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A New Day is the new 12" by Chopstick and Johnjon feat. Fritz Kalkbrenner. Released on Baalsaal records, this is a very German affair. Many in the industry had written Baalsaal off before, arguing that they'd never release on their own imprint. So they're ninth release must come as something of a mini triumph for the rising Berlin label. Many will recognise Kalkbrenner's name as the man who sang the vocals for the epic Sky and Sand alongside brother Paul for the Berlin Calling soundtrack, released on Ellen Allien's Bpitch Control.

Sky and Sand aside, the melodic tune and accompanying vocals of A New Day makes for a refreshing change to the stomping 4/4 sound which has been creeping back on to dance floors with a vengeance as of late. Not one for the peak time crowds or indeed the techno jocks this, though the B side does offer DJ's an to the alternative to the overtly minimal sounding original. First up is Marek Hemmann, who does a good job in altering the melody to sound seriously eerie at times as well as toying around with the vocals and adding some seriously interesting piano chords. It's the better of the two remixes for sure.

Baalsaal man Till von Sein is on hand for the other remix. Von Sein's A New Dub on the B side starts off as an altogether tech-ier affair but soon moves to more typical ground as the strings build up and the vocal kicks in. If there's such thing as delving too deep, Von Sein is probably guilty of this here. There's a summery vibe to it sure, but I can't see this one getting much play outside of after hour parties.

On the whole, none of the three versions are as emotive as Kalkbrenner's last vocal outing, though through the three productions it's a decent package. Despite being championed by Anja Schneider, Paul Woolford and John Digweed amongst others, I personally can't see this package doing too much damage on the dance floor. One for the ipod perhaps.

Artist: Chopstick & Johnjon  feat Fritz Kalkbrenner Title: A New Day Label: Baalsaal Music Tracklist A New Day Original Mix A New Day Marek Hemmann Remix A New Day Till von Sein A New Dub www.baalsaal.com www.myspace.com/chopstickmusic www.myspace.com/johnjon79 Our Rating: 6/10