Artist: Circular

Title: Moon Pool

Label: Ultimae Records

Date: July, 2014

1. Lunokhod

2. Selenic Light

3. Theory of Tides

4. Ashlands

5. Three Moons

6. Imbrium (featuring AES Dana)

7. Synchronous

8. Meteorites

"You think you're safe?  You are not."
 

The wizards at Ultimae strike again with the latest album from this Norwegian duo.  I usually only collect goa, but this label has produced so much quality music that I'm thinking of jumping on the Ultimae bandwagon.  That loud "F*ck you!" was from my wallet.  And probably my wife also if she ever finds out.  Just a few notes... 

Lunokhod begins as an ambient piece with drifting sounds and emotions for most of it's 13 minute length before a steady thumping kick drives it home.  Great opener that blends real world instruments, electronics, and nature sounds.

Selenic Light is a massive glacier of shimmering sound reflecting the sunlight right into your eyes.  Nary a beat to be found.

Theory of Tides is another atmospheric gem that tickles the abstract before it also delivers a steady kick after a lengthy ambient beginning.  Deliciously long and satisfying.

Ashlands is the most aggressive track yet with a churning, bubbling cauldron of forlorn melodies and electronic sounds.

3 Moons has a deep bass that provides the framework for the smile inducing melody and the bubbling 303 rumbling underneath.  You have to strain to hear it, but that draws me deeper into the music. 

Imbrium featuring Aes Dana is a glitchy track with strong dub overtones.  Distorted almost, but it became more enjoyable once the beat disappeared. 

Imbrium flows right into Synchronous and at the outset is cosmic ambient at its finest.  All the layers are perfect, a true front row seat to the moving galaxy.  The beat kind of ruins it for me though and it becomes too cluttered.

Meteorites closes it out with a very positive and hopeful track that combines the cosmic atmosphere and the sounds of nature.

A very good album that I will certainly come back too.  Relaxing and thought provoking.

Ultimae

Psyshop

DopeDeer Records, 2014

1. M.E.E.O. - Owls Are Not What They Seem

2. Gojja - Dotdotcom

3. CumHau - Blipper

4. Goch - Synchronicity

5. Dohm - Killing The Past

6. Goch - Point To A Gradual Acceleration

7. CumHau - Martials

8. Muscaria & Kithain - Dur Luth

9. Medra - The Lodge

10. Whrikk - Reaper's Indigest

11. M.E.E.O. - Cooper In The Woods

Misty Grove - yet again Polish forest music strikes. This time DopeDeer Records, which is the armed division of the Leśna Szajka (Forest Mob) collective, released a compilation with this generally well-received in Poland psytrance genre. Firstly - big props for the way of promoting of the album, which was promoted by all possible channels as a concept album with a story behind each of the tracks. Thumbs up. Secondly, another good side of the whole thing is a really interesting cover/layout and the mysterious puzzle placed on thereof. Thirdly, we have here great mastering by Space Element/Zoogra, so that the whole album sounds very evenly and deeply (the bass makes one's leg shake back and forth). But enough of that - what music gathered Burkin to keep us entertained while preparing the sauce made with fresh chanterelles, boleti and psilocybe semilanceata?

The compilation opens with a very climatic intro by Mathias Eriksson, widely known as M.E.E.O. A few years ago he released a highly recommended album called "Highlight Me Please" and then jumped into less psytrance-ish electronic depths. From what we hear, once can draw a not-so-risky conclusion that the artist feels very well in the new territories. We get a very disturbing chillout track here that leads us straight into the thick forest. Gojja, which is none other than Swedish veteran also called Makadam, whose achievements we can listen to from the earliest publications under the sign of Sanaton, treated us to a very quiet and balanced tune. A forest, Schlabba-like track with a frivolous and relaxed twist. The artist offers us a wider range of his productions us at his full-length debut album called "Eggshell Marmelade", which I recommend to check out. It gets more interesting with the debuting CumHau. The name of the track, "Blipper", very accurately captures the atmosphere created by the forest squeals and foremost the bass work, which gallops in a creative way through the whole track. CumHau is Greek, which in itself is a plus, because so far I do not recall such tracks created in the country famous fors disgusting anise booze - tracks by Zik, Orestis and Darkshire are a completely different story. We get a real treat thanks to Vladimir Gochkov, who can now be easily the Magician from Vandar. What Goch has recorded so far over the last 2-3 years is unique in the whole psyscene. Each of his tracks is fine-tuned and distinctive, and it is no different in the case of "Synchronicity". Lots of layers, perfectly fitted ambient, dark beat and added to this is this omnipresent energy. Who has not heard the full album "Sphere Of Influence", should quickly buy it, because it's a slab of truly cosmic forest. We know what to expect from Dohm - the guy has accustomed us to a certain level of his productions. His forest is somewhat reflective, with plenty of non-trance bits and pieces, yet remains a very rocking piece of music. "Killing The Past" is a great example and one of the highlights of this compilation. Of course, Goch delivers too with another track, but in his case this is a norm and I cannot write more about this guy, because he may be willing to think that I want something from him. "Martials" is the second appearance by CumHau and it is more interesting than the first one. Oozing like a torn birch juice water effects do plenty of stuff, just as well as the downright brutal bass. We entered a darker path, which is a continuation of the Austrian co-production by Muscaria and Kithain. Here you can hear full-fledged dark, the atmosphere is additionally boosted by some militaristic sounds, but overall it is a classic of the genre. The title itself, "Dur Luth", may indicate that Thomas and Barbara enjoy exploring the world of hideous orc strongholds or other gummy bears in their free time, and they were able to capture such and atmosphere. Medra invites us to go to his "lodge", which, however, does not seem an entirely safe place. True, the music is less aggressive, but more twisted. Certainly the track may be a so-called dancefloor killer, where even a granny would be tripping her tits off. The last dose of trance is administered by Whrikk - like always with him it is either hate it or love it. It seems quite likely that the Dutchman came to the boiler with the extract of belladonna as a young man, and this shows the degree of abnormality of his tunes. "Reaper's Indigest" is a crazy ride through different pace, acid inclusions and other makings of Matthijs' imagination. For more weirdness of this kind I refer you to the "HRLM Okkult Vol. 1" compilation, where Whrikk and friends do these kinds of things for over an hour. This very nice forest expedition is closed in a soothing way by the one that started it. M.E.E.O. and his "Cooper In The Woods" is a true gem that serves as an ending. The music is extremely soothing and warms you up like a sip of tea with alcohol from a thermos after leaving the dark and cold forest.

It seems that in the Polish map of forest and dark labels grew a new creation that should be granted with wishes of good luck. Basically you should just keep your fingers crossed for maintaining the level of what has been achieved on the described compilation. "Misty Grove" is a good album with good music, additionally released with a concept idea and zest. Let the power of deer be with you!

Best tracks: "Goch - Synchronicity", "Dohm - Killing The Past", "CumHau - Martials"

Overall score: 7,5/10

Muzi

(the review was originally posted at Psytrance.pl)

http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/dde/dde1cd001.html

http://www.facebook.com/dopedeerrecords

Suntrip Records, 2014
Goatrance

1. The Entity
2. Wrath of the Nomads (Rmx)
3. Fall of Icarus
4. Gebeleizis
5. Xibalba
6. Ayahuasca
7. Mission Aborted
8. Orphic Hymn
9. Shae Nab

E-Mantra is Emmanuel Carpus. His Goa debut, Arcana (2009) was praised for immersing listeners with strong atmosphere, soundscape textures, and dynamic (tweaked tempo) transitions, one of which is the coolest enhancement that I have heard in electronica music to this day. Although I found that Arcana lacked memorable melody leads, I can't deny its innovation. The exploratory element was great and Dansul lelelor proved that the artist could create memorable leads in addition to the atmosphere and everything else. Pathfinder (2011) incorporated some catchy synth leads, but lacked the absorbing soundscape textures to the degree of Arcana. Pathfinder had some great tracks, elements, and moments nonetheless. It was more melodic, and yet less immersive soundscape wise and atmospherically. Some liked it more than Arcana and vice-versa. Anyway , three years went by and Emmanuel's tracks continued to impress on Psy/Goa and Psyambient/Chill albums until the next massive Goa creature arrived. This brings us to Nemesis (2014). Every E-Mantra album to date has had a bit of a learning curve for me. Emmanuel's style is very distinct and complex, and at times overwhelmingly creative. Good news is that Nemesis is more ambitious, imaginative, and atmospheric than Pathfinder. It also has more of what many liked about Arcana, the soundscape textures (exploratory element). I'd love to hear an all ambient/chill album by this artist in the future too. But moving on to Nemesis...

1. The Entity is the best opening [goa trance] track by E-Mantra to date. It has a fantasy edge that I miss (since the old-school days of Chi-A.D.) coupled with immersive atmosphere, strong synth work, a driving beat and bass line, tasty soundscapes textures, and some great synths. This song is like moving through a galaxy of space candy. I love the female voice sample, even if I miss what she's saying half the time. Her "sound" alone enhances the track. Oh, and when I bitch about there not being enough memorable melodies in E-Mantra's first two albums, just wait until you hear the one at 6:44. It's very catchy! I really like the return of the strong bass line at 4:05, the atmosphere and melody/sound (synth) work. The echoed, female effects are nice too! My ONLY gripe is that after the beat drops out (which switches up the sound a bit), I am less gripped. From around 5:30 to 6:39 the song begins to feel repetitive. Fortunately, the melody at 6:39 leads to ear candy at 6:44 that elevates the song. Very little here could have been perfected (to me) for a nearly perfect score, as the artist did a great job overall. The Entity is excellent, one of E-Mantra's most solid tracks to date. A-

2. Wrath of the Nomads (Rmx) I find less dynamic and varied than the opening. The song moves in one general direction, but it has a strong beat and base line. The synth lead stands out among the heavy backdrop, and is accompanied by soundscapes/textures, as is E-Mantra's more typical style and approach. To be honest, I was a little disappointed here, primarily in the first half. The song starts strong with a solid synth but grows repetitive and predictable by the third and fourth minute. Fortunately, there's an interlude/ around halfway through. The beat and music return at 5:10 where the song grows noticeably catchier. The beat is accompanied with more engaging sound work. Better late than never I suppose. Simply put, the song could have trimmed a minute or two earlier on, or involved more enjoyable work in the first half which would have made it more enjoyable. This is a solid track that starts slow and rewards listeners in the second half. B

3. Fall of Icarus I find more interesting than the previous song which showcased a more typical E-Mantra sound. Earlier on I'm grabbed by the atmosphere here. The bass line that enters at 0:55 captures the driving, dark tone; it's good. Gradually details are added. There are many layers here; I just wish that the melodies hooked me more, as with E-Mantra's work there is sometimes more higher pitched synth streams rather than stand out Goa tunes. Having said that, the song innovates. It's like a fluid storm of debris shrouded in lightning and space snapping rattle snakes that sneak up and surprise. The more times I listened to this track, the more I found regarding the complexity and cohesiveness of it all. It gets catchier as it progresses naturally, and showcases some really good sound work in the second half that compliments the first. Having said that, more memorable melody work would have been nice. Good if not great song. B+

4. Gebeleizis begins like a computer spazzing out, printing up algorithms left and right without rhythm or reason, but in a psychedelic space sense; this is no computer or printer. The curious introduction slams the senses with an impact effect, or echoed beat and synth at 0:26. This moment is brief, but powerful and gripping. It also introduces the first wave of energy/synth work to power the starship. There is an interlude midway that reminds me of stars blinking out in the night sky. It's immersive and intriguing. Then a new crescendo of sound arrives, comprised of atmosphere, soundscape textures, and a delectable combination of synth melodies. The song evolves into combining the powerful effects with actual melodies that have harmony and feeling. I simply find that the last 1-2 minutes, while very nice, could have incorporated more development to increase the songs greatness in the end. An artist that applies this concept well is Cybernetika relative to his general tracks (1, 3, 6, 7) in the atmospheric and also dark album, The Scythe of Orion. Gebeleizis is a super song that has a soft ending that makes me go between a solid A and minus. The song is possibly deserving of a higher score. It's fantastic. A-

5. Xibalba begins less chaotically than the previous track, with good atmosphere and an effective, lower-pitched bass line. The bass line adds to the darker tone and is very effective, primarily when combined with other sounds that go into effect at 1:58. The more versatile "synths" are deliciously braided. There is a drum roll that leads into a highly effective third minute, coupled with a strong lead and otherworldly textures. At around 4:00, an echoed synth enters; this is the sound that I like from War of the Hierophant's track interlude from Arcana, as well as the Metamorphic Resonance track (last third) from Pathfinder. Here it's used more as a pitch bending accent rather than a visceral synth melody lead. Nevertheless, it's catchy and compliments the track; it's just not as infectious as how it was utilized before. No worries. It works well with the core rhythm. The beat briefly disappears at 5:12, and returns with the driving feel and even tastier melody/sound work at 5:25. It's also enhanced by the accent effects that appear like space insects flying by the voyager. All of this takes place with great synth work. An ambient segment enters around 7:15, and adds to the song's mood; it could be perceived as a sense of urgency or consequence. This part of the song sounds serious, evocative. It's interesting and adds character and feel to this intergalactic album. The song isn't as eventful as some of the others, but I like it this way. Xibalba is imaginative and captures my attention from start to finish. Well done! A-

6. Ayahuasca is the next track that I warmed up to the most, along with The Entity and Gabeleizis. ​This is because of the melody approach. The synth work emotes with the overall exciting feel. Instead of one synth, the artist somehow incorporated three or four, maybe five. The work sounds so layered and complex. It grows stronger, catchier as it progresses. The part around 4:20 forward has an amazing, climactic feel. It showcases what is quite possibly the artist's best melody synth (leading) work to date. I am very impressed with this part and how it fits into the context of the whole. I love it. The last third (or rather act) includes a very nice melody lead that blossoms around 6:16. It's unpredictable and uplifting! I love how the artist realizes that complexity alone does not necessarily make a song good. Ayahuasca showcases fantastic sound/melody work by the artist, who raises the bar on how uplifting and catchy his Goa songs can be! Part of me feels that the song could have gone even further or higher into heavenly bliss (ascension) in its final moments, but I really like the last few minutes. The song closes strong and knows when to end. Ayahuasca is one of the finest tracks in electronica! It's beautiful, unique, and innovative. The song has feeling too. It's excellent. A

