pr0fane
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Nik & Jay, Creamy, Kandis, Bjørn & Okay.
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The Jaïa album is one of this years essential releases. Antix is very good as well, but not sure if it fits your taste. Check out the samples
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The first Tikal album "Ritual Cycle" was quite an unusual experience for me. First I didn't understand the hype, but I eventually started too really like it (mainly boosted by their liveact at Full Moon last year), and now I consider it one of the freshest full on albums released last year.
The second album "Carnaval" continue the formula from "Ritual Cycle" with fun-filled festival full on, but where "Ritual Cycle" had a more eastern-influenced theme, "Carnaval" has more focus on Brazilian samba-rhythms. This works especially well in the short "Interlude", and elements of "Tequila" are very good as well. The overall highlight must be the remix of Silicon Sounds "The Shell" though – the vocals from the originals are simply amazing, and it will surely be played again and again this summer.
Despite the highlights "Carnaval" isn't as good as its predecessor though. This formula just isn't as new and fresh as it was last year, and a few times the album is downright annoying. Especially the opening track was so disturbing that it made a huge impact on my impression of the rest of the album. Those "this is how you build a track" samples sounded like something coming straight out of a hardstyle track.
I'd have to strongly disagree with traveller by the way: "Carnaval" is a very cheesy album, and definitely music for the psytrance masses. Not that it's necessarily a bad thing though – we all need a good dose of fun, blasting summer dance-music sometimes, and Tikal are better at this than most other full on acts.
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Artist: Various
Title: Set/5 - Summer Collection – compiled by Banel & Emok
Label: Iboga
Format: CD (Jewelcase with 6 page inlay)
Released: June, 2005
Review:
Yay. Getting home from 2 weeks vacation, it was a very nice surprise to find the new Iboga compilation in the stack of mail under all the usual bills and advertisements. The title is "Set/5 – Summer Collection", and yes, you've guessed it: the 5th release in the longest-running series of compilations from the Danish powerhouse label. But enough with the small talk – we all know what to expect frem Iboga, so let's get down to business:
01. Perfect Stranger – Whats The Lineup [130 BPM]
Yuli Fershtat has been closely related to Iboga for some time now, releasing various singles and stand-alone tracks as BLT, and lately also under his newer, slower sideproject Perfect Stranger. "Whats The Lineup" is a lovely tune with a very distinct groove – laidback, but still groovy. It progresses nicely without any big surprises, until around half way when there's an epic, tender melody panning from left to right – great stuff.
02. Son Kite - Catch [140 BPM]
After the massive schedule following the "Colours" series, news where that Son Kite where now focusing more on their house-project Minilogue, so it was a nice surprise to see a fresh Son Kite track being released here. Like expected, "Catch" is a smashing track – as always the production is absolutely massive, and while it isn't their best track to date, it's still a multilayered bomb, with a stunning epic atmosphere. Doesn't sound like anything else in the scene today.
03. Ace Ventura – Cardiac Arrest (Zen Mechanics Remix) [138 BPM]
"Cardiac Arrest" by Ace Ventura from Psysex was featured on the last "Set" compilation, and here we get a new remix by the young Dutch talent Zen Mechanics. Zen Mechanics uses the best elements from slightly acid-inspired original , but takes a faster and more full on approach, and the result is a powerful dancefloor version. A great track, yet perhaps not very interesting as a remix.
04. Frogacult – Bye She Said [128 BPM]
Frogacult provide a sudden shift in tempo, and "Bye She Said" is a track, that will certainly be appreciated by those longing for new Frogacult material after their "Something For Sundays" album released last year. A bit slower than their earlier material, with subtle melodies and clever use of voice-samples (reminds me a lot of Holm & Andersens "Cityrain" in places) and the deep, yet pleasant forest-atmosphere Frogacult is so well known for.
05. Liquid Soul – Go Reality [135 BPM]
Liquid Soul was almost completely unknown just 1 year ago when he played at VooV Experience, but since his performance he's received attention from some of the key players on the progressive scene, including Plusquam, DOMO and Iboga. After a long break, he was also the first EP-release on Iboga for a long time, and "Go Reality" was one of the tracks from that EP. A solid afternoon stomper with a hard edge – festival music.
06. Flowjob - Wadley [128 BPM]
The Danish duo Flowjob is a name to look out for in the future. Their music can best be described as a mixture of progressive house and traditional Scandinavian progressive forest-trance, and "Wadley" follow that exact formula. A very positive track with some absolutely delicious guitar samples. I would have liked some more variation as the track seems to stand still for too long though, but nevertheless it's very good.
