Last Man Standing - White Elephant

Renowned for his more banging blend of techno and ballsy tech-trance, Gary Maguire’s Last Man Standing alter ego provides an outlet for the young Irishman’s more melodic side which is right at home on Matt Hardwick’s Kill The Lights imprint.
 
As the name suggests, the Early Days Mix is a more laid back version which at a lower tempo is right for those early sets. The track focuses on a squelchy bassline, lots of squiggly little effects and the slick lead melody and supporting pads. There’s also plenty of attention to detail, with the hint of a vocal sample, and the break’s pretty sumptuous too.
 
The original mix is more suited to peaktime play at Gary’s usual 140 BPM, without sounding rushed. With a more punchy kick setting the scene, the main melody is introduced early on. There’s a haunting riff which comes then takes over, a throwback to the golden era of trance without sounding jaded. With my personal preference for a more banging style of trance, this mix gets the nod.