Trance2MoveU

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Artist: Various Title: Rajanga Label: Rajas Records Date: July, 2011 1. The story of Milky Way - INNERSELF 2. Analog Shaman - JIKOOHA 3. A message of hope - HAMASE 4. Osteospermum - DIMORPHOTHECA 5. Time and space - NOISE GUST 6. Don Don - FATAL DISCORD 7. Disco Lsd - MIRACLE'S 8. Infaernal endless feeling (Comebackkid) - HISHIRYO 9. Tsukiakari - EVIL FAIRY So the question I'm asking is "Does goa trance increase sales?" Because, looking at that tracklist, the first two have no f*cking business being there if they don't. Think of the first two tracks as a kidnapped white chick and the rest a black midget kidnapper that is holding her against her will. How absurdly arbitrary. Really? Think so? "Oh no you don't! Get the f*ck back in that box b*tch! You're ready to ship" And that's also the reason I had to hear it. This is the first release from Rajas Records and it is clearly a darkpsy compilation with two goa tracks to start. Were they afterthoughts or did someone lose a bet? The Story of Milky Way- "Let us travel now at the speed of light. Departing from our star on a trip across the cosmos toward the edge of the known universe." Sounds great, but can we stop by my house so I can pick up my toothbrush and this months Penthouse Forum? What? I get it for the articles. This is Kristijan Petkovski with an opening goa track. His EP Revenge of the Sun didn't thrill me, but this is miles better. Someone's been practicing! It's very spacey with juicy leads almost forest like. He's not going to pummel you with tons of layers, but the ones he does use are very effective. The track thickens with twisting synths that are quite appealing. Tasty! Analog Shaman- This is Jun Iwai & Masakazu Shimodi and I'm so excited, they friended me on Facebook! *Squeal!* Only thing is, everything they post is in Japanese so on my screen it just looks like jibberish. That's cool and so is their style of goa trance. It bubbles and sparkles while it pounds the laziness out of you. The melody at the break is odd but that's just how they roll. Not clones that's for sure, and you find yourself either loving it or hating it. I love it. The whole track reeks of diving into a pool of psychedelia and because I forgot the ol water wings, it's sink or swim baby! Message of Hope- Hamase? You mean like the terrorist organization? Actually no, this is Satoshi Hamase and he is even older than I am! It's a dark type of track with a rolling bass line and spooky effects and atonal melodies. Darkpsy without the child sacrifice and devil worship. Not a big fan as it comes off as rather boring so my message to him is to make a better track. Osteospernum- No clue who this is, but we have definitely ventured into darkpsy territory. I would recognize that bass line anywhere. Like the sounds of screaming torture? Me neither as this is just evil effects over that bass line. Melody? Forget it. This is Pinhead's soundtrack. Time and Space- "You're not listening to me. There are other things that need to be taken into account here." Just so you don't think I hate all darkpsy (I don't) this one appealed to me. It's much faster and the effects enhance the frantic nature of the track. This is Kagetoshi Nakamura and his vibe seems more on the organic forest side of things. It's scary for sure, as he layers the effects in an auditory nightmare. Hell, it almost seems as he brings some melody to the darkness. But let's be clear... there won't be a Vibe Tribe sighting here. This track bubbles and evolves into different phrases so it's not just effects over the same bass line. *Looks askew at Dimorphotheca* Don Don- Fatal Discord is Masayoshi Suzuki and he also veers towards the dark forest type of thing. Computer effects, screeches, rapid twinkling tones...you know the drill. Like the previous track the effects are varied so it's much more interesting to my ears. Bubbling and intense. Disco LSD- I think you would have to be on LSD to think this was disco. It's fast and the effects race up and down like a politician's poll numbers. What must the dancefloor look like with music this intense and chaotic. In my mind it's all vampires in a mosh pit. Yeah, that sounds about right. Infaernal Endless Feeling (Comebackkid)-French darkspy? I think it's just darkpsy that makes fun of you. Well it wins the loudness war in any event. What f*cking noise. I know art and taste is subjective and thank God it is. But at what point do we come to our senses and realize not all turds can be diamonds? Friends don't let friends drive while listening to darkpsy. Tsukiakari- The only thing I took away from this track was the children's choir. I suppose the Hamase track was the bridge, but this is a Japanese darkpsy compilation. Make no mistake. The first two tracks were actually pretty good, so it's my hope that they don't get lost in the shuffle. The rest have plenty of evil effects and high tempo anger to satisfy fans of the dark genre. Not much for darkpsy, I did enjoy the track construction of Noise Gust and Fatal Discord but what the f*ck was the Hishyiro track all about? Want my advice? Take the two goa tracks, get the f*ck on your bicycle and get the hell out of here. http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/raj/raj1cd001.html http://www.beatspace.com/6390/Rajas+Records/Various/Rajanga/detail.aspx http://www.goastore.ch/product_info.php?products_id=4576 Mdk

Artist: Sonic Crime Title: Live & Dead Label: Monstruo.ink Crew & Undervoice Records Date: November, 2011 1. The End Is Yet To Come 2. Too Far 3. Schizo Gliufd 4. When & Then This is Nick Piliouris from Greece. The only reason I'm giving it a listen is the cover. And I'm bored. The End Is Yet To Come- Breakbeat, drum n bass, jungle, tribal...did I miss anything? The melody is a slow afternoon bit of sunshine electric piano against a beat. Not much there though. Too Far- Groovy electronics sound sharp with glitch spread all over this thing. The laughing effect is nice and this may be the most melodic track here. Easily my favorite. Schizo Gliufd- Entropy. Electronic sounds that seem to be at war with each other. Very cyber intensive with a slow, plodding beat. It changes frequently and let's face it at 10 minutes it needs to. The melody and drum n bass bit at 2 minutes was pretty cool and it makes a return later in the track. Still, 10 minutes is a long time brother. It's like he got some new beat software and tried hard to work them all into one track. When & Then- Boom! That bass drum is thundrous! With plenty of glitchy effects and varied rhythms this is really interesting. Plenty of breakbeat madness. The middle of the track has me reaching for my microphone wanting to spit a few verses. But then I remember I can't rap and just listen. It's dirty and juicy with several turns. Not the first thing I would reach for, but it's nice to break away from the everyday. "Cruising down the street in my 64"...stop. Just...stop. Loads of different beats and glitchy sounds which make for a nice change of pace. One can't listen to the same stuff over and over, right? That being said, this is great for a few minutes and then I'm looking to see what's in the fridge. http://www.ektoplazm...crime-live-dead Mdk

Artist: N.I.O. Title: Search For Insights Label: EDR (EDR? Don't they fill prescriptions and sh*t?) Date: November, 2011 1. My Domain 2. Mental As Anything 3. Search For Insight 4. Just Around the Corner This is New Intelligent Organism, a side project of Israeli psytrance producer Crownick, aka Gilad Arama. No clue who that is, but what I do know is that it was mastered by Space Cat. So he's got that going for him. I'm a sucker for short track times and slow bpm's so I figured I would give this a go. Don't cost nothin'. My Domain- Imagine early Depeche Mode dreary lyrics and with breakbeats. You know back when only that skater kid in high school with the funny haircut listened to them? Is it any good? I would say the best thing about this track is that it was only 4 minutes long. I mean the lyric told me to stay away, why didn't I listen? Mental As Anything- If I was directing this video there would be a piano on the beach as the waves lap against the shore. Why? Because under no circumstance does a f*cking piano belong there. It's like when advertisers have a product they label red, but it's blue with no red anywhere. The melody is dark and sad but I have to say Depeche Mode did it with Mephisto back in the early 90's. Not bad at all especially if you're in the mood for nostalgia or are thinking about cutting yourself. I liked it Search For Insight- Ok, ok...he gets a little funky here. The breakbeat and spooky melody work well together and then window rattling bass takes over. The leads change while the percussion is a hammering on doors kinda thing with a long sample near the end about how we've lost something no matter how technologically advanced we become. Maybe. But we can also cure syphilis. Technology 1, What we've lost...who gives a f*ck. Just Around the Corner- Slow, with a marching slave vibe. The melodies are again dark as they layer, and I do like the middle of the track breakbeat. Other than that...meh. I liked it. Kinda. The melodies were indeed dark and spooky with great atmosphere creation. Most of the breakbeat was awesome and kept it interesting with a heavy techno vibe. What I think is lacking is some subtlety. Everything was just thrown in without any growth or evolving. It was loud without any changes in volume. Still they say a full album is on the way and I would be interested in hearing it. http://www.ektoplazm.com/section/free-music Mdk