07. Reefer Decree – Gone For Good [138 BPM]
Just a few years ago Reefer Decree was one of Ibogas most important acts, but after they broke up Oliver failed to make his Oryx-project as big a success. Oliver has now decided to start Reefer Decree again – this time without his old partner Jiwook Bijl, and "Gone For Good" is the first track from the new Reefer Decree. With its mellow melodies and tender grooves it's somewhat similar to "Nightvision" (which was a huge hit at Danish parties, despite never getting released) and is definitely a beautiful morning track. I have second thoughts if it will be a hit in a scene that has evolved since then though – we'll wait and see for the upcoming album.
08. Luna Spice – Eclipsed´ay [138 BPM]
Luna Spice from France has been around for some time now, and the debut album "Reflexion" released last year on Sub Machine was a very refreshing release, that unfortunately didn't receive the attention it deserved. "Eclipsed´ay" continue in the same line as on the album – very, very deep and atmospheric trance with a dark edge, yet very enjoyable and uplifting. I simply love this.
Bottom line:
It's amazing that Iboga can release so much music in a steady flow, and still keep their high standard - I can honestly say that I enjoy every track on "Set/5", and that is something I consider extremely rare these days (even on the other Iboga compilations). It's not perfect though – the flow is a bit weird, and some tracks could have used some more variation (Flowjobs "Wadley" was a bit too much of the same, and I found Zen Mechanics remix of "Cardiac Arrest" too close to the original), but despite this, I absolutely love this release.
In my opinion it's the best Iboga-compilation since the classic "FX". Great for homelistening, and absolutely essential for progressive DJ's this summer.
Favourites:
1, 2 (!!), 3, 4, 5(!!), 6, 7, 8(!!)
Verdict:
9/10
Links:
Iboga: http://www.iboga.dk
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Artist: Jaïa
Title: Fiction
Label: MPDQX/Digital Structures
Format: CD (Jewelcase with 8-page inlay)
Released: June, 2005
Tracklist:
01. In
02. Serial Groover
- 03. Gate I
04. Orchestra2.0
- 05. Gate II
06. Eyengui
- 07. Gate III
08. From Tokyo
- 09. Gate IV
10. Rouge Marine
- 11. Gate V
12. Out Of Control
- 13. Gate VI
14. Electric Sunrise
15. Interval Of Intimacy
16. Desert Walk
Review:
In 1998 a French duo called Jaïa released an album called "Blue Energy" – an album that had a stunning mix of ambient and uplifting psytrance, and received amazing feedback before it was eventually sold out. With a re-release in 2000 under the name "Blue Synergy" (which also included 6 new tracks) they released their 2nd and so far latest album before splitting up and going separate ways. One part of the duo, Yannis Kamarinos, decided to carry on under the Jaïa name though, and now, 5 years later he is ready with the long awaited 3rd Jaïa album "Fiction".
Behind the release is no less than the Swedish powerhouse label Digital Structures, and the package is very professional compared to most other releases – the inlay doesn't seem much at first, but opening it up reveals a quite impressive wide drawing very connected to the music inside. I'm sure everyone who owns this will understand.
Before I go on with the track-by-track review, let me just say that I'm going to take a slightly different approach this time, as the album has a quite special build-up. Between all the dancefloor-tracks there are some short "Gates" (between 30 seconds and 2 minutes long), that connect the different tracks. I'm not going to review these short gates, but just say that they're very well-executed, clever and full of little surprises – and without them the album wouldn't have been nearly as good as it is now. Anyways, lets get down to business.
01. In
First of is a pretty long intro – taking us with Jannis through the streets of Paris (I guess) and back into his studio where starts grooving on a set of drums, followed by a dreamy sequence with big, delicious pads, before landing again on the way to a party. Walking through the streets of Paris again, getting on a train, and arriving safely at the party just in time to hear "Serial Groover" spinning.
02. Serial Groover [130 BPM]
"Serial Groover" is a very laidback progressive house tune, just oozing with atmosphere and with a nice, appealing vibe. The track is constantly evolving and it combines different elements like stunningly simple melodies, a few lush pads and some extremely sexy trumpets. Amazing track with a very positive effect on the mood – I will definitely use it a lot on future blue mondays.
04. Orchestra2.0 [135 BPM]
The first Gate brings us into a big old opera, where the orchestra is warming up, and the concert begins with "Orchestra2.0". The opera singer is there, and so is the violins and the piano, and in perfect combination with the progressive grooves the result is a marvellous tune – epic, progressive psytrance when it's best.
06. Eyengui [135 BPM]
Things get deeper and darker with "Eyengui" – a track with some seriously gloomy undertones, which can easily be associated with being lost in the jungle with something lurking around every tree. Later in the track it gets seriously tribal with some heavy percussion and african chanting – this must be how a secret jungle-party sounds like. My favourite part must be the female sample – weird, yet incredibly sexy.