7. Mission Aborted begins dark, as if abandoned or alone, though the samples off-set this thought. What stands out to me the most here are the astronaut's voice. They're catchy as they echo across the music. The first third keeps the tone and driving (under-current) dark. The synths sound mechanical and grows catchier in the second act. I like how the artist supports these darker elements, and the ambient/atmospheric layer later on. These examples show how well the artist puts sounds together, however I wasn't that arrested with the overall song. The astronaut voice samples add character and I like that. However the synth work, while catchy, never stayed in my head. There's no tune that grabbed me, no climactic elements either and that's okay. The second half is quite nice I admit. I simply never felt completely immersed or addicted, and the ending isn't really exciting. Having said that, the overall song is very well structured; it builds nicely and has some interesting elements, solid synth work. It's also dark and moody (though I found Xibalba catchier in that regard). The astronaut samples compliment Mission Aborted in that they're catchy. I just wanted to feel more involved and hooked with the overall song after finding the previous three so exceptional in comparison. That said, this is a very good track that seems to separate two more ambitious and delectable ones. B+

8. Orphic Hymn is another one of my favorites along with tracks 1, 4, (now 5) and 6. The introduction is solid, and the beat/effect at 2:15 is wonderful. I love the humming ambient, and the synth work that enters at 2:33 is so ridiculously catchy. OMG I love it. Then there's the third minute where this infectious sound combines with others that sound as delicious with it. The third minute involves one of the catchiest segments in goa trance. After this phenomenal part, the beat leaves at 3:46 for an interlude (transition). This provides the opportunity to change up a few things and refresh the song. The returning music at 4:14 is nice. The atmosphere's enhances it. The melodies become brighter at 4:35 and I think it's good add light to the darkness. The second half of this song is attractive, don't get me wrong. I simply wish it was as infectious in the uplifting, positive and harmonious sense, as I love the idea. The melody/sound work is catchy. I just find them less captivating than the edgier work beforehand, which I found stunning. The song could have benefited from having a tastier final uplifting act in that regard, as it goes from darkly superb to beautiful good, in my opinion. Take Astral Projection's Liquid Sun, Radical Distortion's Star Dance, Goasia's Sunrise - ok those were morning Goa sunrise songs throughout and this isn't I realize (but for uplifting tracks that really impressed). Orphic Hymn does darker, edgier best and should have stayed that way with more development in the last third I feel. Or the brighter evolution could have used more work to make it more spectacular, just my two cents. I was so enamored by this song's first half and wanted to give it a solid A. Maybe a remix will get away with this. Orphic Hymn is another great track that showcases some amazing work. A-

9. Shae Nab, unlike the last two tracks previous E-Mantra albums is far from slow. Is slow uptempo an oxymoron? Regardless, the tempo is good. This final track has a smooth and fluid feel, with seamless melody/sound formations that develop in some subtle ways. The synth work is very good. I especially like the skipping synth that comes and goes. Shae Nab isn't very eventful (that's not the point), but rather one continuous movement; the song flows like water. This flow of energy concept ? track reminds of a little of Khetzal's opening on Corolle; this is completely different in sound and approach of course. A really nice melody enters around 5:00, and a more gripping (to me) one at 5:50. After the third or so interlude, the rhythm returns with even greater sound, deepening the hypnotic vibe. The ambient notes in the last minute are beautiful. It would have been nice if such feelings of euphoria were more present earlier on. The ambient notes add so much feeling and harmony; by the time they arrive, the song has almost finished. Nonetheless, the artist's blending of sounds here produce an old-school, goa sound that some will love. Shae Nab is a beautiful work of art. Its gentle approach may not stand out initially, as much as some of the other songs. This is a solid closing track that could have had more personality. It flows beautifully nonetheless. A-

In conclusion, Nemesis is a strong album. If you're an E-Mantra fan, I think you'll be impressed, as I can be critical and pin point or over analyze even the smallest things at times. Every E-Mantra album I've heard to date has been impressive including his chill ones via Hermit Sanctuary (2013). The artist continues to improve and "perfect" his style on Nemesis and it shows. The album is dark and visceral, often immersive and at times magical. This album impressed me when I least expected, but it also took time to grow as Arcana did. I really like the power, rhythm and synth work of The Entity in combination with its fantasy elements. I was also impressed with Gebeleizis, Xibalba, and Ayahuasca for their strong synth work, arrangement, and sound formations. Orphic Hymn has an incredibly catchy first half (until 4:39 for me); the rest is pretty good, just not as addictive. Shae Nab is a pleasant closing track with an old-school feel. With the overall album, I enjoy the atmosphere, soundscape textures, and (being a huge melody fan) improvement in the synth department, though greater emphasis on tunes that get stuck in your head would be nice. There's a lot to explore thanks to the artist's attention to detail and interest in creating depth. The lower-pitched bass lines work well too, adding to the dark feel of the album.

Constructive Criticism / Feedback

1.) Some of the melodies could have more development of arrangement. For this reason, I find Filteria's albums (DoOL and LitW) easier to get into. Emmanuel tends to scaffold his melodies more with trills on notes, whereas many Goa artists compose more arrangement.

2.) Sometimes this artist has something so perfect going, only to incorporate a last third that isn't as infectious (track 4, 8). I love songs that get catchier as they progress!

3.) I would love to hear more sleek interludes like the one in Arcana's War of The Hierophants track, from 3:58 to 4:50. Such work was wickedly catchy and sleek. The ones here are solid nonetheless. End of Feedback

There are things about the other albums that make them special I realize. I have warmed up to Nemesis slower than Pathfinder, but faster than Arcana. This is probably due to Nemesis having more depth and exploratory elements/details over Pathfinder. Sure Arcana had some fantastic elements (atmosphere, textures). Pathfinder had the melodies (synth leads) that stood out where the debut was lacking. Nemesis is more refined, involved and deep; the synth work and melodies are catchier too. Thanks to numerous improvements, I think many listeners will consider Nemesis to be the artist's best [goa trance] album yet, but it took time to time for me to assimilate to this album for some reason. Not since moments in Arcana have I been so impressed with an E-Mantra album in the psy/goa genre (I also recommend E-Mantra's Hermit Sanctuary album for psyambient/downbeat). Nemesis puts the listener back in a voyage through intergalacitic space travel, atmospheric elements and exploratory psychedelia. It's a lot to process. A lot takes place, and while I personally favor certain styles of Goa over E-Mantra's (normal considering we all have our preferences), Nemesis was well worth the wait.

Favourite tracks: 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9

A-

Samples / Order

Suntrip

http://www.suntriprecords.com/release/cat/SUNCD31/

Suntrip Bandcamp

http://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com

Psyshop

http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/sut/sut1cd031.html

Beatspace

http://www.beatspace.com/7916/Suntrip+Records/E-MANTRA/Nemesis/detail.aspx

Goastore

http://www.goastore.ch/e-mantra-nemesis.html

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Nemesis-E-Mantra/dp/B00HW1FEQA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391013235&sr=8-1&keywords=E-Mantra+Nemesis

Artist: TRD

Title: Apostles of the Universe EP

Label: Chaitra Records

Date: February, 2014

Artist: Various

Title: Flight 604 Chapter II

Label: Zion 604

Date: June, 2014

1. Sykespico - Travelling Fullmoonlight

2. Cymatics - Out of the Blue

3. New Born - A Fairy In a World of Machines

4. Nexus Plexus - Born To The Purple

5. Inner Zone - Disco Valley

6. Libra - Spectradelic

7. OctaPulse - Night Vision

8. Skizologic - Maya

9. Art of Trance Vs. Loud & Domestic - Moroccan Roll (Original Mix)

Even better than purple drapes. This is like getting a supermodel to be your after school tutor. And five minutes into the first calculus problem you find out she just broke up with her boyfriend, always thought you were cute, and really doesn't want to be alone tonight.

Good bye calculus hello anatomy!

I really did not see this coming. The first Flight 604 was fine, but this...Every label has a release that puts them on the map and cements their reputation as major players. DAT had Etnica. Cronomi had Portamento. Suntrip had...well, everything. This is the watershed moment for the gentlemen over at Zion604. After their Phoenix compilation and The Green Room album from Deviant Electronics these guys have definitely hit their stride. Like a three point shooter in a rhythm they're heating up.

Nah, f*ck it they're on fire! Classic arcade game shout out!

Every track is a stomping good journey down goa trance avenue. It's an amazing display of melodies and twirling opportunities. New school? Old school? Hell no this is summer school where class is in session on the beaches of India. It's magical trance that you can't help but get swept up in. I don't recognize who most of the artists are, but it's like going to a new school and finding out everyone is cool. Even the last track which is more progressive than goa. I thoroughly enjoyed dancing to this release and tip my hat to Mr. Perpler for the mastering. The whole ablum sounds fantastic and should be listened to from start to finish.

Don't know much about DJs (except that now apparently Paris Hilton is one meaning your profession just dropped in cool points to about the level of Rosie O Donnell sex tape), but even she could rock a party just by pushing play and pretending to twist some knobs.

Top notch work people and a leading candidate for release of the year.

Zion604 Bandcamp

Mdk

Artist: Bioscape
Title: Living Connection
Label: Gliese 581cz
Date: March, 2014

1. Mountaintop Meditation (66 BPM)
2. Shaolin Cosmos (60 BPM)
3. Not All Who Wander Are Lost (95 BPM)
4. Underwater Bliss (75 BPM)
5. Explore The Night (90 BPM)
6. Biological Harmonies (90 BPM)
7. Everyday Places & Natural Spaces (75 BPM)
8. Amphibian Dreams (90 BPM)
9. Nature Essence (80 BPM)
10. Storm Comfort (80 BPM)
11. Creation Dub (72 BPM)
12. Living Connection (75 BPM)

Reason number 572 why music is better than a baloney sandwich: just because it's old doesn't mean it goes bad. This is Andrew Dyche from Atlanta, GA who is in the business of creating downtempo and ambient chill music for your morning cup of coffee.

And business is good.

Even though Ektoplazm is undergoing what seems to be an eternal rebirth the links are still active, with plenty of music to discover and sample. This was Andrew's debut and as he navigates between the styles of downtempo music I can't help but be overcome with a sense of calm. Deeply relaxing and well produced music which soothes jangled nerves. The production sounds great and it's physically impossible to be stressed when listening to this. Most tracks are medium in length so they don't fall into the pitfall of overlong repetition. And while that is a selling point (clearly not selling if it's free) he doesn't reinvent the wheel.

And that's ok. The dubby bass is prevalent in almost all the tracks, but the star of the show is all the music around that bass. The whole vibe is about slowing things down and seeing all the life in its myriad of forms which surround us, Frogs, birds, insects...The connection. There is some filler and he seems stuck in an algorithm with the way the tracks are constructed. A whole album of similar tracks at this tempo lends itself to becoming becoming background music.

A pretty decent album that you can put on and relax. Maybe you're down  for a nap or it's that first cup in the morning.

Ektoplazm

Artist: Ephedra

Title: Journey Through My Head

Label: Goa Madness Records

Date: October, 2014

1. We Are Not Alone

2. Beyond Spaces

3. Crispy Biscuits

4. Souls In Trance

5. The Walk of the Little Green Man

6. Little Molecules

7. Experiments

8. Bubblized

9. Smiling Sun (2013 Edit)

Wow.

Just...wow.

Did anyone see this coming? Goa Madness Records is one of the new kids on the block and this label has had quite the beginning. Their first release was a compilation called Memories From Goa Madness. They played it safe and it was tried and true goa trance. Nah, it was better than that in this reviewer's opinion. So fresh off the success of that release they drop this bomb on us. This is the debut album of Alexandre Cohen and it is beautiful. So many swirling melodies and those acid sounds are verily delicious. Set your phasers to maximum twirling because this is a journey that catches you up and doesn't let go. Twists and turns abound and the sound is terrific. It's a full and rich atmosphere with screeching leads and layers of immeasurable beauty.

I'm sorry I don't have anything funny to say or silly gifs to post. This is just a fantastic release and rightly deserves consideration for goa trance album of the year. Superb job my friend.

Psyshop

Beatspace

Mdk

Track list:

Info:

Label: Zion604

Catalog No: Zion604CD006

Release date (CD): 14 Feb 2014

Samples & Purchase (digital+CD): http://zion604records.bandcamp.com/album/deviant-electronics-green-room

Review:

Oh, and the cover is lovely

Artist: Cybered

Album: Acid Box

Label: Horns & Hoofs

Release: July 2014

I was at a festival just outside of Montreal a couple summers back and the performing DJ dropped a tech-trance set. When the familiar chords of Cybered’s “Dark Athena” started up I simply lost it, dancing around frantically, working up a very healthy sweat and as the set wore on a burst of energy was needed so I looked to my peers for a boost…except no one else was moving.

It’s not surprising, I suppose. Tech-trance has always been a niche style and I’ve known this since first falling in love with Midi Miliz’ 2002 album, “Passages”. For those who love tech-trance will quickly find themself surrounded by many more who just do not know what to do with it.

Interestingly, when popular progressive producers Nerso & Tyce got together for their Ectima project the resulting two albums were well received and acclaimed. Certainly, the pitched-down BPMs define it as dark progressive but the moods and militant bass lines strongly suggest tech-trance.

I suppose it all depends on who is delivering the message. Here, then, Cybered’s “Acid Box” could be Ectima for the full-on crowd. Without question, the influences of Midi Miliz, The Delta and X-Dream run rampant through Cybered’s style.