Artist: Hypnoxock Title: Logic Evolution Label: Trance Lab Records Date: April, 2011 1. Magnetic Beats (feat Green Beats) 2. Camouflage 3. Viped 1 4. Reflex 5. Logic Evolution 6. Dimensio Desconeguda 7. Next World 8. Emotions 9. Science Fiction (feat. Green Beats) This one slipped right by me, but I'm glad I finally caught it. Hypnoxock are Victor Solsona and Pedro Quijada and they have a very varied style. Their debut album was called Synthetic Resurrection back in 2009 and was a twilight stomper to say the least. Since then, they have released a few EP's (Acid Return Remixes and Tales of the Mind...review links below) and we have seen them tackle progressive trance as well as some downtempo all with good results. So what does this digital only release have in store? Let us find out shall we? http://www.psynews.org/forums/index.php?/topic/61995-hypnoxock-acid-return-remixes-ep/page__hl__hypnoxock__fromsearch__1 http://www.psynews.org/forums/index.php?/topic/60399-hypnoxock-tales-of-the-mind-ep/page__hl__hypnoxock__fromsearch__1 Magnetic Beats- I hear an acoustic guitar amid some bubbling electronica and it feels like a new day is dawning. This is a grab your coffee and bagel while you look out at the sea moment. The breakbeat slides in with some funky percussive work and I'm checking to make sure I didn't hit the wrong track. This doesn't sound like their old stuff, but it isn't bad at all. Just caught me off guard. Sounds in the break echo and I swear I can reach out and touch them. It almost sounds too commercial to be from a psytrance artist, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Camouflage- Switching styles they bring a more progressive groove on this one. Echoing effects sound good and the melody chimes in at close to four minutes. Very trancey to be sure in the Van Dyk fold. The floaty break is pretty tasty as they deliver something on the lighter side of trance. And damn if it isn't danceable. Been workin' on a few new moves lately. Oh yeah, it's a ladykiller. Viped 1- Love the dark opening, very cold and foreboding atmosphere. It has minimal touches but instead of detracting from the track these heighten the sense of isolation. As they like to do a 303 growls to life right into a break continuing the dark presence. The ending melody is very tasty indeed. This wasn't a stormer but a very feral atmospheric romp that showed its teeth. Bravo gentlemen. The Reflex- The dark theme continues with progressive sensibilities. Effects rocket from the shadows putting one on edge. Another wide open space break as you view the planet from 6 miles up. They do more with less here as the bass line is simple, but the effect work is delicious. Only drawback? Why so f*cking short? Logic Evolution- The cold electronics continue and like the rest this sounds very futuristic. More work without overloading the ear with effects that make the track. There is a difference between a track being nothing but effects and having those effects enhance the track. These guys are doing it right. It's a scaled down sound but it involves the listener and tells a great tale. Dimensio' Desconeguda- Simple as simple gets. Not much happening in the beginning yet I'm still drawn in by the good effect work. I didn't care up until the 5 minute mark, but they slid a sinister little melody in there at the end. For my money though it didn't really go anywhere thus earning the coveted weakest track on the album. Next World- Another rather long track with a minimalist approach. The break at 5 minutes was awesome, but it was the first time that I really noticed anything about the track. Before that it was rather boring, just like the last one. These have definitely erred on the lighter side of trance. Emotions- "You have five seconds to terminate this tape." Ahhh, back to where their bread was buttered. Great opening effects showing some mystical properties. The lead is a deep and dark techo inspired stalking springing forth from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. When the arpeggio gets here it fits right in with all the layers as the light tones echo off the ships hull. Science Fiction- The outro represents a gurgling mass of computer hums and flashing LED's with no one to bear witness. Shimmering synths float within an empty ship. A melancholic flute laments events of the past or celebrates the power of the deity. Pretty good. This was very interesting. Whereas Synthetic Resurrection was a sledgehammer, this is a filet knife. The former was all power and melody, this relies heavily on lush atmosphere. If I didn't know any better I would say it was from an entirely different project. Whether they have any interest in making twilight music or not, this duo have shown that they are fully capable of switching genres with great results. As I mentioned before the sound is low tech or scaled back with more enphasis on storytelling than making your ass wiggle. Most of the tracks were well done with twists to keep it fresh with only a few that wandered aimlessly about. Nice work. http://www.psyshop.com/shop/Downloads/tlb/tlb1dw003.html http://www.beatspace.com/6200/Trance+Lab+Records/HYPNOXOCK/Logic+Evolution/detail.aspx http://www.beatport.com/release/logic-evolution/364610 Mdk

Artist: Portamento Title: The Portal Label: Cronomi Records Date: September, 2011 1. White Dwarf 2. 48 Hours 3. The Portal 4. Monkshroom 5. Injected Spawn 6. Biosphere 7. Vitamin E 8. A Grain Of Sand 9. Controlled Experiment So I'm washing my car yesterday cause I hit a deer and this guy walks by giving me the ol stinkeye. "Hey! Hey, Kumar see something ya like!?! Why don't you take a picture it'll last longer!" Jeez, freaking lookiloo... Anyway while I was washing my car I couldn't wait to listen to this album. This is Jesper Hahn from...no, lemme alone. He is from....NO! I said no I'm not doing it so stop bothering me. You're not going to let it go are you? HAHNNNNNNNN!!!!!!! I listened to the samples of a few tracks and quickly came to the realization that I didn't want to walk through this portal. Hell no, I wanted to backflip into this motherf*cker. Cronomi Records fresh off the success of the phenomenal Erta Ale compilation bring you Jesper's debut. Penzoline did an excellent review of the technical stuff, but after spending some time with this album I thought I would add my own 2 cents. White Dwarf- The aliens have officially landed as acidic droplets sparkle in their footsteps forcing you to keep your distance. It comes in waves like a stong set in advance of a hurricane. The layers are thick yet very clear and there is a good balance of the highs and the lows. The whole track reeks of quality and has plenty of chapters to keep it fresh. After a thorough evaluation with the latest equipment this track has balls. 48 Hours- "You have 48 hours. That is the length of time it needs to adapt itself to our living conditions." With a deep thumping beat and scratchy synths the aliens are let loose! It growls and sneers, but at 2:15 a 303 like an Indiana Jones whip flashes across the skin only it has spikes on it. And it's on fire. The detail is razor sharp as that lead rumbles and chirps. Just when you think it hits it's peak like a horny teenager on spring break, a new batch of squirty effects usher in some more power. When the 303 returns it's time to hit the floor. After captaining the New York Rangers to a Stanley Cup in 94, Mark Messier finds the dancing title most elusive of all. The Portal- "We don't select our destinations by what peaks our interest." Well, then you're are a sh*tty travel agency. If I want to go to Spain, don't send me to Kosovo b*tch. The kick is almost Nitzho in nature, but there is no mistaking that shimmering bubbling of a goa trance melody. Soon that is joined by an acidic tomahawk missile and we are at groove level 4. Synths pile on top of synths yet you can follow them all as if they were working solo. Super great sound as one lead melody gently fades into an other. Monkshroom- More alien sounds...man if this is on the other side of the Portal we might want to close that motherf*cker. Racing synths that don't seem to be in a particular hurry crawl up the walls and all over the ceiling. The beat is driving and this is to goa trance what God Save the Machine was to psytrance. There is a growl to this one as well almost like it's daring you to listen to it. Great stuff. "You got mushrooms and extra cheese on that pie right?" Injected Spawn- The very title sounds so very...very...I dunno Yeah, alien. Dark times call for dark music. This is practically Greece's soundtrack right about now. So many layers creating a lush atmosphere it's hard to fathom. Couple that with a great bounce and we have another winner. There are so many sounds swirling about and a break that really hammers home the isolated and alone feeling. *Puts finger to earpiece* What's that? We actually have footage of the alien race waiting to enslave mankind? Roll it! God help us. Biosphere- We're safe in the biosphere right? RIGHT? Wrong. More growling synths as well as a bass sound that makes a squishy sound like a footprint in the mud. Aw f*ck...those were new boots. Shimmering acid lines cascade over each other like I can see each quantum of sunlight. But there ain't no sunshine and smiley faces here as the sinister intentions bubble over the surface. The break offers a measure of peace and solace but you know that is short lived. This is another danceable tune that soars into the sky with a action packed climax. Marvellous. Vitamin E- So...is vitamin E the only thing that will prevent the human race from becoming incubating systems? If so, where can we find an abundant supply? A-ha! Found a goldmine! Jackpot! Warped sounds with slow attack rates filter down while the aliens land their spaceship in a barren field. Outer space goa to its maximum. Very little rest here as it pulsates and adds new synths that scrape the firmament. Acidelicious! A Grain of Sand- Yep. Just as I feared. This is where the probing begins. Nothing left to do but bend over and take one for the planet I say. He's really mastered the transition from lead to lead as it's seamless. It's fast paced as leads swirl and scream at the same time in this aggressive acidic firefight. The break seethes with life and before you know it you're right back into the fray. Get your oven mits on, this one's a hot potato. Controlled Experiment- Bubbling, snapping, ladies and gents this is as downtempo as it gets. Crystal clear 303's, scratchy bass, this ones a builder with a f*cking addictive melody that I was dancing to 4 hours after I put this away. The melodies are spiritual with juicy textures and you get swept up in its rapture. The track breathes...I mean, the track actually breathes! If this is what alien probing is like than sign me up, cause I am feeling no pain. I don't know what those rednecks complain about. Outerspace goa this f*cking fantastic demands a dance that's out of this world. Lush. Atmospheric. Supremely melodic. There aren't enough adjectives to describe how awesome this is. Every sound is clear as hell and the layers....omigod the layers! We have reached the pinnacle my friends as a new benchmark has been set. Congratulations Jesper and congratulations Cronomi. You are the Ying to Suntrip's Yang. Out.F*cking.Standing. If you don't buy this...you're dead to me. http://www.psyshop.c.../crm1cd005.html http://www.beatspace...al+/detail.aspx http://www.goastore....roducts_id=4582 Mdk

