Syntax
Syntax are Mike Tournier and Jan Burton (and produced by Tim Gordine), a London based duo with musical backgrounds fusing rock with electronica. Mike is well known for his involvment as a 'groove technician' with 90's electronica outfit Fluke, whilst vocal man Jan labels himself 'Mr Five Piece Band and Guitars', with a passion for poetry, The Doors and Pink Floyd. Their first single release was 'Pray' in 2002 which made the top 30, packed out dancefloors and resulted in a signing to the Illustrious label.
12": Syntax - Pray
[SYN1]
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White label release 2002. Written by Mike Tournier and Jan Burton. Produced by Syntax and Tim Gordine. Vocals by Jan Burton. This promo features two mixes, one of which is vocal based. Homing in on the instrumental you can expect a driving slice of Atom Bomb'esque progressive trance, backed by rolling percussion and synths that bare all the hallmarks of the former Fluke member. This is an absolutely blinding tune - huge builds, atmospheric orchestral breakdowns and a thunderous b-line - if this is a sign of things to come from Syntax then they are definitely one to watch in the future. Over on the flip side is the vocal based mix; the structure is subtly different to the instrumental, geared towards the vocals (which are in the half-spoken Underworld style, sounding almost like David Bowie) which feature heavily through the track and giving this track a huge potential with mainstream dancefloors and DJs.
Many thanks to Julian Nuggent for the promotional copy of this vinyl.
CDS: Syntax - Pray
[CDILL012]
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Released 2/03 on Illustrious as CDS and 2x12". Written by Mike Tournier and Jan Burton. Produced by Syntax and Tim Gordine. Vocals by Jan Burton. Further remixes of this storming, rolling, progressive trancer have now been released, although the instrumental has been disappointingly omitted from the CD single. Both Dave London and Junkie XL deliver quality break beat versions that complement the original, keeping the vocal very much in the forefront of the picture.
12": Syntax - Pray
[12ILL012 / 12ILLX 012]
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Released 2/03 on Illustrious as 2x12". Written by Mike Tournier and Jan Burton. Produced by Syntax and Tim Gordine. Vocals by Jan Burton. See above for review. Thanks to Jesse Keller for this information.
CD/12": Meccano Mind
[CDSMM001 / 12SMM001]
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Track Listing:CD: CDSMM001
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Promo released 10/03. This is a taster for the forthcoming debut album from Syntax. Both versions come in a black rubber sleeve with embossed lettering. Thanks to Niels Peter Jørgensen for this information.
CDS: Syntax - Bliss
[CDILLX020]
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Release date 2/04. Written by Mike Tournier, Jan Burton and Andy Gray. Produced by Syntax and Andy Gray. The second single from the Meccano Mind album follows close in the footsteps of the previous single 'Pray', with a similar driving, rolling bassline and complementary vocals by Jan Burton, with an added hint of rock. Its a fantastic tune, with the Original Extended Version standing out as the best of the bunch.
CD: Meccano Mind
[ILLLP005]
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Released 3/04 on Illustrious. All tracks written by Mike Tournier and Jan Burton and produced by Syntax, except track 2 written by Mike Tournier, Jan Burton & Andy Gray and produced by Syntax and Andy Gray, tracks 3,4,5 & 10 written by Mike Tournier, Jan Burton & Tim Gordine and produced by Syntax and Tim Gordine. 'Meccano Mind' is a stunning debut from Syntax. Up-front Jan Burtons unique & compelling vocals are combined with the electronic touch of ex-Fluke producer Mike Tournier. Its a powerful combination, resulting in a highly original sound at a time when a desperate music industry couldn't be any blander. 'Meccano Mind' kicks off in style with the first two singles from the album, 'Pray' and 'Bliss'; both are driving, upbeat vocal dance tracks that have already made a significant impact on the dance scene. But 'Meccano Mind' is far from being all rolling dance beats, as a significant part of the album explores various down-tempo territory, all the while with a rock-edge and Jan Burtons vocals adding drive and passion. As example of this, 'Message' is one of the slower tunes on the album but is the true gem, and is what I am tipping to be a big tune if it gets the support it deserves from media airplay. When I first heard this track on the Syntax web site along with the accompanying video I was completely absorbed. Unfortunately its only present on the album as a radio edit with a rather harsh fade out, so we'll have to wait for the single release for the full version.
Overall its so refreshing to hear an original sounding production such as Syntax's 'Meccano Mind'. Essential.
Other Info:
For further information on Syntax see their official web site and Tim Gordine's web site
