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progressive-sounds review

Jacob Todd & Kelly Noland - Somehow

Jacob Todd, a producer who was featured on Anthony Pappa's Balance compilation, as well as labels like Babylon Records, M-Theory and 3Beat Breaks, continues on his path of great releases with one for Within Records. A fantastic sweeping song that features vocalist Kelly Noland. A newcomer to most, her voice is strong and deep with a lot of emotion. 'Somehow' is a wonderful collaboration between the two, and features a lovely remix by Within recording artist Aural Imbalance.

First up is the 'Drifting 4/4 Mix'. Starting with popping beats and sweeping overtones, the song sails until Kelly's strong voice lays on top. Her sound is deep and full, yet so emotive and pretty you can't help but fall in love with it. More pads sweep in layering with the others bringing in some wonderful harmonies. The bassline glides in and assumes it's postition playing along wtih the beats. Sliding through dips and drops, a break emerges and all the sounds slowly fade away while Kelly, once again take center stage. Her voice opens up into full song, which gave the song it's title. Her lyrics fit perfectly, while the pads start to layer back in. The bassline grows again underneath while the kick drum finds itself back in. The pads sweep over the drums as Kelly's vocal sounds are filtering in and out of delays for a great effect. A fantastic glide of a tune.

Aural Imbalance remixes 'Somehow' with his character sound adding depth and warmth, but keeping with the main groove. The drums are very organic with toms offset by a slight electro groove. The bass if full and moves along bouncing while the drums grow and blend with the sweeping pads. A high note synth arpeggiation wiggles up top before a massive sweep captures it all and brings everything down to just a single beat. A new bassline emerges from there, engulfing the song as Kelly's voice shines. The song glides along with enough wiggle to keep you hooked in, as the sounds drop down and out until the end. This is a much dubbier mix, where Kelly's voice is used sporadically rather then the main hook. A fantastic remix that doesn't take too much away from the original.

Jacob's 'Blinding Breaks Mix' is just that. The drums are still organic and build slowly but a heavy bass takes the song deep. Cool twinkly sounds find thier way into the background while the sweeping pads soar. A sweet break opens up into more synths, again harmonizing together creating a lovely drive. As Kelly joins in the tune slows down so she can shine again. A mellow break with complicated drums structures fits perfectly as the backbone. This could easily be something you'd hear crossing over into a film score, as it has those moments where you see something in your mind.

Within has always been a strong label and the third release is again a stellar choice in thier catalouge. Jacob has been honing his skill for quite some time now and has grown with every release he's had, while also syncing up with a lovely singer and new comer, Kelly Noland. I have a feeling we'll be hearing much of both in the future.