Album Review: Jody Wisternoff – Trails We Blaze

15 years ago, Jody Wisternoff formed a little duo, alongside the also-legendary Nick Warren called Way Out West. Together they began to dominate the EDM scene with tracks, “The Gift,” “Killa” and “Mindcircus.” With a strong reputation and high profile remixes, the duo performed around the world to showcase their masterful studio and DJ skill set. The diverse experiences help meld to create Jody’s long awaited solo artist album, Trails We Blaze.

Even though a veteran of the industry, Jody represents electronica, deep progressive blends and musical love. A fusion of nu disco, house and techno, Trails We Blaze (Anjunadeep) is an upbeat journey that combines genre elements to form one gorgeous of a twelve-track disc. A modern take on the Balearic sub-genre, “How You Make Me Smile” works wonders on all that’s groovy. Alongside vocal work of Pete Josef, it’s a nice slice of progressive bliss. Soft kick drums and chirping hi-hats and an immaculate background landscape of puffy quirks and quips ignite the torch for the mind-bending marathon. Adding a bit more soul to all that is deep is the acid endorsed, jazzy progression “95.” A clean structure and superb break compliments the tracks many sounds that come and go throughout the track. It’s both powerful and energetic and yet a bold statement on the diversity Jody can provide. The contrast to all that’s warm and bright is “Red Stripes.” With hip-hop and jungle back-beats, the deep fat bass, wobbles and vocal samples tossed around, make for one potent mix.

Jody has been mixing and mastering beats for two decades. With all of that work, comes the Beatport number 1 “Cold Drink, Hot Girl.” A re-fix on a progressive classic, the update pays tribute to the original and combines more modern percussive elements and an updated synth selection to hybrid the new and old. With an extensive back-catalog, Jody has been providing top quality tunes and remixes which begs the question when has the man have an off production? He churns out tunes on a monthly basis and certainly doesn’t move in “Slow Motion.” The track is just the opposite. The track is a highlight of the album and Jonathan Mendelsohn brilliantly enhances the fluttering vibes and fluctuating bass. A plethora of grace with a huge incorporation of style, this gem demonstrates that even though Jody’s given his fans so much, the years to come still leave much to look forward to.

Pete Josef returns to the album with “Just One More.” Sweet house chords and a hair-raising melody make the progressive-nu-disco vibe tingle the nerves and chill the body. A dreamy serenade that provides one last look at all that’s warm and fuzzy before diving into the deeper back end of the album. Each track contributes the unique musicality of Wisternoff’s sound and “Babylon Calling” is no exception. A bit darker, the track has ominous samples oozing from within and yet a lullaby-esque break that bursts into a nightmarish progressive haunt of an atmosphere while retaining the leftover coddling melody. “Trails We Blaze,” the title track of the album is a final tribute to the 90s UK music scene. The track is perfect for a grungy club set and yet a powerful electric epiphany of what musical progression actually is.

Referencing his past musical endeavors, Jody Wisternoff is able to culminate a lifetime of electronic-oriented experienced into a tight packed twelve-disc album. Trails We Blaze is a perfect introduction to summer. Lie by the pool, grab a cocktail after a long day or simply get lost with a pair of headphones into the world of Wisternoff.

Tracklist:

1. How You Make Me Smile (feat. Pete Josef)
2. Back To Me (feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn)
3. 95
4. Red Stripes
5. Out Of Reach (feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn)
6. Cold Drink, Hot Girl (Refix)
7. Slowmotion (feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn
8. Starstrings (Revamp)
9. Just One More (feat. Pete Josef)
10. Babylon Calling
11. Orinoco
12. Trails We Blaze