pr0fane

http://www.dailymotion.com/ASHER/video/58810 Supastars!

I don't think these kinds of threads are very constructive, but I can't help myself from mentioning one album that really stands out for me: Trauma - TB-O-NOT-2B This is one of the guys from Beat Hackers. I never liked their music, but this is much, much worse - horrible Israeli full on with disturbing vocals and some of the worst, painfully annoying acid-lines I have heard in my life. And did I mention the vocals? Supposedly it's the guy himself singing, and he can't sing AT ALL - he's even much worse than Duvdev. Check out this sample from the first track, "Dance With Me"... http://download.yousendit.com/D46B3CF738C61FD4

I have no connection to either of the 3 festivals, but if you can't relate to their neo-new-age-hippie-mumbo-jumbo vision, then don't go, simple as that. No need to make a big fuzz about it.

Why not continue this in the original thread? http://www.psynews.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=37290

Shpongles "Divine Moments Of Truth" and Ishqs "Orchid" unknown!?!? Have you guys been living on a deserted island the last 8 years?

Artist: Oliver Jones Title: Picking Up The Pieces Label: Sofa Beats (Iboga sidelabel) Format: CD Released: March, 2006 Review: "Picking Up The Pieces" is the 2nd artist-album to come out from Sofa Beats. Sofa Beats is the chillout/lounge/ambient sidelabel for the Danish powerhouse label Iboga Records, which undoubtedly is one of the most important players on the progressive psytrance scene. "Picking Up The Pieces" is by the relatively unknown act Oliver Jones, consisting of 2 musicians who's been involved in the progressive psytrance scene for years. The most well-known is Oliver Bierlich, one of the originally two members in Reefer Decree (which is now his soloproject), and also previously known as Oryx. The other member in Oliver Jones is Jonas Christiansen, who has collaborated with Oliver Bierlich on some Oryx-tracks in the past. 01. Intro First is a 1½ minute long intro, that doesn't provide any big surprises, but does have a pretty nice atmosphere. Some trumpet-sounds are stretched, twisted and reverbed before they echo into the next track... 02. Misty Morning The atmosphere quickly gets colder and deeper with "Misty Morning". It has a very nice, relaxed groove, lots of different layers of sound-effects, voice-samples and plenty of development throughout the track. Cool urban dubby track with a somewhat gloomy vibe. 03. Club Velour "Club Velour" is the only track on the album, which has been previously released. It was originally released on the 2nd "Floating Point" compilation a couple of years ago, and it's a jazzy tune with chilled 4x4 beats and different teasing melodies. Although it isn't among the best tracks on this album, but it's still a fine tune with a very positive vibe. 04. Horn Control (Jaw Control Remix) We get a flashback to the golden days of the Reefer Decree trance-sound with "Horn Control (Jaw Control Remix)". It has that typical Reefer Decree trance-bass from their glory days, embellished by trumpets and twisted guitar-samples, that in some way remind me of Celtic Cross - although the track itself can't compare to Celtic Cross. Good track though. 05. Aurora "Aurora" is sort of a short transition-track. It's only running for just over 3½ minutes, and doesn't really have anything that makes it stand out on the album - a fine little dubby track, but quite anonymous in the big picture. 06. Mochila (Ojos De Brujo Remix) Up next is another track running for around 3½ minutes - a remix of "Nr Ventilaor R 80", originally released by a band called Ojos De Brujo. I haven't heard the original, but this remix is really nice, optimistic stuff, a very catchy mix of jazz with strong, Spanish female vocals and chilled dubby beats. Play this, and you'll have the chillout dancing in no time. 07. Picking Up The Pieces "Picking Up The Pieces" also has some pretty good vocals, although they are definitely not as dominant as in the previous track. Generally it's a very delicate track - it has some very tight breaks, and the bright melodies are spot on. Nice, chilled grooves. 08. Money In The Pocket "Money In The Pocket" starts out with a slow groove, but gradually evolves into a really delightful and uplifting morning track with sweet piano-lines, flutes and segments of phat, heavy beats. A really cool track with a very urban feel - great stuff. 09. Dynasty Dundee Things get a little bit more upbeat with "Dynasty Dundee". It has some broken grooves and steady 4x4 beats which run at 125 BPM, but the first part of the track doesn't really grab me. Things gradually improve up till the last half of the track, where we're introduced to some sweet, naïve melodies. One of the weaker tunes on the album in my opinion. 10. Benchmark Modesty The transition from "Dynasty Dundee" to the next track, "Benchmark Modesty" is way too abrupt - but that doesn't change the fact that "Benchmark Modesty" is really, really good. It's a quite busy breaks-tune with really larger-than-life, uplifting pads, lush strings and generally a very trancey feel. Stunning track, my favourite on the album. 11. 7 Minutes The last track is a bonus track, "7 Minutes" - taken from the upcoming Reefer Decree album "Point Of You". It's a quite odd tune with 4x4 beats running at 130 BPM, like a crossover between housey grooves, twisted psychedelic effects and dubby beats. A somewhat special tune, but I can't really decide if I like it or not. Bottom line: The only track I had heard by Oliver Jones beforehand was "Club Velour", and I actually consider this one of the weaker tracks here, so needless to say I was quite pleasantly surprised overall with the "Picking Up The Pieces" album. Generally it's a bit more experimental than the norm from psy-related chillout releases, with elements of dub,lounge, ethnic music (but not nearly as much as the standard in todays psy-chillout releases) and breaks. I found the album quite dependant on mood - sometimes I think it's a marvellous album, while at other times it doesn't grab me as much. If you're looking for some relaxed beats without sounding too much like a lot of the other psy-related chillout releases out there, this is a good buy - but I wouldn't label it as essential. Favourites: 2, 4, 6 (!!), 7, 8, 10 (!!) Verdict: 7/10 Link: Iboga Records: http://www.iboga.dk

