Scenic: The Ones

The outcome of more Twitter prowling - it is a great pleasure to feature the debut composition by Scenic, a DJ and progressive electro artist from Los Angeles. 'The Ones' as the artist notes from their various Twitter updates (@iamscenic) that this is their first original release which, when one considers the accomplished compositional and production talent which is clear on this track, seems remarkable. The polish seen throughout this track is clearly the result of many hours' work and a wealth of experience within the field.

Scenic - The Ones (Original Mix) by scenic

Taking into account the stylistic origins of this track which lie within progressive electro/house aesthetics and the artist's work as a DJ, the inclusion of an extended introduction is not unexpected. Given that this is not an edited version of the track, it seems only fitting. The craft seen in the construction of the introduction is worth note, given that a large number of Scenic's contemporaries often neglect this section, much to the detriment of their own work. The inclusion of a recurring melodic melodic idea which transitions from the background throughout this section gives clear shape and avoids the cliche of using a solitary looped drum pattern to constitute an introduction.

This track runs at over ten minutes, with enough material to possibly even construct a short EP from. This inevitably creates an interesting musical structure throughout which Scenic weaves musical references to the thematic material of previous sections. The writing is typified with the use of thick synthetic instrumentation reminiscent of Deadmau5 and other House music writing. The whole structure plays upon two clear soundworlds which later reconcile, those being the clear House/Electro sections seen at the beginning and the softer excerpts which borrow stylistically from trance music such as the fall at 2:02 ("We are...").

Scenic during a 2010 DJ performance

Following the build up led by the vocoded vocal samples enters a very professional patchwork of material forming a further section which is reminiscent of both Daft Punk and Pendulum, a highlight of the track. This is echoed later having created and resolved various [musical] structural tensions, drawing attention to the calculated approach to instrumentation which varies throughout to add interest. At this point it is worth noting the commendable regard for mixing seen throughout this track, a credit to Scenic as a producer.

 From its conception, The Sonic Music Review has always been intended to act as an outlet where original works by upcoming artists can feature and get the recognition they deserve. It is a great pleasure to feature today a remarkable first original work by Scenic and we wish the artist the greatest of success.

If you represent an electronic music act and would like to submit your music, please get in touch here or find us on Twitter @SubsonicWinter.

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