Lauryn

I voted for Lull...there are a few tracks on there, 'Chase' in particular, that I completely fell in love with. I was kind of disappointed with Twin Coast Discovery...while I thought it was very well produced, I found it to be far too on the housey/clubby tip for my tastes (like its been mentioned here previously, not enough psychedelia)...Also, I felt with this latest release they seem to have lost a bit of the originality in their sound, which is what made them first stand out to me a few years ago...these days it seems they are sounding less Antix and more Iboga....

Artist : Various Title : Subculture Label : Acidance Records Catalog # : ACIDCD011 Release Date : June 2005 01 - Dissociative - Fireworks 02 - Parasense - Do The Job 03 - Dissociative - Einstein's Last Mistake 04 - Chromatone & Random - Acid Burn 05 - Digital Outlaws - Creative Destruction 06 - Fungus Funk - Acidalia Planitia 07 - Hyper Frequencies & DJ Anaka - Renegade 08 - Parasense - Marakatu 09 - Seroxat - Mama Russia Review: This is the eleventh release from Athens, Greece based Acidance Records. Compiled by DJ Wizard and Alex Parasense, 'Subculture' is the first compilation release we have seen from Acidance since 2003's 'Ritual Dance'. Storming back into the psychedelic trance world with the signature powerful, twisted, groovy psychedelic sound that has been tearing up dancefloors since 1999, Acidance serves up nine tracks by talented newcomers as well as names already well established on the international scene.. 1. Dissociative- 'Fireworks'- Dissociative are Evgeniy Martinov and Vjacheslav Iskanjan from Russia who have previously released tracks on Doof and Crystal Matrix. With an upcoming full length release on Acidance, this is their first appearance on the label. Dissociative's take on the Russian style incorporates old school goa melodies into newer psytrance sounds. Their super groovy basslines immediately caught my attention on 'E.S.T. Second Session'. Let's see what they have to offer. a strong, driving bassline combines with an otherworldly atmosphere leading us into an omnipresent scratchy synth line. A light, delicate melody is brought into the mix in preparation for the goa-influenced melody that follows. An interesting contrast between the old and new here! The main breakdown-buildup brings an electro melody, what follows is less driving than was anticipated. A multitude of sounds being introduced here, this is an interesting and unique dark morning stomper! 8/10 2. Parasense - 'Do The Job'- With three full length albums released and numerous compilation releases, Parasense need no introduction! "Possible" an otherworldly intro quickly leads us in to a hypnotic driving bassline coupled with mechanical percussive elements. A very fitting mix with the space age samples interspersed throughout. The subtle signature Parasense kick drum is in there as well...A gritty synth line and steel drum percussion lead to a quick wind down before this machine gets going again, a snare is introduced into the mix and this groove really starts to take off. The main synth line increases in intensity as this track forges on...one of the most multi-dimensional, driving, frenzied, psychedelic tracks I've heard from these guys in a while. Perfect for propelling any night time dj set onwards. However, it's not until the buildup leading into the final minute of this track that the madness is fully let loose....!! 10/10 3. Dissociative - 'Einstein's Last Mistake'- Dissociative are at it again! This time it's a dark mysterious gritty groover- powerful, dynamic and driving to say the least! Wooshing atmospheres collide as a somewhat abrasive synth line stutters its way into the mix. A galloping bassline, partially inaudible spoken samples, and eerie ethereal synth pads set the stage. The theme of the track continues to develop with a quick clever change up, things really start taking off. Leaving the goa melodies behind in this track, Dissociative instead introduces a darker, more goofy synth into the mix. A powerful buildup oozing with psychedelic sounds, leads into a breakdown with crickets chirping in the distance. Had the key change at 5:39 happened sooner, perhaps it would have increased the overall drive and effectiveness of the track as a whole....a creeping night time builder none the less! 9/10 4. Chromatone & Random - 'Acid Burn'- Chromatone is Lawrence Ezra Hoffman, a San Francisco native who has released tracks on RedCells, VaporVent, Mindfunk, PsyTropic, and Mechanik Sound. Random is Ross DuBois, also from San Francisco, with tracks released on Resonant Earth, VaporVent. This is their first collaborative track released on Acidance Records. Starting things off with a deep rumbling bass zooming into a stomping groove. The crisp synth production characteristic of Chromatone's music expertly combines with Random's chugging grooves that I've really been digging as of late! A stuttering bassline carries us to the central theme, sticking with the dark synth melody while tossing in a few squiggles of psychedelia here and there. It's all building up to a very powerful 6/8/triplet beat and this track storms on, all the while the dark ambiance lurking in the shadows. Zooming downwards and winding up a couple times before its all through, Killer collaboration! 