14-26th of August? Then check out these festivals: 16th-21st - OZORA, Hungary - http://www.ozorafest.hu 17th-22nd - Rhythms of Peace Beach Festival, Marocco - http://www.rhythmsofpeace.net 18th-20th - Waldfrieden Wonderland, Germany - http://www.wald-frieden.de

Yeah, it does count as downloading.

Correction. It's been very hot every year I've been there - except for last year, where it even rained at times, and it didn't get hot and sunny before sunday. I would definitely recommend the festival-scene in Germany. There are several festivals each weekend in the summer-months, but unfortunately you can't be sure the weather will be warm and dry. Sometimes you're lucky, sometimes you're not.

His last Shakta-album is heavily underrated - stunning, mature progressive trance. Kaya Project is delicious as well.

It would be very interesting, but I don't see it happening any time soon. I'm busy at work, I'm busy at home, and I'm busy with new reviews as well. I still have a bunch of promos lying around that I haven't had the chance to thoroughly review after Soulclipse. If I should make an oldschool review it would probably be Pleiadians - Family Of Light or VA - Halluci-Nations. Some day ...

Lineup complete! http://www.in-deep-an-dance.com LIVE: VIBRASPHERE (Digital Structures, Sweden) PERFECT STRANGER (Iboga Records, Israel) AUDIOMATIC (AP Records, Germany) MAD CONTRABENDER (Midijum Records, Netherland) VAISHIYAS (Spintwist Records, Germany) MUMMRA (Savva Records, Netherland) SYMPHONIX (Blue Tunes Records, Germany) LIGHTSPHERE (Mental Arts Records, Poland) DAY.DIN (Glamour Studios, Germany) PSYBORG (Solarsiv Records, Italy) SOUND OF VISION (Undercover Records, Germany) DJ's: SCHWA (Tribal Vision Records, Australia/Czech) ZOSMA (Spintwist Records, Germany) MINIMENTAL (Freefreequency, Greece) PGM & ILA (Savva Records, Germany) BARDO (Savva Records, Mexico) PULSAR (Magma Records, Italy) MIKADHO (Chaishop.com, Germany) DICA (Doof Records, Israel) MONTAGU & GOLKONDA (Blue Tunes Records, Germany) OHMEGA (Children Of Ganesh, Netherland) ALICE D (Waldfrieden, Germany) KONSTANTIN (Spiritual Healing Records, Russia) TROM (Solarsiv Records, Italy) PROFANE (Dance N Dust Records, Denmark) SYNCRON (Y.S.E. Records , Germany) PSY AGENCY DJ-SET (Psy Agency Project, Germany) LOOPBITZ (Go-A-Way/Savva Records, Germany) HEINO (in:deep:an:dance:, Germany) NIKKI & INTELLIFEX (Spintwist Records, Germany) SPUNKY (Decama Records, Germany) RAMON (Spintwist Records, Germany) CENTAURE (Pi Production, Germany) ARNOX & TIMO TANZTRIEB (Question Of Time, Germany) CHILLOUT: MOODY (in:deep:an:dance:, Germany) MILLER (Sonne Wald Und Wiesen, Germany) TERRA (Sonne Wald Und Wiesen, Germany) JARED (2nd Circle/Tshitraka, Germany) ZOSMA (Spintwist Records, Germany) PGM (Savva Records, Germany) DECO: JUMPING COLORS GIANT OPTIX FUNPLASTICA KNALL OPTIK MYSTIK VISION DAN LOCATION: Hechtsforthschleuse/ 19300 Grabow Mecklenburg/Vorpommern freeway exit no 14:Ludwigslust ( B106 ) in the direction of Ludwigslust in Ludwigslust ( B5 ) in the direction of Perleberg ( B5 ) to Grabow in Grabow towards Prislich in Grabow shortly after the railway bridge left and follow the signs! PRICES: 15.Apr - May 15 euro 15 May - 15 June 20 euro 15 June - July 25 euro point of sale/entry 30 euro TICKET PRESALE AT: jumpingcolors@2-ec.com newgeneration@2000.cd djpgm@hotmail.com