With everything that Cybered accomplished with his 2013 full-length debut on “Forget Your Past” he continues here. Both albums are full of deep, full-bodied, percussive bass lines (turn it up and bask in the rumble!) and wildly cinematic compositions. On both albums, Cybered defines himself as an awesome producer whose details in all of his tracks are crisp, interesting, darkly beautiful.

There’s no way for me to pick a favorite between the two albums. “Forget Your Past” is the wild, raucous original and “Acid Box” is its equally bombastic sequel – a continuation of the same ideas and themes without anything sounding similar or recycled. In fact, the original was so damn good it deserved a follow-up of this magnitude and similarity.

Here, “Wild Tuba” is a gem (very much a twin to Forget Your Past’s “Dark Athena”) with so much cinematic flair that it seems to be begging for a wild sci-fi film soundtrack to be a part of. “Kraken” is a techno tyrant. “I’m Bad,” “Nobody” and “Acid Box” growl and menace in the most delightful ways possible. “Anolog ID” and a remix of Quite K’s “Vasya Exhale” crackle with raw power.

There’s a reason this tops my list for best release of 2014. Nothing else I have heard this year even comes close to the power and precision of this album.

Now, the question is, will anyone else know what to do with this thing?

Artist: Cybernetika

Title: Solar Nexus

Label: Ektoplazm

Date: June, 2014

Ladies and gentlemen please raise your glass to one of the greatest unsigned artists of all time. Though I'm sure it's done solely by his own choosing. Lars Goosens has returned with his 9th album that tells the story of genetically modified humans who after an absence of a millennium suddenly return with technology that surpasses the wildest dreams of all who came before them.

This is a dark and symphonic journey through the farthest reaches of the galaxy. There is a palpable sense of foreboding as if we normal humans have bitten off more than we can chew. These mutants...friend or foe.

I used to think that drum and bass was a very limited medium where there were only so many places you could go. After an interminably long absence Cybernetika proves me wrong. Again.

Is it possible to miss someone you've never met?

His compositions are so lush and multi-layered that they beg to be explored. Melodies don't float they scream over the oftentimes cacophonous background. Someone mentioned that the rapid percussion is a distraction from the treasure that lay underneath. Maybe. Until you listen to the complexity of that percussion and realize it's all part of a rich tapestry. This blazes a trail across the cosmos combining sci-fi atmosphere with the heavy hitting industrial sound.

How can something so punishing be so beautiful? And just when the speed becomes too much and almost rends the sinewy flesh from your physical form he delivers emotionally charged and melancholic breaks that lead you where he wants you to go. Growly distortion and futuristic android cybernetics permeate the landscape. It's unrelenting hyperspace travel that show how far advanced these mutants are over the human race.

Which is a pretty good metaphor for his crystal clear production and imagination. I know I don't have to say this, but...

Do.

Not.

Sleep.

On.

This.

Free at Ektoplazm

Mdk

Artist: Various
Title: Into This Wired Abyss Vol. 3
Label: Self Released
Date: March, 2014

01 - EurythmY - Liquid Wonderment (90 BPM)
02 - Sixis - Mycolinguistic (Sigil Remix) (154 BPM)
03 - Atman Construct - Coming Up In The Elevator (100 BPM)
04 - False Identity - Crystalline Refinement (106 BPM)
05 - Soulular - Apparition (88 BPM)
06 - Master Minded - Trio Break Space Zone (128 BPM)
07 - 3lines - Hipstrap (72 BPM)
08 - JP Illusion vs Waveform - Tilt (90 BPM)
09 - Mindex - Inner Flame (86 BPM)
10 - Cactus Bath - Exobiology (100 BPM)
11 - Wolfen Technologies - External Encounters (90 BPM)
12 - Xenomma - Nootropic Stack (143 BPM)
13 - Arcturian Soul & Dash - Konduit (101 BPM)
14 - Zar - Serpantine (72 BPM)

Sometimes I like to go back to the free well for releases I might not have come across otherwise.  One of the reasons Ekto has always been such a great resource.  This compilation was compiled by Atman Construct (that name seems familiar...ah here's why) and is the third installment of the series.  Sometimes one needs to take a break from 4/4 trance and delve into something a little different.  This is full of big, downtempo beats and glitch tsunamis.   Plenty of liquid basses and thumping kicks with somewhat smaller track times to keep things from getting stale.  Some of it was weird (Trio Break Space Zone, Hipstrap), sometimes a dark, evil slog (Inner Flame- Loved it) but I enjoyed listening to the many electronic effects.  Nice work.

Free at Ektoplazm

Artist: Lost & Found

Title: Consumed

Label: Self-Released

Date: December, 2014

1. Consumed

2. Drone (feat. Z3ro)

3. Mental Wealth

4. Nitro (feat. CPU)

5. Other Side

6. Subterranean (feat. Deliriant)

7. Eraser

8. Wing In The Sand

9. Trails

10. Decay

"Look at me...and tell me if you know me."

Do you know what joy is?

I suppose this gif of Imba caught fangirling when invited backstage to a One Erection concert certainly could qualify as his joy. However as a Suntrip DJ I'm sure he no longer carries on this way. Probably. Well, maybe. Actually this video was shot last week.

But I'm talking about true joy. Joy that isn't fleeting. Joy that has been years in the making and doesn't change with the season.

It's called porn Santa. Don't act so innocent you judgmental bastard. Like you aren't a reindeer fart from diddling the little people.

This is Gerhard Oliver and he has delivered the album night time psytrance fans were hoping for. Decoder was fine and supplemented with additional tracks added later, but it was one of those albums that you felt could've been better. After absolutely stellar tracks on compilations I know I expected more from his debut. Like a man whose wife left him for another woman I was confused. Sad. Angry. Which drove me to several...unscrupulous habits

*points to Santa*

That guy knows what I'm talkin' about!

Well after a couple years Gerhard is back and he dropped a new digital album a la Beyonce' right in your lap. But he did ya one better. It's free. Take that Queen B. And man it's a wild ride. The opening title track tells you all you need to know. Sound and fury. It's dark and throbbing (get the f*ck off me Santa) with an industrial flair that will blow the doors off. An album best listened to all the way through to swim in the murky atmosphere laden with high-tech effects. Thumping beats and Trent Reznor angst combine for a powerful journey. It's cold and futuristic. The tracks with other artists were particularly great including the added bonus of CPU awakening from his seemingly eternal cheese stupor. The last track is a dark ambient delight speaking of life after a scorched Earth military annihilation.

While not perfect, it's certainly a great album. Another cool thing is that each track seems to have a different image tagged to it. Not a big thing but a nice little touch. Highly recommended.

Psynews Link

Mdk

Artist: Shakta

Title: Retroscape

Label: Suntrip

Date: November, 2014

1. Somaton - Ouroboros

2. Somaton - Brainwashed (Shakta & Ping Pong Remix)

3. Shakta - It Was Not Human

4. Somaton - Fearful Symmetry

5. Somaton - Principles of Gravity

6. Shakta - Amber Mantra

7. Shakta - Indra's Net

8. Shakta - Cosmic Trigger

9. Shakta - Solar Origins

10. Shakta - Misra Indica

11. Somaton - Dredlarks

I mean do I really need to say how brilliant this release is? How the melodies swirl and the 303's growl like a pack of lions? It's powerful goa trance from back in the day from Seb Taylor who is a cornerstone of our favorite genre. Whether it's as Shakta or Somaton it's blistering layered goa trance at an unrelenting pace. Vinyl only, hard to find, or unreleased tracks that will put holes in your wall when you turn it up. This goes right up there with Etnica Live in Athens and Flight 604 Chapter II and the Dimension 5 stuff for me.

Absolutely stunning and a must have.

Suntrip

Psyshop

Beatspace

Mdk

Artist: Various

Title: Three Ohm Three

Label: Anjuna Records

Date: April, 2014

1. Perfect Rainbow - Exotic Eye

2. Total Eclipse - Area 51 (live)

3. Syb Unity Nettwerk - Forbidden (Space Invaders Remix)

4. Ufomatka - Extragalactic Form of Life

5. Shakta & Moonweed - Q

6. Subcouds - On Red (1999 pHlatline mix)

7. Jaia - Brainstorm (live Mix)

8. Moonweed - Jaunt

9. Virtuart - Tetragrammaton

10. Tandu - Inception

"It's not nice to be invaded by aliens."

Oh here we go with that xenophobic Republican talking point. Why you gotta be afraid of the brown people? You think they're all so scary. All they want is a better life than what...

Oh. Those kind of aliens? Yeah I guess you're right it wouldn't be nice to be invaded by aliens. Although I like to think the aliens look like Kate Upton so I'll just bide my time, but always be prepared to bow down and serve.

If you think that was just a cheap trick to post a Kate Upton gif well look at the big brain on Brad!

Anjuna ain't crazy though. They just keep churning out the rare and unreleased goa trance and I keep guzzling it down like a six pack of Poland Spring in the desert. Oh excuse me...Evian for you Euros. It's melody intensive, comprised of storming tracks. it shimmers, it's layered and bubbly and boy does it sound good. As the title suggests the 303 sound is prominently featured here so if that instrument gives you a psy boner then you might wanna loosen the belt on your pants when you listen to this. Lots of kings of the old school here including wo tracks from Moonweed. Anytime you can double your weed I suppose that's a good thing.

As per usual you can find Ukrainian (or did he go to the other side) Ufomatka here and while he's not from the old school rest assured his track is an absolute belter. That guy has some sick skills. Hope an album is in the works.

The artwork is pretty sweet also. You can get T-shirts with the cover art just like with the Lucid Flux compilation. I'd get one, but I already get prison raped on shipping so I'll leave that to you slender European models.

This is an excellent compilation that gets my seal of approval.

Anjuna Bandcamp

Suntrip Shop

Mdk

Artist: Etnica

Album: In Dub

Label: EtnicaNet

Etnica. In Dub.

It is everything it should be, very near an instant classic album, so rich in translating classic Etnica tunes into a brand-new style, a testament to the talent this duo possesses in crafting excellent psychedelic music.

Utilizing select live musicians and vocalists to flesh out the sounds, Etnica picks some obvious choices to re-work but also offer up some curve-ball selections, taking some of their faster, pure goa creations and paring them down into a much more controlled dub structure.

It is not surprising to find "Deep East" or "Trip Tonite," from 1996's "Alien Protein" album, reinterpreted here. Both are excellent, atmospheric down tempo tracks to begin with and these newer dub versions are just as pleasing to the ears. A surprise inclusion from that album, however, comes with "Screaming Butterfly," and it is delivered beautifully. Any of these three deserve to be the main highlight on a lesser album but here they are par for a very rich course.

The sweeping magic of "Back To Vega," the gorgeous juxtaposition between beauty and the beats on the dub'n'bass "Burning Sands" and the indescribably beautiful work on original track "Desert Journey" offer many treasures over the course of their run time.

The highlight, though, would be the frisky "In Dub" version of "Vimana." It is only natural to wonder how Etnica's offering stacks up against that other "In Dub" classic. As when Ott encapsulates everything fantastic about "LSD," the classic sound, the captivating samples, and turns it into something new and outstanding and unforgettable on "Hallucinogen In Dub," here, "Vimana" is just as good, note-for-note.

On "Vimana," the old-school vibe is ever-present, the awesome sample theorizing about alien influence on human history is just as good as that classic Hallucinogen/Ott moment describing how LSD puts "us just a little out of their control" and the dub is just so bloody good.

In the here-and-now, this is an outstanding album, extremely well made and so pleasing to listen to. Also, "Etnica In Dub" has the potential to be something very special years from now. Only time will tell if it turns out to be a classic album but I do like its chances.

Goch - Sphere of Influence
Hypnotica Records

2014

In general I think Goch has one of the most intelligent and unique styles in Forest Trance music and with this album he offers us a trip as we would experience it on the dancefloor. For home listening and as an album, after listening to it as a whole, it does appear to sound a bit monotonous. It's a unique and great formula, but this album could have used some melodies, breaks or other elements that would make some tracks stand out. It could have used a track like Goch - Scatter for instance. I want to give it 4.5/5. But will give 5/5 for originality and the genious percussion works

September 2014

Artist: Moonweed

Title: Voice of Jupiter

Label: Anjuna Records

Date: December, 2014

1. Om Life

2. Aardvark

3. Prophecy

4. Micronesia (feat. Shakta)

5. Spiral Expansion (MoonwOOOD Mix)

6. Celestial (feat. Squid)

7. Telepath

8. (SH)It Happens

9. Snake Charmer

10. Voice of Jupiter

This is some raw old school sh*t. So raw.

"You mean like a vegetable?"

Yes like a vegetable. No you simpleton. Like sliding on a basketball court without any knee protection. You know the sound I'm talking about. Like cutting into your steak and watching it bleed. Moonweed is Jamie Graham and thanks to Anjuna records we have all his hard to find tracks in one place. Ladies and gents I present you his debut album. It took a while to get here, but holy crap on a cracker was it worth it. This is a blistering collection of goa trance from back in the day when the men were men and the sheep were nervous. Growling and screeching 303's at a monster drink fueled pace is what this is. Swirling leads and more bubbly layers than my kid's bath. Along with his classic tracks there are also some nice surprises I had never heard before.

Waiter, I'd like one time machine set to...oh, let's try the beaches of Goa circa 1996?

An excellent choice sir.

And beyond excellent it is. I was just thinking that all any goa head would need was this album and Shakta Retroscape when at that very moment Micronesia came on. That's confirmation from the man upstairs people. The whole album is four on the floor relentless psychedelic goa trance and with mastering by Mr. Tim Schuldt the sound is brilliant. If everything old is new again I say keep f*cking digging cause there's gold in them hills! This is an absolute must have and for my money the greatest release from Anjuna to date.

