pr0fane
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Posts posted by pr0fane
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Weird that radi hasn't commented on the GMS-single on Twisted
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This is a joke, right? Come on, the promo-text looks exactly like a copy of Guy Cohen.
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Sesto Sento - Sestomentos. Cool, progressive tune from 2003 running at only 136 BPM
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WRONG. What do you call this then? - http://www.discogs.com/release/123551
There are also full on elements on "Twisted Sessions Vol. 1" and both of the "Unusual Suspects" CD's.
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Artist: Various
Title: Hibernation - compiled by Yuli Fershtat
Label: Iboga
Format: CD (Jewelcase with standard 4-page inlay)
Released: February, 2006
Cover: http://217.160.138.169/pic_b/ibo1cd037_b.jpg
Review:
After the end of the successful "Set" series, the Danish label Iboga is once again back to releasing standalone compilations, and the first one on the market is "Hibernation". "Hibernation" is compiled by Yuli Fershtat, who also recently compiled the "Set:4 Essentials" compilation. He is undoubtedly one of the most well-known exponents for the progressive psytrance scene in Israel, and a part of the psytrance-scenes premier league for years. First under the name BLT, where he released no less than 4 albums on labels like HOMmega and Krembo, and later under the slower, purely progressive Perfect Stranger project - with a debut album coming out in March.
01. James Monro vs. Dickster - Wash Out (Extended verse) [130 BPM]
First track is from a collaboration of two legends on the scene; James Monro, owner of the late Flying Rhino Records, and Dickster, also known as Dick Trevor - member of several legendary acts like Tufaan and Green Nuns Of The Revolution. "Wash Out" is a really well-made track, starting with some simple kicks and percussion, and slowly raising in intensity for 3-4 minutes before reaching a blissful breakdown and kicking into full effect. The melodies are loveable, yet still quite subtle and bubbly, and this is one hell of an optimistic opening tune.
02. Yotopia - New Born [132 BPM]
After the release of their debut album "Point Blank", Yotopia became a household name in progressive circles in 2005, and well deserved if I might add. "New Born" is generally built on their usual theme of sounds, but it's a bit slower than usual, and it works really well. A very melodic progressive trance/house tune, and a very nice one overall.
03. Morax - Out Of The Blue [134 BPM]
Morax is one of the most promising progressive acts from Israel - partly as member of the tech-trance act Triac, and also with his own progressive Morax-project, where he has already been featured on labels like Domo, Uphonic and Iboga. "Out Of The Blue" is by far the best track I've heard from him up till now - seemingly anonymous at first, but after repeated listens the depth in this track make it a sure winner.
04. Ace Ventura - R.I.S.E. [130 BPM]
Yoni Oshrat might ring a bell for some people - up till recently he was a member of one of the most successful Israeli psytrance acts, Psysex, but he is now on his own with the two projects Schatsi and Ace Ventura: Schatsi with focus on funky electro and Ace Ventura with a more psygressive approach. "R.I.S.E." is probably my favourite Ace-tune so far - the grooves are solid and tribal, and despite only running at 130 BPM, it's loaded with energy. Really nice work.
05. Perfect Stranger - Bliss [133 BPM]
The compiler of the CD, Yuli Fershtat, is up next with "Bliss". As usual it's very outdoor-minded with many tribal elements, but there are hints of oldschool psytrance/goa in there as well. From the larger-than-life choir-pads to the many subtle layers of melodies. High quality production once again from Yuli.
06. Annarchy, Dickster & Barker - Eargate [130 BPM]
Up next is another interesting collaboration of legendary psytrance names. George Barker, who once was part of one of my absolute favourite psytrance acts, Slinky Wizard, team up with Dick Trevor and the upcoming Israeli Annarchy, who some might know for her appearances on Transient and Nano Records. "Eargate" is a really strong and distinct track, loaded with psychedelic twists and effects, chopped-up vocal-samples and heavy tribal percussion. Please collaborate some more!
