[i:Vibes] Cowboy Mike – No Way Back
Cowboy Mike delivers his debut release on Christopher Lawrence’s Pharmacy Music label with ‘No Way Back’. Backed up with a remix from state side artist Bissen does his first EP deliver the goods?
Pharmacy Music are back with a new release with the latest tune to be draped in white and red a debut release from Cowboy Mike. It’s a debut on the Pharmacy label as Cowboy Mike has stacked up quite a reputation over in the states with some furious previous productions supported by the likes of Ferry Corsten, John Askew, Filo & Peri and The Thrillseekers. He is looking to establish himself on a more worldwide level and no better place to start that notching up his first single for Pharmacy, the label run by Christopher Lawrence who needs no introduction to trance fans. While he’s not ventured to far from the states his reputation down the West Coast is held in great esteem having been a regular at some of the biggest clubs in California. Currently residing in Detroit you won’t be surprised to hear a little techno no element within his trance style.
:: Original Mix
:: Bissen Remix
Having not ventured over to the states this is the first time I’ve been exposed to Cowboy Mike’s production skills. Oh, and yes he does wear his hat while performing on stage but there is nothing cowboy like about his productions. Not at least with this one, ‘No Way Back’. It’s a peak time tech trance thumper with a furious main hook line that will Cause a few bass cab’s to get worried. The beat is deep and powerful and on the lead you’re treated to a buzzing bass line that fades in as the percussion stabs away. It’s one lead up to get the fist pumping away to with a dark element on the pads and overall feel to the main hook line. It’s not really about any main melodies here, even though the break in the middle treats you to a little one it’s the furious beat and bass line that gets the interest here.
With the likes of Bissen on the remix you should expect a more flowing trance production here with a slighted light main beat and muffled bass line. Bissen’s notched up enough productions in the past to demonstrate his production prowess and his remix skills are put to good use here. While the original deliver a tech feeling Bissen has driven in a uplifting melody on the break but kept with the original format in slamming back into the beat and bass line directly after. Its uplifting meets pace rich tech trance here. One for the higher end BPM sets with Bissen injecting a great deal of addictive flowing energy to absorb with his remix.
Conclusion:
The question remains, does he leave his hat on while producing his tracks? One for the interview there I think. The answer to has he delivered the goods with his debut on Pharmacy is a very firm yes. Cowboy Mike won’t be looking back after this release, only forward!
