pr0fane
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Posts posted by pr0fane
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Yeah, 12 Moons is excellent uplifting trance. Also Human Blue and S>Range (up til "Space" - almost everything after that has been awful) are essential. Though it isn't really related to Infected Mushroom
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Nice site - I really like the backgrounds "summer in the swedish forrests"
You might want to update your Biography though ... looks like it's written in 2003
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Artist: Wrecked Machines
Title: Second Thought
Label: Spun
Format: CD
Released: January 2005
Tracklist:
01. Rubberneck
02. Spotless Mind (w/ Nick Laniado aka Panick)
03. Bend of Mischief (w/ GMS & Pixel)
04. Relation Chip (w/ Pixel)
05. Accustix (w/ Bansi)
06. Tension Sheet (w/ Domestic)
07. Tingling Sensation (original by Shanti Matkin… rmx)
08. Rhapsodie (w/ the Antidote)
09. Check In
10. Trancespoting (w/ Domestic & Pixel)
This review isn't as extensive as usual, but since nobody made a review yet, I thought I'd start out with my thoughts:
This Brazilian prodigy has been involved in some of the most memorable full on releases the last 3 years – from his own debut album "Blink" to massive partyhits like "Mind Stuck", memorable collaborations with artists like Star-X and Dual Head/Pixel/Domestic and a massive remix of Sub6 and Pixels "One Shot". Only 6 months ago he even released the beautiful progressive "Electra" with subtle goa-influences, so my expectations for his second album where enormous – unfortunately they weren’t fulfilled.
My impression is that the Spun-sound has been a bad influence on him– the focus in a lot of the tracks is on those fast GMS-trademark squeaky hands in the air melodies, while I miss the rougher, deeper sound and more subtle melodic-work from his earlier releases. Don’t get me wrong though, I like a lot of the material from GMS and Spun in general and neither of the tracks here are pure garbage – but it wasn’t nearly as good as expected from one of my favourite full on artists.
It isn’t all bad though – there are a few very noteworthy highlights, like the Panick collaboration "Spotless Mind", which resembles some of his best work from 2003 and 2004 - and of course the fantastic remix of Underworlds immortal classic "Born Slippy" – a remix that was the definite highlight of the entire VooV Experience 2003 for me, and I'm happy to finally own it.
Those 2 tracks really make the album worth the money, and the dance floor qualities throughout the album are certainly very distinct, so overall the album is well above average - but I was expecting more...
6/10
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Artist: Various
Title: Digital Performers
Label: Exposure Productions
Format: CD
Released: January 2005
Cover: http://217.160.138.169/pic_b/exp1cd002_b.jpg
Review:
The greek label Exposure Productions started up last year with a "All Systems Go", a compilation that had a very impressive list of artists considering it was a debut, and also received a good deal of positive feedback. The label opens 2005 with a new compilation in the same league; "Digital Performers", containing some of the same acts from the first compilation like Logic Bomb, Orion and Silicon Sound, and a lot of other big names in full on circuits like Dado (both as Deedrah and Synthetic), Wizzy Noise, Astrix and Altöm.
So, everything is in place to one hell of a full on compilation – but can the impressive roster of artists live up to the expectations?
01. Altom – All Of That
First up is the French duo Altöm, with their crystal-clear groovy full on. Not much has changed since their 2nd album "Groove Control", although "All Of That" is perhaps slightly more melodic, and though it feels pretty fast-paced, it's "only" running at 140 BPM. Good opener – proves, that of all the bigger full on acts, Altöm is probably one of the funkiest.
02. Orion – Speaker Speaker
Danish trancelegend Jean Borelli is present with "Speaker Speaker". After some somewhat disappointing albums, both on his own and together with Alien Project, he really kicked ass with his track on Neurobiotics "Neurology", and this is up there as well. Full on, but yet with his own distinct sound and atmosphere. Uplifting and psychedelic with a slight progressive touch.
03. Wizzy Noise – Opus Drive
Greeces biggest act on the scene after the millennium, Wizzy Noise, delivers a huge bomb in "Opus Drive". Hard-hitting full on with Wizzy Noises well-known techy influences, yet extremely uplifting and melodic. The first real highlight on the compilation.