Yeah, it's the same shop I just ordered the MP3 tshirt by the way - brilliant

Is it different? Yes. Is it experimental? Definitely. Is it enjoyable? Not really. I have liked a lot of the earlier Fuzzion-releases, and looking at all the praise and hype concerning the album, I really wanted to like it. Musically it's a very interesting and diverse album, but at the end of the day, I guess I simply don't understand what all the fuzz is about. I have heard it over and over again the last couple of months, but I often grab myself thinking "what's so amazing about it?". It simply doesn't grab me, and to be honest I found the whole thing rather pointless. Luckily taste differs though. The only good tracks in my opinion where "Little Girl" and the "White Rabbit" remix.

I'm considering Boom, as someones organising a trip from Denmark for under 300 Euros (including ticket for the festival). It depends on other factors though - there might be a booking for me the same weekend, and I would also really like to know the lineup for Boom before deciding. In 2004 the lineup was very weak, and I heard the sound was the worst ever at a big international trance-festival - on the other hand, I hear it's a great experience overall, but without good music, I don't think it's worth it. I am definitely going to Sonica though, and will probably also attend VooV again this year. Also seriously considering Tshitraka, Indian Spirit and Full Moon.

Artist: Various Title: Grey Area - compiled by DETOX Label: Exposure Productions Format: CD (Jewelcase with standard 4-page inlay) Released: February, 2006 Review: Exposure Productions was launched in 2004 by DETOX from Greece - a guy quite well-known on for instance the Isratrance forum, where he has always been a member (and for a period also moderator) with a serious attitude towards the trance-scene and strong opinions. His label is dedicated to releasing music of high quality in the already flooded market of full on releases, and it seems to go rather well, as I personally found the labels second compilation, "Digital Performers" one of the best full on compilations released last year. Just recently the labels 3rd compilation, "Grey Area" was released, and once again with a solid lineup of some of the scenes most well-known acts around. 01. Protoculture - Terra Tronics [143 BPM] The opener is by Protoculture from South Africa, who just released his 2nd album "Circadian", and who I personally consider one of the very best full on producers in the last couple of years. "Terra Tronics" can also be found on his new album, but I personally don't consider it among his very best tunes - it's a real stomper for the dancefloor, but I think the melodies are too fast, too heavy on breaks, and the voice-samples seem over the top. Although it isn't as magical as some of his very best material, it is a very good full on tune though. 02. Electric Universe - Athina [145 BPM] Boris Blenn aka Electric Universe and Jupiter 8000 is one of the remaining old legends on the psytrance scene, and "Athina" certainly has a bit of old-school psytrance flavour. I haven't really liked his last couple of releases, but this is high quality stuff - fast and driving, with a plethora of melodies that take you back to "the good old days" of goatrance. A true anthem for the festival dancefloors this summer. 03. Deedrah - Take It Or Leave It [145 BPM] "Take It Or Leave It" is by another highly respected act, Deedrah from France - also known as Synthetic, Dado and part of GBU, Transwave and a handful of other acts. DJ's might like that the fact that there is no real intro, and this is definitely a full on DJ tool. Doesn't provide as many clever twists and turns as I've come to expect from Deedrah, but overall it does a pretty good job. 04. Polaris versus Galaktik Wave - Mechanical Male [146 BPM] The French act Polaris is up next with a collaboration with Galaktik Wave - an act that is quite unknown to me. "Mechanical Male" is a fairly good full on tune - the voice-samples are funny and clever, and overall this tune is certainly not bad, but does sound a bit too generic in my ears. Great dance floor stuff. 