German favourites D-Nox & Beckers release another EP on D-Nox's label Sprout. This time with remixes by King Roc and Lemon Popsicle.

Artist: D-Nox & Beckers
Title: Beefcake
Label: Sprout
Format: Digital
Released: September 2008


Review:

Christian Wedekind and Frank Beckers. Mention these names, and every progressive/tech house lover will probably know that you're referring to the dynamic production-duo D-Nox & Beckers. With an extremely busy booking-schedule and a discography including releases on progressive trance labels like Iboga Records and Flow to major house players like Baroque, Great Stuff, Vapour and Electribe as well as licensing tracks and remixes to mainstream labels like Global Underground and Ministry of Sound, there's no doubt that these guys appeal to the mass-market, yet still staying true to their roots.

"Beefcake" is their newest release on D-Nox's own label Sprout, which has had some success since the launch over 5 years ago, and on the remix-duty are King Roc and Lemon Popsicle.


01. D-Nox & Beckers - Beefcake [127 BPM]
The original track "Beefcake" is yet another solid D-Nox & Bekers high-roller. Like so many other times before from D-Nox & Beckers, this is an optimistic mix of funk and big dancefloor grooves. Some twisted horns give the track a nice wobbly effect, and the trendy tech-breakdown works very very well. This tune just oozes with outdoor beach-party vibe.

02. D-Nox & Beckers - Beefcake (King Roc Remix) [125 BPM]
The first remix is by the UK act King Roc, consisting of Martin Dawson, who has had some success with his diverse repertoire of music, ranging from techno to trip hop - releasing tunes on labels like Dessous, Four:Twenty, Anjunabeats, Buzzin' Fly and his own label Mutual Society. His remix of "Beefcake" is more housey in the traditional sense, isn't quite as energetic as the original but has an even more uplifting vibe and with a nice touch of carnival-atmosphere.

03. D-Nox & Beckers - Beefcake (Lemon Popsicle Remix) [127 BPM]
Lemon Popsicle is a new and unknown artist to me, and an artist who only have a few releases out so far, with one of them being on the Italian label Rebirth. His remix starts out as the most stripped-down and dirty of the three versions, but slowly get more and more jackin' after the main breakdown. Nice, slightly techier rework.


Bottom line:

As expected, "Beefcake" is yet another good release from one of my favourite labels around at the moment. All three versions are recommendable, but some might also say slightly too similar. Don't expect banging tech or minimal peak-time party material, but if you're into some good, wholesome sunny outdoor grooves this release is a sure winner - with the D-Nox & Beckers original standing out. A shame that the European summer is over...


Favourites:

1


Verdict:

7/10


Links:

http://www.sproutmusic.de
http://www.myspace.com/frankbeckers
http://www.myspace.com/djdnox