Daniel Mahuad and Bruce Gibbons – Daybreak EP
Written by Chris Salisbury Tuesday, 23 December 2008 12:49
The Vitals:
Label: Really Really Big Records
Genre: Progressive House
Number of Tracks: 3
The Score: 4.0
Chris' Take:
The Daybreak EP includes three beautiful original tracks titled "Captivated Theory", "Daybreak", and "The World And Dreams". Upon my first listen, I didn't honestly think much of this trio of tracks. Perhaps it was my mood that particular moment because, since then, my opinion has drastically changed. I am really enjoying these tracks, not from a DJ standpoint, but from a listener point of view. I specify that because as a DJ I can go through literally hundreds of tracks and quickly forget many of them. They will occasionallly get dropped in one of my sets somewhere in the middle but with no real focus on bringing attention to the tracks.
However, as a listener, these are the kind of tracks that can be downloaded and enjoyed countless times. They are very lush and beautiful and bring out images/memories of being at an all-night rave from back in the day and driving home as the sun is starting to peak over the horizon as you are listening to a demo CD that your favorite trance DJ threw out to the dance floor at some point in the night. I know that's very specific imagery that, if you've never done it, you can't really relate to, but trust me it's a good thing (except for the speeding ticket I got one morning, but that's another time and another story).
So, let's go through these tracks individually, starting with "Captivated Theory". It's got this very cool sound that I can't quite describe that is the main "thing" throughout the track that arpeggiates and pans from side to side occasionally. Then, there's the full bassline (and if you know me well enough, you know I'm a sucker for a fantastic bassline). It rides along quite nicely with the original sound that I mentioned. Then, there's the build-up that peaks with a big stringed instrumentation section, a slight pause in the action for anticipation effect, and then right back into the groove with that great bassline. Needless to say, this opener on the EP "captivated" my attention.
Next up is "Daybreak", which is just gorgeous and mellow. It is specifically this track that makes me reminice of driving home after the all night raves. They chose the perfect name for this track. I love all the different elements that create a beautiful soundscape. The melody on top of everything just drives this song home. It's simply a beautiful song, simple and deep at the same time.
Finally, "The World And Dreams" wraps this EP up with a very nice, very deep kick drum that sets things in motion for a nice ride. The track, as a whole, is very good, but not great. It doesn't match the intensity of the first two tracks. Don't get me wrong, it's still a nice track for a good listen. It just doesn't stand out as great.
I highly recommend the Daybreak EP, which is conveniently found at Beatport.com. Just do a quick search for "Daniel Mahuad" and you'll have no trouble finding it. Great music for people who enjoy thier dance music on the beautiful side of life.















andres makes this comment
Thursday, 04 June 2009