05. Wizzy Noise - Radio Silence [141 BPM] The Greek act Wizzy Noise, who recently released a single and an album on Exposure Productions in cooperation with Harmonia Records, give the compilation a Greek touch. "Radio Silence" is in their usual style with huge, slightly tribal basslines, big trancy riffs and crystal-clear production. Another good tune from Wizzy Noise. 06. Dino Psaras - White Lights [145 BPM] UK's Dino Psaras, known for his involvement in projects like Cydonia and Tortured Brain provide the compilation with a hint of night time gloominess. Some voice-samples from "Sin City" give the track a dark, disturbing touch, while the morning fans might like the uplifting synths, although they do sound like something you would expect from a hardtrance tune. 07. Prosper - Overstar [143 BPM] Prosper from Yugoslavia is up next with the somewhat surprising tune "Overstar". At first it's groovy, with a very progressive touch and delightful positive melodies, but slowly increasing in intensity before the big breakdown when it goes into more typical full on morning madness. Very fine and delicate track, definitely not what I was expecting. 08. S Range featuring Tranan - Electric Forces [142 BPM] Up next is a collaboration between the two Swedes S>Range and Tranan, one half of Logic Bomb. I personally don't like S>Ranges recent move towards full on, but this track was a very pleasant surprise that bring out memories of the sweet morning Logic Bomb sound like on the classics "Datalinks" and "Computers & Microprocessors". Soft, melodic morning-trance with a subtle, thoughtful edge to it - I'm loving it. 09. Prometheus - Colour Storm [136 BPM] The slowest track on the compilation is by one of the Twisteds unusual suspects, Prometheus, also known for his involvement in projects like Younger Brother and Cyberbabas. "Colour Storm" is somewhat a disappointment in comparison with his last couple of releases - I feel it simply lacks energy, psychedelia and atmosphere. Ok, it's a good tune on its own, but I was expecting something a little more impressive. 10. Silicon Sound and Jaia present Even 11 - Oblivion [140 BPM] To finish the compilation we get a real masterpiece of a track. Even 11 is a collaboration between Silicon Sound and Jaïa, who also worked together on the marvellous track "Passengers" on the last Exposure Productions compilation - but this track is even better. "Oblivion" runs for over 11 minutes, and is a progressive/full on crossover tune, that is definitely to be found among my favourite tracks this year. The sound is huge, the melodies are long and optimistic, and even though it's filled with energy, it doesn't seem rushed and stressful at all. Epic, dreamy track. Bottom line: "Grey Area" is another solid compilation from the young Greek label Exposure Productions. The style is concentrated around the popular full on sound, even though the last half of the compilation does explore the more progressive side of the scene - and it does a very good job. Overall it doesn't take any really big risks, but the quality is undoubtedly very high, there are no downright bad tracks, and you'll definitely find yourself dancing to some of these tunes this summer. If you're into the sound of labels like Neurobiotic, Nano and Turbo Trance, and you're looking for a new morning full on compilation for your collection, then look no further than "Grey Area". Favourites: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 (!), 10 (!!!!) Verdict: 8/10 Link: Exposure Productions: http://www.exposure-productions.net