10/10 5. Digital Outlaws - 'Creative Destruction'- Digital Outlaws are Shlomi and Stas from Israel, This is their debut release as well as first appearance on Acidance Records. A goofy bassline bounces around while an uncomfortable mosquito-like buzzing circles around and over yonder to some nice groovin beats! Elastic like psychedelic synths swarm the background, the initial breakdown leads into a faster beat and the addition of a lo-fi snare and some old school video game fx, this track bounces along in such a comical manner that it almost reminds me of a slowed down Vicious Spiral or Texas Faggot track. A filtered, scratchy synth line at 3:30 adds a lot to this track. Its somewhat of a turning point, at which we have less lo-fi fx, and more groove, the build up at 4:45 takes things up yet another notch, along with an ever so subtle and slick key change, eventually ending up a brighter groove at journey's end. Great debut, that's growing on me more and more every time I hear it! 8/10 6. Fungus Funk - 'Acidalia Planitia'- Fungus Funk is Serge Prilera from Russia, a driving force in the "darker" psy movement with releases on Discovalley, Crystal Matrix, Seraphana, Sirius, Deja Vu, Apocalypse, and more, as well as being signed to Acidance. 'systems online' yet static prevails, as we zoom into the depths of this stomper, a rockstar worthy drum fill, takes us to a steady beat and a subtle bassline that are soon percolated with dozens of squiggly psychedelic sounds, a filtered and airy synth line joins with a more crisp strong synth sound and the two melodies intertwine. This is a night time groover for sure! Panned filtered fx on the brief breakdown prepared us for the track to slam back in, delivering us deeper in this abyss of groove. carefree la-di-da dark night time psychedelic music! a very strong track from the most funked of fungii 9/10 7. Hyper Frequencies & DJ Anaka - 'Renegade'- Hyper Frequencies aka Gilles is no stranger to the psytrance scene with releases on Turbo Trance, Hadra, Peak, Parvati, and Avatar, as well as a full length release on Mechanik Sound. DJ Anaka is a member of the Mechanik Records crew. Both are from France and this is their first collaborative release. Some ripping filtered sounds to start off, leading us into a deeper, more prominent bassline and a mean shredding synth line that somehow seems to assimilate the other elements of the track as it moves along, picking up momentum with every 8 beats. The break- and everything drops out save a sawing synth, rolling bassline, and airy atmosphere, processed human vocal fx help build the intensity, and following every break, the bassline is there more intense than before. The final buildup and resulting groove is riddled with bits of guitar synth and wood block percussion. Perhaps this track doesn't take us all the way there, but it gets us at least half way 7/10 8. Parasense - 'Marakatu'- A pleasant surprise to find another Parasense track on here! It also happens to be my favorite track on this compilation . A ghostly introduction and the bass rumbles its way into our brians oozing psychedelia all along the way. The initial break, and the tribal steel drums are introduced, along with kick, hi-hat, and bassline- the minimalist effect is amazing. The bass keeps pumping in this one, as we hear a few vocal samples. But the real magic happens at 2:50 when an organ-like melody is introduced, along with a zooming synth, a tamborine that makes all the difference and a devastating steal drum fill, leading us into a pounding bassline, swarming squiggling psychedelic sounds, tribal house percussion, and a dark mysterious and melodic synth line filling this track up. Overall, a very unique track that will have people stomping all over the dancefloor 10/10 9. Seroxat - 'Mama Russia- From Israel is Offer Maoz aka Seroxat, who created much havoc on dancefloors worldwide with his full length release on Crystal Matrix. He has also released on DiscoValley, Inpsyde Media, Peak, Deja Vu, Apocalypse, Stone Age as well as Acidance. At first glance, this seems like pretty standard formulaic Seroxat. Trust me its not. With his percussive screams, a scratchy polished synth lead meets with one mathematically precise kick-snare-hihat pattern. The bassline lifts off at 2:34 and we really start flying. A mysterious sliding synth "I don't wanna die", at least not until after the full on groove I'm hearing has ended. 4:16 brings another change up, the synth becomes scratchier and its reminding me a bit of Shift here. Liking the snare a lot- sitting right on top of the beat. A zooming build up at 5:35 and we're tossed into Seroxat's trademark 1/2 time stomp- used rather well here along with a raging synth line that will blow your mind. Its a totally slamming way to end the compilation! 11/10 Overall: 9/10 What was once a rumor is now fact- Acidance is back and in full force! Acidance staple Parasense, representing the more dark, driving style of the label with two SUPER strong tracks and a newer multi-dimensional sound that I'm totally digging. Seroxat and Chromatone & Random both fitting in nicely with this sound as well. Acidance newcommers, Dissociative bring a more laid back groovy feel to the label, also supported on this compilation by the tracks from Digital Outlaws, Hyper Frequencies & DJ Anaka. Fungus Funk- a mix of the two sounds fuses it all together. Many night time builders here- perhaps subliminally indicative of this label's strong future- Onwards and upwards Acidance Records! Let's hope the madness continues! Favorites: 2, 4, 8(!!!), 9(!!!)