08. From Tokyo [140 BPM]
"From Tokyo" brings us through the busy high tech metropolis of the capital of Japan – one of the two fastest tracks on the CD, and quite close to the dance friendliness of full on, yet much more tasty and nowhere near as stressful. On top of it all is some extremely busy tribal percussion, which I personally associate with Safri Duo – a nice touch.
10. Rouge Marine [128 BPM]
After some very overwhelming waves in the 4th gate we are swept under water in "Rouge Marine". The groove is very housey, but don't let that fool you – this is a very atmospheric track, totally swept in delicious soft sounds and sweet pads. This is pure auditory pleasure from the first to the last second, and especially the break around the 3 minute mark is one of the most beautiful and overwhelming breaks I've heard in a long time.
12. Out Of Control [140 BPM]
The tempo is raised again in "Out Of Control", and like "From Tokyo" it's pretty close to full on territory with its fast rolling bassline, yet also with a more progressive buildup. I really liked the collaboration "Passengers" with Silicon Sound on Exposure Productions "Digital Performers" compilation, and "Out Of Control" is pretty close to that – a bit more rough around the edges, but certainly very good.
14. Electric Sunrise [135 BPM]
Last track for the dancefloors is "Electric Sunrise", starting quite mellow with female vocals and some relaxing chords, before the bassline kicks in after 1 minute and 10 seconds. The vocals and chords are the returning theme of the track, and overall it feels very relaxed. Not a peak-time track, but excellent material for morning-time or the opening hours of a party.
15. Interval Of Intimacy
Time to get down on the ground after the dance-music, and "Interval Of Intimacy" provides just that – a 3 minute break in kind of a standard psy-chillout style with big surrounding soundscapes, and some very caressing, pleasing drops of water. I can imagine it sounds like lying in a Japanese garden.
16. Desert Walk
The final track is "Desert Walk", and it surely lives up to its name. With lots of Middle Eastern influences, vocals and flutes combined with some very relaxing drums, this feels like a long, lonely and very windy walk in the dunes of the Moroccan desert before reaching the destination 9 minutes later: the end of a truly amazing album.
Bottom line:
I can't remember the last time I was so overwhelmed with an album at the first listen – it's hard to describe the thoughts going through my mind when I heard this masterpiece the first time, but one thing is for sure – it touched me very deeply. 5 years is a long time, but Yannis obviously took his time, and "Fiction" stands out as one of the most complete albums I have heard in a very, very long time – not only is the production absolutely brilliant, the musical content is also amazing, incredibly diverse and filled with surprises and perfectly put together as a journey or a long dream. The last trance releases that had a similar album feel to me (and not just a more or less random collection of tracks) were Saiko-Pods "Phutures & Options", Sashas "Airdrawndagger" and Younger Brothers "A Flock Of Bleeps" – and I even found this baby better than 2 of these.
Besides from all the praising of the album - is there anything I didn't like about it? No. Well, the only thing I can think of, is that I have preferred if "Rouge Marine" was a bit longer (it's only 5:33), but that's just in the very, very nitpicky department. Also some psytrance fans might be intimidated by the low BPM of some of these tracks, but please put the "oh no, this is boring house-music" prejudices aside – this album is certainly not boring and monotonous. If you like dreamy, melodic trance-music, yet deep and never naive – I'm certain you'll love this. Hell, if you like good music you'll love this.
Hands down, this album is absolutely essential, and without a doubt the best album I've heard so far this year (sorry Antix). Don't waste any time – order it now.
Favourites:
2 (!!), 4 (!!) 6 (!!), 10 (!!), 12, 14
Verdict:
9,5/10 – Essential in every collection
Links:
MPDQX/Digital Structures: http://www.mpdqx.com/ds
Jaïa: http://www.jaia.net
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Artist: Various Artists
Title: Aerocruz
Label: Groove Zone
Format: CD (Jewelcase with standard 4-page inlay)
Released: June, 2005
Review:
The Japanese label Groove Zone launched last year with the self-titled debut compilation "Groove Zone", and have since then released 2 other compilations – focusing on both basic progressive psytrance ("Groove Zone"), more house-oriented psytrance ("Back To The Future") and darker, slightly more minimal sounding psytrance ("Magnetic Storm"). Their newest compilation “Aerocruz” has just hit the market, now concentrating on blissful morning tunes somewhere on the border between progressive and full on.
1. Side-A - Hybrid Rise
First track is from the up-and-coming producer from France, Side-A, who have had releases on labels like Tatsu, Sub Machine and of course Groove Zone in the last year. "Hybrid Rise" is in my opinion his best track to date – building on a static groove and more or less the same theme of bright sounds as used in his first releases. It feels a lot better executed here though, and the excellent use of blissful female vocals really is a perfect addition to his uplifting sound.
