Stamina Records is one of the leading labels in freeform hardcore. For the last couple of years or so, A.B.’s label has been producing and releasing some of the finest sounds from the freer end of the hardcore spectrum, from such artists as A.B. himself, Douglas, Solution and Endemic. Add to this a series of much-lauded remixes, and the label has taken its rightful place in the freeform firmament alongside Watchtower, Rebuild and FINRG, to name but a few.
Stamina’s watchwords are ‘From Energy…Comes Stamina’, and A.B. says about the label that it is
“A platform aiming to showcase diversity and satisfy the most demanding of diverse tastes. Each EP will present the opposite but equal ends of its music spectrum. The only question is, have you got the Stamina to handle both?” And the latest releases on the label are testament to this approach.
Stamina released STM010: ‘Weekend’, from the Irish producer Haywire featuring Rhythmics, on the 22nd October. The single contains the original UK Hardcore version of the tune, backed with a remix courtesy of A.B., Douglas and MC Obie.
The remix brings ‘Weekend’ kicking and screaming into late 2012, with a sharp, stuttering intro, with Obie encouraging ravers to get into the mood and get onto the dancefloor. The combined talents of A.B. and Douglas bring the freeform elements to the front, with driving synths accompanying more builds and lifts than a construction site. It’s all too easy to lose yourself in the track, before things are taken up to the heavens with a gorgeous rain of trancey, hands in the air riffs, culminating in a replayed version of the track’s original melody. Stamina provides what the discerning ravers want, so get yourself ready for the ‘Weekend’.
Remix!
The original is the perfect blend of melody and force, with the intro giving way to Rhythmics’ spoken instruction, as Haywire takes things away in his own style. Pumping beats and effects move things firmly in the direction of the dancefloor, as mini-breaks lead into the drop into the melody, which, after being disguised for a while, reaches its full expression. The track neatly brings together elements of UK Hardcore, freeform and even breakbeat, moving through its internal sections nicely.
Original -
Douglas reappears on STM011: Disorder (Original/A.B.s London Techno remix) alongside Australian producer Remane.
The original will be familiar to many, including followers of the Hard Beats Collective, on their various radio shows, and to those that have attended the two I Love Hard Beats events. Epic, searching synths are intertwined with kick drums which go straight to your heart and your soul. Later, half-breakbeats are used alongside riffs that will burrow their way into your psyche, before a huge breakdown lifts you off into the clouds. Full breaks take you through, until the track builds once again. Disorder is captivating, uplifting and destructive, all in the same breath!
Original -
The remix is a decidedly different take on the theme of Disorder. With its barking ‘London’ opening, to the clattering, pounding effect of the undertow, the techno edge of the remix is immediately apparent. Bass and beats is the order of the day, but the subtlety of the original is still in evidence as the synth line progresses behind the frontline melee. The pace is deliberately slowed in the mid-section, with the melody delayed, before things are brought together with all elements firing. A.B. puts his own stamp down hard on ‘Disorder’, making the package a diverse one which freeform disciples and lovers of the harder side of the ‘core will be clamouring over.
Remix!
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