Is it too late to vote for the best of the year thingy?

Kim Jong Un Approved.

Anjuna Bandcamp

Mdk

Artist: Ex-Gen
Title: Extreme Genetics 0.2 Ep
Label: 3D Vision
Date: July, 2014
 

1. Closer
2. Prometheus (feat. Absolum)
3. Retreat

Man they don't make 'em like dis no more.  Acid heavy, blasting psytrance.

Ex-Gen Soundcloud

Artist: Cactus Arising

Title: Solar Storm

Label: Timewarp Records

Date: December, 2014

1. Sand Inspiration
2. D.I.Y.
3. Night Fractals
4. Star Storm
5. Opposite Spinning
6. Between Our Galaxy
7. Transfer at the Speed of Light
8. Moon + Sun
9. Nova Fractal - Connect (Cactus Arising rmx)

A little over a year ago Timewarp Records released this album to minimal fanfare. I mean, it seemed like it was only very lightly advertised. It's digital only from two Greek newcomers who have made the rounds on several compilations like Goamystica, Goa Energy, and whatever the hell Goalogique is doing. I've had this on my hard drive for quite some time, but couldn't successfully get through it. Not because it's bad (it isn't), but because it doesn't offer anything new. The tracks are solidly thumping new-school (I know some people hate that classification) production with similar sounds all the way through. Nothing stands out or makes the tracks particularly memorable however. I found myself waiting for twists and turns that never came which makes the album rather vanilla. Not bad, but there is a lot more dynamic work out there.

Beatspace

Psyshop

Artist: Unusual Cosmic Process
Title: Aquatic
Label: Uxmal Records
Date: June, 2014

1. Under the Water
2. Transformation
3. Cosmic Blue (Phase 1)
4. Sanctuary
5. Aquatic
6. Whales
7. Cosmic Blue (Phase II)
8. Tardigrate

Take a deep dive and submerse yourself into this aquatic wonderland and you shan't be disappointed.  Unusual Cosmic Process is the project of Ukrainian Armen Akopov and I've heard a couple of his releases previously.  Unfamiliar with this artist?  Check out his track Legend on the Neogoa release Turlitava from 2011.   If varied psychill is your thing this one hits all the right notes.  The tracks are lush and fully packed with a very dynamic sound.  Those sounds echo off each other as if leagues beneath the sea in tracks like Cosmic Blue (Phase I) which transitions from a smooth ambient to a bouncy breakbeat.  And those transitions recur frequently in a track like Whales where he combines a whole bunch of styles it can't even really be put into a box.  The second part of Cosmic Blue is one of my favorites with it's progressive march.   He weaves real instruments with electronica and effects to give the album a floaty yet organic feel.  Hell, at times this reminded me of a Jan Hammer production minus the cheese.   The tracks are long for maximum immersion and I think he shines when he focuses more on the ambient production.  The breakbeat stuff is really good too, but with the length of the tracks being what they are it tends to sound a little generic.  Still all in all this was a great release from a great musician.

Psyshop

Artist: UNTR

Title: Darkmoon

Label: Surface Tension Records

Date: September, 2014

1. Slow Incredibles

2. Activate Nemesis Program

3. I Am Not Sharing My Body

4. En Ej Es

5. Mnemonic

6. Monster

7. And They Were Singing

8. Hypnocil

9. Equilibrium

10. Your Eyes Will Lie To You

11. There Is Nothing Wrong

"I don't want that responsibility anymore! What happened...happened!"

I think the artist just unintentionally described his album.

Darkpsy goa? That's just me trying to put everything in a nice, neat box. It's really quite simple. The refrigerator has two bins. One labelled for fruit and one marked for vegetables. It's written right on the drawer. You can see that can't you? The little words...right there? Right on the front of the drawer?

SO WHY WOULD YOU PUT A F*KING CUCUMBER WITH THE GRAPES!!!"

But I guess darkpsy goa is what you could call this. Fast basslines, high tension sci-fi horror atmosphere, and sample heavy trance that has spacey goa melodies. It's dark and intense kinda like an anti-Suntrip. Did I mention that there were a lot of samples? A f*ckton. A sh*tload.

*Olli Wisdom strolls by and hi-fives artist*

So many that they dominate every track. As if he built the music around them. Unfortunately it makes the music secondary and transparent because every thirty seconds you're hit with a sample laden with dread. Well done sample from movies we love mind you, but it gets old rather quickly. Heard the first track? Heard 'em all. I like what he tried to do, but too many repeated samples that reveal the music needs more evolution. Still if you need more darkness in your goa it's only 5 Euro so it ain't gonna kill ya.

But I'm listening...

Soundcloud

Mdk

Artist: Cabeiri

Album: Self Insider

Label: Altar Records

Genre: Progressive PsyChill, PsyChill, Downtempo, Chillgressive

1.The Great Ocean - 07:03

2.The Bacchae - 07:03

3.Unknown Sources - 10:38

4.Matter's Morphology - 09:20

5.Night's Lair - 6:46

6.The Mythical Horse - 08:00

7.Self Insider - 07:23

8.Nothing to Fear - 07:58

9.Elliptical Orbit - 08:28

10.Eliconiades - 08:25

Three years after their album ''Inner Thought'', Cabeiri returns with their second album ''Self Insider''. Keeping the same soul of their previous work, the brothers duo Nickolas and Dimitris Vavalos offers a collection of tracks proposing a heavenly mood and deep dark downtempo groove. This time, the beat goes around 125 bpm! The result is an original twilight progressive chill ablum perfect to put the dancefloor on fire as much during the day as it does at night. Way more intense than we are used to hear from Cabeiri, this album is still profound, mystic and melodic.

In a perfect mastery of light and shadow, ''Self Insider'' travels through a whole range of feeling and emotion. Really grounded in a warm bass spectrum, the listener is also invited to enter in to celestial layers of textures. The strength of the entire ablum is in how it brings the listener to experience the nighttime of the consciousness while keeping them in an epic adventure... Epic! This is a great word to descripe the album. Inspired by the Greek mythologies, the tracks exude the chant of the muses and of the gods. It's as if one is always feeling a heroic story unfolding in front of them.

Track to track, we hear a mystical background chant leading the way as if a ritual was preparing. Like in ''The Bacchae'', in which a mythical lament develops a strange feeling of peace intertwined with sorrow. Or in ''Mythical Horse'', where a a crystaline femine voice shares the space with multi-layered spectra of warm bass and kicks. Or with ''The Great Ocean'', a sweet heartfelt ballad.

Furthermore, this album develops a cohesive strucutre of profound enigmatic sounds while creating a floating structure that brings the listener up to the sky. As in ''Elliptical Orbit'', a slow progression in which darkish tones open the way to melodic and airy harmony. Or the track ''Nothing to Fear'', a deep journey through a psychedelic soundscape.

In short, with ''Self Insider'', the Cabeiri brothers deliver again an original collection of tracks. Like no one else, they suceed to fuse deep dark downtempo vibrations with twilight construction. The first time that I listened to the album, I was not sure. A weird feeling of confusion trapped me. I was expecting an album in the same structure of their first ablum ''Inner Thought''. After a few tries, I let go of my expectations and really discovered the universe of this new album. I found it was a perfect compliment to ''Inner Thought'', but in a completely original way. Once again, Cabeiri has the merit to keep the soul of their music project going while developing it in an unexpecting dimension.

You can buy and listen to samples at:

https://altar.bandcamp.com/album/self-insider

http://www.altar-records.com/insider.html

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/self-insider/id838320549?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

YouTube links :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm7zHTXNwiI

Artist: One Arc Degree

Title: Under A Trillion Suns Ep

Label: Microcosmos Records

Date: April, 2014

1. The Star Orchid

2. Under A Trillion Suns

3. Futurism

4. For the Love of Despair

Time for something smooth and light.  You might have heard of this project (two Greek gentlemen) when they did a collaboration on an Ep with Psynews wunderkind Cybernetika a couple years back.  The music is gentle trance with outstanding production and atmosphere.  There isn't anything inherently psychedelic to be found here, but I found the music to be rather emotional.  The title track has a bizarre operatic vocal that fits and Futurism is perhaps the most aggressive with the boys getting frisky with the cutoff knob. Great, deep introspective music to lose your thoughts in. 

Microcosmos Records

Artist: Arronax

Title: Crossing The Rubicon

Label: Neogoa

Date: July, 2014

I'm sorry with any other actor this would come across as fierce determination. A real let's get down to business situation. But with Macauly...I mean, it just looks like he's giving a very large man a handjob. And look at him...he looks disinterested like he's done this a million times.

Where was I?

Crossing the Rubicon. Passing the point of no return. There's no going back. These are all phrases you might hear yourself saying if you you find yourself at Taco Bell at two in the morning.

Elmo knows. Sometimes you gotta rock that sh*t out. Did you pay attention to that gif? He's actually rocking one out at 142 bpm. Time it, that's some funny sh*t right there. I just watched that for 8 minutes. But let me be clear...Nothing good happens at Taco Bell at two in the morning.

But I'm not at Taco Bell. And it's 3 in the afternoon. Where I am is on a blistering full power journey through uncharted space. Arronax is Mirza Aljić and he has crafted this four on the floor melodic goa trance that holds no pretense. It is what it is. Some goa softens you up and takes you gently into the good night.

Not this. This will beat you into a state of trance. A hurricane of futuristic cybertechnology where the colonization of space is well underway. And I love it. Power, layers, furiousity...it's got it. Couple that with Ivan's artwork and it's a visual journey as well. It moves at ludicrous speed and I cannot recommend it highly enough. If you like storming goa trance with some old school snarl then cross the rubicon.

There ain't no goin' back.

Free at Ektoplazm

Mdk

Artist: E-Clip

Title: Into The Void

Label: Iono Music

Date: June, 2014

1. E-Clip Vs. Zen Mechanics - Flashback

2. Human Instincts

3. Endless Symphony

4. E-Clip Vs. Future Frequency - Little Universe

5. E-Clip Vs. Zyce - Flying Objects

6. Cosmic Religon

7. Salvia Divinorum (Waio 30x Remix)

8. E-Clip Vs. Symbolic - Live Your Life

9. E-Clip Vs. Egorythmia - Star Stuff

Me when I listened to his first album Shuma:

And now me when I'm digging into his latest album.

Yep. Needs more dick in a box.

Look it's hard to catch lightning in a bottle. His debut was so epic and detailed that truthfully there was only one way to go. To this day it is still one of the greatest progressive trance albums as far as I'm concerned. And please don't take my lack of euphoria to mean this isn't worth your time because on its face this is a good album in the "psygressive" vein. There are some tracks here that will take you into that void and you will lose yourself. Problem is it has been done before and done better by he himself. The song structure feels too linear without all the dynamics of Shuma. Think of it this way...when you first tried weed you pondered the universe and came up with brilliant solutions to problems that the world inexcusably seemed to ignore. Eventually though you get tired of climbing out of mom's basement at 2:30 after a vigorous Call of Duty session and realize that your blow-up girlfriend can't take the punishment any longer and rather than leave you she just decided to self-deflate.

Psyshop

Beatspace

Artist: Various

Title: Epoch of the Terrans

Label: Suntrip

Date: July, 2014

1. Crossing Mind - Virutal Mind Cleaner
2. Morphic Resonance - Chormatic World
3. Lunar Dawn - Blessings From Irij (Imba Remix)
4. BlackStarrFinale - A New Name
5. GoaTree - The Force
6. Arronax & Somnesia - Black Hole (Revisited)
7. Astrancer - Tetragrammaton
8. Mindphoria - The Picture

"Vader was seduced by the dark side of the force."

Blacker the berry, sweeter the juice. Just a fact.

When you take two great things and smash them together in an unholy and sweaty union the results can either be glorious or horrifying. Peanut butter and chocolate is a truckload of win. Obviously porn and the internet belong together. I honestly cannot think of another reason for the internet. You say information and learning, well I wanna learn what it looks like when 4 chicks do it. And then there's this:

Yeah...I'm using detergent to get the chocolate out. Doesn't go together.

Oh f*ck you.

Let's get back to the good stuff. Neogoa and Suntrip. Two labels that have done more for lovers of goa trance than anyone. Both release quality music as well as fantastic artwork. Suntrip is managed by Anoebis and Mars began in 2004 and Neogoa is captained by Ivan Richpa since 2010. So finally these two juggernauts come together for a long awaited collaboration. All the tracks here were previously heard on Neogoa releases and were compiled by Ivan himself. And if he hadn't given enough he also did the artwork. With Suntrip's help and new mastering by Tim Schuldt they are now packaged into a limited edition CD perfect for collectors.

Virtual Mind Cleaner- Crossing Mind does it again with an organic and constantly evolving track which first appeared on Future Architecture 2. Heavily modulated and full of melodic layers his distinct sound is a superb way to open this compilation.

Chromatic World- Relative newcomers Morphic Resonance grab the torch with a sound some have likened to goa legends Astral Projection. Considering how long Neogoa has been around (relatively speaking) it's pretty remarkable that a track from their first and only EP made the cut. Storming goa trance with twisted leads that growl with ferocity. Good luck holding back this tidal wave.

Blessings From Irij (Imba Remix)- Talk about a guy that's come into his own! With productions that seem to continually get better his blasting remix all but makes the original unnecessary. Part Green Nuns part Oood this remix gets aggressive and sounds deliciously old school.

A New Name- Luis's album Auryn was a breath of fresh air so it makes sense to include one of those tracks here. Churning and undulating it's not old school, but more full-on in nature. Twists and turns abound.

The Force- Another blasting tune from a new kid on the block.

Not that one. But go America. This track rumbles like a 6.5 aftershock setting you up for a screeching frenzy. It's got some heavy ass attitude like a dinner guest with zero manners. Please and than you? F*ck your please and thank you.

Black Hole (Revisited)- Acidic bombast at its finest! With a thumping kick the melodies tumble over each other in this nonstop party. The break is sinister like a stalker in the dark.