My current favorite- Ocelot- Turn It Up - totally confuses the dancefloor hehe

Yes I totally agree. For me, this is for sure in my top 5 tracks that have been released so far this year. In fact, I ended my set last night with this track...such an amazing dark melodic stomper, a perfect energy builder that just keeps going and going...I love this track! The Gappeq track on Satellite is really good as well

For me: Transdriver- Thriller Damage- Psychic Abrubtion but like Rah said, only speaking from personal experience here...

Bluetech- Triangle (retriangulated) ...gotta have my chillout in the morning!

Please note the venue for this event has changed!!! It will now be held at: DISCOTHEQUE 17 West 19th Street Between 5th and 6th avenues. New York, NY 10pm-6am see you all there!!

Hackers- Hitchcoke Babe off the Solar Seeds compilation on Sunset Recordings

well, Antix- Hiding Place off of Twin Coast Discovery is one....

I'm not advocating for progressive psy with vocals, I'm not advocating against progressive psy with vocals...Not really interested in peoples opinions on it either....I started this thread more as a way of brainstorming what's out there that's worth checking out in this sub-sub-genre or however you choose to look at it...

yup yup....totally read my mind

This event "Peace While Moving Forward" is a benefit in aid of Severyn who recently had 8 years of art stolen. [www.severyn.com everyone of the banners / tapestries on the website are no longer with our community]. Proceeds from this event will go to towards buying material and art supplies so he can continue to take us all to another dimension. Ambionik & Pulse Industries PRESENT "PEACE WHILE MOVING FORWARD" ........................LINE-UP............................ LIVE ACTS: SUN CONTROL SPECIES aka Drooid (ZMA/Zenon/Iboga/Australia) Drooid was born in the northern coast of Australia. He began his musical career at the tender age of five, and for a quarter of his life has been writing psychedelic music. Having several releases on international labels such as ZMA records [Greece], Manta Records [New Zealand], Sub Machine Records [France], and on the Aussie labels Edgecore Records and nine09 Records, his music is quickly becoming sought after all over the world. SCS incorporates an intelligent mix of progressive sounds with the harder kicks and bass lines associated with the neo-full on psychedelic trance style. With an entourage of psychedelic sounds, his music simulates both the mind as well as the feet. By incorporating visual design theories and his love of 'daytime' sets he brings his listeners to an uplifting yet intense musical experience. MEXICAN TRANCE MAFIA A.K.A INOXIA Mario began producing minimal trance in 1996 under the name Inoxia. Inoxia inspired Mario to pursue a career in audio engineering in Malaysia. After his studies he returned to producing electronic music under the name Mexican Trance Mafia (MTM) and has released tracks on Solstice Music International (Japan), Yellow Sunshine Explosion Recordings (UK), AP Records (Germany), and Psyclon Records (Mexico). MTM music is a mixture of low rhythms, melodies, and percussion between144 bpm and148 bpm. All over the world Mario performs his live act and brings his listeners to heightened states of ecstasy. MTM is a pioneer of the Mexican trance movement. Nowadays Mario is not limiting his music production to just trance he's producing other styles such as dub, experimental music, and chill out / ambient. YARE VISIONEAR-VENEZUELA Eduardo Larez aka YARE started making electronic influence music in 1998. Being a fan of Frank Zappa inspired Eduardo to learn and study the synclavier and to produce music on a high standard. The name yare originates from the location of the many festivals from Eduardo's native country of Venezuela. These festivals are famous for the transcendental experience which musical platform is in Tribal Afro Venezuelan rhythms with drums and melodic chants. Eduardo embodies these festival experiences into his live act, with the aspiration to connect his listeners with mother earth. YARE has released tracks on 5 German Record labels including Cosmophilia, OV-Silence Records, and Bazooka 10 Records. DJ SETS: DROOID - (ZMA/Zenon/Iboga/Australia) JASON - (PULSE-INDUSTRIES) MAYUR - (OPTICAL DILLUSION) OPEN AIR CHILLOUT BY ''REALITY ENGINE'' Matyas Pedro and the Reality crew transform Shelters deck into Uptempo Downtempo bliss under the heavens. DECO BY SEVERYN BARABAKH (PULSE-INDUSTRIES) This event is a benefit in aid of Severyn who recently had 8 years of art stolen.Proceeds from this event will go to towards buying material and art supplies so he can continue to take us all to another dimension. Pulsewear will be available for sale at this special event. FRIDAY JULY 8TH 2005 18 TO ENTER 21 TO DRINK BRING I.D CLUB SHELTER 20 WEST 39TH ST BTWN 5TH & 6TH AVE 11PM TILL 7AM $30 ON THE DOOR

