Reviews of M'Ocean's Music

M'Ocean Feat. Michelle Chivers, Vertigo
Released on Feral Code Records

New Jersey's Michael Tomaselli steps up to the relatively new player FeralCode Records with his track 'Vertigo', featuring the vocal talents of Michelle Chivers, who will be very familiar from Nick Muir's massive 'Vision Of You', and a forthcoming number from Shiloh titled 'Vista Cruz'. The Original Mix goes for a very simplistic approach which works well, however it is the remixes which truly bring out the best in this track.

The original takes hold with a very light aura to it. The bulk of the synths and effects reside in the higher ranges, with Michelle's vocal bridging the divide between the highs and lows. The vocals provide a strong point of focus, and really help the track keep together. Nothing too groundbreaking, but certainly an effective track and a great one to just sit back and chill to.

Joel Armstrong has made quite a name for himself over the past year. From winning a Proton Music remix contest, to releasing some truly amazing tracks such as 'Park Street' and 'Serenity'. He provides a very interesting remix on this release, perhaps one which many would not have expected. It moves with bouncing rhythm, and introduces some swirling synths which give the track a very mystic and almost trippy vibe. A unique remix which showcases another side to Joel's talent, and demonstrates that he is not afraid to deviate from the more familiar sounds.

The standout mix however comes from a man who is fast becoming one of the most versatile producers in the scene at the moment. During his time producing, it is quite safe to say that Andrew Kelly has worked on tracks falling into nearly every sub-genre to be found in electronic music. His mix of 'Vertigo' goes for a more electro vibe, yet still boasts a solid foundation, making it a crossover remix in many ways. The vocal seems to gain depth by the way it has been used, and fits perfectly into the mix. After the breakdown, the mood toughens as some dirty and driving synths emerge which propel the listener through the rest of the track. For those who want fewer vocals, a dubbed version has also been thoughtfully provided.

This release has been turning quite a few heads lately, and is certainly a deviation from a lot of tracks currently being released. If you love your vocals, then you really can't go wrong with this track. Andrew's mix is by far the most complete sounding of the lot, but it is excellent to see Joel exploring new avenues on his mix. Top that off with the easy-going nature of the Original Mix, and you have a very well packaged release!

8 of 10

—Progressive-Sounds.com, March 2006

M'Ocean's Room 3

Having released previously online only at EDM Digital, the little fanbase that M'Ocean has established for himself sees his latest offering worthy of a physical release on FeralCode Recordings.

Three really solid, chunky mixes work this low slung progressive driver into a 12-inch that should not be overlooked by the record-buying public. Good production and a nice techy feel underpin the general house feel—you can expect to hear this quite a lot on your clubbing travels as there's much room to crossover and gamer. Serious attention to both artist and label alike. Pick of the mixes, though, has to be FeralCode Mix that really captures the driving, punchy beats of the track but jams along with them in a real feel-good, flowing track.

4/5. Nice work guys!

—Dj Mag, December 2005

Feralcode's new label is still sparkling following the debut release from Coldfish, following in quick succession a second instalment this time round from M'Ocean.

Room 3 comes in three takes, first off the press being the Original mix which from the start shapes up to be of a dark nature comprising of breathy, eerie pads,pulsating bass bits and drippy,wet sounds that work their way over a heavy, rumbling beat. As the track progresses another bassline is added along with techy percussion before peeling back to just the beat and layering back up. Throughout there's a constant motion as delayed vocals, fx sounds and deep, melodic undertones create an entirely pensive, contorted mood accentuated by an even deeper breakdown.

Track two is the Retroid remix, turning out to be a chunkier affair with an incessant percussive groove over stabby synths and pounding bassline as a subtle uplifting mood swirls around underneath. Make no mistake though, its dirty as hell.

Finishing up is the Feralcode remix which re-hashes the originals elements into a gritty house mould with clackety percussive patterns over the grumbling bassline. A whole bunch of elements are then effected underneath building the power through stomping snares and claps. Defiantly peaktime music of a different nature.

7/10.

—ResidentAdvisor.net, November 2005

It's nice indeed to be positively surprised by an artist, whose name doesn't even ring a bell. M'Ocean, that is Michael Tomaselli, is a real artist and it looks like producing is only a second-rate occupation for him. Normally he's been busy doing graphics designing and photography in New Jersey.

'Room 3' is probably 12th officially released production from Michael, and most of them have been released digitally—and it's the case also this time. It's in principle a very correctly produced progressive trance classic, where the artist hasn't hesitated to use, I don't know for which time, phone call sounded vocal samples, atmospheric synths and slightly too electronic percussion. All of that have already been included on 'Northern Exposure', which doesn't mean it's tasteless now.

Retroid (Adam Huszar) has definitely overlooped his production. The great idea to connect more progressive beats with some retro keyboards has been lost in the lack of variety.

However, I'm sure that FeralCode's (Ferenc Kocsis) remix has surprised not only Tomaselli but also the artist himself. It's been a long time I haven't heard so ably and inventively composed progressive trance production. It's like pumping huge amounts of positive energy from the beginning till the end. Highly recommendable!

—SoundRevolt.com, November, 2005