04. Logic Bomb - Deuchland
"Deuchland" (what the hell does that mean? ) is from the Swedish Logic Bombs, and like always from them, it’s multi-layered, highly psychedelic and with loads of weird effects on top. The style hasn’t changed much since their last album "Unlimited", but the formula is still working, and no one has succeeded in copying their sound yet. Typical Logic Bomb track.
05. Dino Psaras Versus Deedrah - Hellraiser
Up next is a collaboration between Dino and Deedrah, two names who needs no introduction. "Hellraiser" seems like a very suitable track for the track, and you can definitely hear both artists influences; the rough, hard-hitting production of Dino and the more polished work of Deedrah. Dancefloor material for sure.
06. Astrix - Oranda
"Oranda" is from the Israeli wonder Astrix, who in less than a few years developed into probably one of the most popular acts on the scene, and if one, he was probably one of the most important factors in the new wave of Israeli full on. "Oranda" is more or less your typical Astrix-track: very melodic and catchy, and while it perhaps isn’t his best work ever, I prefer it over much of the stuff on his newest album.
07. Silicon Sound Featuring Jaia - Passengers
"Passengers" is interesting French collaboration between the full on act Silicon Sound, and one of my all-time favourite morning acts, Jaïa. Jaïa hasn’t released much new stuff the last few years, but is set to release a highly anticipated album on Digital Structures this spring – and this track is a nice teaser, although it sounds like Silicon Sound was most dominant in the collaboration. Excellent, uplifting morning music – smooth as slik.
08. Alien Project – Alien Technology
A lot has been said about the Israeli Alien Project, and I agree with most of it. His music is closely related with Astrix, and the last track of his I found good, was actually the old Astrix-collaboration "Midnight Sun". "Alien Technology" is unfortunately another pale creation from Alien Project – the same sounds and effects he used so many times before – definitely a filler.
09. Space Cat – H2O
Space Cat did the mastering of the compilation, and here he is with a track of his own, "H2O". I guess the production is pretty good, and the melodies are very catchy, but I found the guitar and squeaky Space Cat-trademark synths quite annoying and stressful. Didn’t like this.
10. Synthetic – Mind Splinter
Finishing the compilation is another track from Dado, this time with his more raw and techy sideproject Synthetic. "Mind Splinter" is certainly the least formulaic track on the compilation, keeping a slow pace and evolving from gloomy to dreamy - a well-chosen closure to the compilation.
Bottom line:
The artists featured on "Digital Performers" are some of the biggest and most sought after on today’s psytrance scene, and while some would probably call it commercial, I just think of it as a good, professional release. No, you shouldn’t expect something totally groundbreaking or highly original, but if you’re "just" looking for a compilation with some of the best full on the scene has to offer at the moment, look no further. Not only do I think it’s a must-have in every full on DJ’s case, a lot of the tracks are also great for home listening.
This is the best full on compilation since Neurobiotics "Neurology", and alongside Pixels "Reality Strikes Back", the best full on release I’ve heard so far in 2005. Good job.
Favourites:
1, 3 (!!), 5, 7 (!!), 10 (!!)
Verdict:
8/10
Link:
Exposure Productions: http://www.exposure-productions.net
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We need a sub forum for these excellent polls.
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A few additions to your list:
Fitalic
Dousk
André Absolut
Minilogue
New Disco Science Alliance
Özgür Can
Luke Chable
Echomen
Roman Lieske
And I also really like the new upcoming swede Threshold Productions ... look out for his releases in the future ("Sound System" is beautiful)
Anyways, enough with the offtopic
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There is both good and bad stuff coming out of Israel, so wouldn't say that it's either the best or the worst.
Next time, make some more options in your polls ... it isn't all black and white.
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So, no comments?
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There. 128kbps
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Should work now.
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Artist: Sunrise Supplies
Title: Sorte Slyngel (preview 001)
Length: 4:22
Quality: 128kbps (sorry, it's all that SoundClick allows)
Information:
Made this one in Cubase this afternoon. It's one of my first creations - 130 BPM housey stuff, but with a subtle psychedelic edge to it. It's a preview of the basic layout - and not with much diversity, but give it a listen and please give me some constructive feedback afterwards
Link:
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A lot has been said about YSE/Millennium Records. Calling their compilations “goa this and that” is certainly a marketing gimmick, but on the other hand they sell massive numbers (compared to other labels) and the tracks they license provide an income for the other labels out there.
