With "Trick This," Mike S. aka Chris Maico Schmidt releases a clean, minimalist techno single on valhall records. His original mix impresses with focused drums, a dry bassline, and a straightforward groove that unfolds consistently.
The Studiogegner Remix takes a different approach, emphasizing rhythmic detail over brute force. Playful accents, minimal percussion, and a relaxed yet precise flow give the remix its own identity and subtle tension.
VRE009 represents functional underground techno with character – reduced, thoughtful, and timeless.
Track List / Infos: Mike S. – Trick This
01. Mike S. – Trick This (Original Mix) 05:32 min.
02. Mike S. – Trick This (Studiogegner Remix) 06:21 min.
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Mike S. - Trick This [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Mike S.’s “Trick This,” released on Valhall Records, stands out as a masterclass in minimalist techno, demonstrating an intricate balance between rhythmic precision and creative subtlety. The original mix, clocking in at 133 BPM, immediately captivates with its tight, focused drum patterns and an assertive, dry bassline that establishes a steady foundation for the track’s progression. The groove remains hypnotically consistent, creating a sense of controlled drive that propels the listener forward. This rhythmic clarity is enhanced by the track’s seamless energy flow, with each transition and subtle build-up executed in a way that maintains momentum without the need for excessive drops or overbearing peaks. The absence of melodic clutter allows the few harmonic accents to shine, lending the track a sense of spatial depth and understated harmonic resonance, while the Studiogegner Remix at 137 BPM takes a more detailed, percussive approach, swapping raw kinetic force for nuanced rhythmic interplay and fluid structural evolution. From a production standpoint, the track’s technical execution is exemplary. The sound design is precise and purposefully restrained, emphasizing clean, high-resolution drum programming, carefully sculpted low-end dynamics, and an impeccable balance of dynamic range and loudness. Spatial effects and reverbs are used sparingly but effectively, enhancing immersion without overwhelming the minimal aesthetic. The mixdown demonstrates a keen awareness of club and festival playback requirements, ensuring that the track translates with both power and clarity over large sound systems, while its BPM consistency and smooth intro/outro structures make it highly mixable for DJs. Its arrangement reflects an original artistic identity, with storytelling embedded in the gradual layering and release of elements, demonstrating that even in the absence of vocals or overt melodies, emotional resonance can be achieved through texture and motion alone. Beyond the dance floor, “Trick This” offers positive implications for mental well-being and fitness environments. Scientific studies have shown that electronic music with repetitive rhythmic structures at steady tempos can enhance focus, increase endorphin release, and support physical performance in exercise or wellness classes (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012; Thaut et al., 2015). The hypnotic, immersive qualities of minimalist techno have also been linked to meditative states and stress relief by promoting flow experiences and synchronized neural oscillations (Koelsch, 2014). This makes “Trick This” not only a functional underground club weapon but also a track that can contribute positively to mental health, fitness motivation, and structured movement practices such as spinning or rhythmic yoga. #PureGold Loveit[/content]
[item value="10"]Rhythm, Groove & Drive[/item][item value="10"]Melodic Hooks & Harmonic Layers[/item]
[item value="10"]Transitions, Drops & Build-Ups [/item]
[item value="10"]Energy Flow & Momentum [/item]
[item value="10"]Sound Design & Production Quality[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality of Arrangement & Structure[/item]
[item value="10"]Use of Effects & Spatial Design[/item]
[item value="10"]Dynamic Range & Loudness Balance[/item]
[item value="10"]Atmosphere & Immersion[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional Resonance[/item]
[item value="10"]Creativity & Artistic Identity[/item]
[item value="10"]Cohesion & Storytelling[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocal Performance & Lyrical Impact[/item]
[item value="10"]Catchiness & Replay Value[/item]
[item value="10"]Club / Festival Suitability[/item]
[item value="10"]Track Intro/Outro Structure[/item]
[item value="10"]BPM Consistency & Sync Ease[/item]
[item value="10"]Cue Points & Loop Potential[/item]
[item value="10"]Dynamic Energy for Set Flow[/item]
[item value="10"]Crowd Reaction Potential[/item]
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Suggested Bibliography:
Karageorghis, C. I., & Priest, D. L. (2012). Music in the exercise domain: A review and synthesis. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(1), 44–66.
Thaut, M. H., et al. (2015). Neural basis of rhythmic entrainment in movement disorders. Neuroscience, 11(6), 592–600.
Koelsch, S. (2014). Brain and Music. Wiley-Blackwell.
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