2. Natural Flow - Flying Toaster
"Flying Toaster" (not exactly the best track-name of the year) is the first release fro Natural Flow – a new sideproject of Blue Vortex and Rumble Pack. Like with the more well-known main-projects, this is pure uplifting trance – progressive, but with several layers of slightly Israeli full on inspired melodies. Good work, but perhaps a bit too naive for my liking.
3. Son Kite - Let Us Be (Vibrasphere Remix)
Vibraspheres remix of Son Kites epic "Let Us Be" was already released last year following the “Colours” album, and here we find it re-released. "Let Us Be" is my favourite track from the album, and Vibraspheres version is almost equally stunning: the atmosphere is very lush and more dreamy than in the original, and the theme-melody is simply amazing – less subtle, and more straightforward. Great remix.
4. Counter Tech - Aerocruz
The japanse act Counter Tech get his first release with "Aerocruz". The track seems a bit to fast at first, but gets more balanced later on with the introduction of a hint of a melody. At the breakdown in middle of the track it gets really pleasant – a simple, naïve melody is accompanied with some different bright stabs, and the track takes of again. Not the most original track, but with simple means it leaves a very good impression.
5. Soul Surfer - Bonzai Beach Of Magic
Anders Nilsson is surely one of the busiest producers at the moment, and last year alone he released 3 full-length albums under the projects Andromeda, Chromosome and Soul Surfer. His sound is very distinct on "Bonzai Beach Of Magic", and though it perhaps isn't as formulaic as some of his earlier works, I didn't find it that interesting. Still looking forward to the new Andromeda album though.
6. Visua - Stage Of Evolution
“Stage Of Evolution” is the first release from the Mexican project “Visua”, and it's a quite fine debut. He combines a crunchy, minimal-sounding bassline with a simple melody and some very pleasant pads. My only criticism with the track was the already overused "We are now seeing the beginnings of another stage of human evolution" sample from "X-Men"
7. Triptych - Two Ears And One Mouth
Triptych (who also did the mastering on the compilation) appears with one of his usual full on'ish tracks. If there ever was a style called freestyle full on, this would be it. Fun and funky, and with a very entertaining Triptych-trademark voice-sample as the final touch. Not my favourite to come out of the Triptych studio though, but a quite enjoyable track that will surely cause a lot of smiles on the dancefloors.
8. Sync - Cursor
Sync is a new sideproject of the German progressive duo Vaishiyas, and "Cursor" is pretty decent. Compared to much of the earlier work of Vaishiyas this isn't nearly as deep and pounding, but instead with much more focus on melodies – perhaps most similar to "Babe Watch" released last year. But even though the melodies are very catchy, the track never really reaches the excepted climax, and therefore doesn't fully live up to my expectations.
9. S>Range feat. Z-Man - Wonderful
Last track is "Wonderful" from S>Range and Z-Man (old member of Logic Bomb). I completely love the first 2 albums from S>Range, but haven't really liked his recent move towards full on, so it was certainly a nice surprise that this track was only running at 134 BPM. It's by far the most laid-back track on the compilation, and is a very pleasant come-down after the more dancefloor oriented tunes – good, mellow morning-groover.
Bottom line:
"Aerocruz" is no doubt a good purchase, and most of the tracks will work wonders on the dancefloors in the morning hours. None of the tracks are bellow the standard of the average morning tune, but after the massive "Back To The Future" compilation I was perhaps expecting a few more tracks of really spectacular "hit-quality". That said, "Aerocruz" is certainly no waste of money – not the most essential releases of 2005, but certainly very enjoyable.
Favourites:
1(!!), 3 (!!), 4, 9
Verdict:
7/10
Link:
Groove Zone: http://www.groove-zone.com
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That "Colors Band" tune is seriously annoying, and I am shocked to see it released on a previously prominent label like HOMmega - let alone becoming such a big hit (being played at EVERY party in Denmark lately
). I wouldn't exactly call myself easily offended when it comes to vocals, but seriously - am I really the only one who thinks that tune is completely disharmonious? I've honestly heard Skazi tunes with better vocals. -
Is it just me, or does it look like he's got his ass on front instead of his crotch?
On another note MFG are spinning in Denmark in a few months
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Artist: Antix
Title: Twin Coast Discovery
Label: Iboga
Format: CD (with 6 page inlay)
Released: May, 2005
Review:
Two years ago, two brothers from New Zealand released an album that today stands as one of the best albums ever released on Iboga. The album I'm talking about is of course "Lull" from the Strom brothers – better known as Antix. Since then, not much has been released from the Strom studio, apart from a few remixes and collaborations – until recently, where Iboga announced the long awaited 2nd album from Antix: "Twin Coast Discovery".
First, let me start of with a small comment about the artwork – It's exquisite! In a scene where the vast majority of covers are overused cliché fractals or random 3d-shapes it's liberating with a very stylish and beautiful cover, that almost looks like a piece of art. Hinge (who also made the covers for the previous Antix album, the FREq album and many many more) really outdone himself.