Also, despite the corny titles, some of their “hit-releases” are quite good – there’s a lot of value for the money, and sometimes you can get lucky and buy a compilation with a lot of good tracks, where you perhaps should have bought 3-4 ordinary albums or compilations to get the same amount of high quality tracks.
That said, they have also released some quite good albums like Sonic Cubes “Sonic Cube”, Andromedas “Temptations” and Peter Guns “Pressure Point”.
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Artist: Various
Title: Set:4 Essentials – Compiled by Yuli Fershtat
Label: Iboga
Format: CD (Jewelcase)
Style: Progressive psytrance
Released: February 2005
Review:
In collaboration with Danni Makov, Yuli Fershtat aka BLT released one of the most memorable albums in 2004, the tribal progressive/full on hybrid "Anything U Want", so when the news arrived that he would compile the next release from one of my favourite labels, Iboga, expectations where high from the start. The compilation features a good mix of old-timers and newcomers – mostly from Yulis homeland Israel, but also with a few European acts and Australias own FREq on the tracklist.
Anyways, on here’s my impression of the release:
1. Ace Ventura – Cardiac Arrest [135 BPM]
First track is by Yoni Oshrat known from Psysex, who recently has had a few releases in progressive circles. First he released a couple of dirty electro-tracks with his side project Schatsi on Hadshot, and here is his first release as Ace Ventura. It starts out with the sound of a beating heart, and then slowly progresses into a nice progressive journey – really sounding promising, but unfortunately ending with some quite annoying acid-sounds. Very nice up until then though.
2. Perfect Stranger – Nobody’s Perfect [134 BPM]
"Nobody’s Perfect" is the first track from Perfect Stranger - a new project of Yuli of BLT fame, and like anticipated it’s a bit slower and less full on than on his latest album. The percussion-work is still top-notch though, the groove is intact, and he does a great job using a variety of different effects in the track. High quality work once again, by one of Israels most unique psytrance artists.
3. FREq – Lifeline [140 BPM]
FREq doesn’t need much introduction – after a few releases on labels like Plusquam and Iboga, his album "Strange Attractors" hit the scene like a hurricane last summer, and quickly established him as one of the most popular acts on the progressive scene. "Lifeline" is more or less your typical FREq-stomper; huge bassline, phat synths and highly melodic. Not very original, but it does the trick and is certainly one of his better releases.
4. Yotopia – Believe [141 BPM]
The Israeli duo Yotopia got my attention with their track on ZMA’s "Battle Royal", and "Believe" is yet another delicious track from the holy land. The uplifting melodies almost feel naive, but result in a very enchanting atmosphere, making me look forward to the upcoming summer. Sunshine music.
5. Sunseek – Jet Lag [140 BPM]
Sunseek is Miki Ocheri, and "Jet Lag" is a very promising track from the Israeli newcomer. Somewhere between full on and progressive, with a pounding, rolling bassline and very powerful effects make this an absolutely smashing peak-time stomper – reminding me of some of the tracks on the BLT and Danni Makov album. I’ll definitely be watching out for this promising newcomer.
6. Cubica – Red Out [135 BPM]
Cubica is the soloproject of Mikkel Calum of Frogacult fame, and "Red Out" is his first solo-release for over 2 years. There are very clear similarities with Frogacult - especially the groove - but unfortunately it seems like less focus was put on the atmosphere. It doesn’t have quite the same organic forest-atmosphere as Frogacult, and doesn’t touch me nearly as much as some of the highlights from the magnificent "Something For Sundays" album.
7. Aerospace – Scatter [136 BPM]
"Scatter" is the first track I’ve heard by Aerospace – the solo project of Guy Shanti of Evil Drug Lords. Although some elements are promising, I simply don’t think it has the same high quality of most of the other tracks here, so I consider it a bit of a filler.