Tetragrammaton- I think that over time this track has become less appealing to me. It's still a detailed effort, but I feel it has been surpassed by newer and shinier trinkets. Add to that the lead in the final minutes is like nails on the chalkboard. Bagpipe trance?

The Picture- The last track is a downtempo one lest you think Neogoa only does goa trance. Mellow and smooth from the excellent Turlitava compilation.

It boggles the mind with all the outstanding releases Neogoa has had how Ivan was able to narrow it down to just these tracks. Me I would've demanded a double album at least. But I don't really see how you could go wrong with this compilation. Yes they've all been released before for free, but now they are all on one limited edition CD that will give collectors mega boners. Add to that it was remastered by the Suntrip machine and cool looking art from Ivan. I'll go out on a limb and say it. IF you've got a problem with this CD you're a dick. And all the compression and e.q. won't help that.

Suntrip

Mdk

Artist: Morphic Resonance

Title: Chromatic World EP

Label: Neogoa

Date: January, 2014

01. Telekinesis
02. Epsilon Aurigae
03. Chromatic World
04. Psychoactive Landscape
05. Outro

"Hold on bro...I'm just...I can't even begin to get my mind around...Lemme get this straight. You want me to...read the script. Actually read it? Am I on Punk'd? Ashton! Ashton you sonofab*tch, get out here!"

*make mind blown hands around head*

Obviously he has yet to take my advice, but the look on his face well, let's just say it was similar to the one he had when I caught him trying to understand the speaker phone. Dim witted Ryan aside, big thanks to Ivan for delivering this treat. This is like finding a Picasso for 5 bucks at a yard sale. Christian Fernandez is from Spain and with his cover that looks like Pinhead went disco he just put that country on the goa map with a hard hitting acidic bomb. Mixing the old school and new school styles the melodies are hypnotic and swirling. Hell the first track just kept evolving, I thought it would never end.

But in a good way.

The acidic bad assery is at a premium with melodies from the Pleiadians playbook. Screeching and thick Epsilon Aurigae is a wet dream Astral wishes they could do. Just relentless. Chromatic World continues the serial unwinding of melodies with a lush and dark atmosphere. I haven't wanted to fornicate with music since M-Run, but...

call me, maybe we can work something out.

If he puts out an album of tunes like this he will rocket to the top of the goa pyramid. It growls, it screams, and it's a powerful door smasher. Not to mention the teaser of a downtempo track at the end. Futuristic and dark it speaks of evil lurking around the corner.

This fool just put E-Mantra, Crossing Mind, and Filteria on notice.

Free at Ektoplazm!

Mdk

Artist: Shivax

Title: Victory Anthems

Label: Sita Records

Date: September, 2014

1. Initiation

2. Unknown Source

3. Ganesha-Shanti (Feat. Agneton)

4. Victory Anthems

5. Acid Horns

6. Filterizations

7. A King's Tribute

8. Agneton - Het Was Zomer (Shivax Remix)

9. The Iron Throne

Nitzhonot.

This is how I feel when I hear it.  Now I love riding coasters so you would think that would be a good thing, but sometimes I find it so exhausting.  Oftentimes I feel it can sound like kiddie music and I don't mean to insult the artists who produce it.  Music is very personal and nitzhonot is an acquired taste.  Sometimes it gets a little too crazy and key changey as it rampages up and down the scales.  Kinda like when the chipmunks do a cover song.  But that's just me and my not so humble opinion.  And that's where I was with his first album.

His second album has shown a little more mastery in blending goa trance with his nitzho and thereby not making it so tiring.  When he gets in a good goa groove he lets it sit there a bit, allowing the listener to fully absorb it before whisking them off on a nitzho tangent.  When he goes full goa trance on tracks like Acid Horn he shines, proving himself more than capable.  For those that like his niztho style he still cranks up the speed and gets to ludicrous speed on tracks like Filterizations and Victory Anthems.  Remixing a pop song is generally a bad idea as they usually turn out to be terrible, but track 9 is his take on the Game of Thrones theme.  It was meh. 

So I would say from a goa lover's perspective this is an improvement over his first album, but not enough to find broad appeal.  If you don't like nitzo, give this one a pass. 

Sita Records Bandcamp

Psyshop

Beatspace

Artist: Space Buddha & Toasted

Title: Reality Check

Label: Agitato Records

Date: August, 2014

1. Connection To Psy

2. Nirvana (2014 Remix)

3. Reality Check

4. Drifter

5. Modo

6. DMT to Goa

7. Goa Sunrise

8. Last Chance

9. Straight Ahead

It seems like some people never want to grow up and mature.  I get it, you gotta get a job, gotta pay bills...Hell you can't even nuzzle in the soft, comforting confines of a woman's breasts that you just met.  Cute as a toddler, but that's assault now.  You'll face some hard time.  Space Buddha has been around for a long time.  He should really know better.  This generic full-on pablum would've sounded dated a decade ago.  Same tired, racing bass lines and cornball melodies.  It's kiddie-glowstick music.  Zero depth.  Zero soul.  The only positive here is that it's strictly a digital only release so other than the airwaves it didn't physically pollute the environment.  Not that you needed it, but here's a reality check.

This is some outright sh*tty music.

Artist: Various

Title: Unstoppable Remixes

Label: Mechanik Records

Date: October, 2014

1. Unstoppable (Shameless Remix)

2. Unstoppable (Outer Signal Remix)

3. Unstoppable (Brain Attack Remix)

4. Unstoppable (Resonanz3 Remix)

5. Cosmic Connection (Abomination Remix)

Let me stop you right there.

I like the Deliriant project, always have.  Their aggressive, dark and melodic style was a staple for years showing the kids how it was done.  Normally I don't review remix albums where it's just one track being remixed because I don't believe the artists truly understand what a remix is.  For God's sake too many treat it like a f*cking copy machine.  If you're going to do it make it your own.  And maybe some did a bit of that.

But you don't have to make it stop and start annoying do you?  Most of the tracks are just inferior variations of the original, but the Resonanz3 remix was I think better.  Pure power and acidic mayhem.  The final track is pretty good stuff too, but nothing groundbreaking.  So a couple of tracks are worth it, but hardly something you have to have. 

Juno Download

Artist: Omnivox

Title: Fragments of Evolution

Label: Spacedock Records

Date: June, 2013

1. Helios

2. Modus Operandi

3. What Happens Next

4. Liquid Fire

5. Eternity Speedway

6. Essentia

7. Moonwalk

8. No More Illusions

9. Nephandi

10. Weapon of Mass Enlightenment

Ok that's just ridiculous. You'll be the first one to complain when a guy can't stare you in the face.

Our cup truly runneth over people. 2014 has been an...It's just been an...excuse me...

*runs over to model in gif and squeezes boobs screaming "honka honka!"*

2014 has been an exceptional year for goa trance. Rarely has so much quantity intersected with quality and for that we should be eternally grateful. And by grateful I mean reaching into your pocket and actually purchasing the hard work of the artists. The list of superb releases this year is too long to mention (the guy from listology seems to have thrown in the towel), but every label has contributed to this bounty. Suntrip, DAT, Cronomi, Timewarp, Neogoa...they all seem to be at the top of their game.

So the sneaky f*cks at Spacedock tried to slide this under the radar, but I got ya.

Wait a minute...You think I don't know what's going on here? Ok a little background...This is the debut album of Omnivox aka Tomislav Crncic.

"That's your name? What's your real name? What was it before you changed it?"

Tomislav Crncic.

Really? Look at all those f*cking consonants! Ever heard of a vowel?

Allright. That checks out. But did you know that Tomislav has "neighbors?" Several of them in fact. Does M-run ring a bell? How about Liquid Flow? I know this is off topic and no offense to Mr. Flow, but...that project name always makes me think of a chicks period. Gross. Change it.

Now where was I?

Oh, it gets better. Guess who else is his neighbor? Goasia.

That's right, the same Goasia that started up a little label called Spacedock Records! They share internet connections. Calm down. It's in Croatia so that means that there is one tired as f*ck hamster on the hamster wheel. But having the stars of goa trance as neighbors? This would be like Kanye being my neighbor.

"Hey Kanye can jump on some of that broadband?"

"Yo Kanye, can I squeeze Kimmies sweater puppies?"

"Yo Heezy, can I borrow a f*ckin' cup of sugar?"

You see! Do. You. See? This confirms my theory that goa trance is the language of aliens and for whatever reason they landed in the Balkans. They hang out in groups, they use each other's communication devices...they are trying to take over and you guys are acting like everything's fine!

*sniff sniff*

Why do I smell alcohol? Aha! Right outta the playbook. What's the first things aliens do when someone discovers them? Douse them with alcohol! So the guy sounds like a lunatic!

*Voice from the kitchen*

"No it's because you're on your seventh beer you lazy f*ck! Now go take out the garbage like I asked you to an hour ago!"

So back to Omnivox, he released an album back in the day called Inner Polarity as Vox. But Vox didn't sound anything like this. Well more than his name has changed. He's grown and I don't mean that in an eat your f*cking vegetables or you're not getting up from the table kinda way. He's gotten better as a producer (which is easy to do when you have one of your alien friends teach you the intricacies of Cubase) and found that hidden sweet spot where great melodies and danceability meet power. His Alien Humanity EP was the first hint of that change back in 2012 and it blew me away. Fast forward to 2014 and he's put together an entire album full of cosmic goa trance replete with atmospheric breaks and bludgeoning force. Right from the start Helios sets the tone with a great intro. This is straight forward pumping goa trance that will move you as it evolves continuously. It screams, growls with liquid sounds, and scorches. I can see the similarities with M-Run's style. The fact that it's another Balkan doing goa trance pretty much necessitates a drug test doesn't it?

Babies in my country come outta the womb screaming and crying, over there they're booting up Soundforge. This is one goa trance release that has it all. Melodies, power, you name it. A great time. I haven't wanted to fornicate with an album like this since...since...

"Honey they're doing it to me again!!!"

Spacedock

Psyshop

Beatspace

Mdk

1.Gamayun – 11:35
2.The last nigth of Svarog – 11:29
3.Svarog's Morning – 9:27
4.Rod – 9:31
5.Makosh – 7:19
6.Svar-ga – 8:27
7.Veda (feat. Mikrokosmos) – 10:16
8.Back to Midgard-Earth – 12:56

Each time that I listen to a new Astropilot album, I always have the same reaction: ''Cheezzz … I did not know that he could create this kind of music.'' Album after album, Astropilot offers new unexpected ambiance in completely different universes. For me, he is one of the most diversified and original psychill artists. It is really hard to define Astropilot's genre. Offering a collection of tracks in which we find much space, and ambiance as deep shamanic trance tunes, not to mention a whole bunch of progressive and fast 4/4 kick structure tracks. Each album allows us to see a new surprising face from this artist.

With ''Iriy'', it is in a deep trance adventure that we are invited. Each track proposes profound bass lines and groovy 4/4 kicks. It is dancy, but so floaty at the same time. Really intense, but smoochy on the other hand. The sound and the bass hits you in the chest while the shining melody opens your mouth and shows your teeth; a continuous presence of background choir, thus giving a heavenly feeling while keeping moving vibration. Overhall, each track proposes complex progressive structure that develops surprinsingly. As a dj, this album is becoming one of my masterpieces when I mix a deep trance set. Follow Iriy and enter in the dance with your heart opened and your eyes closed!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

– Gamayun –

''Gamayun'' opens the album really well. Three minutes of etherical and spacy introduction, offered within deep seated vibration. Slowly, the kick shows its nose in natural continuity with the begining. At six minutes everything begins … 4/4 beat structure, smooth background of airy voices and simple melody … beautiful progression.

– The Last Night of Svarog –

In an intimate ambiance, a track that develops in a pure simplicity. Everything moves, progresses, changes, but at the same time still in the same universe. A surprising deep track that brings you close to the dream.

– Svarog's Morning –

If the last tune prepared the listener to visit Morpheus, ''Svarog's Morning'' unfolds the daylight. Crystalline sounds intertwined with etherical and shining melody that has chapters of variety and flows well from segment to segment with good development.

– Rod --

''Rod'' is a hypnotical track that develops slowly a gentle melody. In the middle, a crash … everything collapses, to rebirth from the ashes. Heavenly choir accompagnies the journey of the simple but efficient notes.

– Makosh –

Such a beautiful track... No kick, no dancefloor. Beautiful introdution that recalls the crystaline universe of Icelandic musicians Bjork in her ''Vespertine'' period, Sigur Ros or even Jonsi. Soft bass line appears, you close your eyes and let yourself go in this introspective starlit universe.

– Svar-ga –

Celestial chants, sparkling sounds, rolling double kick… there we go! Complex tune with multi-layered spectra of warm bass and kick, micro-melodies and tonal motifs enveloped by organic rhythms and divine choir. The best track of the album.

– Veda –

This track compliments the album's cohesive feel. Less dancy, but still really grounded in a warm bass spectrum. This tune develops unexpected chapters of melody, bringing delicate lines of organic instruments with shining electronic texture.

– Back to Midgard –

The last track, the last moment to dance. ''Back to Midgard'' surrounds the listener in a deep groovy double kick intertwined with heavenly textures. It is a non-stop building of harmonic soundcape that brings the dance floor in a beautiful daydreaming!

You can buy and listen to samples at:

Altar Records: http://www.altar-records.com/Iriy.html

BandCamp :http://altar.bandcamp.com/album/iriy

YouTube links :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsjfERMv9Io&feature=player_embedded

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlmK-sFzewU

Artist: Asura

Title: Radio Universe

Label: Ultimae Records

Date: November, 2014

1. Overture

2. Interlude Sky

3. Oblivion Gravity

4. Gaea (Transit)

5. Ascension In Blue

6. Farscape 7

7. Lonely Star

8. Illuminations

9. Back To Earth

10. Everlasting (Album Edit)

You think that Trump can't say dumber things, but then it becomes tomorrow. So the reaction above is either his latest piece of verbal bile or you just listened to the last album from Asura.

