Purple Road EP (DJ Misjah & DJ Tim)

• techno
• acid
• hard-trance
• DJ Misjah & DJ Tim

Picture this: it’s 1995, and the world is dancing to a different beat. An underground scene is simmering in the Netherlands, and from its midst emerges a little-known Dutch DJ and production duo - DJ Misjah and DJ Tim. They’re about to release their seminal EP, ‘Purple Road’, on the 29th of March, and in doing so, alter the course of electronic music history. As we gaze back at this monumental record from today’s perspective, it’s astounding to see how well it has aged and the impact it has had on the genre.

A quick dive into the history of DJ Misjah & DJ Tim reveals their undeniable chemistry. While they each had their own individual careers, their collaborative efforts were like two parallel lines finally converging, creating an explosion of creative synergy. This partnership was a match made in heaven, one that would gift the electronic music world with the lush, evocative sounds of the ‘Purple Road’ EP.

As we break down the EP’s three tracks, let’s begin with the A-side, “Keep Your Love” (8:24). This song is like the first taste of honey after a bitter pill, with its euphoric melody and ethereal synths that transport the listener to another dimension. The track feels timeless, like the stillness of a calm sea just before the sunrise. The duo takes a subtle approach to the structure, building layers of sound upon each other, creating a rich tapestry that never feels overbearing. The rhythm section is hypnotic and insistent, and the interplay between the drums and synths is like a dance between the moon and the stars.

“Keep Your Love” remains an essential piece of DJ Misjah & DJ Tim’s discography, showcasing their ability to create deeply emotional music that resonates with listeners on a primal level. It’s a testament to their production prowess and keen understanding of the intricacies of electronic music.

Turning our attention to the first AA-side track, “Purple Road” (8:52), we find the duo exploring a darker, more mysterious side of their sound. The atmosphere is heavy and brooding, with a steady, driving rhythm that feels like a relentless march through an ancient, mystical forest. The melody is haunting, weaving in and out of the shadows like a specter, beckoning the listener to delve deeper into the unknown. The layering and depth of this track is like peeling back the layers of an onion, revealing hidden complexities and nuances with each listen.

“Purple Road” seems to carry a message of embracing the unknown, taking risks, and venturing into uncharted territory. As we listen to it now, it’s evident that the track was a harbinger of the changing landscape in electronic music during the mid-90s. It encapsulates the raw, uncompromising spirit of the underground scene and serves as a testament to the duo’s fearless innovation and experimentation.

As we delve into the final track of the EP, “Rookie” (8:08), we find DJ Misjah & DJ Tim returning to a lighter, more uplifting sound. The track kicks off with a pulsating beat, building anticipation like the first drop of rain before a storm. The melody takes center stage, soaring high above the rhythmic foundation, evoking a sense of freedom and boundlessness. This track is like a bird taking flight for the first time, as it spreads its wings and soars into the great unknown. The duo’s skillful manipulation of structure and rhythm on “Rookie” showcases their mastery of creating tension and release, keeping listeners engaged and entranced.

“Rookie” seems to be a celebration of new beginnings and embracing the journey ahead. As we look back on the release of the ‘Purple Road’ EP, it’s evident that this track not only embodied the duo’s own growth as artists but also served as a symbol of the ever-evolving electronic music scene. It was a call to arms for all those who dared to push the boundaries and forge new paths in their creative endeavors.

The influences on the ‘Purple Road’ EP can be traced to the pioneers of electronic music, such as Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, and Jean-Michel Jarre, as well as contemporaries like The Orb and Orbital. DJ Misjah & DJ Tim masterfully combined these diverse inspirations, creating a sound that was uniquely their own. The EP also laid the groundwork for future Dutch artists like Tiësto, Ferry Corsten, and Armin van Buuren, who would go on to carry the torch of electronic music into the new millennium.

Looking back at the ‘Purple Road’ EP from today’s perspective, it’s astounding to realize the impact this release had on the electronic music landscape. DJ Misjah & DJ Tim were like alchemists, transforming raw sounds and influences into something magical and transcendent. Their passion for pushing the boundaries of what was possible in electronic music left an indelible mark on the genre and inspired countless others to follow in their footsteps.

The ‘Purple Road’ EP is like an enigmatic artifact from a bygone era, a testament to the creativity and innovation that was bubbling beneath the surface of the mid-90s electronic music scene. It’s a treasure trove of sonic delights that still captivates and inspires today, a shining example of the power of collaboration, and the limitless potential of human imagination.

In conclusion, the ‘Purple Road’ EP by DJ Misjah & DJ Tim is a landmark release that has stood the test of time, thanks to its innovative blend of melodies, rhythms, and atmospheres. The EP’s three tracks, “Keep Your Love,” “Purple Road,” and “Rookie,” showcase the duo’s mastery of electronic music production, their ability to convey deep emotions, and their fearless exploration of new sonic territories.

As we celebrate the legacy of DJ Misjah & DJ Tim and the ‘Purple Road’ EP, it’s important to remember the impact this release had on the electronic music scene, and how it continues to inspire and influence artists and listeners alike. The ‘Purple Road’ EP is a testament to the power of creative collaboration, the importance of taking risks, and the timeless appeal of innovative, genre-defying music. It’s a record that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of electronic music enthusiasts, and its echoes will continue to reverberate through the annals of music history.