07. Sun Control Species - Push Through [135 BPM]
Sun Control Species from Australia, whose debut album is set for release on Iboga this summer, is up next with "Push Through". Despite being the fastest track on the CD, the tribal groove is quite lazy and laidback. The atmosphere is stunningly deep with hints of asian influences, and I could imagine this would go down really, really well in a morning set in a remote forest.
08. Elegant Universe - Buggy One [130 BPM]
Yet another interesting upcoming act is Elegant Universe from Israel. The duo consist of Amir Hardon, whose name I am unfamiliar with, and Miki Litvak, member of the full on act Domestic, and previously also a member of Hyperion and Shidapu with Erez Aizen, who later became one half of Infected Mushroom. "Buggy One" is probably the least psytrance-like tune on the compilation, with a mixture between heavy tribal beats and trancy big-room pads. I could imagine there would be very different opinions on this track, but in my opinion it's both huge and very emotional - my only gripe is that it's a few minutes too short.
09. Fish - Gotta Get On [130 BPM]
Last but not least is Fish, another new collaboration: Yuli Fershtat team up with VP Records' DJ Zombi, who is undoubtedly one of the most well-known progressive DJ's in Israel. "Gotta Get On" is a bit of a letdown compared to the rest of the compilation though - the sounds seem rather shallow, the voice-samples are corny and cliché, and I would have preferred more depth in the track overall. Not bad, but in my opinion not on the same standard as the rest of the compilation.
Bottom line:
I hate to sound like a repetition of myself, but "Hibernation" is yet another great release from Iboga. At first glimpse it doesn't contain as many instant standout tracks as some of their best compilations from last year, but after countless repeated listens it has really grown on me the last week, and that is, to me, certainly a proof of quality. Overall Yuli Fershtat did an impressive job compiling "Hibernation - especially on picking up some of the very interesting collaborations, and the flow seems very well-thought as well.
Recommended for progressive fans into slower grooves with heavy tribal influences and a small hint of Iboga-psychedelia.
Favourites:
1 (!!), 2, 3 (!!), 4, 5, 6 (!!), 7, 8 (!!)
Verdict:
8,5/10
Link:
Iboga Records: http://www.iboga.dk
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9th of February from Psyshop.com:
V.A. - Kodama (Plusquam)
Greed - Greeds Temptation (ACDC)
ManMadeMan - The Legend Remixes (Turbo Trance)
Aerospace - Earth (Midijum)
Kino Oko - Lost Entertainment (Horns And Hoofs)
Hallucinogen - In Dub (Twisted)
V.A. - Mystery Of The Yeti And Mystical Experiences (TIP.World) (2 CD)
V.A. - Spiritual Worlds (YSE) (2 CD)
Bluetech - Sines and Singularities (Aleph Zero)
V.A. - The Mystery of the Yeti Part 2 (TIP.World)
V.A. - Shanti Bar (YSE) (2 CD)
V.A. - Vajra (Indica Music)
Solar Fields - Leaving home (Ultimae)
19th of January from Psyshop.com:
V.A. - Neo::Caine (Neurobiotic)
V.A. - Wider Horizons (Dragonfly)
Abakus - That Much Closer to the Sun (Dragonfly)
Kaya Project - Elixir (Interchill)
V.A. - Mountain High (Candyflip)
V.A. - Quality Relaxation (Chill Tribe)
Bus - More business link you there (Sub)
3rd of January from Klikrecords.gr:
Dousk - D.I.Y. (Klik)
2nd of January from Trance-Shop.com:
V.A. - Insolation Single Assemblage 1 (Insolation)
V.A. - Made to measure (Com.Pact)
V.A. - Touchin Bass (Dragonfly)
V.A. - Therapy (Dragonfly)
Tegma - 002:Avant.garde (Candyflip)
Triptych - Electrology (Turbo Trance)
Native Radio - Chiba City Blues (Midijum)
Magnetrixx - Wired (AP)
V.A. - A better life through chemistry (Dragonfly)
Midi Miliz - Non Standards (G+)
Antix - Lull (Iboga)
V.A. - Transient Single Life The 12'' Collection (Transient)
V.A. - Chemical Lovers (Millennium) (2 CD)
V.A. - Israliens 4 (HOMmega)
V.A. - Transient 9 - Regeneration (Transient)
V.A. - Chillosophy (Digital Structures)
V.A. - Goa Vol. 6 (YSE) (2 CD)
V.A. - Network (Nano)
V.A. - Streamline (Nano)
V.A. - Globalize (Flow)
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It isn't the amazing album I was expecting, but it's certainly not bad either. "Rolling Hills", the Absolut-collaboration and the Atmos-remix are my favourites so far.