Artist: Persistent Aura Title: Grand Julian Label: Sita Records Date: October, 2011 1. Creative Processing Unit (Feat. Rama) 2. Attractor 3. Colliding Galaxies 4. Concrescence 5. Iztam-Yeh (Feat. Agneton) 6. Hypnosis 7. Whitehead's Ontology 8. Figs Past Easter 9. Hurricane When I heard that there was going to be a Persistent Aura album I was excited Ummm, a little less.... Calm down Jake, I haven't seen you this excited since Prince of Persia. Yeah good idea, take an Arabic character and give the role to a white man. No wonder the world thinks we are at war with the brown people. While not as excited as Jake, it was still something to look forward to. This is Ewoud Vandenberghen from Belgium and his EP The Great Timestream Bifrucation (review here http://www.psynews.o...__fromsearch__1) was awesome and since it was being released by Sita then you know that quality was imminent. This is a label that doesn't get the credit it is due with releases like Nitz-O-Goa, Protozoa, and of course Goalien's Psychedelic Dilemma. Creative Processing Unit- Ever run a marathon? No? F*ck it, me neither that''s really far. But I have run so much that when it was over I felt like I would drop from exhaustion. That's what this track does. It's Nitzhogoa with arpeggios going up and down at a rapid pace with several layers. And at almost 10 minutes that's really heavy with very little break. The melodies change thankfully and the break at 5 minutes has some really snakey synth work reminiscent of some old Colorbox stuff. Then the 2nd break reminds me of the Rama track Illumination which is a great thing. Ewoud and Filipe put you through your paces here, so only step to this if you are aurally fit. Attractor- Where the first track was an introduction to the Nitzhogoa style this is an assault to your private parts. The lead screams and the bass line thumps as new layers creep in like a pedophile on school property. Synths swirl in true goa fashion with some Nitzho touches but never does it become a cheesefest. Far from it as it brings the groove as well. Lead melodies shower down like, well... Yeah Ewoud, make it rain in this motherf*cker! Wait a sec...hold up. Little Asian kids are making it rain now? Don't you have advanced calculus homework to do? He gets everything that can be got out of those leads, squeezing them like your girlfriend does the tube of toothpaste to get that last bit. And then leaves the tube empty on the sink without telling anyone. Thanks a lot b*tch! Colliding Galaxies- As I write this I look at the clock and see that it's 4:20. And realize how wonderful it would be to step back into the past, fire one up and listen to this while watching the clouds. Dancing leads jump around like the floor is electrified, climbing up that melodic beanstalk. The break is an electronic pause with no reduction in speed. And damn if he doesn't bring the shimmery lead stuff like he was standing on a cliff and pissing on you. 5 minutes. I just want 5 f*cking minutes to take a leak. I'm sure Gotham won't collapse if another jaywalker goes unpunished. Get Green Lantern to do it, his movie bombed I'm sure he's not busy. Concresence- Is that even a word? Screw it, if it is I know I won't be able to work that b*tch into conversation. The bouncy lead has springs in its shoes leaping all over the place and you tell me how that isn't infectious. He's really good at starting with a single lead, doubling it, and then adding more layers. Sounds very good and supremely danceable. The synth trills are insane...yes, I said trills. Higher education not working for you? Bookfight! Iztam-Yeh- (Yiddish for "Give me you're f*cking money! And the watch, and I'll take you're bitche's necklace too!") "The big record corporations ar not at all in touch with real tastes and real creativity in the music business. They recycle garbage that they support with massive public relations programs at the same time that real creativity is alive and well and thriving..." What you have just witnessed was undercover video of a board meeting at Capitol Records where the topic was: Ke$ha. That's right f*cking Ke$ha. How we sold a million copies and forced you suckers to buy it. With a big fat Nitzho kick it gets all sparkly lead up in here as Elias lends a hand on this track. It rages with intensity as they do they're layering thing and it gives the track a nice fullness. This is an all out blaster that strikes that perfect balance between goa and nitzho. Super stuff. Hypnosis- The laser kick is a dead giveaway that Nitzho has entered the building. The melodies swirl amid space like effects and then the arpeggio rides up and down like a roller coaster. It's got that shimmer that Transwave was known for, as he sneaks a lighter melody underneath. The break is awesome giving the leads a "wah-wah" kinda guitar effect. It's not a 4 on the floor stomper but more of a subliminal type track, you know....hypnotic. Whitehead's Ontology- Like chants? Sunshine melodies that aren't really...friendly? Yeah, me too. Not one minute in and I was auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance.. I think I really have a shot this year. I mean right off the bat the lead grabs you and throws you onto the floor. If you aint dancing to this you're too busy getting laid. Which I...um, guess is better. But this is right up there. The bass line is AK-47 machine gun rapid as the synth bobs and weaves. Hear that? Yep another undercurrent he likes to put in there to further propel the track. It then of course takes over and acts as a bridge to the next melodic output. Fantastic. Side note, I would love to know how artist's choose the names of their tracks. Figs Past Easter- "The myth is an idea that, while widely believed is false. In a deeper sense, in the religious sense a myth serves as an orienting, mobilizing story for a people. The focus is not on the story's relation to reality but on its function. A story cannot function unless it is believed to be true in the community or the nation." Are you...can you do that, is that a rule? Is it ok to have figs past Easter? Cause I'm looking at an empty pack of Fig Newtons I just demolished and I'm not feeling that good right about now. More Nitzho melodies dance as swirling effects wobble like the tuning of a radio back when the radio had a tuning knob. The lead is very shiny and more so when it is joined by its friend. Another very dance friendly track and I found a gif that syncs to it perfectly. I.am.hypnotized. While not as epic or powerful as some, it still is pleasing to the ear. Hurricane- This is called ending with a boom. Analog synths race past like an Indy 500 driver as Ewoud twists the knobs to perfection. While some of the elements have nitzho influences, this is pure balls to the wall goa trance. Leads climb, nah, they soar leaving motion trails in their wake. The swagger on this track is unmistakeably powerful as sticky synths leave little pools of fire wherever they touch. Muy Bien hecho, good for you for making the final track a punch in the face. F*ck downtempo. Ooooh, orange juice. If you love well done goa trance this is for you. If you love goa trance with nitzho touches and elements, then this is for you. He walks the razor's edge of goa and nitzho creating something that is intensely melodic while at the same time urging you to dance. Very psychedelic and a triumph for the genre. Highly recommended. http://www.psyshop.c.../sia1cd004.html http://www.beatspace...ian/detail.aspx http://www.goastore....67f1930375c0e4e Mdk