Cool! I hear it takes only 2 hours to get there by spaceship. Pick me up around 4pm Friday and I should be able to get there in time. Oh- and you can park on the roof...my landlord totally won't mind.

Sun Control Species Heliotrope Gappeq Double REL Hefty Output Pondscum Tryambaka Transdriver Insect Seeker Humanoid Naked Tourist Random Already announced and waiting for: Wizack Twizack Para Halu Mr. Peculiar

Hey, My ride to Gaian Mind Festival just fell through, so I'm frantically searching for another. I can leave anytime, and can travel to nyc, philly, baltimore, or dc to get to my ride if need be. PM me if you are able to help out at all. thanks. ~Lauryn

....curious as to which releases you would consider to be high quality compilations... ok ok, I understand now that you made this distinction...I feel the same way about any cd I'm potentially going to purchase strictly for listening purposes. back when I was djing psytrance on vinyl, spending $10 for 3 tracks, where usually only one or two of these were worth playing, this was the norm. Nowadays one pays about the same price for a compilation cd where you typically get 9 or 10 tracks. As my music tastes are constantly changing and evolving, I find this works more to my advantage...something I listen to today and don't like, I may stumble across 3 months from now and totally appreciate. Seeing as I buy psytrance for both djing and listening purposes, I really don't have issue with this and rather enjoy the diversity that having music released on cd as opposed to vinyl allows for. What has disappointed me lately in the psytrance world are labels which have defined a specific sound as "their own", and artists belonging to that label who are altering their sound in order to better cater to the label's sound. Labels that immediately come to mind at the moment are Chemical Crew, Spun Records, 3D Vision...The label should be promoting the artist's sounds, not compromising their integrity! THIS and not the fact that Ketuh Records has had a flood of recent releases is what is truly damaging the quality of psychedelic trance music being released today. Music and labels alike are constantly changing and evolving...next time don't be so quick to judge.

Soooo Ketuh Records should stop the flood and Yellow Sunshine Explosion should keep em coming??? V.A - Goa 2005 YSE062CD 2005 V.A - Goa 10 YSE063CD 2005 V.A - The History Of Goa Trance YSE064CD 2005 V.A - Tantra Trance YSE065CD 2005 V.A - Trancers Guide To The Galaxy YSE066CD 2005 V.A - Goa Sound System 5 YSE067CD 2005 V.A - Goa Trance 2 YSE068CD 2005 V.A - Goa 11 YSE069CD 2005 V.A - Goa 2005 vol 2 YSE071CD 2005 How about Phonokol? Hydrogen - Crazy Fantasy 2324-2 2005 Spectrum - Catalyzer 2330-2 2005 Yahel - Around The World 2331-2 2005 V.A - Psytisfaction 2 2332-2 2005 And Spun? V.A - Remote Viewing SPUNCD014 2005 Wrecked Machines - Second Thought SPUNCD015 2005 Father and Son - Planet Music SPUNCD016 2005 V.A - Zero Gravity SPUNCD017 2005 Ketuh puts out 3 compilations and one full length release, altogether showcasing the music of 21 different artists, and you complain. Yes, its true that there is a lot of crap being released these days, and you do mention that your statement "doesn't only apply to Ketuh Records", however, your choice of example here is far from being on target. Suspended Reality caught my attention as well when it was released last year, only since then, unlike you, I've welcomed this "flood of compilations". Its only allowed me to have more music I enjoy listening to. You say that 2 or 3 good tracks isn't enough for a purchase? Ketuh Records aside, most of the time I'm purchasing cds because of 1 or 2 good tracks, and quite honestly, these days unless Ketuh is concerned, more than 3 good (imo) tracks on a compilation, is totally unheard of for me.

