjoying a top 10 run in Beatport's electronica chart it set the course for what should be an excellent 2021. Now beginning the year on high note GuyRo provides a gorgeous rendition of 'London'. Rhythmically fluid, it’s chugging low end, swing heavy cadence and detailed percussive set the piece on a course for maximum sensory stimulation. The character of sound throughout the mix is nothing short of spectacular, incredibly detailed, alive and fluid all at the some time, setting the ideal framework for a soulful guitar motif to work it's magic across a poignant break and glowing final movement. Stunning stuff from GuyRo.

Rounding out the release and also making his label debut is Giana Brotherz. Renowned in the German Drum & Bass scene, this iconic artist moniker dates back to the early 2000s with releases on Basswerk & Pathfinder. After over a decade of silence Giana Brotherz returned in April of last year with an EP via Gigabeat Nights. Now landing on ICONYC the German artist provides further depth to the release with a Drum & Bass interpretation of 'London'. A revamped take on the lead elements works amazingly well over a bed of mountainous bass, devilish beats and choppy percussion. Modulation on the low end eventually plays a vital role in the narrative, adding further tension and a bevy of dynamic moments along the way. Great to see a label like ICONYC spreading their creative wings and commissioning a remix of this sort. It caps off a hugely successful 20 year anniversary release for John Johnson's 'London', with Part two on the way later this year. Highly recommended.

Buy: https://bit.ly/3exmJRX

Release Date: 15-03-2021

Release Promo: http://releasepromo.com

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