Mouth meet floor in both cases.

And that was just the first track. What a stunning piece of music this is. Look Ultimae and Charles are well established as the premier leaders in ambient and downtempo music, but this is unbelievable. It's traveling through space on a massive star freighter in the distant future. Sweeping pads provide stunning views of celestial glory. It's ultra HD immersive theater that crawls at a snails pace sweeping up everything in its path. Melodies are cold and warm simultaneously and you feel just how insignificant you are in the vast cosmos. At times he channels his inner Vangelis and Kitaro giving you a front row seat as ambient images take shape excruciatingly slowly. Blade Runner meet Silk Road.

Oblivion Gravity is so vivid I felt joy and terror at the same time. It was deliciously slow torture that brought out emotions and made me...feel. It's not all dark though as Ascension in Blue let's the solar rays stream through the rugby sized pitch window. Ayten's voice is haunting on Farscape 7 and Lonely Star with its piano and measured pace seem to be another nod in the direction of Vangelis. Charles made a beautiful downtempo track incorporating a little bit of dubstep. That sh*t is epic and brings a smile to my face every time.

Alas nobody is perfect and for this album that is due to the plodding and uninteresting Illuminations. It doesn't come close to the gravity and grandeur exhibited by the rest of the tracks. No surprises as it slowly drips like the last bit of maple syrup. Back To Earth isn't a song at all, but merely a night spent amongst the frogs and crickets during a rainstorm. Perhaps that's where the escape pod landed after ejecting from the spacecraft upon Earth re-entry. The final track is a very positive one with a vibe that lets you know that everything will be all right.

So there you have it. True quality from Ultimae and Asura like you would expect. Not perfect, but the tracks that are good are stellar. Interstellar if you will. Take a ride into space. You won't be disappointed.

Btw...I ordered the FLAC from Ultimae, but it seems that the CD comes with a 16 page booklet. Don't know what's in the booklet. Could be porn, so you might wanna check it out.

Ultimae

Artist: Symbiote

Title: Symbiote EP

Label: DAT Records

Date: April, 2014

1. Phantasmagoria

2. Tiara

3. Abstraktd

Draeke (Federico if you're nasty) is the head of DAT Records and has played an integral role in today's goa trance most notably in making the old new again. The results have been nothing more than spectacular with releases from old school masters like Blue Planet Corporation, Crop Circles, and the massive Etnica double CD. He's like the six million dollar man making old music better. Stronger. More awesome.

Every conversation I've ever had with him has been polite and enjoyable. He seems to really enjoy what he does and is probably having the time of his life. If I lived in Europe and didn't have these anchors known as children perhaps we'd travel the highways together in a van solving mysteries. We would make money by him playing festivals and I of course would play robin hood, taking advantage of the burgeoning organ black market by swiping kidneys from criminals and rich a**holes to give to poor orphans. Ah, but that's a story for another time.

Symbiote is Samuel Cote from Quebec in the state north of my country that doesn't realize it's only a matter of time before it becomes assimilated into the borg. Originally made in 97 (I smell classic) Draeke gave it the DAT treatment and voila we have another EP in the arsenal. And another withdrawl from my bank account.

So did he strike gold again and become the 50 ft tall jewel encrusted golden giant? Well, yes and no. Phantasmagoria is everything you could hope for. Ridiculous layers, absurd length fostering the creation of said layers, and the whole thing crackles with an intense energy that sears everything it touches. It's insanely driving music that I have never heard before. It reminds me of this one off track. Delicious!

Tiara is even longer, but lacks the intensity of the first track. It's veeeeery repetitive and has more in common with dream trance than goa. Nowhere near as interesting.

Which brings me to Abstraktd. The final track that drones on for almost 15 minutes at a slower speed increasing in volume to an almost abrasive level. My least favorite here.

So for me this wasn't up the usual DAT standards. But hey Michael Jordan never met a shot he didn't like, but that didn't stop him from taking them. And we all know how that turned out. I don't know if he is still making music, but it would be interesting to hear what he could do with improved technology. Even though I didn't care for this EP, Phantasmagoria is a track that you should hear.

Nay...a track that you must hear.

DAT Records

Psyshop

Beatspace

Mdk

Artist: Hardfloor

Title: The Art of Acid

Label: Hardfloor.de

Date: April, 2014

1. Tweakend

2. Necessary Roughness

3. The Art of Acid

4. Dark Shadow

5. Rwndrb

6. P.E.L.F.

7. Analogue Bubbletea

8. Bubble & Sqeak

9. Swag My Glitch Up

10. TB Continued

I like art

That sh*t's funny.

Whether it's sculpture, painting, musical,

Or whatever the f*ck this is, it will always be subjective. Some will love it and some are gonna despise it. Having discovered Solar Quest and their album Acidophilez I've been digging some acid trance. Goa fans will no doubt be drawn to the use of the 303. I sure was. Hadrfloor is a German duo that seem to be the gods of the genre.

My lord knoweth how to get down!

Their style is a heaping helping of 303's followed up by more 303's in repetitive phrases that can be funky as hell. Each track delivers bouncy beats along with that hallowed sound that can go from bubbly to dangerously acidic. This is their latest album and tracks like Necessary Roughness will get you all twisted up like a pretzel. The break beat on Rwndrb and Analogue Bubbletea are so head noddingly delicious I never wanted them to end. Bubble and Squeak is so wobbly Thailand better put up new tsunami warnings.

Look it's not rocket science. Percussion and a bass synthesizer. Well, maybe six of them. With such a limited sound palette you'd think it would get old very quickly, but no. Either they come out with guns a blazing or they build up that tension until you're caught up in the euphoria. By that time it's too late.

They got you bro.

The beats are designed to shake what yo momma gave you and each track is meant to be blasted at a party. They must be armpit deep in slutty groupie tail. Magnificent bastards.

Got a few lb's to lose? Know some hot chicks? Make a run to the liquor store and let's get this party started.

Bad.

Ass.

Beatport

Mdk

Release: 2014

Genre: Progressive Techno, Trance

Label: Iboga Records

1. Contact (12:47) consists in a very long beatless intro and we are welcomed to hypnotic minimal techno territory. Pretty convincing for a start, I think it is a nice opener and sets the mood nicely.

2. Transition (10:18) follows a similar recipe with some fun sounds to create some weird old techno groove. Not my favourite but solid enough.

3. Eye See You (8:13) is pure epicness, it knows how to build a progressive trance feel (the original meaning of the trance word), very hypnotic and similar to the first Son Kite album back in 1999. Best track of the album.

4. Travel Blind (13:45) starts quicker than the previous tracks with a typical deep techno rhythm but we have to wait until the 4th minute to progress into something more trancy and interesting. There is a kind of breakdown in the middle of the track with the music becoming very calm so we can hear dream trance elements in the background. Very impressed by this track, sounds like early 1990 techno trance music. Another favourite!

5. Chihiro 61298 (10:38) is not my cup tea, the intro is very long and when the kick hits the ground it develops into deep house techno with clearly not much energy, which I would not mind if at least the hypnotic touch of the previous tracks was there but it isn't really.

6. Synesthesia (14:22) is the longest track of the album. Something strange here it progress so slowly that it does not sound like a 14 minutes track. A bit disappointed though, the start sounds promising with melancholic trance vibes but the second part is nothing special and the beatless outro is very long and too experimental.

7.In Flux (8:32) has a very soft rhythm and like the fifth track remains uninteresting for the most part, nostalgic techno synths that fail to really do anything, they cover some dull techno arrangements. Again not my cup of tea.

Whether or not this album should have been released under the Minilogue alias, who cares really. I don't like that feeling when the opening tracks were promising but then from the start of the fifth track it lose its magic.

I was really seduced by Eye See You, and Travel Blind. These two tracks are the definition of progressive techno trance, it actually slowly develops into something trance and hypnotic. Fans of the first Son Kite album with love these two tracks, for the rest you better not be allergic to techno.

It is just a matter of taste of course, it is obvious Marcus Henriksson and Sebastian Mullaert want their music to be very entrancing and deep with quality over quantity. I just feel Blomma under the Minilogue alias was better for this purpose.

My rating: 6.5/10.

Artist: Various

Title: Under The Moss Vol. 3

Label: Forest Freaks

Date: June, 2014

"How do you know?"

Cause I'm American and we know everything. Where the hell have you been?

Anyone who didn't think the series sporting foliage with eyes on the cover wouldn't have a LOTR sample is kidding themselves. This type of music just lends itself to fairytale creatures and magical realms. If I studied geography solely by listening to forest trance I would assume all of Scandinavia was like this. The cool parts anyway.

Having reviewed the previous two volumes I would say this one is more accessible to those not indoctrinated in the rituals of forest trance. More Wizack Twizack night time mischief than supernatural there's no way out we're all going to die dread. Oh it's still psychedelic as hell so underestimate it at your peril. Full of hallucinogenic atmospheres, bubbly sounds and screechy leads. Just not as heavy. Get more fish with a wider net don't you know.

That said aside from the dirge sung at the beginning of Ypsilon and the insanely twisting Anthill (f*cking awesome by the way) nothing stood out. And that's ok. Because with forest trance it is most assuredly about the journey and atmosphere and this compilation has loads of it. A deep eeriness and mystical whimsy. Oaks older than man and moss retaking all that he in is arrogance has built. Structures are temporary, but the forest...the forest is eternal. Creatures that were the stuff of legend appear and we realize that they didn't just appear.

They were here all along.

Free at Ektoplazm

Mdk

Cronomi Records, 2014

1. Planet Of Illusions

2. Acid Rush

3. Air Trance Corporation

4. United States Of Mind

5. Lost Universe

6. JetMan - Female Animals (Psysutra's Male Perspective Mix)

7. Postcard From Goa

We Poles are not lucky when it comes to the political class and many other things, but we cannot be denied an exceptionally strong and individualized group of psy-artists. In contrast to many other countries (let's stick to the obvious example of Israel and its large group of disposable musical clones) we can boast of a team of people, where each and every one of them developed his own easily recognizable style. Thus I will smell Artha's tracks from a mile, then there is this specific vibe of TLG etc. Things are no different with Psysutrą, one of the new wave of young artists who, along with his music, is also an autonomous being on our psychedelic map. After many hardships Łukasz finally lived to see the release of his debut album under the Cronomi Records banner, a label that focuses on new talents in the field of goa trance. The label definitely stands out from the crowd, which in this case is only an advantage. In the end, why repeat the theme of sweet, ultra-melodic goa over and over again, when this music has so many faces? Psysutra thought the same, providing a record full of different shades of old school and strongly acidic psytrance under the goa banner.

After listening to all tracks a lot I found out that actually I have nothing to bitch about. The sonic design of tracks is great. Łukasz easily takes anachronistic ideas and themes of the past and showers them with new layouts, owing to which we end up with seven intense landscapes from the land of goa trance. A land, let us add, that has many names. The tracks are not monotonous and there is always something going on, a thing one cannot say about many other productions of this type. In the field of creativity Psysutra leaves the competition far behind thanks to his lively ideas. Various trance artists of all latitudes flood us with their music, which technically is great, it has the punch, but as far as ideas are concerned it is presented in a bland and flat way. Their main idea is to move the crowds on the dancefloor, as well as to wiggle the playing person's index finger - and that's all. Luke has not forgotten an important element of juicyness, color-play, oldschool audio-corridors and sharp, almost three-dimensional acids in opposition to foreign cookie-cutter, over-produced boredom fest, seasoned here and there with a touch of catchy sound to break the routine. Another advantage of the album is the length of the tracks, specifically four of them: "Planet Of Illusions", "Air Trance Corporation", a remix of "Female Animals" and "Postcard From Goa" all oscillate around an impressive time of 11-12 minutes. Works for me. I've always been of the opinion that with such time at one's disposal one can build and communicate a coherent story.

The album starts with the high-octane acid cyberpiece "Planet Of Illusions", which is a proverbial bullseye when it comes to this track being the opening one on this CD. The chameleon-like "Acid Rush" highlights just how far the music of Psysutra is from his milder colleagues from Suntrip Records. The more uplifting and cheerful "Air Trance Corporation" will serve as a proper musical tool for many open air parties during the more oldschool-oriented moments. The banging "United States Of Mind" with its batch of distinctive acids smells of old Transient Records compilations, which is only a good thing. A bit playful and laidback atmosphere is introduces by "Lost Universe", a track aimed at early morning hours of outdoor frolicking. Track number six is Psysutra's take on a tune by my colleague JetMan from Psytrance.pl. This mesmerizing track with Posford-like qualities spread over circa 11 minutes is certainly an interesting tune aimed not only at trancefloor workout, but also suitable for elemental breakdown at home. It is worth looking up the original version at SoundCloud to compare it with the version created by Psysutra. At the end we will not fall asleep with a "let's throw in a chillout lullaby at the end" routine done by so many, because the last track is also psytrance, albeit a bit calmer than its predecessors. This is achieved by a flowing, slightly magical atmosphere illustrated by the sound of the flute, which given an impression as if good ol' grampa Raja Ram is sitting somewhere in the background.

It is impossible not to mention about the colorful design adorning the album's cover. I send words of appreciation towards Psara (a Portuguese DJane named Sara Constance), who interestingly underlined the album's musical atmosphere with her butterfly-wings-on-acid graphics. Given that it is the seventh release by Cronomi Records, the CD itself is marked with a cheeky nod to James Bond movies ("My name is Wu, Łukasz Wu. CronomiCD007 Licence to Dance!"). Speaking about the cover, despite a musically and graphically strong album, it fell victim to minor editorial mishaps associated with evident laziness at Cronomi Records. I'm saying here about the typos on the album's back cover. However, looking back at the history of trance releases and cases of this kind, one needs to admit that if this is the only flaw of "Gamma Phoenicis", the album is really good.