The Philadelphia Shamanista Initiative is proud to present our seventh hallucinogenic gala: CONVERGENCE convergence: n. - 1) the process of coming together towards a common point or meeting place. 2) a representation of common ground between theories or phenomenon. 3) the approach of an infinite series to a finite limit. Saturday, June 18th 10pm - 10am, a full 12 hours of music! A Free Open Air Tribal Gathering For Music, Dance, Art, Free __Expression, and Peace in the scenic Pine Barrens of Southeastern New Jersey. A trancendental dance experience, a pagan celebration, a one-night CONVERGENCE of the tribes in honor of the summer solstice. Please join us for an evening of psychedelic trance in a beautiful open air forest setting. Location is approximately 1 hour from Philadelphia and 2 from from NYC. Line-up We are very pleased to welcome: DJ LAURYN (Mistical Productions, Boston, MA) Lauryn is best known from her energetic jaunts up and down the East Coast, blowing up dancefloors with her dark funky full on sounds. Yet, Lauryn has also been exploring the gentler side of the psychedelic sound, as she consistently evolves the already impeccable style that has made her a Boston crowd-pleaser. Come witness a special sunrise set as Lauryn blends the finest beats of light and dark. ONNOMON (Soular Records, Philadelphia) Performing LIVE! www.onnomon.com Philly's phavorite home grown trance producer returns for his final performance of 2005. Onnomon produces a deep and distinctive psychedelic tribal sound tossed with some full-on dressing. Don't miss this last show before Dean disappears to India for the rest of year. For this gig, they are going to push their computers to the limit! Let's be sure to send off this local hero in proper style. Eg~Bot vs. Mescalinium (Psy Planet/PSI, Philadelphia/NYC) Last year Eg~Bot ripped up the dancefloor at Panacea with his signature full on mayhem. This time we are presenting you an exclusive 3 hour tag team set with PSI's own resident maestro Mescalinium. A twisted journey into the darkest hours of the night. Smooth, yet crunchy, psychedelic and immensely satisfying. The sound of the Philly Underground. Plus a special morning trance and chill out set by: Ben Light-o-Matic (Light-o-Matic Productions/PSI, New York) Other special guests TBA. Sound by PSI and Light-o-Matic Productions. 5000W of raw power. Black Light decor and visual stimulation by the Light-o-Matic Crew. Original UV artwork by Psy Planet. And of course the sacred circle of fire. We WILL have extra space on the generator, so feel free to bring any extra black lights, decorations, projections, visuals, etc. This is a free party and open to all. Extra karma points for any donations, contributions, etc. Although we are praying to the meteorological demigods for nice conditions, please be prepared for inclement weather since this event is RAIN OR SHINE. It can also get unseasonably cold in the forest, so be sure to bring warm clothing as well. Water, chai, fruits, sweets, and other snacks will be available, but we ask you to bring extra water and food as well so there will be enough for everyone. Due to security concerns, there will be NO FIRES PERMITTED WHATSOEVER!!! (fire dancing/poi is ok) Other Stuff To Bring: Tents/camping gear, ponchos/rain gear, blankets, flashlights, drums, SHOVELS (just in case , good vibes, incense, tapestries, decorations, friends family children and pets, black lights, visuals, herbal refreshments, trash bags, toilet paper, and anything you feel will add to the communal experience. The location, a forest clearing, is a gorgeous, pristine oasis of nature in its purest form. We must respect the land and LEAVE NO TRACE. Please take care of all personal items/trash etc. (especially non-biodegradable cigarette butts!). Updates available at our website, www.psi-trance.com If you feel you can help us in any way with this event, do not hesitate to contact us at sunshinegoa3@yahoo.com You can also send us an email if you'd like to join our mailing list. Background info: Since 2002, the Philadelphia Shamanista Initiative (PSI) has put together some of the most memorable open air psy-trance events in the new york/philly region. Having single-handedly revitalized the outdoor party scene 3 years ago with the infamous Acid Reflux parties, and with 2 wildly successful events last summer, CONVERGENCE will once again bring together the cosmic forces that guarantee a fully trancendental experience. UPDATE 2.0 If you would like to attend and obtain directions, please RSVP by sending an email to sunshinegoa3@yahoo.com clearly indicating your name, where you are coming from, and how you came to hear about this event. We are also very pleased to announce that Onnomon will be performing *twice* over the course of the evening. Dean will perform a solo set earlier in the night of some his newer material. Later in the morning, he will be joined by Dan Covan doing live electronic and tribal percussion. Once again, this will be Onnomon's final performance of the year (!) so be sure to come out early to get the full experience. The artists and organizers are all very excited about this special gathering. We hope you can come out and be a part of it. -the PSI team

