Longtime dance music fans will need no introduction to the legendary Dennis De Laat.
The Dutch producer has been behind some of the biggest club anthems for over two decades. You may remember his huge version of the classic ‘Sound of Violence.’ He has a unique ability to craft sweeping emotional journeys out of synthesized sounds.
His latest release, Figments Of My Mind, sees him team up with talented singer-songwriter Jade PraiZe. The title track is a sublime combination of De Laat’s masterful production and PraiZe’s rich, emotive vocals. Layers of glistening synths ebb and flow underneath PraiZe’s passionate delivery. They create a truly affecting emotional experience.
While impacting on a deep personal level, the original version of ‘Figments Of My Mind‘ also packs enough dance floor energy to move bodies in the club. De Laat strikes that perfect balance between groovy and atmospheric vibes.
The release also features a phenomenal remix from veteran producer Hannes Bieger. Having been at the forefront of the dance scene since the 90s, Bieger’s rework brings out the deeper, more hypnotic elements of the original. Stripping back some of the lead lines allows the atmosphere and vocals to take center stage. It’s a masterclass in remixing from one of the true greats.
Rounding out the package is the aptly named banger ‘Night Rider‘. The song shows De Laat can still throw down hard-hitting peak-time monsters when he wants to. Stripping the production back to bare essentials, he deploys a thunderous kick pattern and crafts an irresistible groove that simply demands you move your feet.
With Figments Of My Mind, Dennis De Laat has gifted us another flawless auditory journey that excites the mind as well as the body. It’s a release that defies genres while encapsulating everything great about dance music.