1. FREq - Return Of The Master (Antix Remix)
First track is a remix of "Return To The Masters" – the creation of FREq, who must be considered one of the other great exports from down under. The track was also featured on the magnificent "Playground" compilation, and definitely has a harder and gloomier edge than the ever popular original. Hard, progressive stomper, but still maintaining the catchy elements from the original – I don't think it really fits as a first track for the Antix album though... It's just ... well, too much FREq.
2. The Inkling
The first "real" track from the Strom brothers is "The Inkling" – starting really simple, hard and techish, but slowly evolves, adding lots of heavily reverbed effects and subtle melodic structures. The atmosphere is quite gloomy in the beginning, but eventually gets very uplifting with epic choir-pads, that sends chills down the spine. Awesome!
3. Forever Changing
"Forever Changing" starts in somewhat the same way as "The Inkling" – really rough and techish, but also slowly evolves, seamlessly adding more and more elements. Around the 4 minute mark there's an amazing breakdown, and from there on it gets really interesting – building up the tension before the long, atmospheric peak around 2 minutes later. Splendid trancey track – one of my biggest favourites on the entire album.
4. Cold Night
"Cold Nights" is a bit more laidback and housey than the first 3 tracks, and it's the first track on the album where they really start to use voice-samples as an integrated part of the music. A chopped up female sample is looped to form a melodic element, and the mood is beautiful and blissful, yet with a slightly melancholic touch.
5. Little Honey
With "Little Honey" the album is again taken into more trancey territory, and again using distorted voice-samples and subtle melodic work. Very deep, and perhaps not that great at first, but it really grows on you with time (like the rest of the album actually) - the small details really shines through after some listens, and the result is very good and hypnotic.
6. Le Lascard
Next up is "Le Lascard", which will probably be one of the biggest hits of the album with its beautiful, intoxicating soundscapes - I get a headrush simply listening to it. The atmosphere is so wide, and it can really fill up a room. Stunning piece of music with an epic voice-sample – this incredibly uplifting tune will surely be played everywhere this summer.
7. Quiet Is The New Loud
Trackname of the year? "Quiet Is The New Loud" fits the track perfectly – a dark, very "Lull"-like track with an atmosphere that can easily be associated with being in an underground cave. Although the atmosphere is really intriguing, not much is happening and I think I would have preferred it with a more distinct peak. I consider it one of the weaker tracks here, but still it's clearly very suitable for the opening hours of a party.
8. Rhian Sheehan featuring Jess Chambers - Hiding Place (Fiord Remix)
The grand finale is the remix of Rhian Sheehan and Jess Chambers "Hiding Place" - a very blissful remix credited to the Strom brothers' clubbier Fiord sideproject, and previously released last year. As the only track on the album they also go all the way with the vocals here, and use the extremely sweet female as in a song. It never gets over the top cheesy though, but blends perfectly with the other elements, and with the right amount of luck I think it could receive a lot attention outside the progressive psytrance circles. A beautiful closure to the album, and one that certainly has me craving for more Fiord releases.
Bottom line:
"Twin Coast Discovery" is by far the most interesting progressive album released this year – so deep and with incredible sense of detail. I received the album Friday, and have been spinning it all weekend, but reviewing the album hasn't been an easy task. It's not easy to classify – progressive trance? Progressive house? Well, it certainly has elements of both, but putting it in a box would simply not do it justice – it's simply an amazing piece of music, and we're lucky to have talents like the Strom Brothers making music in our small scene.
No rose without thorns though – although "Return To The Masters" is a great track on its own, I feel it doesn't fit the overall theme of the album. That's just nitpicking though – all tracks are good, and as a complete album "Twin Coast Discovery" is simply stunning. Excellent for home listening, smashing on the dance floors – basically first-class music for every occasion.
Favourites:
2, 3 (!!), 6 (!!), 8
Verdict:
9/10 – Highly recommended!
Links:
Iboga: http://www.iboga.dk
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Try out Silicon Sound - Onida. Has a very cool Darth Vader sample
Funny story about that track actually ... It was at VooV 2002 - me and a friend had just arrived, set up our tents, taken a hit of acid and walked down towards the alternative stage. Turns out later we couldn't find our tents in the dark, so we where walking around in the dark camping-area completely lost, and suddenly we hear the sound of Darth Vader coming from the dance floor (we had never heard the track before). Spooky yet hilarious moment I tell ya
But enough with the acid-tales ... as far as I remember, SBK - Morgenlatte features a sample of the annoying Jar Jar Binks.