8. Pixel Vs. Ran Shani – Disco Nection [134 BPM]
Pixel collaborates with Ran Shani on "Disco Nection", a track that was also featured on his debut album released a few months ago on HOMmega. With its low bpm it’s a quite unusual track for Pixel so far, but showing his big repertoire. Electro-sounds and utterly flawless percussion – this is a very solid groover.
9. Zen Mechanics – Ground Control [136 BPM]
Last track is by the one-man act Zen Mechanics from Holland, who had a few releases in full on and ambient circles the last year or so. This is his first progressive release though, and judging by this hit, he should definitely continue down this path in the future. Despite the relatively low BPM, the rolling bassline makes it feel quite fast, and I can imagine the dance floor reaction will be perfect in the peak of a progressive set. Marvellous finish to the compilation.
Bottom line:
"Set:4" is the best compilation so far in the "Set" series, and I personally find the mixture of progressive and full on intriguing. Yuli did a great job balancing the compilation between new and old acts, mixing faster progressive stompers and the slower, groovier stuff, so there should be something for both the progressive lovers and full on fans. If you liked the magnificent "Playground" compilation, "Set:4" will probably also be a release for your taste – a superb compilation, probably best suitable for the dance floor, but also a gem for home listening.
Favourites:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (!!), 8, 9 (!!)
Verdict:
8/10
Link:
Iboga Records: http://www.iboga.dk
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im not excited for this one.. not even too curious... After the ´pandora´s...´ cd, I was too dissapointed to wait for something really good from them..
there are some other prog releases which are enticing my curiosity for this year.. like new phony orphants, new antix (!!), new vibrasphere (!!), new ticon (!!), and new jaia (!!)
I wasn't too excited about this one either, but it proved to be a positive surprise though.
Very excited by the upcoming releases you mention by the way - also add the upcoming 2 Digiboga compilations, and everything is set up for a good year. Luckily it looks like 2005 is going to be as good as year for progressive as 2004
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A bit early for that, don't you think?
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Artist: Beat Bizarre
Title: Somersault Industries
Label: Iboga
Format: CD
Style: Progressive psytrance
Released: March 2005
Review:
The Danish duo Beat Bizarre has been a part of Iboga almost since day one. They where featured on the second compilation from the Iboga lab, and their debut album "Lewd", which is widely acclaimed as one of the best minimal albums from that period, was the 2nd full-lenght album released on Iboga - So it was no surprise that their 3rd album "Somersault Industries" would also be released on the biggest Danish label at the moment. My expectations where quite mixed though – I found the latest Beat Bizarre album "Pandoras Groove Box" quite disappointing, but on the other hand, their track "Content May Differ" on "Playground" was a very positive surprise.
With that in mind, I listened to the CD with an open mind, and here’s my impression:
1. Milktooth
"Milktooth" opens the album without many surprises. It has a short intro, and develops into a nice progressive track, somewhere on the borderline between music for the nighttime and the morning. Quite tough and metallic in feel, but without getting really dark and haunting - good atmosphere, and a safe track for an opener.
2. Content May Differ
Next up is "Content May Differ", which in my opinion was the best Beat Bizarre track since their contribution to the "Cross Link" compilation, when it came out as one of the highlights on "Playground" last December. A very nice, laidback track with a deep atmosphere and subtle teasing melodies to keep the attention focused – still very fresh.
3. Stereorganic
"Stereorganic" starts out nicely with a deep sub-bass, and the overall layout and atmosphere is pretty good. What annoys me though, is that it sounds like they’ve used sliced voice-samples as for some of the melodies, and to me it was more distracting than adding to the track. Nice try, but unfortunately didn’t really connect to it.
4. A´Quatet
"A´Quatet" is the 2nd of two weak tracks in succession on the album, this time based on some quite hollow sounds and a generally not too deep sound. The build-up and general flow is good, and thumbs up for the old video-game feeling - but in my opinion the track simply lacks punch. One of two tracks from the album I’ll skip in the future.
5. Ding Dong Dynamo
"Ding Dong Dynamo" starts out with tight sounds over a very funky groove, but slowly builds up, adding layers of teasing melodies, subtle percussion and metallic effects. The groove stays the same throughout the track, never catching a really big climax, but relentlessly keeping the legs moving and getting deeper and deeper. Wonderful track - bouncy, yet with a quite gloomy atmosphere.