Artist: Various Title: Rewired - compiled by DJ Clown Label: Jester Records Format: CD (Jewelcase with standard 4-page inlay) Released: April, 2006 Review: The techtrance scene has always (with a few exceptions) been somewhat in the background of the full on, progressive and minimal scenes, and with only a few labels left, new releases are quite rare. A new label has just been launched though - based in Montreal, Canada and started by DJ Clown, Jester Records will try to bring back the hard, relentless techtrance sound to the listeners and more importantly - the dance floors. The first release from the new label is "Rewired", a compilation with no less than 12 tracks - 6 of them from Canadian artists like Nuclear Ramjet, DJ Preach and Axiomata, and 6 tracks by international well-known acts like Spirallianz, Triac and Three Point Turn/Authentik. 01. DJ Preach - Oxygen Enhanced [135 BPM] First out is Canadian DJ Preach - perhaps not a household name in psytrance circuits, but a well-known name on the techno scene. "Oxygen Enhanced" is an interesting tune, crossing solid techno beats with a more house-oriented groove and bright, positive melodies. A great track - not exactly what I was expecting to find on a techtrance release, but an interesting way to open the compilation. 02. Nuclear Ramjet - Down The Wall [134 BPM] Nuclear Ramjet is one of the most well-known Canadian names on the psytrance scene, having 3 full-length albums (one of them, "Mission To Sedna" released just recently) since 1998. "Down The Wall" is typical techtrance production - the atmosphere is cold and dark, with spooky orchestral pads, hard and precise percussion, and a few french voice-samples thrown in for good measure. Good track, although not among the best from Nuclear Ramjet. 03. Three Point Turn - Klush Kingdom [136 BPM] The French duo Three Point Turn was almost long forgotten - after their 2 albums released around the millennium they haven't really released anything, but Jester has brought back the once popular act. "Klush Kingdom" is quite a disappointment to me though - hard, dark and with serious attitude, but also a bit too much in my opinion. It really got on my nerves. 04. Kali-Frogz - Dismembered [135 BPM] Kali-Frogz is a duo from France, known for some appearances in both chillout and techtrance circuits on compilations from Horns & Hoofs, Peak and Agitato. "Dismembered" has a more upbeat, bouncy groove than the distinct drive in the previous 2 tracks, and combine it with some haunting, industrial sounds, you end up with a pretty nice track overall. 05. Triac - Versa [138 BPM] "Versa" is by the Israeli duo Triac, who have a full-length debut album set for release any day now - one of the members is also known for his progressive soloproject Morax. "Versa" has distinct influences from the German X-Dream/The Delta/Midimiliz/Spirallianz posse, and even though it only runs for little over 6 minutes, it is very hypnotic and likeable. Nothing new, but a good track overall. 06. Tao Vs. Metalogic - Irrational Impulse (4x4 Mix) [138 BPM] Tao and Metalogic, both from Canada, are up next with a collaboration remix. "Irrational Impulse" was originally on Metalogics "Magnetic Influence" album, released last year on Boshke, and this is a 4x4 mix. That name is a bit misleading though, as this is more in the break beat territory - very pounding and hard-hitting break beat that is. Cool and interesting track. 07. Authentik - Les 3 Machines [139 BPM] Authentik is the sideproject of the old Three Point Turn act, and like their first contribution to this compilation, this also got on my nerves. The orchestral pads are pretty nice, but generally the track is way, way too aggressive and high-pitched for my delicate ears. Didn't like it. 08. Spirallianz - Bp Talk [142 BPM] The German act Spirallianz/Midimiliz is undoubtedly one of the biggest techtrance acts around, and "Bp Talk" doesn't disappoint. It starts with some troubling voice-samples of kids, which gives associations to The Deltas techtrance classic "Pop", and develops into a full on techtrance monster of a track, with an abundance of delicate soundtricks. Definitely one of the biggest highlights on the compilation. 09. Tao - Pacific Intervention [138 BPM] Up next is the first solo-release by Tao Nguyen from Canada, and what a debut. "Pacific Intervention" has the tough task to follow Spirallianz, but does a very good job - pounding big-room techtrance with spooky organs and a relentless drive that'll cause some serious dancefloor carnage. Definitely one of my personal highlights on the CD. 10. Hidra - Fixed [140 BPM] Hidra is another Canadian newcomer, appearing with the track "Fixed". It does start out pretty promising with a catchy groove, but unfortunately it seems too stuck in the same loop, and in the long run (even though it doesn't even run for 6 minutes) it gets too annoying and nerve-racking for me. More variety, and this could have been quite good. 11. Axiomata - New Normal (Remix) [140 BPM] Axiomata is one of the more well-known Canadian acts, who has made his mark on the techtrance scene with a couple of releases on Maniac I.Q and his own label Cold Groove. "New World (Remix)" is a bit of a disappointment though - nice production, but I found the track too fast and with way too messy and stressful percussion. 12. Toltech - Codigo Rojo [138 BPM] Last but not least the compilation is closed by yet another track by a Canadian newcomer, Toltech. "Codigo Rojo" is quite a promising debut from Toltech - despite running at 138 BPM, it has a quite lazy feel, and the atmosphere is deep and synthetic, with pads ranging from bright to raw and dirty. A great tune overall. Bottom line: "Rewired" is a fine debut from Jester Records. It has a quite diverse selection of tunes ranging from techtrance to techno and even a slight hint of house - I personally didn't like all of it, but some of the tunes did leave a really big impact, and although I don't play a lot of techtrance, this CD will certainly be in my case for a while. It's not the best compilation to come out this year, but if you're a die-hard techtrance fan, this release is pretty much essential, as there is so little new techtrance on the market at the moment. Favourites: 1 (!!), 2, 5, 6, 8 (!!), 9 (!!), 12 Verdict: 7/10 Link: Jester Records: http://www.jesterrecords.ca