Artist: Synergic Title: Liquid Depth Label: Space Baby Records Date: October, 2011 1. Liquid Depth 2. Ich mag das 3. Delusion Red 4. Nice interfering noise 5. Ujulala 6. There is nothing wrong 7. The Secret 8. The other side 9. It is all one Synergic are Torgen Anton & Benjamin Neiss and a little while back I reviewed their debut EP which can be found on Ektoplazm. Here's the link. http://www.psynews.o...__fromsearch__1 By the way, is there anyway to make the link into a word instead of that ugly long link? I thought the EP had a bunch of promise and brought together several styles. This is their debut full length and right off the bat I love the cover. Beautiful colors and imagery. Second and of equal importance was the fact that it is released by the same label that was responsible for Alienapia's superb Goapocalipsis. This album was actually made in 2008 and just recently released so apparently these tracks are 3 years older than the stuff on the EP. Hmmmm....I wonder why that happened? Liquid Depth- Right off the bat there are sounds of the shore and they dive (pardon the pun) right into a progressive groove surrounded by plenty of effects. After 4 minutes though and little in the way of evolution it begins to grow stale and stays that way. I'll treat it as an intro track but...we're not starting well. Ich Mag Das- Already there is a better groove but again this track is boring. It has better melody work and a drifting style but... I dunno. I think the title is German for What the hell is going on here? So far this sounds nothing like their EP and I'm just looking around trying to figure out what happened? Yeah like these guys. Delusion Red- There are some weird combinations of deep electronic bubbling and tabla work but it's another example of a track relying on effects to carry the load. When the twisted voice begins to speak I feel like this is the soundtrack to a cheesy carnival ride. Not impressive. Nice Interfering Noise- Computer gyrations abound as they shimmer in a very cyber environment. An immediate improvement over the previous two three tracks but where is the power or the chaotic leads? It just plods along without showing any spark. Ujulala- Now that is a bass line with some attitude. Forest sounds trickle out from rocks and stumps, bringing a nice lush feel. Leads rattle off and leave a trail like smoke as the guitar strums. The best one so far even though it too was lacking any twists or turns. There is Nothing Wrong- Sure there is...the album so far is full of weak tracks. But like the last two we are on the upswing. Thick effects and a slow wobbly bass line make for an ominous tone. Definitely an alien land that is filled with darkness. It's the perfect soundtrack for a trip through cold space. Me likey. The Secret- Rumbling bass and loads of sci-fi effects give this beast some swagger. It's darkpsy like I like my darkpsy. Atmospheric while not screaming at me. Imagine you found a Scandinavian forest in the middle of space. Twisted sounds abound but also soft comforting pads. Good stuff. The Other Side- The mindbending forest sound continues with flashes and bubbling synths that make you feel like the ground you walk on is alive. Nothing flashy, just good organic psytrance with a bunch of layers. The second half of this album has really taken an upswing. It Is All One- More effects but this track lacks the presence the previous ones had and sadly is a return to the trudging of the first three tunes. The first thing you have to realize is that this was made 3 years ago. Compared to their EP this is thin and lacking in evolution and the power that they had with the One Mystery Left EP had yet to manifest itself with this release. Everything sounds like it's far away. It's good to know that the current incarnation of Synergic is more detailed and mature now than when this was made. That said, the second half of the album is miles better than the first, being more descriptive and dark. Very skilled these musicians are at crafting a sinister vibe. They are on the right path and let's face it, the music is supposed to get better the longer you work at it. There's a lot of music to choose from out there. I suppose people read my reviews to be entertained but I also hope to inform consumers what an album or EP is like. Thank you Torgen for giving me the opportunity to review your early work...it's good to see where you guys were. I do indeed look forward to new tracks from this project. http://www.psyshop.c.../sre1cd008.html http://www.beatspace...th+/detail.aspx http://www.goastore....roducts_id=4662 Mdk

Artist: Liquid Space Title: Looking Forward EP Label: Iono Music Date: August, 2011 1. Small Vibrations 2. Life Breaks Down 3. Looking Forward 4. Bending Time (Liquid Space Remix) - Flegma & Nerso Progressive king of the hill Iono release an EP by Mr. Denny Seidewitz. Never heard of the guy, but as a label, you know you've got some clout if you can get a cameo by the Geico gecko. Perhaps after I give this EP the business he can save me on my car insurance. Small Vibrations- Not bad, kinda has a techno feel to it. There are effects stabs and small melodies but it's an interesting track with short vocal samples. I'm listening... Life Breaks Down- "What happens when life breaks down. When there is systemic contradiction. My name symbolized all that was corrupt to society. His name symbolized all that was pure. And I was being held in the embrace of a man who was pure." You're being a little hard on yourself wouldn't you say? This one slowly evolves and has more of the chopped up effects and sample work. The break is pretty cool though I don't know how to feel about the...chick uh chick aahhhh...I feel like I should think it's pure cheese, but I kinda liked it. Looking Forward- "As creatures of physics and chemistry and memory and hope we tend to fall into repetitious patterns." I was thinking of a way to describe this track and he nailed it. Bending Time (Liquid Space Remix)- Remixing a track off the Opposite album? You've got stones, kid. I hear plenty of massive sweeps and the pounding bass line, but that was in the original. The little melody and oscillating strings brings an airyness and hopeful feeling that appeals to me. It flowed nicely with his added touches. Good job. You know how they have a huge stable of artists that create beautiful and melodic progressive trance that is massive in scope? Well, this isn't that. It's definitely less detailed, but has a simpler charm. Think of it as....progressive light. Good stuff, but I don't think it has any staying power and I see myself getting tired of this rather quickly. Nonetheless, he did a pretty good job with the remix. http://www.beatport.com/release/looking-forward-e-p/399826 Mdk

Artist: Zyce Title: Technology EP Label: TesseracT Studio Date: September, 20111 1. Android 2. Technology More goodness from the label that cannot seem to do any wrong. Serbian Nikola Kozic is at it again with a short 2 track EP. Android- "You know how they say we can only access 20% of our brain? Well what this does...is let you access all of it." It's cold and digital, with nice echoing melodies. Nothing spectacular but good. The sample is repeated 3 times so if that turns you off you might not like it, but it didn't bother me. He is really good at sample placement and manipulation. Technology- This one drifts and is another one that isn't gonna set the house on fire. The break is typically good with a wide open feel. It churns growing in loudness and then back to a measured calm. Not bad but the first track was better. Like I said, I liked the first track better as it had more character. Both were pretty good but I can see them getting lost in the shuffle. There is a lot of good progressive trance out there. http://www.beatport.com/release/technology/674092 Mdk

Gotta weigh in on this one. Like Richpa's excellent review stated it's 5 tracks but it ain't short. I also was disappointed with Flight of the Urbus but have no fear. They re back to the "Entheogenic" sound which is laden with religious and mystical samples and that ethnic tone. Like water? Lots of that here. The first track Love Letters To The Soul is 27 f*cking minutes and I didn't care one bit. It was awesome. So many twists and turns! Multiverse is a twisted descent into madness that is easy to love. It's great psy-chill that doesn't lull you to sleep, but rather opens your mind up and takes you on a journey. Very easy to get wrapped up in the detail and atmosphere. Super work! Mdk

Artist: Various Title: The Usual Suspects Parts 1 & 2 Label: Blue Tunes Records Date: July & August, 2011 Part 1 1. Downtown (Nok Remix) 2. Sexy Dance (Moon & DJ Fabio Remix) 3. True Reality (Interactive Noise Remix) Part 2 1. Sexy Dance (Ritmo Remix) 2. True Reality (Vaishiyas Remix) 3. Ask For Permission (Phaxe Remix) Originally I was going to talk about hand jobs to start this review, but I felt that might be going too far. No, no, no...my fault entirely. I'll see myself out. What the hell dude, I just wanted to read a review, what the f*ck is this? If there was ever an album that begged for a remix it was this underwhelming snoozefest. Very rarely do I dump a CD after I get it, but the Wotanowski brothers have earned that distinction with their album the Usual Suspects. I'll spare you any number of puke gifs to hammer the point home, but here's my review of that beer coaster http://www.psynews.org/forums/index.php?/topic/60400-symphonix-the-usual-suspects/page__hl__symphonix__fromsearch__1 The cast of characters lining up for their shot is fairly impressive so let's see what they can do when the bar was set very low. Downtown (Nok Remix)- This is Alexander Dorkian (not making that up) and while he has made some great tracks in the past, he must be too close to the brothers because this was far from his shining moment. No evolution or depth whatsoever. Same old boring crap. Just keeps going round and round and round... Sexy Dance (Moon & DH Fabio Remix)- How can anyone enjoy the track with that b*tch talking over it? No, I don't want to dance, I want you to shut the f*ck up. Keep talking and you'll force me to put my hands on you. And not in a nice way. "Go fix me chicken pot pie b*tch!" True Reality (Interactive Noise Remix)- I like the music better with more effects as it makes it a quantum leap forward from the original steaming pile, but stop with the f*cking talking already! When you touch me in the eye? Exactly what I want to do, but in my version it leaves a racetrack around your eye. Better go get a pack of frozen peas b*tch. Knockout. This is really sad. Sexy Dance (Ritmo Remix)- "All I see it the flashing lights." This is what this music feels like to me. It's bad enough that you're being chased by the cops, but then your car crashes and the cops beat the living sh*t out of you. F*ck man if Ritmo can't make a respectable remix than it's best to just burn these files and never speak of this again. True Reality (Vaishiyas Remix)- Hope has long since taken the short bus out of town but if it's worth anything this is the funkiest one. Still it's like being locked in a port a potty with an air freshner. Yeah it smells nicer, but your still standing on a pile of sh*t. Ask for Permission (Phaxe Remix)- Ahhh, they saved the best for last. The leads were at least engaging and there was a nice break. Very emotional in fact. Like looking at the sunset over a vast ocean. Good stuff Phaxe, you don't get the glare. There's a few hours I won't ever get back. Wow this f*cking sucked. No two ways about it. Other than the Phaxe remix I would steer clear of this like it was a chick with an open weeping sore on her lip. I am thankful for having listened to it though because it will make the choice between stabbing sharp sticks in my ears and listening to another Symphonix track that much easier. http://www.beatport.com/release/the-usual-suspects-remixes-part-1/392741 http://www.beatport.com/release/the-usual-suspects-remixes-part-2/401699 Mdk