Wizack Twizack - best name for a project i've heard in a while... also worth mentioning- Grapes of Wrath Legohead Rinkadink Mr. Peculiar Vicious Spiral Pondscum

I agree fluffy is different than cheesy...I know fluff when I hear it, I know cheese when I hear it. I know cheese bothers me far more than fluff does....but can't quite decide what the difference between the two is...

VA- 'Hyperspatial Chrysalis' (Ketuh Records, 2005) Artist: Various Title: Hyperspatial Chrysalis Label: Ketuh Records (Portugal/Austria) Catalog #: Kthcd010 Format: CD Released: 13 June 2005 Tracks: 1. Psychoactive- 'Crazy Cabby' 2. Hefty Output- 'WTF? Rmx' 3. Sychophant- 'Life and Death Rmx' 4. Sungirl vs. Iron Madness- 'Buddhist Pyramidi' 5. Pondscum- 'Style Stalker' 6. Paranoize- 'Deception' 7. Phonic Request vs. Akhoa- 'Call 1334 Rmx' 8. Psyboriginal- 'Spirited Way Rmx' 9. Killer Buds- 'Biogenese' Review: This is the tenth release from Portuguese-born and Austrian based record label Ketuh Records. At the start of 2005, the paths of the Ketuh Records family and the Triptamind Crew crossed in Australia. The experiences gained there, spawned the 'Hyperspatial Chrysalis', a collaborative effort between the two. The result- a collection of nine tracks from new and upcoming Australian artists as well as some fresh sounds from elsewhere around the globe. Compiled by Dj P_Mac, Label manager of Ketuh Records and resident Boom Festival DJ, with liner notes written by Eli of the Triptamind Crew in Australia. This compilation showcases the transitional period between night time and morning- the multi-dimensional and ever-evolving sound of the chrysalis that is Ketuh Records. 1. Psychoactive- 'Crazy Cabby'- Psychoactive aka Steve Barr, from Australia, is the co-founder of Fragile Planet Records. This is his first solo release on Ketuh Records. "It's like getting a personal visit from God", perhaps so. It's an enticing sample to start off the compilation. Extracted from reality, we are at once propelled into the opening groove. The result- a crisp, dynamic bassline that's constantly evolving and changing with surprising subtlety. The main synth melody is crunchy and raw, complemented by a squeeky tweaked out synth, more than doubling the quirkiness. The two sounds are cleverly weaved together with countless variation, creating the animated, whimsical groove that drives this track onwards. Loose percussive breaks add a highly effective, yet barely noticable punch to the already carefree, effortless feel of the dark funky psychedelic grooves, "51 times stronger" for sure! 10/10 2. Hefty Output- 'WTF? Rmx' - From Australia are Dan Verbi and Tim Hanlon, recent additions to the Ketuh family, this is their second release, its heavy music for the night to the max! You can hear the raw, biting influence of South African artists Damage and Artifakt here. A deep bassline rolls along fearlessly, occasionally meeting with a multitude of elastic synth sounds dribbling nighttime psychedelia. Also hiding in the shadows a piercing melody lurks, ready to strike when the time is right. Smooth deep dark psy, in a genre of its own. From time to time, various creaking and rewind fx join forces with the ripping main synth line, further embellishing the already vicious groove. What is lost in focus and momentum towards the end of this track, is made up for with psychedelic elements! Their prior release, 'Ghb (Remix)', was a bit charged with spoken samples, it's nice to hear a track focusing more on created rather than found sounds. Super mean and highly potent. Last words: It's all about the bass. 8/10 3. Sychophant- 'Life and Death Rmx'- Welcome Aussie #3, