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S-Factor - Nostalgia

Label: JDX Music
Catalog#: JDXMUSIC2011-005
Released: 01 Apr 2011
Style: Hardstyle

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I thought it was time for another review, this time I'm taking on the new blood. Will I be ripping the track apart, or will I be praising it into my personal hall of fame?

This time I'm taking on S-Factor, an "upcoming" producing duo who have been signed to JDX Music, which is.. you guessed it, JDX's (and Fletcher Schottlands - who just happens to be half of S-Factor) new Hardstyle label in the USA.
Jonathan Diaz & Fletcher Schottland, the two guys behind the S-Factor alias have already had the previous release "Play" on JDX's label which had also done pretty well in the Hardstyle charts. Some may know Jonathan as Sogma who is a pretty respected guy in the "underground" Hard dance scene.

Now, to the track. As I previously mentioned in an earlier review, I'm not really into reviewing a one tracker unless it has gotten my absolute attention. And this track has.
What I like about Nostalgia is its simplicity. Ok, it may not have been simple to produce, but it does sound quite simple. But dare not get me wrong, as simple is not always synonym for "crap".

A simple intro buildup towards the break, which doesn't need to be complex at all as the DJ is just going to use this to mix in the track from the previous one. The break is quite atmospheric with vocals from a vocalist called Seraina. I'm going to be crudely honest here, the break is a little too long. Although it does build up the atmosphere, it would have been nice if the break was about half as long. What happens next is pretty epic in my ears - a nice arppegiated type synth takes over to get those hairs standing on end. Admittedly, this did give me goosebumps and is one of the reasons I chose to play this track at one of my last performances.
What also got my attention was the floaty, pitch-waved-sounding bass sample they've used - somewhere between the two climaxes (yes, Nostalgia has two climaxes, so it must be a female track?). At first you think it's an elongated kick/bass but then it pitches up and down again which adds that slight element of surprise. It's a small touch, but it's one that I noticed and liked!

For me the second climax was slightly, well... disappointing. It didn't quite have as much energy as the first climax, especially in the lower notes. The melodical changes within the second climax were nicely done, which must be said, it just lacked the energy the first climax had.

Now, because summer is closing up on us (at least here in Europe - haha Southern Hemisphere!!) the timing of the release is pretty well thought out. That, or it's a very well placed coincidence. DJs sill need to get used to the track, as do the party people and I'm sure it will be dropped quite a few times during the upcoming festivals because it does have a very distinct summer feeling, especially the break and the first climax. I can already imagine myself standing at a crowded festival, the sun had just touched the horizon and is waving its last rays of light - its long, warm yet transparent fingers gently touching my now burnt bald head. The stage lights start increasing their show element and lasers are eagerly awaiting their entrance to the show, excited to WOW us with their multi colored awesomeness... and then this beauty drops. It's not a rough track and is very euphoric which will set the mood for the show to come, after sunset!

Hate it or love it, if your ears are honest and you're ready to get your summer vibe on, you'll join me in what I'm about to rate this track.
Usually my rating system consists of very powerful fistpumping action but for this release I'm in need of a slight update. In light of the upcoming summer and just the overall atmosphere of the track, I'm going to be giving Nostalgia a well deserved eyes-closed-floating-around-smiley-faced-beer-in-hand "Yay!".

Buy it!