When I heard him DJ (around a year ago) he played a lot of smooth progressive trance/house crossover goodies. Vapour Records stuff

Great idea, best of luck to all participants

Artist: Tegma Title: Around The World In 80 Minutes Label: Tribal Vision Format: CD (Jewelcase with 10-page booklet and DJ-inlay) Released: March, 2006 Cover: http://217.160.138.169/pic_b/tvr1cd008_b.jpg Review: The two Sweden-based producers Omar Chelly and Jason Orfanidis have been making music as Tegma for roughly six years. Their first release was on the "Folded View" compilation on CreamCrop back in 2001, and since then they have released tracks on practically all the biggest progressive labels on the scene, such as Digital Structures, Iboga, Flow, Plastik Park, Plusquam, ZMA and Tribal Vision. Along the way they have also released 2 albums - "Encoded/Decoded" was released back in 2002 on Digital Structures, and the general response was very positive. Last year, in 2005, they took a step towards the more popular full on sounds on their second album "002: Avant.Garde", which was released on Candyflip. Now they're ready with a 3rd album - the title is "Around The World In 80 Minutes" and - like the title suggest - it's a completely different direction compared to "002: Avant.Garde". The album is released by the new powerhouse label Tribal Vision Records, and like always the packaging is superb - from the classy artwork to the fat booklet and the useful DJ-inlay. But anyways - let's take a look (listen) to the music inside. 01. Our World [132 BPM] The album starts with a long and beautiful intro that really has a nice atmosphere with some sweet female choir-pads. After the fine, but slightly overused "The world is changed" voice-sample from "The Lord Of The Rings", we're introduced to a delicious, tribal groove and overall "Our World" has a very organic feel with sweet melodies that tingle the senses. Amazing, slightly laidback opener. 02. Desert Tale [134 BPM] The journey around the world really begins here - according to the booklet, "Desert Tale" was produced in May 2005 with the help of an Egyptian musician, and the Arabic influences are very distinct. It's more pumping and dancefriendly than the opener, and with some Arabic chants and classical intruments, but overall I didn't really connect to it. 03. El Mariachi [134 BPM] Next, "El Mariachi" flies us to Mexico, and the Spanish/Mexican influences on this track work really, really well. The Spanish voice-samples and especially the hypnotizing guitar are perfectly blending with a really hard-hitting and pumping groove, and the subtle melodies take the track to the next level. Possibly one of the biggest dancefloor hits on the album. 04. Tribal Dancer [135 BPM] "Tribal Dancer" is the first trip to Africa on the album, and it's yet another organic sound-experience. There is some very distinct use of voice-samples about the use of a so-called "Flow-master", and the African elements with the tribal percussion does work rather well with the pumping electro-ish groove. Good stuff. 05. Intermezzo "Intermezzo" is a short (just over 2 minutes) break from the dancefloor stuff - according to the booklet it was originally meant as an intro for "Desert Tale", and like in "Desert Tale", it's a heavily Arabic influenced track. A fine intermezzo. 06. Drums Of Africa [136 BPM] We go back to Africa on "Drums Of Africa", and it's a very thoughtful track. "African music. Try to capture the spirit of African music. African music comes from a much deeper understanding of what music is - cause they invented it." - this dominant voice-sample is combined with African percussion, tribal chants and an underlying progressive trance sound that sounds like Tegma in their "Encoded/Decoded" days, and overall this track left a pretty strong impression on me. 07. A Night In Cairo [132 BPM] "A Night In Cairo" is a trip back to the more oriental vibes, and I think the best way to describe it, is as a progressive version of Tikal. Generally it seems to have a quite similar vibe going on, but it also leaves the same impression as the last Tikal-album on me - it seems like they try too hard to get that oriental feeling, and thus it feels a bit over the top. Didn't like it. 08. I Wanna Be A Robostar [134 BPM] After the organic, world-music section of the album, the last two tracks are more in an urban technoish direction. "I Wanna Be A Robostar" is a strong, upbeat tune with only a hint of oriental vocals, but a very solid groove, smooth big pads and very funky grooves. A bit similar to Ticon, but funkier and with a bit more edge - a stand out tune for sure. 09. Spooked [130 BPM] The last tune on the album is "Spooked", and it goes even more into the electro/progressive house/progressive trance realm. It starts with a cool breakish intro, and slowly goes into a solid big-room progressive house/trance sound with clear similarities to stuff like Luke Chable. A great final tune, and as a very nice touch, it ends with the same "The world is changed" voice-sample from "Lord Of The Rings" they also used in the opening track. Bottom line: In only few months we've been spoiled with two very organic and tribal progressive psytrance albums. First the Perfect Stranger album "Learning = Change", which was released on Iboga, and now the Tegma album "Around The World In 80 Minutes", released on Tribal Vision - comparing the two albums seems unfair though, as they have an entirely different approach. "Around The World In 80 Minutes" has a very strong concept with influences from all over the world, and for most part it's a great album, but there are times (track 2 and 7) where it, to me, feels like they took it a bit too far. "Around The World In 80 Minutes" leaves a much better impression than the more full on influenced "002: Avant.Garde" though, and I consider it equally good as their 2002 debut "Encoded/Decoded". A very recommended album overall. Favourites: 1 (!!), 3 (!!) 4, 6 (!!), 8 (!!), 9 (!!) Verdict: 8,5/10 Links: Tribal Vision Records: http://www.tribalvision.cz Tegma: http://www.tegmatekk.com

