Let's have a view back in history at first: The original of "Julika" was released in September 1994 (!) on the Frankfurt label legend Harthouse and is a fast acid/trance track typical for the time and the label. Behind Mikerobenics are the producers Chris Maico Schmidt aka Mike S. and Ben Elvis Mettin, and the 'Comes too late Mix' of "Julika" became their most successful single.
And of course such a classic shouts for remixes - here we go, back to the present:
The 4-tracker starts with Sascha Berkenser's interpretation, which is focused on an acid bass line and reserves the orchestral sequence from the original only for the breakdown. Result: The perfect primetime staging!
Remix number two by The Electronic Advance a.k.a. Mathias Teichmann comes closest to the vibe of the original - the mix perfectly combines a driving state-of-the-art beat with the technoid elements and the beautiful trance parts of the original version.
'Never split a winning team': Phunk Investigation & Jean Aita team up again on BluFin! After their EP "So Get Up" they deliver the housiest mix of the package. The two Neapolitans turn down the tempo to relaxed 125 BpM and rely on organic drum and percussion sounds that harmonize perfectly with the strings and the chopped chords that characterize "Julika".
Last but not least, Philipp Giebel beamed the track into Drum & Bass Orbit, more precisely, into the Liquid Drum & Bass Orbit, where survival without harmonies, melodies and atmospheric sounds would not be possible. Scottie couldn't have done better.
Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
[item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[item value="10"]MikeroBenics - Julika 2018 Part 1 [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]The absolute techno label from Cologne BluFin surprises us big time by bringing back the ultimate trance anthem Julika by MikeroBenics in 2018 with 4 remixes EP's that will be released in the next months. The first EP includes 4 incredible versions that prove how eternal and absolutely timeless was and still is Julika. The Electronic Advance remix follows the original elements with excellent atmospheric intro leading to the main part with the pulsating groove along with cool acid overtones. The twinking bells melody is present and the remix manage easily to attract your attention and absorb you in its magical kingdom. Powerful swirling synths upon the pounding groove drive us safely within the cinematic breakdown with orchestral themes, vocal snippets and slow build up towards the pumping climax. Phunk Investigation & Jean Aita transform the original into the ultimate tech house weapon with metallic serious slamming bassline along with tough drums and superb arrangement of the various elements. The breakdown unleashes slowly the trancy gated voices that take the track in its climax where tough grooves are merged playfully and truly impressively with the trancy parts in a jaw-dropping section. Sascha Berkenser remix combines majestic mechanical techno groove with snippets from the original leading to the breakdown that is dominated by tripping out calming break beat section driving the track to its full of nice orchestral themes climax while the hypnotic acid line is evolving and involving the listener. Philipp Giebel transforms the original into a travelling smooth atmospheric liquid drum n bass version that will carry you up and away for sure. Julika is marvellous and I'm super happy to see getting the praise it deserves in 2018. #PureGold Love IT[/content]
[/review]
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