No matter that this set went online 8 months ago, it’s still one of the highlights of the year and more than deserves a delayed shout here. This was Hedonistik Ritual’s first set after induction into the FINRG crew, and I wonder if that was the inspiration for the fantastic stuff going on here.
It’s probably one of the most carefully constructed sets I’ve heard for a long time, with some excellent pacing and impressive extended atmospheres. Just take a listen to those opening three tracks, managing to tightrope walk between the melodies and harsher sounds, anchored all the way by some piano. That’s followed up by a smooth move into Substanced, with HR’s own Exorcist changing key but echoing the style of Redemption with its own intro. Then it’s straight into another superb transition with Antiproton Decelerator; this is really classy mixing.
The rest of the set keeps the standard high, adding more piano to tie things together, and doing some fine work to shift the styles around as far as Taste the Funk. Zinzya is a lovely choice of track to get back into tradtional FINRG synth territory, leading into yet another well mixed section that finishes with the best use of Tigris I’ve ever heard.
That Hedonistik has managed to put together such a coherent set and still work in his newer productions is really next-level, putting this a step above both a live PA and the efforts of most non-producing DJs. The kind of melodic set I like best, this one’s a masterclass and one of FINRG’s strongest uploads all year.
1. Polaritia – Fear the Fire
2. Transcend & Cyrax – Quell
3. Kokomochi – Artemis
4. Substanced- Redemption
5. Hedonistik Ritual- Exorcist
6. Hyphen- Antiproton Decelerator
7. Hedonistik Ritual- Enjoy
8. Visionary – Taste the Funk(Cube::Hard Remix)
9. Hedonistik Ritual- Desecration
10. Hedonistik Ritual- Free the World
11. Hyphen – Zinzya
12. Hedonistik Ritual- Destination
13. Alek Szahala – Tigris
Hearing Fear the Fire again, I’m noticing how much I like it. As much as we’ve been lauding Polaritia as a Nomic successor, maybe it’s best to see that influence as a short stage that ended up playing into the rest, like Betwixt’s more directly Alek-influenced phase. His tracks are really taking on a style of their own. The same goes for Hedonistik’s own ones, I’m seeing! I definitely wouldn’t mind a solo release from him sometime (considering how much I seem to dislike most compilations). Having tried mixing a little again, I quickly remembered how hard it was to do transitions like this too. Even if you think know exactly how it will sound after the right adjustments, stuff like differing section lengths and mismatching highs quickly get in the way… Hyphen’s Red and White remix (whatever he settles on calling it) is still one of my favorites since the name change, so with strong and sufficiently underheard selections and smooth transitions, this is a great example of an effective set.
Sorry for another late reply Sherkel! I’d probably agree with you re. polaritia, although I’m still not getting too much of an Alek feel apart from some of the sounds used. Nice to hear the Nomic+ style that he seems to be working on these days, definitely.
Yes, it only takes a little bit of mixing experience to realise how hard some of these sets have been to put together. Makes it all the more impressive when someone nails it, like HR did here. I’m going to have to rummage for that Hyphen remix by the way, don’t think I’ve heard that yet…
Ah, I meant the Hyphen track played here, sorry. 😛 I think I was also more getting at Alek’s influence on Betwixt.
I’ve only just seen this amazing review and I’m firstly delighted the mix was so well appreciated and also grateful for the kind words! Certainly being offered the chance to officially join my favourite label was inspiration alone, but also the mix is in line with the style I like to play in my sets if I can. Mixing Japanese, Finnish and UK styles together to create a journey is a challenge but with the right combination offers the opportunity to really mix it up and prevent any monotony. I’m pleased to have got a good balance for this one! Thanks again!!
Was a pleasure to give this a proper shout, just sorry I hadn’t mentioned it sooner! The balance really was spot on, can’t wait to hear more along these lines 🙂