The father of "Gamma Phoenicis" can be proud of his child. Through its spontaneity and inventiveness the album has a good chance not to get lost in the crowd of goa-productions of modern times, which at the time of them coming to life are prone to anonymity. This album is recommended both for someone who plowed through a whole lot of albums, as well as for those who just put their first baby steps in the psytrance realm. TLG and Space Element: your turn.

https://shop.cronomi.com/?page_id=571

http://cronomi.bandcamp.com/album/psysutra-gamma-phoenicis

http://nobient.pl/index.php?products=product&prod_id=2717

Artist: Various

Title: Celestial Transvibration

Label: Neogoa

Date: October, 2014

1. Protorai - Midst Aetheric Halls

2. Ankrosado - Thing

3. Neuropa - Meganeura

4. What Lies Beneath - Ritual Algorythm (Early Spring Remix)

5. Proxeeus - Mission Atlantis (Alien Voices Mix)

6. Veasna - Quantum Connundrum

7. Arronax - Wings of Laniakea

8. PharaOm - Mighty Sun

Sometimes you have to expand your horizons. Try new things and break out of your comfort zone.

"C'mon Jimmy...just try a backflip."

*flinches* Ooh...nobody saw that.

"I've never ridden a motorbike before. So just, twist the accelerator and I'll go? Wow, that's easy!"

FFFF*****CCCCCCKKKKKK!!!!

Point is trying new things is usually a good thing. Neogoa is the penultimate netlabel when it comes to goa trance. Their releases are consistently great with a track record that a for profit label would envy. When Ivan hooked me up with this a few days ago I asked him what was the idea or the theme behind this compilation. He told me that he wanted to showcase new artists and for this compilation to go in a darker or more experimental direction. Well mission accomplished brother!

Yep! Well, except that...the mission here was actually you know...accomplished. This compilation is the definition of a pot luck. Minus grandma's runny potato salad. The first three tracks are of the experimental variety with a sound akin to Slinky Wizard, Psychaos or COP. Shout out to psynewser Paul Eye representing on Meganeura. None of the tracks are mind blowing, but they are interesting and they avoid the all to frequent current goa stereotypes. Then you come to the longest track ever released by Neogoa in Ritual Algorythm. Made by another psynews regular ritual_Om this 20 minute effort is a storytelling journey. Not in the melodic goa sense, but in the exploratory mold. Again, interesting to say the least.

And that is the turning point because the final four tracks are what you would expect from Neogoa. Melodic, goa stormers with newcomer Proxeeus kicking the door in saying, "Here I am...love me." Great f*cking track. The last track by former goa stalwart PharaOm was a downtempo goa track that sounded awesomely sinister. If that was the last goa track you made homie, you went out with a bang.

So kudos to Neogoa for showcasing newer artists and sending goa trance in another direction. Neogoa is more than just a netlabel they also seem to find lots of up and coming talent that go on to future success. Maybe it'll stick, maybe it won't, but creativity is the mother of invention. Or some sh*t like that.

Mdk

Artist: Tristan

Title: Way of Life

Label: Nano Records

Date: December, 2014

1. Talking In Technicolour (Dancefloor Deluxe Version)

2. Killerwatts - Another Planet (Tristan Remix)

3. Time and Space

4. Excitement Generator

5. Parallel Reality

6. Melody Maker

7. Multi-Dimensional Consciousness

8. Enlightenment

9. Fearsome Engine - Seeding Life (Tristan Remix)

This dog inching his way along this train is a perfect metaphor for this album. There is a lot of motion and for the first few tracks I'm actually interested in what's going to happen. Tristan Cooke is not a newbie and knows what it takes to craft a psychedelic track. This is Nano style full-on that should captivate, but after a little bit I'm like..."Where the f*ck are you going dog?" I keep watching him claw his way to the front of the train, but he never gets there. Imagine one of your co-workers telling a joke he "heard" from a friend but drags it out because he can never quite remember how the story should go. Annoying. And time consuming Eventually you stop hovering around the donut table cause you know he's gonna be there. You don't need that. Eventually you need to get to the f*cking point. But all these tracks sound the same. No up...no down...just straight ahead. I listened to this four times in a row and fell asleep during three of them. The last time I actually fired up Candy Crush. Or put another way...

We all love hand jobs.

We do.

But if there's no passion in it and I don't get to finish it's just a lot of uncomfortable tugging and awkward stares. I'm not saying this is an utter disaster because it's not. But I suppose based on past work I've come to expect a lot more from Tristan and this is just a ho-hum effort. Drug samples and lazy full-on ain't gonna cut it.

So that's what this is to me. A listless hand in my pants that turned out to be a disappointing waste of time.

Psyshop

Beatspace

Mdk

Artist: Laughing Buddha

Title: Illusions & Collusions

Label: Nano Records

Date: June, 2014

1. Laughing Buddha feat. Eat Static - Razorback

2. Laughing Buddha feat. Lucas - Neutrino Storm

3. Laughing Buddha feat. Dickster - Stepping Stoned

4. Laughing Buddha feat. Master Blasters - High Right Now

5. Laughing Buddha feat. Space Tribe - Mind Altering Technology

6. Laughing Buddha feat. Groove Addict - Something Out There

7. Laughing Buddha feat. Tristan - Back In The Game

8. Laughing Buddha feat. Electric Universe - Stargate

9. Laughing Buddha feat. Avalon - Bring It

"Yeah I'm gonna go find myself in the mountains."

Said every white chick in a horror movie. That sh*t doesn't turn out so well. Ever. It's no wonder black people make fun of us.

Anyway...half of Cosmosis is better than nothing I always say. Jeremy is back with his second album and I guess he had a lot of free beer at his house cause all his friends showed up to drink it. While they were pretending not to hit on his sister and puking in the pool they also helped him out in the studio. What could go wrong?

Razorback-

What the f*ck does this have to do with Arkansas football? Besides being disappointing and making little kids cry? Yeah Merv I'm gonna need you to step away from the keg and give me a little more. I know it's just the first track, but seriously I'm about sixteen bars away from a nap.

Neutrino Storm- Ok Lucas made it a little better. We're now one notch above uninspired full-on.

*sees Jeremy's sister in a tight tube top*

'Scuse me. Gotta go before she sees Clooney!

Stepping Stoned- So all we had to do was add a little weed to the party? *Hi-fives Dickster* My man throws a slight bit of dubstep in the break. Pretty good.

High Right Now- Me too. But not because of drugs. It's cause I'm crowd surfing. *swings foot and knocks over a statue. Watches it break into a million pieces.*

My bad.

Mind Altering Technologies- Olli whassup? I knew I could count on you to mess with my mind. Still cranking out those drug samples huh?

Ummm...Olli? Olli! Dude, your headphones aren't even plugged in! By the way you dropped this.

*Hands him dozens of tabs of acid that were trailing behind him like bread crumbs.*

So that's how he does it?

Something Out There- What's your name? *shouting over music* Oh, nice to meet you Sanjay. Don't take this the wrong way, but your track seems to be on autopilot. Aren't you gonna twist some knobs or something?

Back in the Game- Tristan! Yo man are you ok? *Track plays water droplet sounds* Shake the dew off that lily and get the hell outta the john! Jeremy really needs you, he's dyin' out there!

Stargate-

Boris, what the f*ck man why are you touching my face? Nah it's cool man, I just...you know it's a little awkward that's all. Me standing here and umm...you with ah, I mean where are your...you know, your...pants?

Man I gotta get the f*ck outta here.

Bring it- Yeah Leon I was just leaving. Nah man you're cool. You had the best track, but this party's lame. I gotta work tomorrow, the keg is tapped, and I think I saw Ari take a dump in the living room. I mean, who does that? Good luck with your next album and tell Jeremy thanks for the invite.

I don't know what went wrong here, but this album completely underwhelmed. Like going to a party with the cool crowd and finding out how weird they really are. Which is sad because there are a lot of really talented artists here. All of whom have done better work than this. This album is an example of what could've been. Most of the tracks sound the same and have that Nano sound. Normally that's a good thing, but I believe an opportunity was missed here to give these tracks some depth. It just comes off as thin full on. I've been to that party too many times and I just wanna go home.

Psyshop

Beatspace

Mdk

VA - Blue Sangoma Sounds

Label: Sangoma Records and Blue Hour Sounds

1. Crumble Juice
FAGIN'S REJECT

2. Blacklight District
ETNICA

3. Circles (Psilocybian rmx)
BRAINCELL

4. Next Decade Of Acid (Android Spirit rmx)
KALUMET

5. Dance Ritual
KALA

6. Bong, James Bong
HOTEP

7. Stoned Lions
ARJUNA, SAMADHI

8. The Viral Spiral
HOODWINK

9. Zombie Grrrl (Gaspard rmx)
PUNKPIRATE (GASPARD AND TOTO)

10. A Long Story (Virtual Light and Manipulation rmx)
ELECTRYPNOSE

11. Fiction Games
ONCE UPON A TIME

12. Tetra India Express (Via Axis rmx)
GIDO

13. Deep Blue Skies (Blue Sangoma Sounds Edit)
GAIANA

14. Magnitudo
PEYO

15. Elasticity
SPROCKET

16. Amphibian Council
EVOCATONE

17. Bioport
IANUARIA, MUSCARIA

18. Liquid Modulation (Mark Day Re-Modulated rmx)
IANUARIA

19. Bindmoggling
FLOOTING GROOVES

On a two-disc set of dark stomping tracks it is pretty cool that this collection has an "as-is" approach. Quite a bit of dark psy, twilight and full-on is contained within this one but avoiding the approach of other labels that segregate these sometimes varying styles "Blue Sangoma Sounds" treats them all as equals. A dark psy track leads into full-on that leads into twilight that leads back into....

None of these tracks stood out as truly remarkable but that is not to say that the compilation does not have a solid overall quality. After all, it is difficult to assemble such heavy hitters as Etnica, Electrypnose and Braincell in one place and have it go terribly awry.

Many surprises and some very solid tracks come through with Etnica being the most pleasant and most durable. Barely a touch of their trademark goa mastery is present on "Blacklight District" and such is usually the way when these legends appear on a non-goa comp. The usually wild Etnica-isms of effects are present but the wild range of their artist albums is not - instead this is great, direct, focused, drive-forward full-on excellence.

Interestingly, "Circles" by Braincell and "A Long Story" by Electrypnose are given the remix treatment but both sound as if they are original offerings with the distinct flavor of both artists coming through seemingly unfiltered. In all fairness, however, PsiloCybian adds more layers to the Braincell original and makes it more interesting and far less repetitive.

Where the remixes work wondrously are with Android Spirit and Via Axis bringing forth great work. Android Spirit's twilight weirdness works unexpectedly well with Kalumet's nearly-indefinable psy style on "Next Decade Of Acid" and Via Axis owns "Tetra India Express" and completely makes the Gido track his own with his trademark atmospheric and beautifully understated full-on psy.

Hotep departs the more progressive-minded style of his artist album "Transformation Of Light" and goes dark and angry on "Bong, James Bong," a very intriguing change in style that is almost as captivating as the cover art for this album.

With "Amphibian Council," Evocatone throws a hat in the ring for best track, a wicked twilight production that only gets richer with each listen.

"Blue Sangoma Sounds" is dark and it is captivating. It is also surprising how quickly these nineteen tracks seem to fly by. Even if none may be classics, at the very least, it cannot be said this giant collection is ever boring.

Listen to Etnica "Blacklight District": https://soundcloud.com/sangoma-recs/etnica-blacklight-district-sangoma-blue-hour-sounds-out-now

Listen to Electrypnose "A Long Story" (Virtual Light & Manipulation Remix): http://beatspace-bluehoursounds.bandcamp.com/track/electrypnose-a-long-story-virtual-light-manipulation-rmx

Listen to Evocatone "Amphibian Council": https://soundcloud.com/evocatone/evocatone-amphibian-council

Artist: Psilocybian

Title: Unfold Oneself Into Endlessness

Label: BMSS Records

Date: November, 2014

01: Wonderfantabulous
02: Dreamability
03: A thing about inconsequent Reverberation
04: Pathways
05: Science Friction
06: Strawberry Fields
07: Unfold Oneself into Endlessness
08: PsiloCybian & Deimos - Waveform with a mind of its own
09: Yield
10: NLO
11: Let me tell you about a weird Dream

So we all know Sasa Dukic (Psilocybian) from his fine work in the full-on arena with albums like Dreamtime and Godhead. Both great stuff from a guy who likes to put a pinch of goa in all that he does. For his latest he delivers something that has been on his mind for quite a while. A chill-out album. It took me a long time to review this because I had the hardest time getting into it. And I'm lazy. Well, mostly because I'm lazy. This isn't the dreamy soundscape stuff you would expect from Ultimae or the crazy psychedelic madness from the likes of Shpongle. I suppose you would classify it as psychill (if you must), but it's really all over the map. In speaking with Sasa he basically said he wanted to make a chill out album that people could dance to.

Say what now? The name chill out means to, well...chill out. Relax. Not dance. That's what the other stuff is for. So I had to wrap my brain around that mindf*ck. And let me tell you this isn't music that will help you escape, or drift off into memory. That's not what he wanted. A lot of the tracks are big beated. Don't think that's a word, but you know what I mean. Head nodding beats. He's not here to put you to sleep, but to wake your punk ass up and keep you grooving. He mentioned that this album was made without any inspiration from other artists so he took the music wherever it wanted to go without any distractions. Good for him. My favorite was Science Friction with its big beat and Shpongley vocal tacet. And he kept the goa special sauce in there, don't worry. It's really a very different type of chill album than I'm used to, but I think it hits some psychedelic notes. It has some really good melodies and as I mentioned he wanted you to dance with this so that's in here. He floats among all the styles, breakbeat, downtempo, ambient, even a little drum n bass. So there's probably something for everyone here.