Artist: Unseen Dimensions Title: Airglow EP Label: Iono Music Date: July, 2011 1. Airglow 2. Wonderland (Unseen Dimensions Remix) - Nok & Zyce 3. Sonic Manipulation (Unseen Dimensions Remix) - Flegma & Nerso Breastfeeding is a purely non sexual act. *shakes head in disbelief. What the f*ck dude?* At least that's what women have told me. And by women I mean the one woman I know who is currently breastfeeding. Look I get it, it's the act of nurturing your newborn child and has nothing to do with sex. The woman's point of view is very clear and rational. But have you seen what happens to breasts after childbirth? Boobs become so big and full that a brother can't help but stare. And that's what lead me to this review. I couldn't stop staring so my wife sent me downstairs. But all is not lost, because I get to review and EP from progressive masters Iono Music. Smooth, melodic sounds are just what I need to cure my banishment. This is Javier Martinez Salinas from Mexico who released a damn fine album a few years ago as Twilight. Airglow- "No one's coming to get us. Ok? No one. We have to help ourselves." And we're off to a pretty groovy start with effects that make you feel like you're riding a star. Very full and lush as numerous layers take you in. Whooshes and sweeps hover above the bass line that moves with a funky shuffle. My advice? Stand back and let this psychedelic bird fly. Wonderland (Unseen Dimensions Remix)- More groove and more effects as small melodies peek out. The break is tangible as comets zoom past and the whole universe opens up in front of you, ushering a change in time signature. After that nice floating interlude, the track assumes it's original position with a pounding melodic sixteen bars. Great stuff. Sonic Manipulation (Unseen Dimensions Remix)- This track is from their album Opposite which to me is one of the benchmarks of progressive trance. Now here are a list of the artists I know that have remixed this track. Liquid Space, Sven Snug, E-Clip, and Protoactive. Some tracks just lend themselves for remixing I guess. Oscillating synths come over you in waves, undulating breaks and liquid effects make this a joy to listen to. If you love the spacious Iono style, then this EP is a no brainer. Congratulations to Javier, he will fit in just fine making this beautiful progressive trance. Highly recommended. http://www.beatport.com/release/airglow-e-p/392750 Mdk

Artist: Sideform Title: Santo Daime EP Label: TesseracT Studio Date: March, 2011 1. Santo Daime 2. Santo Daime (Zyce Remix) 3. Santo Daime (Relativ Remix) Poolside Insert 80's marijuana induced montage...aka back when Sean Penn wasn't such a righteous prick. Outside Oh yeah, I would so much rather be outside than inside. Sideboob Ummm...speaks for itself really So the way I see it, I'm pretty good with sides. But you know...there is always that one; that black sheep that takes something which is mostly good and twists it so now it is the worst of the worst. Homicide. Suicide. Genocide. Ugh...now I don't know how to feel. Sideform are Drasko Radovanovich and Milos Modrinic who released their debut album Moving On this year. They've also made the rounds with some EP's and compilation work. Since it's TesseracT I took a flying leap on this one. 2nd only to Iono in lush progressive music their artists have the same wide open and melodic style. There is absolutely no need for a track by track review but let me tell you this. When I first read the promo that Santo Daime was a masterpiece, my guns were cocked and loaded. But after many listens this time the promo got it right. It is a melodic showstopper with soaring melodies, liquid effects, and just fantastic breaks. The remixes stay true to the original but still have their own uniqueness about them. Think of the main track as the star and the two remixes as a wonderful supporting cast. Don't get me wrong, the remixes are some great tracks as well, but when you try and remix something so great, it just sheds more light on how super the original was. Awesome. http://www.beatport....to-daime/342101 Mdk

Artist: Phaxe Title: Mr. Bogart EP / Unknown Language EP Label: Spin Twist Records/ Blue Tunes Records Date: April / May 2011 Mr. Bogart 1. So F**king Beautiful 2. Mr. Bogart Unknown Language 1. Unknown Language 2. With In (Phaxe Remix) - Vice That's right ladies another EP twofer. This is Kevin Josefsen who put out an EP called Train Boogie (review here http://www.psynews.org/forums/index.php?/topic/61933-phaxe-train-boogie-ep/page__hl__phaxe__fromsearch__1) in a very melodic and spacious style. I've been getting a lot of EP's lately not because I want to help the music industry, but because I have a short attention span. 2 tracks per EP? Sure, I can digest that. You try hanging around a 2 year old all day and see where that takes you. So F**king Beautiful- This is the first track and before you ask me about Bogart, he was before my time you callous bastards. And just so you know Kevin, titling your track as you did bears a great responsibility. Don't make it suck. Unfortunately you hit strike ond fairly early with the repeated sample screaming the track title. But I'm a forgiving guy and the pad stabs feel pretty good. The track has a very mainstream trance vibe and I feel like I'm listening to Digweed or Van Dyk. Not in the euphoric raise my hands in the air like I just don't care feeling either. Too much of a good thing gets old and that sample is exhibit number one. Not bad, but I've heard you make better Kevin. Mr. Bogart- "Everything you do...All I want to do..." Popcorn lead and not a whole lot going on. It's more of the popular trance kind of stuff with the included breathy sample to add urgency. Might as well have been a Pet Shop Boys remix. This is nothing like his previous output and while not terrible just doesn't move me. Instead of the ultra layered melodic style he went in a more minimal filler direction. Unknown Language- Now this is more like it. With a deliberate beat a soft melody floats above right into a break that drifts across space. It takes a nice turn after the break continuing with its groovy style. I can see this being played with lights flashing all over the place. Was it a little long? Sure, but it was still good. When you absolutely positively have to have the most expensive light show in history. With In (Phaxe Remix)- "In just a moment you will learn to interpret your dream. Because this dream is part...of who you really are." This one was bouncy and tight, with all the sounds in the right place. It had a cold and digital feel while keeping the groove the whole way through. Effects echoing off the hull of the spacecraft as melodies saturate the view screen. Even though it leaned a little to the dark side it still elicited a smile. Well done. I easily preferred the Unknown Language EP with it's progressive attitude and melodies. Mr Bogart was a turn towards the commercial direction that didn't suit me. Mr. Bogart EP http://www.beatport....ogart-ep/350684 Unknown Language EP http://www.beatport....language/352325Mdk Mdk

Artist: Time In Motion Title: Four Degrees EP Label: Iono Music Date: June, 2011 1. Colour (Remake 2011) - Time In Motion 2. Audio Gigilo (Strange Doctors & Viram Remix) - Time In Motion 3. Shadowgaze (Aqualize Remix) - Time In Motion 4. Audio Gigilo (Flegma & Nerso Remix) - Time In Motion If you have 4 tracks and 3 are remixed by other artists, do you really get to claim it as your own? Don't ya think it might be a mini-compilation? Just a thought. This is the Cowan brothers as well as Martin Daltoft from Denmark with a 4-track EP released by Iono. Since it is Iono you can expect rich atmospheres with melodies longer than the US unemployment line. I recently reviewed another EP by these gentlemen called Smooth Vibrations and was very pleased with what I heard. Here's the link: http://www.psynews.o...-vibrations-ep/ I do have one beef with this EP. The ugly cover. I realize that every cover can't be LSD fractal galaxy dieties, but I expected more than a meter I could read on the side of my house. Colour (Remake 2011)- "The colour of your imagination..." This is a track from the Beat Generation 2 compilation and they decided to give it a fresh coat of paint. I don't remember the original, but this one has a nice drifting sway to it. The break is typically massive with galaxy spanning synths and echoing effects. Their sound is so vast it's like hurtling through space with a huge bay window so you can take it all in. The layers give it some rich depth and I do not get tired of this one. Audio Gigolo (Strange Doctors & Viram Remix)- This is from the EP of the same name. No idea who the remixers are and since I have never heard the original this is a blank slate for me. There are plenty of the juicy and tangible Iono effects and the tempo is in the mid 130's if I had to guess. This is as close to being able to touch the music as I imagine you could get...rich sweeps, chopped up synths racing by.. Another great one. Shadowgaze (Aqualize Remix)- Here come the Greeks Vladislav Koumpatidis & Koinis Anastasios with their take on a track from the Destinations 2 compilation. More of the same drifting, melodic juicyness. This is the type of music I would break out after I climbed a mountain and wanted to take in the view. Rolling synths unfurl with tracks of color as they spiral into the sky during the breaks. Love this stuff. Audio Gigolo (Flegma & Nerso Remix)- Dalibor Delić & Dragan Matić are the creme de la creme of melodic progressive and they take their cut at the gigolo. Their version seems fuller and with more of an aggressive swagger. So firm and fully packed as Pepe Le Pew would say. Beautiful melodies that are supported by grumbly effects. Awesome. It occurs to me that I didn't have to do a track by track review of this EP because all 4 of the tracks had the same qualities. Melodic drifters that twist and turn leaving streamers of color. Wide open breaks that curl around you like your favorite blanket. If you love the Iono style of melodic and rich atmospheric progressive then this is a must. http://www.beatport....rees-e-p/376648 Mdk

