Full stops in the track's title imply that M.A.N.I.A.C has a much larger meaning and I don't know about you but I'd love to know what it is... Maybe it's a trick and I've completely fallen for a clever marketing ploy. Either way, I load the track with the eagerness of a six year kid unwrapping his first Star Wars action figures...

If you read my last review for Sander's previous (R.Y.A.N.L.) track then you'll know that I pleaded with him to provide us with a release that would showcase the sound that became synonymous with his style and I'm not sure if he listened or it's just a coincidence but M.A.N.I.A.C delivers. Most likely my comments had absolutely nothing to do with it but as a reviewer I fool myself into thinking I do/can make a difference!

M.A.N.I.A.C comes in two forms, the Original Mix and the Radio Edit. The Radio Edit is a cut down version of the Original Mix. Since the Original is the D.J. friendly version, we'll focus on this for the review. M.A.N.I.A.C has no vocal, just a depeche mode'esque intro that instantly makes you feel welcome. A snare lifts the pace just slightly before we're introduced to an up-tempo bass-line that validates your initial interest. As the track progresses, atmospheric parts are layered gracefully over the melody with a slight key change before we really get started. Basslines are often completely different on your studio monitors compared to a good club system so I was keen to give this a good test drive in the later. No surprise then to hear a beautifully crafted low end punch full of warmth and energy, the long breakdown has the feel of some classic progressive monsters Sander forged his career hammering but for me, its slightly too long for today's crowds. Personal opinion or general consensus, feedback welcome!

Nonetheless, a lovely Progressive tune I'd generally call a, 'ticker' because of its up-tempo drive which is sure to grace the bags of Diggers, Sasha and Cattaneo amongst others. Sander has clearly found his feet in the production space but becoming as respected in the studio as you are on the decks is not easy and I don't think he's quite there just yet. However, M.A.N.I.A.C delivers on all fronts. For me though, it still doesn't have that brilliance we've come to expect but what it does do is demonstrate an incredible understanding of what makes a good tune, all that's left is to interpret that genius in such a way that people recognise your productions as they do your DJ sets. Having said that, not every release can be a monster for any artist so on that basis M.A.N.I.A.C gets a stonking thumbs up and I will definitely be comparing that bass-line on clubs systems as often as possible.

Keep it up Sander!

365Mag Reviewer: Craig Neeld (UK)