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VA - Halluci:Nations (TIP.World)
01. Paps - Vibes From The Other Side
02. Atmos - The Only Process
03. Total Eclipse - Are You Abducted
04. Phoetus - Sparkling Soup
05. The Antidote - Killaz
06. Process - Blue Moonies
07. Voodoo People - 240 V
08. Tripiatrik - Tripiatrik
09. Bus - North by North West 6 (Top Deck mix)
The first TIP.World compilation. Released back in 1999, and in my opinion one of the best and most influential minimal/progressive compilations released before the millennium. A lot of the tracks became huge hits, and today I still think a lot of them are just as fresh as back then. By todays standards it's very psychedelic (the Tripiatrik and Paps tracks for instance blows 95% of all "dark psy" out of the water in terms of pure nighttime madness), and my favourites are the tracks from Atmos, Process, Voodoo People and Bus - all insanely deep, atmospheric and perfect for the mornings at outdoor parties.
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Remember that it's only my personal impression. Some might like it, others might hate it
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Artist: Various
Title: Lime Light
Label: Tribal Vision Records
Format: CD (Jewelcase with extensive 16 page booklet and DJ-inlay)
Released: May, 2005
Cover: http://217.160.138.169/pic_b/tvr1cd002_b.jpg
Review:
Czech-based label Tribal Vision launched last year with the compilation "Urban Legends" – a release that received massive recognition from progressive psytrance circles, and gave the new label a lot of well-earned respect. Now, 6 months after "Urban Legends", the label is ready with their second release "Lime Light" – a compilation featuring a very impressive roster of some of the indisputably biggest artists on the progressive scene like Minilogue (Son Kite sideproject), Ticon, Jaïa plus a bunch of well-known and relatively new acts in the game.
Before I go on with in-depth descriptions of each track, I just have to say thumbs up for the cover. The artwork is very stylish and different from the usual fractals or random 3d-shapes, there’s an extensive 16-page booklet with pictures and detailed descriptions of all artists involved, a discography of both past and future releases from Tribal Vision, and last but not least a handy DJ-inlay. Once again very professional.
1. Jaïa Vs. French Kisz – Drifting Planet
Jaïa has always been one of my favourite morning acts, and after some years with only a few releases it looks like he’s (being as there is only Yannis left in the group) getting his big comeback, with a new album planned for release on Swedish powerhouse Digital Structures later this year. On "Drifting Planet" he teams up with a, to me, totally unknown French duo called French Kisz to make an amazing opener. The groove is very laidback, but the atmosphere is constantly evolving and succeeding in keeping the interest focused on the incredible small details, like the delicate melodies and the uplifting riff. Great for the early hours of a party.
2. Rai - Liquid
With "Groove" the czech newcomer Rai was one of the biggest surprises on the first compilation from Tribal Vision, and "Liquid" continue down the same line of soft housey grooves. Smooth is perhaps best word to describe his work; Every sound is perfectly polished and overall the track is extremely gentle and smooth as silk. Impossible not to get in a good mood to the caressing grooves in this tune.
3. Vision & Canedy – Collected Vibes
Vision & Canedys debut album last year on Hadshot was a very positive surprise, but their last 2 releases have been a bit too shallow and formulaic for my liking. "Collected Vibes" unfortunately follow the same formula as "Laguna" recently released on Plastik Park: the usual Vision & Canedy bassline, some very static percussion and basically nothing new to really make it interesting. Quite disappointing track.
4. Minilogue - Leloo
One of Son Kites many sideprojects is Minilogue, devoted to the more housey progressive music, and with this project they have had releases on influential labels like Baroque, SOG and Feed Me. "Leloo" was originally released on Baroque last year, and where I usually think the Minilogue atmosphere is slightly gloomy, this has a more uplifting trancy feel – somewhere between the Filur and Minilogue sound. The track also features a sweet vocal-sample (am I the only one who think it’s the same one used by Paste in "Code Bed"?) almost teasing the listener, and of course, like always from the High Hat studios, the bassline is simply huge and kicking.
5. Flowjob – Cloud Politics
My first and only encounter with the Danish duo Flowjob was "Fluff Me Tender" one of Ibogas best compilations to date, “FX” from 2003. "Cloud Politics" is a sweet track with some both house and progressive trance influences – the tempo is perhaps most suitable for the progressive house sets, while the overall use of more psychedelic sounds more feels like Scandinavian forest trance – an interesting combination.
6. Holm & Andersen - Cityrain
Holm & Andersen is a new producer-team/DJ-duo from Denmark – Holm being a well-known DJ for one of the most influential national party organisations, Audiobahn, and Andersen being Kristian Thinning Andersen of Elysium/Elysium Project and Sheyba fame. "Cityrain" is the first release from the duo, and I have quite mixed feelings about it: The style is a mix of tribal grooves and progressive house, but the sounds are tighter and electro oriented, and with a good, but definitely overused voice-sample. Interesting combination of sounds, but I didn’t really connect to it.