Artist: Hiyarant Title: Immaterial EP Label: Disasterpeace Records Date: July, 2011 1. 2 Times Devoured 2. One Punch Machine Gun 3. For the Blind 4. Disperse Stuart Vermaak is from South Africa so due to genetics he obviously has the psytrance goods. Don't try to fight science; like gravity it's a competitor that is undefeated. Just ask this chick. My sources tell me that after this incident she and every girl who resembled Chrissy from Three's Company died right on the spot. True story. So Stuart released Collision in 2008 and he had me with all the creepy Emily Rose samples. It was powerful and dark just the way I like it. So here's a little EP giving us a window of what he's up to today. 2 Times Devoured- "No problem...easy peasy. But I will only do this for a price." More power and a lead that will cut through your skull like a migraine. Definitely an acquired taste. It is a little stop and starty for my liking though. Couldn't build any momentum. It's like hiking the mountains with my 2 year old. We would make some good time, but he has to stop every 20 feet and pick up a f*cking pine cone. One Punch Machine Gun- "I don't f*ck around fellas, you all know the rules and you know I won't stand for it." Ding ding ding...I believe we have a winner for the coolest track name for 2011! Now this is more like it. With a hard driving bass line things are in order as he smears acid across the windshield like bugs on a road trip. There are a lot of samples here, too many and they dominate the track. Not bad, but he's done better. For the Blind- "You're a very special kind of monster." The grooviest track so far loaded with torrents of acid. It's layered more than the other tracks and that appeals to me. This is a pummeling of the first order and the first track on the EP that I can say that I really like. Disperse- That lead is psycho. Think of scribbling with a crayon but instead of color you get sound. And that sound is very loud and totally f*cked up your paper. Who hurt you Stuart? Who hurt you? One of the first things I would tell you is if you have a headache that is even on the horizon, do not listen to this. It is loud and abrasive and very raw. Each track has starts and stops but the last two are the best for my money. It's intense and chaotic often times just like his debut. I can't recommend it because I can't recommend music that makes me want to go on a shooting spree. http://www.junodownload.com/products/immaterial/1778558-02/ Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Pangaea Label: Hadra Records Date: July, 2011 1. The Psychedelic Experience - Shotu 2. How's Your Head - Mr. Peculiar 3. Star Born - Atomic Pulse 4. Through the Brain - Painkiller 5. Menotone - Menog & Chromotone 6. Virtuoso - Lost & Found 7. Romp & Stomp - Artsense 8. Life After Death - Occy 9. Maudits Artistes - Lunaroot Remember when the planets were all connected in one big land mass and we were a unified people? Yeah, me neither. Nobody does because it was...wait one second.... *puts finger to earpiece* I just got word that we have exclusive video of two men that do remember that magical and enlightening time. "Jag?? Jag is for pussies! Matlock is the best! Maaaatlocccck!!!!" Hadra records known for the Hadracadabra series and several pretty good compilations are back at it with their latest effort. Compiled by Jimson (aka...who?) it brings together an impressive tracklist but before I get tricked again I shall view this with a skeptical eye. The Psychedelic Experience- "Once upon a time in San Francisco a filmaker and an art teacher poured some colored ink in water to make an experimental film." You ever know someone who never seems to age? No matter how many years go by they still look the same? It's called the Ralph Macchio/Kevin Arnold Syndrome. Well that's this guy's music. David Marmin has never been big on melodies but always waded deep into psychedelia. He's been making the same track for seven years. Scratchy synths and well placed samples over a quick bass line. It's very cold and digital. IMO he is the definition of a one trick pony. But, f*ck I like ponies. C'mon dude, even Twinkle Twinkle has a few notes... How's Your Head- Dustin Saalfield from Australia has long been one of my favorite artists. Full-on gets sh*t on a lot, but he creates the detailed and psychedelic stuff that makes this music great. I like his atmosphere and the effects sound really good. This track is drenched in layers and has a nice spacious break. His leads twirl, ducking and diving as new synths join the fray. Pretty good sir. Star Born- "It all began at the time of the universe...gave birth to the stars." If we're being honest it doesn't get any more full-on than Atomic Pulse. Well maybe Alien Project might fight for the title, but shut the front door the beginning of the track is a cracker! Someone has been vacationing on the shores of goa because there was some ripping goa melodies at the outset. Sure, after that it became what he is known for, but it was well done and he did a nice job. It's like when you're at McDonalds and your expecting the same old Big Mac and then it comes back with loads of special sauce and pickles. What recession? Muy bien hecho! Through The Brain- "When drugs are used many parts of the brain become inactive or....over active." Roy has been hanging out with Nutek too much and let's face it his sound has suffered because of it. His first album was everything you could want in a twilight psy album, but his latest Duty Freak (reviewed here http://www.psynews.o...__fromsearch__1) was a little off the mark. And this is more of the same tame and uninspired stuff. There are numerous drug samples (what do you want the artist name is Painkiller) and the leads weren't that impressive. No chaos or dark tone setting effects just least common denominator full-on. I'm not saying that I'm here ...but I'm not not saying it. Menotone- "The first step in seeking happiness...is learning." Love both of the artists, but I cannot stand the cutesy track names that...sigh, cleverly act as a mix of the two artist names. Both are twilight stalwarts and hell, Daniel (Mr. Spectral Records) practically had a hand in inventing the genre. But you wouldn't know it from this track. I mean it was moving pretty good in the beginning with a distorted synth...Not bad. Not that this was a killer to begin with, but if you want a picture of a flow killer see this track. The sample above? Grinds this track to a halt. Throw in a little build up and see this.... It's my sad panda face. After a f*ckton of ketamine. And pot. And mushrooms. And....funions. Romp & Stomp- This is the first artist I know nothing about but that's cool. Leads switch places amid several mini buildups as the bass line races to finish first. And wouldn't you know it there is a sample about art. Not everything can be art you know...it has to be amazing. Halfway through it begins to layer up right into a break. Not terribly dark or atmospheric, but it doesn't lack power. Virtuoso- "When this all started I thought you might have a little harmless fun. And that you'd be responsible enough to keep it in perspective. I can see now that I was mistaken." His album Decoder was released this year (review here http://www.psynews.o...__fromsearch__1 ) and even though it wasn't as strong as I would've liked he is still my favorite twilight artist. This track begins like almost all his tracks. Heavy beat, acid drenched synths, and a dark ready to kick you in the nuts atmosphere. His groove picks up with leads that sound like they are turntable manipulated as a crunchy break. It's cyber intensive and the best track on the compilation. His best? Nah, but I'll take it. Life After Death- "Do you know who...who you're messing with? I want this man dead. When I say dead, I mean seriously dead. Beaten. Broken. His head mounted on my wall kinda dead!" Wow, there sure are a lot of quotable samples in this disc. 2nd unknown and this project begins with a decidedly alien effects show and the above angry sample. Synths fly like frisbees amid intense samples and the guy is making me nervous. Pretty wild and enjoyable. Maudits Artistes- My French is a little rusty ever since I stopped banging that hot French chick in the 90's but I think the title means cursed or damned artists. For the hat trick, this is the 3rd project I have no clue about. Pretty cool sample in the language of love and the track itself is good. The vibe is dark as leads unravel and pads hum forlornly above. It changes direction which always appeals to me. I always thought the last track in a compilation should leave you with a memorable feeling and this project seemed quite capable of doing that with good atmosphere. Not heavy but it went down nicely. Not a bad compilation. Not surprisingly the Lost & Found and Mr. Peculiar track were the best for me but surprisingly the Atomic Pulse one was also quality. It seemed like a couple of artists just mailed it in though. Far from essential it is more on the lighter side of twilight psytrance if you get my meaning. http://www.psyshop.c.../haa1cd023.html http://www.beatspace...ea+/detail.aspx http://www.goastore....roducts_id=4527 Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Stand Up Against Gravity Label: Iono Music Date: July, 2011 1. Jeff Vader - Clubgeister 2. Dark Ages - Egorhythmia 3. Chapter One - Twice 4. Heavy New Beer - Klopfgeister 5. Good Bye Goa (Jiser Remix) - Klopfgeister 6. Clone Baby - Midimal 7. Dirty Santa (Elecdruids Remix) - Klopfgeister 8. Good Bye Goa (Suduaya Remix) - Klopfgeister 9. Apollo - Beatbastards *Barry White Music playing softly in the background. Lights dimmed.* Hey Iono baby. Long time no see. Aw, don't be like that sugar nipples. True, it's been a while since I touched you but you gotta realize those other labels meant nothing to me. Really they didn't. I thought you had lost interest, you know, releasing so many EP's, going all digital on me.... You know I love you right? You look really good with that slimmed down tracklist. I didn't think you had 3 Klopfgeister remixes, a new track and a track by his new project in you. C'mon baby we've been through so much that I think we owe it to ourselves to see if we still have that magic. Whattya say? Another go round, just for old times sake? Jeff Vader- Was that Darth's real first name? Let's see...what project does this remind me of...wait for it, wait for it...AH! Klopfgeister! This is Thorsten Paul with his slower tempo house project. It's got a house swagger to it and from the 2001 movie dramatic string stabs...you know...dah dah!!!! There should be monkeys throwing sequencers in the air in the video. Nice beat and groovy tone, perfect to whet the appetite. Dark Ages- Boban Lazovski has been a busy progressive trance guy releasing several EP's and a recent remix album that I've been meaning to dive into. He's got the atmosphere here, with great effects and a darker tone. Hmmm, go figure, the track is called Dark Ages. Digital farts abound with sounds echoing from every nook and cranny. Nice. Chapter One- This one is true Iono spaciousness. No idea who is behind this project, but now I'm behind this project. It's a bit of a slow and minimal starter, but then the effects kick in and the groove intensifies. Short synth melodies echo and whoever this is got his PHD in the delay button. The break is superb with a brief slow beat and warm pads. The best so far. Heavy New Beer- This is the one new Klopfgeister track and he decides to tackle the most popular beverage on the planet. We sent our crack team of investigators into the field for a little research as to why this was the case. "Again too small of a sample size...how many times must we go over this?!?" This track is more under the radar. Gone are the echoing synths and crammed in sounds. The lead appears more than halfway through in the form of a chopped up synth and then vanishes and doesn't return. Not bad, but nothing that makes me want to put this beer down. Good Bye Goa (Jiser Remix)- Juan Carlos tackles a Thorsten track. Actually, I think it tackled him because it wasn't very impressive. How would I describe this...you ever have one of those ideas that seemed really good at the time, but didn't turn out how you thought it would? Yeah, like that. Clone Baby- Christian Merkis recently reviewed his 2nd studio album The Pursuit of Happiness. It wasn't bad at all but he is probably still searching. I know I am because this was a thin slice of vanilla. Nothing at all stood out, it just...went. He tries for a recovery at the end with a bright melody, but too little too late homie. Dirty Santa (Elecdruids Remix)- "Who would even like those tracks?" That is a great question. Ok, so now Phillip Schweitzer will attempt a Klopfgeister remix with the same boring results only he trumps the other remix? How...well, for starters the track is over 9 minutes. 2nd, there are samples promoting Thorsten's slower, club project and picking on the name. Remind this guy that this is dance music...I'm going to take a leak. Sorry kitty! Good Bye Goa (Suduaya Remix)- Newcomer Suduaya is the latest to try and remix a Klopf...really, almost 10 minutes? You know bigger isn't always better. Ask this guy... Holy sh*t. Right about here...yep, that's where I would've crapped myself. Suduaya released his debut Dreaming Sun this year and I am really interested in hearing it. He gives this track the spacey pad treatment. Throws a little breakbeat your way and gets all angelic choir on your ass. The melodies are quite airy with pretty good breaks. Not bad at all. If this was a streetfight and we were to compare Good Bye Goa remixes, well Juan Carlos... Yeah, you're Joey. Night-night! Apollo- This is the perfect non-commital track. Not a lot happening and no risks taken. It won't be remembered not because it was terrible because it wasn't, but like that blind date your mother insisted you go on to get you out of her house you just know that this isn't the girl for you. "No Mom! I can do it myself!!!" So...that was great yeah? Man it was really good seeing you. We should totally do this again. *Hops on one leg as puts pants on and looks around for keys* Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'll call you. *Pokes head back in the door* Of course I respect you...you're wonderful...you. Can we do this another time, I've got a....thing. You know how it is. http://www.psyshop.c.../inm1cd049.html http://www.beatspace...ity/detail.aspx http://www.goastore....roducts_id=4541 Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Digital Breed Vol. 1 EP Label: Mind Manipulation Device Records Date: March, 2010 1. Counterfreak (Zion Linguist RMX) - Biorhythm 2. Crytic of Trance - Brave 3. From The Heart - Sinful Reactions This is MMD Records from the promised land of South Africa (take that Israel!) with another EP of twilight music. They do it big with dark sounds and darker atmosphere. If you love this music like I do, then check out Saturate by Rubix Qube, you'll be glad ya did. This is the first EP in the Digital Breed series. Having reviewed the 2nd one I was curious to see if the first one had the same power. Counterfreak (Zion Linguist RMX)- Laurence Sonnenberg is part owner of MMD and he gives you a little remix of a Biorhythm track. I've always been on the fence about his music...some I liked and some just had me shaking my head. I can't remember the original so going by just this track, the lead is...meh. It has a nice scratchy quality to it, but I don't think it is strong enough to carry the track. The pads are minor key ominous and the break is cool. When he starts flinging the acid my ears perk up. Crytic of Trance- I think this artist is fairly new, but for my money (and it has to be mine, can I borrow a few bucks?) he wins the EP. The bass line is punchy and it has a groovy quality that had me whipping my hair back and forth. See all that crap on the walls? That's acidic goodness. The final bit is a quite tasty mix of acid and chopped up synthetics. Good stuff. From The Heart- "And now for the grand finale...a little song that comes from the bottom of my heart." The Pereira brothers from Portugal close the EP with a fast paced romp through metallic lead town. It gets on my nerves after a bit and the old time sample doesn't seem to fit. Couple that with a slight buildup and even though the acid flies near the end I am still left with an indifferent feeling. Not bad, but I liked the Volume 2 better. http://www.beatport....volume-1/232299 Mdk