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A new Hux Flux track, "Post 100", will be on the new compilation from Mind Funk Records titled "Complex Cosmic Creation".
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http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/neu/neu1cd017.html
Very very good uplifting full on.
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Artist: Various
Title: Floating Point 3 - compiled by Michael Banel
Label: Sofa Beats/Iboga
Format: CD (Jewelcase with standard 4-page inlay)
Released: February, 2006
Review:
After establishing themselves as one of the most important labels on the progressive psytrance scene, Iboga Records last year launched a new chillout/ambient sidelabel called Sofa Beats. Over the years, Iboga had already released a number of chilled releases, like the infamous "New Entry", and the first two chapters in the "Floating Point" series - but where Iboga was mainly focusing on the trancier side of the scene the new sidelabel is strictly downbeat.
The 2nd release from Sofa Beats (the catalogue-number says it's the 3rd, but number 2, the Oliver Jones album, hasn't been released yet) is the 3rd chapter in the "Floating Point" saga. Let's give it a spin.
01. Bluetech - Wilderness
First track is from North Americas Bluetech, who recently released his new album "Sines and Singularities". The overall atmosphere in "Wilderness" is quite cold, the track is well-produced, and I really like some of the rather weird twists and effects. That being said, I don't consider it among Bluetechs strongest releases.
02. Koan - Sirens
Koan is the chillout-sideproject of the Russian duo Vacuum Stalkers, and an act whose underground releases I've been following quite closely lately. Their recent "When Invisible Becomes Visible" MP3-EP was of really high quality, and "Sirens" is pretty good as well. The atmosphere is pretty close to the cold breeze in the first track by Bluetech, but with stronger melodies, really lush pads and waves and more distinct asian influences. Really nice.
03. Crowd Control - Little Haiti
"Little Haiti" is a somewhat Reggae-influenced dubby tune with somewhat strange female vocals and deep male voice-samples. It's made by Crowd Control from Denmark, and just like their appearance on second "Floating Point" compilation, I consider this the weakest track on the compilation. It's not downright bad, but to me it does sound rather messy - like they had to put too many ideas into the pot.
04. Aural Planet - Sunfruits Avenue (Sundial Remix)
Sundial is a new act by Alex Kochman from Poland, and he's up next with a remix of "Sunfruits Avenue", that appeared on Ultimaes "Fahrenheit Project Part Five" compilation - originally made by himself as part of Aural Planet. I haven't heard the original, but this version is right down my alley - with silky smooth, larger-than-life trancy pads, gentle breaks and subtle teasing melodies. Very enjoyable.
05. Alex Scheffer - Under Your Mind
French Alex Scheffer, perhaps better known as Cell, is up next with "Under Your Mind", and in mood it continue down the same road as the "Sunfruits Avenue" remix, although maybe a bit deeper, reminiscent of an underwater journey. The atmosphere is quite laidback, with only a few 4/4 kicks and simple, yet stunningly effective melodies pushing the track forward. Definitely one of the best tracks I've ever heard by Alex Scheffer/Cell.
06. Shen - Cloud Theory
Shen is the chilled sideproject by the widely acclaimed Canadian techno-producer Noah Pred, and "Cloud Theory" is the first downbeat release I've heard from him. While it perhaps isn't the most catchy of the tracks here, it certainly doesn't fail either - without an abundance of pads, he still manages to make a very mysterious and gloomy atmosphere, and I consider it one of the most interesting tunes here, although not among the very best.