6. Snowflake Shake
They continue with the corny track names with "Snowflake Shake", starting quite minimal and slowly evolving, adding more and more percussion along the way. The sound is quite tight throughout the track, perhaps I could have liked if it was even deeper, but the percussion-work is great and the stabs are good and lift the track nicely.
7. Analogical
And next up is another of my personal highlights, "Analogical", definitely the most energetic and uplifting track here. Centered around retro-like synths and with some lovely melodies to die for, this track is definitely the biggest dance floor stomper on the album.
8. 2 Lame 2 Blame
"2 lame 2 Blame" marks the closure of the album, and it seems like they’ve saved the best for last. The atmosphere and wooden percussion is perfect for the deep forest, very comparable to the Frogacult album, although not quite as melodic. Brilliant finish.
Bottom line:
"Somersault Industries" is definitely a good, sharp album, but not quite up on the same exceptional level of the latest albums released on Iboga. Where I especially think it pales a bit compared to for instance Frogacult, is in musical content – of course the sound is top-notch, but some of the tracks simply don’t rise over the good production and a nice groove. That was even more the case on "Pandoras Groove Box" though, so the new album is certainly an improvement in my ears, and especially on the last 4 tracks it gets funkier and funkier.
All in all a solid release, mixing elements from the old minimal sound of "Lewd" with a more mellow progressive sound of today; constantly around the borderline of music for the night and day – never really dark, but never really uplifting either. Worth checking out, but also needed some thorough listens before I really started to appreciate it.
Favourites:
2, 5 (!!), 7 (!!), 8 (!!)
Verdict:
7/10
Link:
Iboga Records: http://www.iboga.dk
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Everything I've made.
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Good read. You can also find an interview here:
http://www.isratrance.com/www/interview/sh...?id=53&lang=eng
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Genetic Spin actually released a track called Full Onion
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If you want something similar you should check out the soloproject of Gabe from Brain XL: Wrecked Machines.
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Good compilation, taking it back to the darker realms after the more morning-oriented "Permutations". I prefer "Permutations" over this one though, but it's certainly worth a listen - not only is it good, but it's also one of the only labels who keep releasing darker progressive and minimal trance (Crotus and Sub Machine also deserves to be mentioned though).
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You either love them or hate them.
People who liked their earlier releases will probably also love this.
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I thought I would never say this about anything; That track is actually much worse than Skazi.
Compile a FREq singles collection
in General Psytrance
Posted
My first 2 encounters with his sound are absolutely essential; “Wasp” (“VA - Outback Eclipse 2002” on Exotic Native) and “Monochrome” (“VA - Sunday Sessions - After Eclipse vol 1” on Exotic Native) are both deep progressive monsters and unlike almost all his newer stuff, they’re running with a BPM right under 130.
His breakthrough on the progressive psytrance scene is also worth noticing – I’m of course talking about “Short Life Again” released on “Revive” from Plusquam. After that, he released tons of tracks – some great, some mediocre. If I should fill up 80 minutes, I would perhaps pick these 9. It’s both slower progressive stuff, the more full onish tunes and also his only chillout track so far, so perhaps it’s not quite suited for your use – but if I where to compile a “best of FREq” album showcasing not only his best track, but also the most diverse repertoire in the last 3 years, this would be it:
FREq - Wasp (“VA - Outback Eclipse 2002” on Exotic Native, 2002)
FREq - Monochrome (“VA - Sunday Sessions - After Eclipse vol 1” on Exotic Native, 2003)
FREq - Short Life Again (“VA – Revive” on Plusquam, 2003)
FREq - Return To The Masters [“VA – “Puzzled”” on Iboga, 2004]
FREq - Awaken (Materialize) [“FREq – Strange Attractors” on Iboga, 2004]
FREq - Bliss [“FREq – Strange Attractors” on Iboga, 2004]
FREq - Incense Tree [“VA - Permutations” on Zenon, 2004]
FREq Vs. Spherical Vs. Fractal Glider – DFF [“VA – A Day After...” on ZMA, 2004]
FREq Vs. Antix – Frantix (Azza Mix) [“VA – Playground” on Iboga, 2004]