Wow, interesting. Tell me more please.

Ok, after listening to it extensively for the past days, I think I'm ready to say what I feel. Let me start out saying that I'm a huge "fan" of Protocultures productions up till now - to me, he's one of the top3 full on producers, and of all his tracks so far, it's only been a few that I didn't like, and the vast majority are downright amazing. "Circadians" is a good album - actually I consider it one of the best morning full on albums I've heard for quite a while, and tracks like "Out Of Reality", "Sweet Fine Crystaline" and "Halo" are stunning. But where some parts of the album are everything I hoped it to be, others are quite disappointing. To me, Protoculture always had a unique touch to his sound - hereby I'm not saying that he's a unique artist or anything (because let's face it, he's using the same formulas as everybody else), but he's always had a trademark touch to his sound, so that when you heard a track at a party, you could easily tell that it had been made by him. In my opinion too many of the tracks on the album miss that touch. Take for instance the "Greece 2000" ripoff "Circadians" and especially the two tunes "Break Out" and "Hitched" - both sound exactly like they where made by Astrix, and not like they where made by Protoculture. Don't get me wrong - it's very enjoyable music, and after experiencing him live on Soulclipse, I can say that all the tracks are wonders on the dancefloor, but I guess I was hoping for something magical and absolutely spectacular, and all I got was something good. I Guess I have to learn to lower my expectations

Am I the only one who's fed up with Michele Adamson? I mean, it was ok when she made some vocals to Shpongle, and "Ra He'Ya" was a fun, fresh tune as well - but come on, her voice isn't THAT good. Her liveset in the chillout at Soulclipse was absolutely horrible.

Heard him live at VooV in 2004, and it was a disappointment. His liveset at Soulclipse was amazing though, and I've heard him DJ last year also - which was also superb.

2. Above & Beyond - Beats Vol.1 5 !??