Artist: Artifakt Title: Triad Pt. 1 & 2 Label: Timecode Records Date: April & July, 2011 Pt.1 1. Born Again 2. Sloppy 3. Summer Pt.2 1. Growler 2. Bent Recollection feat. Broken Toy 3. The Scoop There is a lot you can say about the Artifakt style of music. Abrasive, random, metallic..but I think the description that sums it all up is right here F*ck your boundaries. F*ck your preconceived notions of what psychedelic music is. Is that your sister? Yeah, f*ck her too. BTW that is waaaay closer to Redman than my comfort zone will allow. Yep, the co-owner of the mighty Timecode Records Matthew De Nobrega is back with his own special brand of psychedelic music. Now I love me some Timecode stuff, but if I am being honest, I was never a big fan of his music due to the description above. That began to change with last years collaboration with fellow labelmate Poizon for some really refreshing tracks. Well, now he is revamping his style yet again with the focus being more bass heavy and...well diverse. Yeah, diverse has never been a problem for him. You don't listen to his music and say, "Oh great, another Aquatica clone." Just doesn't happen. Born Again- This one has a lot of styles in it. Deep, chest thumping, serpentine bass as well as a tech-trance feel. His trademark dischordant and random style is still there with techno-industrial touches. The break has some glithyness to it, but it's that squirly bass that is the star even if his sample says his bass is broken. A really good techno rumbler that even has some SynSun synmphonics. "Veeeeery interesting...tell me more darlink!" Sloppy- More techno vibes, scratchy synths, and banging percussion. It really is a bit of a sloppy mess, but somehow he turns water into wine and it comes off as entertaining. Sound walls crumble as new leads shimmer loudly and then he bust back with the metallic stuff. If you like aggressive techno this is right up your alley Summer- Love, just love the quick hit distorted synth in the beginning. It says summer, but there doesn't feel like a lot of warmth is to be had. It is full of synth runs and boogie shoe quick step. More symphonics but this ain't your grandfather's orchestra as a new lead squeaks by. Very electronic and very robotic...hey! Hey, no cameras! Sigh. I have no shame. Growler- Japanese androids with real life breathing? Of course it was made in Japan, where else would it be? Insert random synths that seem to not follow any discernable pattern, but that's part of his appeal isn't it? His sounds are abrasive and detailed at the same time. I swear he says, "Ok this is what would be pleasing to the ear, so now I'm gonna totally f*ck it up." Deepy cyber and I loved it. Bent Recollection- Pumpkin patch? What the f*ck? You should expect no less from Matthew as he drops another bass lead that has a seek and destroy sensibility. Techno sharpness abounds and it sounds like a NES video came after a go in the dishwasher. The break is surreal and has a sample in a language I can't understand. Wait...is that jive? Cause I speak jive. Whatever it is it adds to it's hallucinatory vibe. Highly danceable and fun The Scoop- What do you get when you cross a slinky house saunter with some concrete on metal techno? This brief but powerful monster. He laid down a massive groove that can't help but get the goodies wigglin'. Yeah, I was over at the snack table and this came on and BAM! Footloose. This is a very techno influenced bit of psytrance. Hell, I hesitate to call it trance at all even though there are elements inside. It's cold and dark with a robotic atmosphere and booming bass in almost all the tracks. Personally I felt the 2nd part was more groovy and the 1st part was heavier techno. It's definitely not your everyday type of music. And it's good to step outside of the box every now and then. http://www.beatport.com/release/triad-part-1/347257 http://www.beatport.com/release/triad-part-2/386433 Mdk