7. Ticon - Reflections
Since the release of their first album "Rewind" in 2001, the Swedish duo Ticon has been one of the biggest names on the progressive psytrance scene. "Reflections" is a teaser for their forthcoming 3rd album, once again to be released on Digital Structures, and like on the "Texas Magnusson"/"Spincycle" EP you can certainly feel that they’ve turned in a more melodic and uplifting direction. This is pure progressive trance, and you can really hear the massive experience in the production – the bassline is very dynamic and almost playing with the other melodies to form a rich and multilayered dance floor bomb.
8. Leo – Music Design Revolution
With New York-based Brazilian producer Leo things get a little bit darker. "Music Design Revolution" is the first track I hear from Leo, and it’s a quite pleasant surprise – a deep progressive monster with huge soundscapes and some seriously teeth-grinding metallic sounds. The atmosphere is perfect for the darker progressive sets, but perhaps I would have preferred if it would have had a more dramatic peak.
9. Shuma – Illektro Music
Croatian duo Shuma close the compilation with a track that definitely doesn’t sound like the rest: a freestyle progressive track with very distinct electro-influences, some breaks-elements and a groove that immediately reminded me of Ticons "Some Simple Sounds". The track seems chaotic at first, and I guess the sound will feel a bit flat and don’t appeal to some progressive psy listeners, but I find it interesting and quite entertaining. Certainly a different pick for ending the compilation, compared to most other releases.
Bottom line:
After the massive "Urban Legends" my expectations for "Lime Light" where very high, and luckily Tribal Vision once again delivered an extremely solid release with gems-a-plenty. Apart from the usual high quality material from the biggest artists, there’s also fresh material from new upcoming acts - especially Rai prove that he’s a really interesting discovery, and hopefully he’ll keep evolving in the years to come.
Also worth noticing is that the flow is very well-thought (just like on "Urban Legends"), and the tracks are so diverse that there’s enough nice surprises along the way to keep attention focused for almost all 78 minutes of playtime. Despite not all tracks being excellent, the compilation feels very complete, and Slater and Schwa prove that "Urban Legends" was no lucky punch, and Tribal Vision is a label of the future.
Favourites:
1 (!!), 2 (!!), 4, 7 (!!), 8
Verdict:
9/10 – Must-have
Link:
Tribal Vision Records: http://www.tribalvision.cz/
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Artist: Various
Title: Outsider (compiled by DJ Tati)
Label: Plastik Park
Format: CD (Jewelcase with standard 4-page inlay)
Released: May, 2005
Review:
After 2 years of hibernation Plastik Park returned last year with DJ’s D-Nox and Tobias Bayer in front, and released the compilation "Reloaded", which was followed by the long awaited and stunning follow-up to the 2002 Sunset Records classic "Prooved". With the summer season just ahead, Plastik Park is now ready with "Outsider" - their 3rd CD-release after the re-opening, compiled by the female Brazilian label DJ Tati, and with a promising selection of sunshine grooves from well-established artists and new talents.
1. Igal M – I Still Like It
Israeli rising star Igal Magitman, also known by some as being a part of the full on project Elec3, provide the Opener "I Still Like It". With "Fall In Green" on VP’s "Inspirazzia" he caught me by surprise, and this is almost just as good, although the melodies aren’t as catchy. A gentle, atmospheric tune, with a slightly uplifting atmosphere - perhaps a bit to mellow for most dancefloors, but certainly a delicate track for home listening.
2. James Benitez – Not Over Yet (Deep Abyss Mix)
Things get a lot deeper with the Deep Abyss Mix of James Benitez’ "Not Over Yet". This is the first track I hear from James Benitez (which apparently is the pseudonym of George Apostolakis), and it’s quite a turn on. Building on a simple groove the atmosphere is quite gloomy until the arrival of a sweet subtle melody. Very effective.
3. Kasey Taylor & Chris Meehan – Simplicity (Parham & Dominic Plaza Remix)
Late in 2004, the sizzling hot duo Kasey Taylor and Chris Meehan released "Simplicity", and with a stunning epic theme it is perhaps one of their best creations to date. On the flipside there was an almost equally amazing remix by Parham & Dominic Plaza, and this has now been brought to CD. Featuring the same uplifting theme as the original, though slightly more in the background due to a hard-hitting techish groove – this remix is sure to both cause mayhem on the dancefloors, and be appreciated by the sofa listeners.
4. Vision & Canedy - Laguna
"Laguna" is quite a trademark Vision & Canedy creation, with some very tight and sharp percussion, and with a typical Vision & Canedy bassline. The track is a bit too shallow though, the percussion seems a bit too static and there are no real highlights or distinct sounds to really make it shine. Compared to most of the other Vision & Canedy material, I consider it one of their most mediocre creations to date.