Not my favorite chill album, but an interesting foray into chill from a guy who knows how to craft a psytrance track.

BMSS

Psyshop

For those of you who don't know, Rabdom L is the brain child of Craig Hudson - aka Theskragg. He is one of the founding fathers of South Africa's Psytrance scene, involved with the legendary Timecode records from its inception alongside the likes of Shift, Phyx, Artifakt and Tickets to name a few. He is no stranger to the psytrance scene and if this is your first encounter with him - I am a little jealous because this man is a treasure trove of some A-Grade quality psytrance which will literally rip open your mind.

Enough fluff, lets get to the point here. 'Datasphere' is Rabdom L's fourth solo EP - and the closest thing yet to a full length album yet. Released by Replicant Records (Australia) - a label that I have followed from its early days in 2012 - and who in my opinion - have a very very bright future ahead of themselves. Let's go ahead and break it down track per track:

1. Rabdom L vs. Deliriant - Datasphere (Rabdom L RMX) : So this track has an interesting story - originally called "Stratusfear" - the first version of the track was released back in 2010 on Rabdom L's first EP - 'The Katalyst' on Nexus Media. Since then, it has been remixed twice by Rabdom L. The second time it became "Ionosphere", released on the second Rabdom L EP - "Augment" - also on Nexus Media. And now comes his third crack at this track. It still bears many of the original elements - the long swooping soundscapes, the eerie melodies and ominous feelings - but the whole first 3-4 minute of the track is really tightly wound up. Never letting you go - its got that old school percussion arrangement (triples? is that what they are called?) - and this beast just keeps building. Finally the datasphere lands and the results are quite outstanding, a lot of the original elements leads are used and again, they are tweaked slightly, placed in new arrangements - really keeps listeners guessing especially if they are familiar with the older versions. This track lays the foundation for what you can expect from this EP, menacingly deep and twisted music. 8/10

2. Rabdom L vs Iliuchina - Beyond the Gates: In the twilight / night full on sub-genre today, there are many stylistic schools of sound that I feel can be used to classify the different acts out there. In this respect, there has only ever been one Rabdom L! The only other act who I thought came close was Iliuchina - especially with tracks like Towards Infinity - which Rabdom L remixed last year hehe. So the prospect of these two making a collaboration is HUGE! And I am happy to report that the results are nothing short of epic. Where Datasphere lets you sink in and find yourself - this track wastes no time to get running. It's mean, ruthless and both these acts do a great job of really meshing together their sounds. I especially enjoy the break towards the 4th minute, with those really eerie female leads which evolves into a spiraling frenzy of melody and energy. Great bit to see the meeting of the minds on the track. All in all - this is one rock solid track that deserves to be played on dance floors everywhere. 9/10

3. Radbom L - Kataloz - Next up we have 'Kataloz' which I feel like is a remix or re-edit of another Rabdom L classic - 'The Katalyst'. Regardless, this is the first solo offering on this EP and it does not disappoint. It's got a beautiful spacey theme going and where the last track was a ball of energy, this one drops more into super deep territory. Not so menacing as track 2 but just... epic. The melodies literally cry out to you, coupled with those nice warm pads - its hard not to immerse yourself in this roller coaster ride of emotions. The story evolves seamlessly, my only complaint might be that I feel like the track starts and stops a bit much, but that could just be me being greedy and wanting the nice crisp bass line to keep going and going .. So far this is my favorite track on the EP and is quintessentially what the Rabdom L sound is all about - immersive atmospheres, driving bass lines and haunting melodies. 9/10.

4. Rabdom L - Fraktalize: This one again takes the energy levels up a notch. Distorted leads, glitched FX and sound arrangements that somehow always throws just the right sound at you - this track is busy and wastes no effort to keeping you engaged at all times. The story is deep, ever evolving and has this cool distorted melody that keeps coming and going. What is really cool about this track is that the more you hear it - the more it grows on you, especially as you begin to pick up and appreciate the intricate layers that come together to make the whole package. Not my favorite track but definitely another stellar tune. 9/10.

5. Ex-Gen - Zombification (Rabdom L RMX): For those of you who didnt know, Replicant Records in association with Ex-Gen recently hosted a remix competition for this monster track, which they released last year on The Replicants Vol.3 EP. So now that you are aware of the background and are more than likely familiar with the original track throw everything you thought you knew about Zombification out the window. This track should have been called Rabdom L ification because this track has been reconstructed to the point where it is unrecognizable. To clarify, I say that with a level of joy that I hope this review will do justice in conveying. Intelligent deep and with some really epic moments, especially the beautiful melody towards the end. That being said you do hear bits and fragments from the original, but there are so many new elements and I think the original leads were completely dropped or updated to the point where I could not recognize them. All in all though this is yet another solid track and will for sure take the dead zombify them and then uber zombify them for lack of an appropriate comparison. 9/10.

Conclusion:

This is a very fulfilling release for fans of Rabdom L and the twilight/night full on genre as a whole and was totally worth the wait. This release that will be on my playlists for many many months to come and given todays landscape where there are so many releases it is rare that I find myself engaged so thoroughly with an entire release. Kudos to Rabdom L and Replicant Records for yet another solid release.

Artwork:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10403716_776188239090841_1917029132802888915_n.jpg?oh=a60b10c65c6bef1b0a4cf609ecf787a2&oe=551CB20C&__gda__=1428123600_0f764b4d467b9de67da98a9c9d5a15e7

Buy this release here:

https://replicantrecords.bandcamp.com/

http://www.beatport.com/release/datasphere/1411876

Artist: Lectro Spektral Daze

Title: Totally Frictionless Surface EP

Label: Goa Records

Date: February. 2014

1. Speechless

2. Totally Frictionless Surface

3. The Shiva

Danny Marshall from New Zealand released this EP back in 2014 and I have to say that I'm really surprised and impressed. Like...Rihanna on the other end of a left hook surprised. Where did this come from? If his latest album sounded like this I believe more eyes would've been opened. The goa is cosmic and continues to be interesting all the way through. The music is entrancing with plenty of layers to delve into. He uses driving rhythms that invites dancing and unleashes the power at the right times. Great stuff to get lost in.

Beatport

Artist: Skizologic

Title: ReMind EP

Label: Zion 604

Date: March, 2014

1. Infinity

2. Funky Virus

3. Kali Power

4. Boundless (Skizologic Remix) - Prana

5. MS Blast (2014 Edit)

6. MS Blast (Shakta Remix)

1903.

Is this what Europe still uses to deliver the f*cking mail? I realize I have taken up residence in the colonies, but a minimum of two weeks to get a CD? Why not just tie it to a pigeon and throw it in my general direction? One of the many reasons I love Zion 604. Me buy CD me get instant high quality download. And when the stagecoach does finally pull to the front of my house with the CD I don't even have to open it. Zion has ripped it for me. It's like fast food without the guilt or the self hate after I just polished off a double Whopper with large fries and drink. King me!

This is Maor Hasbani who compiled a previous Zion 604 release called The Kingdom. It sounds a lot like Braincell if he was infatuated with goa trance. Mastered by Mr. Eat Static Merv Perpler it sounds glorious and punchy with a rich bottom end that doesn't sacrifice the mids or the highs. Crystal clear. The tracks are comprised of strong bass lines you can feel in your chest. The grooves are twisted and the leads are gritty. Melodies? Yeah, but not the twirling, layered type. He doesn't seem interested in carrying you to Nirvana, he wants to throw you there with a catapult. Maybe a cannon is involved, but he brings the power along with squelching 303's on a track like Kali Power. It's chunky and organic with good use of percussive sounds. Very psychedelic. There's even a Shakta remix for lovers of the old school days.

Before I rated the tracks I kept listening to it over and over to see if I got tired of it. One drawback may be that it sounds too similar, but with only 6 tracks and the absolute great sound it held up. There were periods where I wasn't that blown away, but then he would launch into some distinctly goa riffs that thrust me back into things. I find it a good mix of goa and psytrance that maintains its psychedelic vibe. On top of it all the digipak comes with a mix he did with Shidapu. At least that's what Bandcamp says, since I haven't had to open my copy. Recommended.

Bandcamp

Mdk

5. Solar Fields - Insum (2014 Remix) is filled with harmony and feeling. It's floating and euphoric. The subtle female hymns are attractive. Same with the Goa touches. The song incorporates three healthy acts and lifts off in the third. I love that part, the feeling of transcendence, ascension. This is why many people love this artist, his work, because it helps them to feel better, lighter in life, more free and alive. I realize that the artist has exercised ideas like this before, creating buildups to beautiful segments and I'm never tired of it. Magnus always taps angles to done concepts, breathing new life into every work of art, finding new ways to explore the dimension of creativity and beauty through music, love, and imagination. He makes something old in concept feel magical all over again, and that takes talent. This is a beautiful track and my favorite (the most accessible IMO) on CD3. A-

6. Jagoa - Vibe begins with an interesting combination of ambient, beats, and tribal influence. The echoed FX are crisp and catchy along with the melodic ingredients. The floating island interludes nearly eliminate repetition. The ambient notes along with subtle female hymn-esque notes create an ethereal feel. The song flows, though lacks surprise and discovery like the previous track. Still, the track is catchy throughout, and improves as it progresses. It has a mystical feel too which works to its advantage. B+

7. Crossing Mind - Sunlight begins really nice, atmospheric and mystical. The opening 1-2 minute's are good. From 2:22 forward though, the song reminds me of the Sega Genesis game, Streets of Rage. I'm referring to the baseline, beat, and even the melodies (minus the alterations). I bet this was unintentional. I couldn't help but notice. The song unique, with pretty catchy melodies. I think it would have sounded better with a different baseline and beat, as I begin to grow tired of its emphasized sound (towards the end it's quite nice though). The interlude is good too. The song could have developed more and I'm curious what an [excellent] ambient track would be like by this artist, as this isn't it. Nonetheless, there are some nice elements here. B-

8. Jagoa - Finding Some Light is another contemplative number that begins sad and gradually moves to hopeful. Due to the gradual mood shift, I often experience mixed emotions, from contemplative/sad, to more upbeat and hopeful throughout the first half. The artist wants us to feel and has executed the title (moving from darkness to light I infer) effectively. The vehicle is floating and relaxing too. For the record, the song grows catchier, more optimistic and hopeful as it reaches the end, light. B+

9. Neurotonal - The Enlightenment stands out less (to me) than Earth Frequency. This ambient piece took time to grow on me. It's fairly light, lackluster, and slow. A stronger variety of ideas would have been nice, and a more evolved final third. Sometimes I'm content with the way it is. A strong, ambient hum flows throughout. The song is gentle and relaxing. There is nice melody work. Overall I found Neurotonal's Earth Frequency catchier, more enjoyable. But this is pretty good. It's grown on me some. B-

10. Hybrid Leisureland - Friction Glow is ambient for the most part. It's uplifting, dreamy. There are some beautiful elements, though the second half shares ideas with the first. This actually doesn't bother me that much. It's an ambient track and very pleasant in harmony. I can float away. Solid closing track. B+

Concluson - Ten Spins Around the Sun is loaded with great Goa-Trance originals (CD1), remixes (CD2), and Ambient/Chill work (CD3). That's almost 4 hours of quality music. FOUR HOURS?!! The songs are strong and memorable for the most part. CD 1+2 are great. Each has super songs, no bad ones (just one I didn't care for). CD3 (Ambient/Chill) took longer to grow on me; I expected more initially, but it has since grown on me. I almost always find a few songs I'm not in love with on compilations. Good news is that there's only one song (track 2) I don't care for on CD1. Every song on CD2 is solid or great, superb to me. CD3 has some beautiful work; some tracks were simply not so accessible on first listen (I'm thinking track 1). As is the case, let it grow. It's a Suntrip Release after all and every compilation to date has showcased great work. Ten Spins Around the Sun is one of my favorite compilations of 2014. It's a beautiful triple album. Happy 10th Anniversary Suntrip Records and thank you for another great release.

Favorite tracks

CD 1 ... 3, 5, 7, 8, 9
CD 2 ... 3, 4, 5, 7, 8
CD 3 ... 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 .... (followed by 4, 10)

A-

Sample / Order
http://www.suntriprecords.com/shop/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ten-Spins-Around-The-Sun/dp/B00JV4LRF8
http://www.goastore.ch/compilation-ten-spins-around-the-sun-3cds.html
http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/sut/sut3cd032.html
http://www.allmusic.com/album/ten-spins-around-the-sun-mw0002675188/releases

Artist: Lifeforms

Title: Mind Experience EP

Label: Iono Music

Date: August, 2014

1. Mind Experience

2. This Way Up

"You are not having an out of body experience. You are having an out of mind experience."

Tell me about it. Life is pretty hard. What's that? Oh that was the children of Syria telling me to go f*ck myself. Touche. Still, trying to make my way through the tsunami of music in my possession is a mountainous task. I'll get there, but like a 75 year old Asian lady in the fast lane it's taking much longer than I would like. I've reviewed some stuff from this duo before (Charlie Molden from the UK and Maor Tsemah from Israel) and they are holding it down in a very Ovnimoon sort of way. It's psytrance with some progressive and goa touches. This Way Up has more than a goa touch actually with it's searing hot leads and E-mantra-esque flotation device. I really like this partnership as they deliver on atmosphere, power, and some bouncy melodies.

Recommended.

Iono Bandcamp

Psyshop

Artist: Talpa

Title: La La La EP

Label: TesseracT Studio

Date: October, 2014

1. Dark Days

2. La La La

Goran was pretty busy in 2014 with 5 released EPs which continued his mixing of Talpa and Riddler styles. Eerie melodies, groovy beats, haunting piano...all staples of his music. I suppose he could've combined all the EP's into an album, but who am I to tell him what to do. Have you seen him on Facebook? He scares me. But his music continues to move me. The only constant is the change the tracks undergo. Some nice stuff.

Beatport