(Progressive House) Ferdy - Crossroads, Pt. 2 (Incl. Pole Folder & Battage Remixes) (Particles [PSI1411]) WEB - 2014, FLAC (tracks), lossless

In the final month of 2013, Ferdy Ouderkerken marked a further landmark on an illustrious career littered with original works that have found their onto such imprints as Outside The Box, Ready Mix and Armada. A regular on the imprint, Particles is delighted to announce another stopover in Ferdy's catalogue as "Crossroads Part 2" sees the welcome return of an established legend and a debutante, as two tracks from the original seven-track EP now receive 2014 makeovers. Benoit Franquet's distinguished reputation under his Pole Folder production soubriquet is well earned. A previous winner of the "Belgium's Best DJ" crown in 2010, a veritable feast of music has found its way to the world's leading labels including Renaissance, Global Underground and Hope, supported by the leading lights of Laurent Garnier, Hernan Cattaneo and John Digweed. Indeed a debut album, commissioned to Digweed's Bedrock imprint, proved a starting point from which the Belgian has subsequently been at the vanguard of the modern underground dance scene, shaping its very future landscape. "Zero Gold" thus created a series of classic tracks that continue to be used across the TV and film spectrum to this day, from hit shows "CSI" and "Nip/Tuck" in the USA, to Channel 4 TV advertising campaigns in the UK. A relationship with Proton that reaches back to 2006's "Protected" EP and 2008's "Radio 101", a remix of Ferdy's "Home Coming" track in September 2012, marks Pole Folder's sole contribution to the Particles imprint thus far. Now returning to remix Ferdy once more, the Belgian's interpretation of "Intention" provides another illustration of his unique vision and versatility. A rhythm section full of poise and rolling, fluid percussion keeps the pace high as soft, sustained pads echo, providing resonance with the original mix. Twisted spoken work and a reverb-soaked, harmonic vocal cut, pierce the beats as a pitched, distorted lead line builds to freeform crescendo. From Groningen in the north of the country, techno DJ, Battage, is a much-respected DJ in his Dutch homeland. Responsible for the infamous, "Hartslag"nights, Martin ter Braake has brought such luminaries as Pan-Pot, Petar Dundov and Stephan Bodzin to his hometown. Tiring of using his Harde Baas alias, a penchant for "deep grooves and warm melodies" inspires Braake's new Battage production pseudonym. Approaching Ferdy's work, such traits are found in bountiful supply within his interpretation of "Agreement". A rolling clave forms an expertly formed percussive groove alongside the languid clap and snare combination combined with house beats. The emotive melodic themes present in the original are transported seamlessly into their new arrangement giving a fresh lease of life to the rousing vibrato lead that provides such a prominent aural identity. As Ferdy's relationship with Particles reaches another "Crossroads", "Part 2" of the journey continues in triumphant optimism with new remixes from Pole Folder and Battage. Directed by Jay Epoch AandR by Marina Gerardi Mastered by Cid Inc.
Design by Ben Mautner Text by James Warren