Metaverse is the first single from Orkidea's album of the same name. A very appropriate choice (excluding the title of course) as the single is almost a summary of the various elements that make up the album in its entirety.

The original version is a laid back breaks affair with heavy space themes throughout. Big sweeping synths constantly swim in and out of the foreground while heavy beats keep the track flowing. Female vocals are interspersed throughout in a way that is very reminiscent of African tribal music, countered with edgy synth stabs the overall effect becomes quite haunting and engaging.

Due to the uniqueness of the original its difficult to imagine how you would use it in a set; as an opening track it would make for an attention grabbing start but how you would follow it up I can't imagine. Thankfully Gareth Emery comes to the rescue with a more mainstream interpretation.

Gareth's progressive house remix simplifies down the introduction and slowly introduces each element until the breakdown whereby the track is once again at it's full complexity. That description could be used to describe nearly any remix, but it's how naturally it occurs and the intensity that is generated from the layering that speaks to me.

The remix is very similar to the original in it's overall sound, that is until you reach the breakdown where this track takes on a whole life of its own. A heavy dirty melodic synth kicks in and the track goes into overdrive with devastating effect on the dance floor. You can't help but want to get up and shake it.

Orkidea - Metaverse Remix EP1 will be released on AVA Recordings May 19th.

Update: Orkidea discusses Metaverse on Ministry of Sound TV .