Serving up the 4th installment of the Perceptions of Pacha series is French house don Richard Grey who delivers a knockout selection of peak-time, electro-infused house blended with radio friendly cuts and updated classics.
Richard has been steadily ascending the dance music hierarchy for the last 10 years thanks in no small part to a dazzling discography which includes numerous releases for massive global labels such as Erick Morillo’s Subliminal Records, Illegal Beats and of course Pacha Recordings. When it comes to huge summer records Richard has consistently had his finger on the pulse of what rocks a dancefloor, a knack which translates perfectly to this his latest release.
The concept of the Perceptions of Pacha series is simple: The A-side is a collective snapshot of the artist’s original productions, collaborations and remixes whereas the B-side reflects off the disco ball and on to the dancefloor with an up-front collection of full-length club versions and remixes. Heller & Farley, Wally Lopez and Kiko Navarro have all lent their considerable presence to this flagship series so Richard certainly finds himself in good musical company!
CD1 kicks off with his club makeover Michael Jackson anthem ‘Thriller’, a remix that perfectly encapsulates the all out party vibe of what precedes it! Next up is ‘Unchain it’ featuring the vocal talent of ZoëXenia. The track should be granted immediate ‘anthem’ status owing to its mix of huge piano-led breakdowns and stomping electro drops. Those heading to the ‘white isle’ this year will no doubt leave with Richard’s Bob Marley remix ‘No Deputy’ ringing in their ears, a track which promises to become as ubiquitous as clear blue skies.
Last year’s Miami smash ‘Warped Bass’ follows with its familiar Soft Cell samples and bassline house style beats. Richard’s pop credentials are shown-off to full effect on his remix of the Shakira track ‘Las De la Intuicion’, a number which sits nicely before the more underground, club-focused moments that close out the first disc. Things are bought to a frenetic finish with ‘9am Acid Trip’, a track that squeaks, bleeps and thumps its way through six minutes of peak time mayhem.
There is no mistaking that CD2 has its feet firmly placed on the dancefloor. A full compliment of remixes are presented as extended club-length versions for maximum 3am impact. Milk & Sugar and Sandy Vee both contribute excellent interpretations of ‘Set Me Free’ and ‘Warped Bass’ respectively, giving the tracks an audio overhaul whilst retaining their considerable dancefloor prowess.
‘Thriller’ is treated to a tasty ‘Pacha dub’ and other big favourite ‘No Deputy’ is given a floor-shaking ‘Electro mix’. The fast-paced finish to Disc 1 is mirrored in Disc 2 particularly in the case of ‘The Duck’ which unfolds in a manner non to dissimilar to Alter Ego’s club smash ‘Rocker’ from a few years back.
For those seeking a musical offering to ignite their summer soirées and soundtrack a hedonistic nights on the town, look no further than Richard Grey’s Perceptions of Pacha, the sound of a producer at the peak of his game.