Ben Kim and A.D.O.R. Reignite a Club Classic on ‘Reload The Renegade Master’
- Undrtone Blog
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Reworking a vocal as recognisable as A.D.O.R.’s legendary ‘One For The Trouble’ is never without risk, but ‘Reload The Renegade Master’ understands exactly why the original has remained embedded in club culture for decades. Rather than treating the sample as a nostalgic shortcut, Ben Kim builds an entire record around its energy, delivering a contemporary Tech House cut that feels designed for large dancefloors and peak-time moments.
The production is direct and unapologetically functional. A rolling low end drives the track forward from the outset, supported by punchy drums and a groove that prioritises movement over complexity. Every element serves a purpose, creating a sense of momentum that rarely lets up across the arrangement. It is the kind of record that immediately communicates its intentions, locking into a rhythm and committing to it with confidence.
The vocal remains the undeniable centrepiece. Its familiar call-and-response energy still carries the same impact today, but the updated production surrounding it gives the record a fresh sense of urgency. Rather than overwhelming the sample with excessive effects or unnecessary embellishments, Ben Kim allows it to retain its character while framing it within a modern Tech House context. The result feels respectful of the original while remaining firmly focused on contemporary club audiences.
What elevates the track beyond a simple remake is its understanding of timing and crowd response. Breakdowns arrive at the right moments, tension builds naturally, and the payoffs feel earned rather than forced. The arrangement leaves plenty of room for the vocal to shine, while the groove underneath provides the weight needed to carry it through a packed room.
The track’s widespread support from names including Marco Carola, Danny Howard, Armin van Buuren and Claptone is easy to understand. ‘Reload The Renegade Master’ successfully bridges generations of dance music culture, combining a timeless vocal with modern production values to create a record that feels equally at home in Ibiza, on festival stages and in underground club settings.
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