07. Seahorse Transform - Paradime Warp
Seahorse Transform is, to me, a completely unknown act - behind the project is Danish Simon Jagd, and he's already signed for an album on Sofa Beats later this year. With "Paradime Warp" he leads the compilation in a direction more towards ethnic chillout, and it's generally an ok track, with a cosy oriental market-atmosphere.
08. Sundial - Azure Aquarings
"Azure Aquarings" is the compilations 2nd offering from Polish Alex Kochmans new Sundial project, and although it doesn't quite match the first one, it's a very good tune. While the melodies perhaps aren't as strong as in the first one, the mood is quite optimistic, and it is surely another very enjoyable track.
09. Alex Scheffer - Sparkley Area
Alex Scheffer aka Cell is up next with his 2nd track on the compilation, the nicely sounding "Sparkley Area". Like "Under Your Mind", it is also built on steady, yet never forceful 4/4 beats, and the atmosphere is deep and dreamy in a not-too bright way. A very good track, although not as aesthetic as "Under Your Mind", and my expectations are now pretty high for the upcoming Cell and Alex Scheffer albums.
10. True To Nature - Ghetto
The Danish house-duo True To Nature, consisting of some of the Danish scenes, most well-known DJ's, Jokke Ilsøe and Tom Von Rosen, provide a somewhat surprising dancefloor-oriented track, "Ghetto". I was expecting something a bit more chilled, but I can't deny that this is a deep, emotional and utterly beautiful progressive house track - it runs at 125 BPM, and is both dancefriendly, as well as loaded with magnificent soundscapes for the chillout. Just delicious.
11. True To Nature Feat. Tusnelda - Subside
True To Nature carry on with housey beats in the last track as well, this time teaming up with Tusnelda, who some might remember for her brilliant collaboration with Rumpistol on "Floating Point 2". "Subside" also runs at approximately 125, and is even deeper than the previous track, with a deeper groove, huge melancholic pads and some amazing vocals by Tusnelda - what a voice! Some might consider the vocals cheesy, but I find them very suitable for the overall atmosphere of track, and made in good taste. Great track, although I could have wished it was a bit longer than 5½ minutes.
Bottom line:
Wow. I liked the first two chapters in the "Floating Point" series, but the 3rd chapter is by far the best chapter yet. The standard throughout the compilation is really high, with only one track, Crowd Controls "Little Haiti" not fitting to my liking, and there are some really outstanding gems to be found here. The compilation is quite varied, and the flow is pretty consistent and well-thought, starting with the two deep and rather cold tunes by Bluetech and Koan, moving over more traditional chillout and a hint of ethnic flavours before finishing with the master stroke - the two delicious groovers by True To Nature.
Like I said earlier, "Floating Point 3" is my favourite chapter in the series, and in my opinion also the best chillout release by Sofa Beats and Iboga Records so far. Great job.
Favourites:
2, 4 (!!), 5 (!!), 6, 8, 9, 10 (!!!), 11 (!)
Verdict:
9/10
Link:
Iboga Records: http://www.iboga.dk
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Hi mikadho, you posted this in the wrong section I'm afraid
I downloaded it after you posted it in the Isratrance forum by the way, and it generally a quite good listen. Do you mind posting a tracklist ?
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V/A - G-Spot
in 2006
Artist: Various
Title: G-Spot - compiled by DJ Huda-G
Label: Domo
Format: CD (Jewelcase with 16-page inlay)
Released: February, 2006
Review:
Domo Records is one of Israel's only psytrance labels focusing on the progressive scene, and with almost 4 years behind them, also one of the oldest. The label has had a good run so far, releasing compilations of generally good quality, and albums from well-known, yet not top of the line acts like Insane Creation, Sensifeel and Tomtron and Liesegang. "G-Spot" is their newest compilation, compiled by the Israeli DJ Huda-G, and consisting of 9 new tracks from both Israeli locals and international acts.
Before moving on to the track by track review, let me just mention the high-quality cover for the release - much like the standard from Tribal Vision Records, the cover contains an extensive 16-page booklet with information about all the artists involved, including pictures and previous releases - as well as background info about the label and it's previous releases. Also included is a small inlay for the DJ-cases (why they left out the BPM's is beyond me though) - very good job Domo.
01. V Tunes - Progression [134 BPM]
First tune is from the Swiss duo V Tunes, who had their debut-release on Domo's "Swiss Connection" compilation back in 2004, and since then have appeared on labels like Plusquam, Groove Zone and VP. "Progression" is your average progressive tune - pleasant use of sounds and good production, but it doesn't really have anything new to say. A nice enough track, but not very interesting.
02. Yotopia - Zoi [134 BPM]
After the release of the debut-album "Point Blank" on Flow last year, the Israeli duo Yotopia has really built a solid reputation around the world, and "Zoi" is another fine track from their studio. Generally the track is a bit less fluffy than usual - especially the bass is a lot deeper than their usual slightly plastic grooves, and that is certainly a nice touch. Good track, but with only 6½ minutes of playing time, I found it a bit too short.
03. Natural Flow & Chromosome - Personal Visit [138 BPM]
Next up is a collaboration between Swedens Chromosome (who's probably more well-known as part of Andromeda and Soul Surfer) and Natural Flow from Switzerland, the new progressive sideproject of Rumble Pack and Blue Vortex. Take away the 1 minute long intro with the corny sample about MDMA and you have another high quality track - Andromeda/Chromosomes touch seems most dominant, with lots of distinct, naive Andromeda-like melodies, and although it seems like I've heard it so many times before, it works like a charm.
04. Side A - Altered Ego [138 BPM]
"Altered Ego" is by Side A - a one-man project from France, who has so far appeared on labels like Groove Zone, Sub Machine, Candyflip and the late Tatsu Records. "Altered Ego" is definitely one of his faster and more trancy tunes, with a plethora of nice, uplifting melodies and a very sweet, innocent attitude. Surely a peak-time morning tune.
05. Liquid Soul - Colours [135 BPM]
Liquid Soul was definitely one of the biggest rising stars in 2005, and with appearances on Iboga, Plusquam, Flow, Plastik Park and many more labels, it seemed like he was featured on every progressive compilation released. "Colours" has some uplifting, yet subtle female choir-pads, and generally it is slightly darker than his recent releases, with less uplifting themes and a harder, stomping groove. Solid dance floor material.
06. Sonnenvakuum - Rejected [140 BPM]
Another Swiss project is Sonnenvakuum - despite relatively many releases over the years, they are probably most known for their housier sideproject Sonic Cube, with which they just released their 2nd album on Tribal Vision Records. "Rejected" is the fastest track on the compilation, and starts with a long and very atmospheric intro, before a rolling, yet not very dominant bassline is introduced. The track is quite melodic without getting too much, and the atmosphere is deep and thoughtful - at first it didn’t leave a big impression, but after repeated listens I consider it one of my favourites on the CD.
07. Sun Control Species - Interactive [138 BPM]
Straight from the bush-doofs in Australia comes Sun Control Species, an act known for both his deep and subtle tracks for the outdoors, as well as more storming progressive trance monsters. "Interactive" is somewhere in between - with its 138 BPM, it's certainly not his slowest track to date, but not the busiest either. A huge and very well-produced track - tribal, and generally with a very organic touch, with some clear FREq-influences. Watch out for the upcoming Sun Control Species album on Iboga Records.
08. BLT & DJ Nadi - Space Boogie (Aerospace Remix) [136 BPM]
BLT and DJ Nadi's classic "Space Boogie" is remixed by Aerospace, the new project of DJ Guyshanti, who was previously a member of Evil Drug Lords. For those of you who have heard the new Aerospace album released on Midijum, you'll be familiar with the style in this remix - fine progressive psytrance for the outdoors, light without getting fluffy - but never really stands out.
09. Morax - At First Sight [136 BPM]
Last but not least is Morax, the progressive sideproject of Michael Reznik from the tech-trance project Triac. "At First Sight" is a nice comedown for the compilation - the overall atmosphere is really pleasant, with delicious reverbed soundscapes. Towards the end the pace quickens a bit, and the ending with the "electro"-samples maybe a bit too chaotic compared to the rest of the track, but overall it's one of Moraxes stronger releases.
Bottom line:
I like the vast majority of the tracks on "G-Spot", but despite the relatively high quality, none of the tracks are truly amazing. You know - the kind of standout tunes that alone make a compilation worth the money. That aside, in a progressive psytrance scene focusing more on more on house-oriented grooves, "G-Spot" does overall provide a solid CD of pumping and trancy dance floor productions.
"G-Spot" isn't among the very strongest releases lately, but as a DJ-tool you'll definitely find good use for it.
Favourites:
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9
Verdict:
7/10
Link:
Domo Records: http://www.domorecords.com
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You have a very dirty mind moni...
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What's that in his hand?
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Dousk - D.I.Y. (Klik Records, 2005) - http://www.discogs.com/release/586822
Quite an original cardboard-cover, which fits the "Do It Yourself" theme of the album. There's even instructions for an model airplane in the cover.
Insane Creation - Connected (DOMO, 2005) - http://www.discogs.com/release/552267
Ok, I don't if it's because I have promo, but it seems like an ordinary digipack, but the cd-slot is missing. Instead the cd is in a regular transparent cd-pocket.
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V/A - Kodama
in 2006
Artist: Various
Title: Kodama // Compiled by DJ SO
Label: Plusquam
Format: CD (Jewelcase with standard 4-page inlay)
Released: February, 2006
Review:
What originally started out as a progressive sidelabel for one of the biggest labels in psytrance history, Spirit Zone, is now considered one of the most important labels on the progressive psytrance scene. I am of course talking about the German-based Plusquam Records, a label who over the years has released a long list of compilations and albums with artists like Haldolium, Timetech. Buzzmonx, Hopefiend (Mark Allen) and Auricular.
Their newest release is the compilation "Kodama", compiled by the Japanese DJ SO, who's been touring the world lately, playing at the biggest festivals in Australia, Japan and Germany, and also recently compiled a progressive house/tech-house compilation on Groove Zones sidelabel Aqua.
01. Decoy - Cat Magic [136 BPM]
First track is by the Australian duo Decoy, who also just released their debut album on Dance N Dust Records. "Cat Magic" is, in my opinion, their strongest stand-alone release so far: deep and thoughtful, with a totally relaxed and laidback groove. An utterly excellent tune for the late morning-hours or the afterparty.
02. Sensient - Dissolve [138 BPM]
Following up on Decoy is another Australian; Sensient, who is also behind the label Zenon, and he certainly kicks up the tempo a notch or two. I am not a huge fan of his creations; some of his stuff I like, and some I don't like, but this is definitely not among the worst: the sound is quite techy, with a plethora of twisted metallic effects to keep attention focused, and the energy is very high throughout. High quality dance floor stuff.
03. FREq - Sunglider [138 BPM]
Up next is FREq, another act currently living in Australia. After some mediocre releases, his productions are once again getting better and better, and while I prefer his slower productions around 130 BPM, "Sunglider" is one of my favourites of his faster productions. The sound is pretty much trademark-FREq, but it works so very well - overall this is a very uplifting and loveable track with very thematic sounds, that is bound to be played outdoors at the major festivals. Can't wait for his new album.
04. Bitmonx vs Fabio - Deep Sense [136 BPM]
Two of the German Plusquam-regulars, Bitmonx and Fabio, team up on "Deep Sense" - a quite typical Plusquam-track to be found somewhere between the deep and the joyfull, and a track which might as well could have been released a few years ago. Despite that, it doesn't sound much dated, and I can't ignore the fact that it is very catchy and likeable. Good tune.
05. Earsugar - Foretaste [135 BPM]
Earsugar is a relatively new collaboration between Martin Knecht from the Labyrinth-club, and one of the biggest surprises last year, Liquid Soul - both are from Switzerland. "Foretaste" is certainly not bad, with hints of the high quality pumping festival-sound Liquid Soul has been developing lately, and slight elements of house as well - but it failed to really leave a really big impression on me.
06. Fitalic - My Destiny [130 BPM]
"My Destiny" is made by the Dutch Robin Fitter, better known as Fitalic, with releases on labels like labels like Vapour, Bedrock, 19Box and Plastik Park. It contains the Fitalic-trademark bouncy, upbeat groove, embellished by big, phat stabs and lush pads, and is overall yet another very strong tune from him.
07. Ryan Halifax - Chocolate [130 BPM]
Ryan Halifax is up next - to be honest I haven't liked much of his releases over the years, but "Chocolate" really took me by surprise. The groove is deep and incredibly phat, and the super-uplifting choir-pads are definitely a nice touch. Ok, the "Chocolate"-samples (hence the name of the track) are maybe a bit too dominant, but overall this is one hell of a deep, housey monster. Great stuff.
08. André Absolut - Lost And Found [127 BPM]
Last but not least is "Lost And Found" by one of my absolute favourite artists at the moment, the Swiss André Absolut. The track can best be described as a slightly electro-influenced, very pleasant landing for the compilation - grooving along nicely with a quite lazy groove, sweet stabs and subtly uplifting pads. Not with as much hit-potential as so many of his later dominant tracks and remixes, but nevertheless a good track on its own.
Bottom line:
After a few slightly disappointing releases from the once so glorious label, Plusquam is really back on track with "Kodama". Compared to their later releases there is a much higher diversity, ranging from very housey grooves over more traditional german festival-progressive to slightly darker and techish beats - ensuring there's something for most progressive fans. The quality is overall pretty high - none of the tracks are downright bad, and there are a good bunch of tasty highlights.
Not an absolutely essential release, but certainly very good value for the money, and the best release from Plusquam for quite a while. Recommended.
Favourites:
1 (!!), 2, 3 (!!), 4, 6, 7, 8
Verdict:
8/10
Link:
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Amazing album. Almost better than "Colours" released the same year...
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Haven't bought this compilation myself, but MWNN's "String Theory" was already released on Hyperflows "Lift Off" compilation, and it's a monster of a tune. Full on, yes, but with an incredible old school feel and a relentless drive that distinguish it from the average full on tune on the market, with those annoying breaks every 13 seconds.
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It's looking very good indeed. Ordered it thursday, so I have to wait a few more days to give it a listen :|
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I have a pair of AKG K271 Studios, and it's the best purchase I've ever made. Excellent, crystal-clear sound, and I can wear them for hours and hours without stressing my ears. They aren't very suitable for DJ'ing though.
Other recommendable brands for studio-work are Beyer Dynamics, Grado - and Sennheiser of course.
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I was listening to
http://www.discogs.com/release/449442
and i was on track 5: Vision & Canedy - Dusk...
and what a surprise... Ali G in da House samples
The track with the Ali G sample is actually D-Nox & Beckers - My Number One. They made a mistake on the cover.
Sonic Cube - Filter
in 2006
Posted
Artist: Sonic Cube
Title: Filter
Label: Tribal Vision
Format: CD (Jewelcase with 12-page fold-out inlay)
Released: February, 2006
Review:
After a very successful 2005 with some truly outstanding releases, which for instance resulted in being voted as the no. 1 new label by the users of Isratrance.com, Tribal Vision Records is ready to make an even bigger impact on the scene in 2006. Their first release this year is by the Swiss duo Sonic Cube, consisting of Ueli Schilli and Daniel Müller, also known as Sonnenvakuum. Not much have been heard from Sonic Cube since the release of their self-titled critically acclaimed debut album back in 2003, and since then the 3rd member, Tobi Wirz, left the project to pursue his solo-career, with his highly successful progressive house project Greed.
But now, 2½ years later and following the recent release of the "Cloud Buster" EP, the duo is ready with their 2nd full length album "Filter". Can they live up to the expectations after the first album?
01. Hide [125 BPM]
The album starts very promising with "Hide". The intro is really atmospheric, with sounds reminding me of older scandotrance - and luckily it doesn't seem as hasty as most album-intros these days. The rest of the track is rather sweet as well - despite a BPM at only 125 BPM it seems rather fast, bouncy and groovy, and the vibe is super positive. Great opener.
02. Last Jedi (feat. Sonnenvakuum) [134 BPM]
The tempo is kicked up a good notch with "Last Jedi" - a track with very distinct qualities, but also a track which is sadly slightly disfigured by some corny and terribly misplaced jedi voice-samples. Despite the samples, it isn't all bad though - the groove is pumping and beefy, and the atmosphere is ranging from slightly gloomy to uplifting and melodic. Ok track overall.
03. Cloud Buster (Album Mix) [135 BPM]
Next up is "Cloud Buster", a track which recently was released on an EP with an absolutely lovely André Absolut remix on the flipside. Although the cover says it's an "Album Mix", I don't hear any distinct differences from the original - it's still a nice morning track with sweet, toned down melodies that climax with 1½ minute left to go. Good work.
04. Amnesia [134 BPM]
From the rolling slightly psytech-influenced grooves in "Cloud Buster", the album is taken in a slightly more tribal direction with "Amnesia". The grooves are quite housey but faster, while the melodies are more in the vein of traditional psychedelic morning-progressive. Sweet and very enjoyable morning tune.
05. Test [135 BPM]
"Test" continue with the fast, yet housey grooves - this time with a lot more punch than in the predecessor "Amnesia". For the first half it proceeds rather well, but with a few minutes to go the track is rather demolished by some, once again, quite misplaced voice-samples. This time vocoded vocals telling about "dancing in the skylight" - I don't like it, maybe because it reminds me of an annoying French discohouse-hit that polluted the radio a while back.
06. Danger [135 BPM]
The album is taken back on track with "Danger" - the hard groove from "Test" is still intact (but this time more in the background) and the rest of the tune is much, much sweeter, with lots of emphasis on the melodies and big pads. The overall atmosphere is lush, trancy and uplifting in a sweet, almost naive way, and this is surely one of my favourites on the album.
07. Microbes [132 BPM]
The tempo is lowered a bit with "Microbes", but this track surely still packs a good punch. The most dominant element here are some female vocals, and - unlike most of the other tries with vocals on this album - it works rather well. They are rather sexy and fits the atmosphere and the pumping housey grooves - add to that a few simple, yet very effective melodies, and you have another highlight.
08. Xcute [128 BPM]
"Xcute" is the last dancefloor track on the album, and it could have been a very worthy way to end the album as a whole. Despite having a low BPM compared to most of the material on the album, it is probably the most trancy of the tracks here, with big, eternal pads, and sweet melodies. Generally it has that lovely epic-trancy vibe some psy-purist might consider over the top, but I personally find very appealing. Delicious tune.
09. Astray (feat. Sabrina) [66 BPM]
"Astray" marks the end of the album in a weird, yet very non-traditional way - for a psy/progressive album that is. In short it is a laidback pop-track with some fairly nice guitars, but also with some very cheesy female vocals, which didn't suit my taste at all. By far my least favourite track on the album.
Bottom line:
After a few years where the Sonic Cube project seemed faded into oblivion, "Filter" is a worthy re-entry on the scene. Compared to the first album, the self-titled "Sonic Cube", where Tobi Wirz (Greed) was part of the project,"Filter" seems trancier - the highlights are really excellent, but sadly the CD is slightly disfigured by some, in my opinion, cheesy and misplaced vocals and voice-samples. Especially in the final track.
Overall, that doesn't change the fact that "Filter" is another solid release from Tribal Vision records - not the best so far, but a recommended buy for fans of clean and polished progressive house/progressive trance crossover music.
Favourites:
1, 3, 4, 6 (!!), 7, 8 (!!)
Verdict:
7,5/10
Link:
Sonic Cube: http://www.soniccube.ch
Tribal Vision Records: http://www.tribalvision.cz