5. Fitalic – Control Your Mind
One of my favourites from "Prooved 2" was the bouncy "Bustanovice" by the dutch duo Fitalic (although, like on the other releases I own from them, only one of them, Robin Fitter is credited in the inlay) . "Control Your Mind" somewhat fallows the same formula – a very bouncy bassline, very distinct tribal influences and very positive vibes from the first to the last second.
6. D-Nox & Beckers – You’re A Star
Space Safari member Frank Beckers and Plastik Park labelmanager/DJ D-Nox gather forces on "You're A Star", a happy, bouncy smilebringer with a very catchy groove. Like a lot of the later releases from Beckers it also features a vocal-sample, chopped up and creatively looped – but where it worked very well in "Switch", it’s over the top in "You’re A Star", and I consider it a major drawback an otherwise funky and catchy tune.
7. Eelke Kleijn & Rutger van Bostelen – Remind Me
The talented young Dutch producer Eelke Kleijn is yet another act who also appeared on "Prooved 2", and here he teams up with countryman Rutger van Bostelen on the energetic "Remind Me". The melodies are pretty straightforward, and not as subtle as on most of the other tracks here, but it works pretty well, and with its catchy and very dancefriendly groove it’s a highlight that will surely work wonders on the floor.
8. Shaman – C U Groove
Swedish forest-master Shaman close the compilation with a track, that is certainly the closest to the old Plastik Park roots in the progressive psytrance scene. To me it perhaps seems a bit misplaced, but never the less it’s a quite special track, with a mixture of sunny progressive house and classic progressive forest trance. The "C U Groove" vocal-sample is slightly annoying at the first few listens, but actually the track has grown on me a lot, and the almost naïve melodic peak does bring a smile to my face.
Bottom line:
"Outsider" is another smashingly groovy compilation from Plastik Park, that yet again marks them as one of the best labels for bringing progressive house/progressive psy crossover summer music. Overall the standard is slightly below the massive "Prooved 2" (I know I’ve compared the two a lot of times in this review already ), but if you’re looking for some progressive music for the upcoming summer outdoor parties, I'm certain you’ll find a few gems on this one.
Good release. Not essential, but certainly money well spent.
Favourites:
1, 2, 3(!!), 5, 7
Verdict:
7,5/10
Link:
Plastik Park: http://www.plastikpark.com
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I actually thought the 4 smileys underlined the irony
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Yeah, sorry. I forgot that if it isn’t from the glory days of psychedelic boom shankar trance, it isn’t worth talking about.
My new list in honour for Seraph:
Hallucinogen – LSD
The Muses Rapt – Spiritual Healing
Pleiadians – SomerandomtrackfromIFOtheworldsbestalbumforeverandeverandever
MFG – EVERYTHING!!!!!!11
Better?
;) ;) -
X-Dream - Rewind
Sphere - Symbiont
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Delicious tracklist on Part 1 Tom - listening to it at the moment, and I've just reached Silicon Sounds "Wired". Great stuff.
Also Congrats with the Fusion gig by the way - any chance you'll be attending VooV this year?
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Rinkadinks first album was indeed very fresh when it was released; hard and dance friendly, occasionally uplifting and above all with a very funky sense of humour. Definitely one of my favourite full on albums released last year.
If it’s just half as good as the first one, it will easily top 90% of the full on I’ve heard so far this year.
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The Sonic Cube album is indeed a very good mix of mellow housey grooves and more trancey sounds. 2 of the guys from Sonic Cube are also known as the progressive psy project Sonnenvakuum (someone mentioned them earlier), while the last member is Tobi Wirz - better known under his soloproject Greed. He's also the owner of the label SOG Records, who have released tracks from artists like Minilogue (Son Kite sideproject), New Disco Science Alliance (Ticon sideproject), Inkfish and André Absolut.
Not really sure if it would fit the taste of the original poster though.
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Son Kite, 12 Moons and Human Blue is surely excellent uplifting trance, but I wouldn't really consider it fluffy. I'm more with DP on Com.Pact (since 2004), Trancelucent, Phonokol and Utopia.
Perhaps you should also check out some of the newer stuff from Midijum/Medium - they have generally moved towards the more naive and fluffy music, and you’ll find both full on and faster progressive in their releases. Kani's album is also quite fluffy (I personally didn't like it), and is to me the closest you can get to nitzhonot nowadays.
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The soloproject was Psydrop. He was also previously a part of Space Buddha.
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Just ordered a shitload of CD's - unfortunately a few where already sold out though.
I've ordered many times from Trance-Shop before, and I've never encountered any problems. Plus their service is excellent.
V/A - Audio Sinndicate
in 2005
Posted
Very typical German festival music with uninspired static grooves and almost nothing standing out in the bunch. Most of these artists have made some pretty good stuff in the past, but overall this is a very disappointing release.
Best track for me though must be Genetic Spins "Ocean" - an uplifting blend of full on and their old style, but not really enough to make me feel this was money well spent.