The 22nd release on microCastle sees the introduction of a new artist to the label. Franz Kirmann was born in France, raised in Senegal West Africa and eventually moved to London in 2000 where he now resides. Mixmag, IDJ, and Laurent Garnier all rated him; intrigued that someone had fused post-rock and shoegaze with glitch electronica and in turn actually created something very captivating and beautiful. Franz's 'Liza' composition fits that description perfectly with it's layers of incredibly textured metallic fuzz, fragile thought provoking melodies and distorted organic themes; it's an engaging composition from Franz and one of the standout pieces from his recent 'Random Access Memories' LP. Described by some as a more electronic version of Mogwai or a crunchier, more dynamic Ulrich Schnauss; one thing is certain Franz has a sound that is truly unique, inspiring and all his own.The remixes of Liza are supplied by Charlie May who for most needs no introduction. One half of the revered progressive house pioneers Spooky; the engineer and producer of many of Sasha's biggest singles and albums and add to that remixing The Chemical Brothers, Orbital, Bedrock and Mandalay; Charlie May has been on the cutting edge of electronic music for the better part of the last 20 years. Charlie's 'Pacific' Mix is his downtempo / electronica interpretation of Liza. With an abundance of effervescent Involver-esqe overtones and futuristic sound design Charlie has crafted a journey into something deeply twisted but also hauntingly beautiful. The tension builds monumentally over the first half of the piece with piercing electronics, psychedelic dynamics and a moody brooding vibe. The drop presents the Liza theme with a wonderful sonic variation and what follows is a haze of melodies and rich textures that develops into one of the most heart wrenching finales of the year. Charlie's 'Atlantic' mixes bring 'Liza' to today's modern dance floor with a tough techno framework and rumbling hypnotic energy. Stark metallic high-end elements work in wonderful contrast with the pulsing rhythmic shifts and unrelenting drive. The main drop is without a doubt one of Charlie May's finest melodic interludes, in staying true to the melancholia of the original theme and without beefing up the naivety of it Charlie has delivered one of this year's finest sun-drenched daydream moments. Charlie's 'Atlantic' Dub takes things into more twisted and sinister sounding territory with a wicked stripped down approach perfect for those dark room sets.