Walls by Dan & Sam

Dan Sieg & Sam Wilkinson, better known as Dan & Sam, dazzled international progressive fans and DJ's alike with their debut effort on our imprint, "Breaking The Illusion". Not only did it receive great international DJ support, but the single also went on to reach #2 on the Beatport Trance releases chart, as well as earn a spot on Max Graham's acclaimed "Cycles 4" compilation [Armada]. Their sophomore effort, "Walls", is another ornate and melodic progressive gem. This time around, they have recruited promising vocal talent Maxx Hennard, whose rich baritone adds a warmth and "sophisticated" sentimentality to the track. The one and only remix in the package comes courtesy of American sensation Shawn Mitiska, whose decorated veteran career includes numerous solo hits, most recently "Salt" [Enhanced]. Supported on countless occasions by Armin Van Buuren, amongst other top international DJ's, Shawn Mitiska has been a truly humbling addition to our label roster this past year, with standout remixes on Schodt's "Heatwave" and Shingo Nakamura's "Whither". His work here, a vocal rendering of "Walls", affirms that he truly possesses a remarkable talent for crafting intelligent and uplifting peak-hour tunes.

The Original Mix by Dan & Sam kicks off with a lush chord progression, a central motif of the track, and is soon joined by early echoes of Maxx Hennard's stunning vocal. After a quick mini-break, the bassline pulls back slightly, setting the stage brilliantly for Hennard's soulful and evocative verse. The memorable lyrics culminate in the chorus with the line: "The only walls we've got, are the walls we built ourselves". It's a breath-taking moment, augmented by the gorgeous delayed vox and lead synth lines that fill out the soundscape. In the drop, the central groove teasingly returns with just the kick, followed soon thereafter by the arrival of the full rhythm and (chorus hook) in full, anthemic force.

On remix detail, veteran talent Shawn Mitiska is always reliable, especially when it comes to transforming more chilled progressive cuts into club killers. Yet, one of Mitiska's greatest talents as a remixer is that he is never compromises the musicality and emotional depth of a song in the process. Rather, he builds off the rich soundscape created by Dan & Sam by adding delicious new pads and synth layers, including a lovely piano line to the main riff. Meanwhile, the groove is infused with some serious "hop" and swing, and the vocal is meticulously processed, with subtle reverb and delay, as well as various other FX scattered throughout the full-bodied texture. In the main break, we are once again met by the euphoric choral vox, backed by inspirational lead chords and pads.