Artist: Querox Title: The Life and Me Label: Prog On Syndicate Date: August, 2011 1. Crazy Smile 2. You and Me 3. One Day (feat. Monod) This is another label that has been releasing some really good progressive trance. Querox is Tobyjas Zaslon, but apart from his appearance on the Kosmics Playground compilation I've never heard of him. Since I've been on a bit of a EP binge as of late I decided to give it a go. The cover is very appealing and since I'm a sucker for that I dive in with eyes wide open. Crazy Smile- F*cking hell this is loaded with epic trance pads and saccharin sweetness. Not a lot of layers, erring towards the minimal side of progressive it also doesn't have a lot of surprises. Though I guess that was implied with the minimal comment. It's uplifting, but lacking. For example no matter how hard diet soda tries it can never be the same as regular. Made me feel like this... "No, no,no...! Don't lean back, you gotta...Meh. Nice sh*tcan though." You and Me- More diet soda. I like layers and for me there isn't enough going on. I get bored. My mind starts to wander. And that's dangerous. So when the break comes, I'm wondering what a Mike Tyson in spandex with backup dancers dance video would look like. Ahhhh...there we go. The break is pleasant and the vibe is cheerful, but I need more...I am a needy bastard. One Day- Hey, we heard this on the last track. And this is with someone? What did he do plug in the gear? When the MLK sample comes in I've had enough. This wasn't for me. Not enough happening. As mentioned it has a minimal style without much evolution. It's pretty and happy, but I came away empty. http://www.beatport....e-and-me/435803 Mdk

Artist: The Riddler Title: Shadows EP Label: TesseracT Studio Date: September, 2011 1. Cliper 2. Shadows Mr. Funky Psy-House Goran Juric is back with two new tracks to get those ants in your pants moving. But just in case you thought it was your usual annoying gospel screaming that can oftentimes be found in house, let me tell you he delivers more eerie, spooky sounds with some Village People funk. I've reviewed most of his EP's as well as his brilliant album Questions and they have all been excellent. Cliper- I don't know that that means, but think of Jack from A Nightmare Before Xmas. But instead of being nice he's got a little bit of a mean streak and has watched Hostel a few too many times. Shimmering synths echo in the darkness as groovy bass sounds rumble. There is a shuffle common to lots of his tracks that bring attitude, like a teenager who thinks he knows everything. F*cking punk, quit throwing my newspaper in the bushes! Ladies and gentlemen, music like this makes me want to shake it like a white girl. Do you know how many hours I've stared at this? Shadows- "I now walk through the shadows between worlds. And it is there that I finally glimpsed upon what lives in the dark corners of the Earth." He continues the spooky vibe and funky beat with shimmering synths that saunter like Michael Jackson backup dancers. And if you thought the previous track was dark, then the deep, evil sample pretty much confirms that Satan collaborated with him on this track. Crazy melodic with a sinister overtone, like if Taco did Putting on the Ritz and then after performing murdered the audience. Creepiest. White men. Ever. Just call him the mailman cause he delivers. If you like to dance and love the nighttime, then methinks you will enjoy this. I sure as hell did. Goran for president! http://www.beatport.com/release/shadows/680597 Mdk

Artist: Timeless Title: The Journey EP Label: Iono Music Date: August, 2011 1. The Journey 2. Freedom 3. Night & Day - Timeless feat. Nitrodrop Iono Music is the top of the mountain when it comes to progressive trance. You know it, I know it, and that lady down the street with like 42 cats knows it. Their style is massive and melodic with a drifting quality that lends itself to storytelling. Sure I'm a fanboy, but when you consistently put out music of superior quality what do you want? This is a project from Israel that I don't have much experience with, but this label has earned some credit from me. Besides, the cover is f*cking awesome. The Journey- "What of your journey?" "A spy of sorts. I track a creature...small in size, yet cunning" "I have seen new breeds of Orc, but they grow larger and stronger, not smaller" "This is no Orc. It's tracks are like those of a Hobbit. It must not fall into the wrong hands." "This may be of no use but...I have heard rumours, whisperings of a nameless fear. In the outlying villages they speak of a ghost that drinks blood, a horror that lurks in the trees." That and more samples are from the unofficial fan made prequel to Lord of the Rings for the grand total of $5,000. Really? That's it? Couldn't get Daddy's law firm to pony up a few more sheckles? I've seen girl scouts strongarm more coin from pushing those damn cookies. You would think a film made for that amount would've sucked donkey balls, but apparently it appealed to more than the never kissed a girl dorks that still live at home in Mom's basement. Ah yeah, there he goes. It has over 10 million views and last I checked there aren't that many 40 year old virgins. But I haven't been to ComicCon yet, so the numbers are a bit fuzzy. You can find it on YouTube, but I didn't watch it...too lazy. The track itself plods along with echoing effects and reverberating synths, just like you would expect from Iono artists. It's dark and doesn't have many surprises, but the samples work so well, that I enjoyed it anyway. Freedom- "Lost in oblivion. Dark, silent, incomplete." Warped bass hums like computerized machinery with more great effects to set the mood. Once again it is dark and mysterious as a very familiar lead melody snakes its way across the sky. There are loads of layers with a very textured break that seems to breathe with life. Drifting and dreamy just the way I like it. Night & Day- Another galloping track but what sets it apart is the breakbeat style in the middle with the mind rattling synth and kick. When the shiny melody , ummm..shines over top it fits in nicely. I know, I didn't understand f*ck all what the Rastafarian said, but I don't speak weed. At least, not anymore. Why, you got some? It's kind of a reserved progressive track with all the glorious touches that make Iono music great. This label keeps on delivering the goods for my money. Wide open, storytelling progressive trance the just takes me away. http://www.beatport.com/release/the-journey-e-p/445394 Mdk

Artist: Time In Motion & Flexus Title: Smooth Vibrations EP Label: Iono Music Date: September, 2011 1. Smooth Vibrations 2. Moonwalk 3. Lakrids Now this is an interesting one. First off, Iono Music = quality progressive trance of the highest order. That's not even up for debate so I knew I was going to buy it. Sure I've never heard of these 2 projects, but what I don't know could fill a Wal Mart. Time in Motion are Thomas & Leslie Cowan from Denmark who apparently lost their studio. The little bio doesn't say how, but I'm sure it was due to a big night of binge drinking. They simply forgot where it was. I mean, what else could it be? Anyway, they come across DJ Flexus (Stefan Göransson) and a new collaboration is born. Another interesting fact is that these brothers come from the heavy metal scene and now make progressive trance. That must have been some party to make them tone it down. Or some really incredible weed. Smooth Vibrations- The Beach Boys wish they could be this smooth. Synths with slow attack rates and whooshes open things up as twinkling leads sprinkle over a simple bass line. It's a very full track with no empty space that flows effortlessly. The sounds are so clear you could reach out and touch them. Superb. Moonwalk- Wow, so much here. The effects really open things up with shimmering sounds. Firmly planted in the Iono style I find myself wondering where the time went. When the break arrives it sets the stage for the next step with dreamy pads and a change in time signature. It's like when you hang out with your best friend...it just feels right. Lots of changes in direction here. Lakrids- "In a special kind of space..." That word...I do not think it means what you think it means. I have no idea what that word means. But it could signify drifting on sound waves. Cause that's what happens here. More layers with leads that climb and dive with ease. It's full of sunbeams and just like R. Kelly in the presence of a fifth grade class of schoolgirls pick up your bottles of Lipton Green Tea and shimmy shake! How they made the jump from heavy metal to this laid back style is beyond me. But I'm not complaining. It really is a smooth EP that invites you to dive into its deep waters. Progressive trance that caresses and revels in the sunshine. No darkness here, just pleasant vibes. Recommended. http://www.beatport....ions-e-p/652054 Mdk