4th Measure Men - 4 You

4th Measure Men
4 You
DEFECTED

Defected return; with a bang. After a string of under-par releases, the label have called on 4th Measure Men, aka house music hero Mark 'MK' Kinchen, to set things straight. Here, his original hit 4 You is given the remix treatment, courtesy of big leaguers 2000 & One and Maya Jane Coles. 

The original tune is an undoubted classic. Starting with a deep synth melody underpinned by sharp hats and tight claps, it builds perfectly to the first kick, with the vocal laced effortlessly over the beat. Before things start to get comfortable, the lead melody storms in, progressing rapidly into a funky trumpet number; the Defected stamp of authenticity. Somewhere beneath, some serious acid sounds tweak away, linking with the bassline to provide the record with its tough, sturdy backbone. Think summer smash, with some serious edge. 

2000 & One's remix is more energetic than the original, introducing both the trumpet and haunting synth line early on, before giving way and dropping straight into that bold,Defected sound. Maya Jane Coles' reputation is beginning to precede her; in an 'everything she touches turns to gold' kind of way. Her work here is no exception. Commencing with a deep, cavernous kick drum, the track steadily builds, transforming the original into a dubby, techy affair that is both spacious and atmospheric. Her sparing use of the vocal stays true to her sound, sacrificing the trumpet line to explore wider, more expressive avenues. Armed with an equally beautiful and energetic breakdown, this will be a sure fire favourite on the deeper dancefloors.

Overall, this is a very good EP. The original mix just edges it; a party anthem with a mercurial twist. The best Defected single of the year so far.

Liam Roberts (Seedy Sonics)



Tracklist: 4th Measure Men - 4 You
01. 4 You (Original Mix)
02. 4 You (2000 & One Remix)
03. 4 You (Maya Jane Coles Remix)