ReMix:Mega Man 9 "Abstract Bond" 3:10

Jakesnke17 (Jacob Diaz) writes:

"Seems I'm still going the Mega Man route with the submissions I've been bringing forth, can't get enough of the stuff I suppose. Anyway, a while back DarkeSword was throwing together a Concrete Man Remix Album and despite how fast I was working on this remix, I couldn't get it finished in time before I had to move to Los Angeles...so, naturally, I put it aside to continue work on it later and now 6 months have passed and here we are. This one is a little different than my other two submissions. I was going for a jazzy, chippish vibe layered with lots of smooth bass. When I was listening to the album, I didn't hear anything quite like it...so hopefully it's worth listening to."

After being snubbed on Back in Blue, Mr. Concrete was certainly compensated for the slight with some great music - 'Concrete Heart' among others. Jakesnke17 further cements the musical olive branch with this breezy, percolating jam. Shariq writes:

"I AM QUITE FAMILIAR WITH CONCRETE MAN SO I WILL VOTE ON THIS MIX. Very groovy beat. I really dig all the syncopation going on. Really great expansion of the melody. Soundscape has just the right amount of reverb, really gives the piece a big, cavernous sound, especially near the end. Love it!"

Ditto that point; this mix sits right in the pocket of a particular type of space that feels open & immediate at the same time, and definitely enhances the experience. Vinnie was also positive, but had some specific criticism regarding the intro:

"Cool arrangement, I was digging it. Nothing too out there in terms of how this was approached but lots of new details and additions. Some cool sounds like the distorted synth used in the intro. Unfortunately, the first section which brings in the source was the weakest section of the song, and it always hurts to have a section like that be what kicks your song off, so to speak."

I'd tend to agree that things get better as they progress and that the introduction is weaker than the rest of the track, but I'd concur with Palpable & the rest of the panel that it's ultimately not a deal-breaker. This is a somewhat different sound from Jacob, and it's a good one that I'd like to see him explore more. Rock solid stuff with a strong foundation, expansive atmosphere, and slick attitude.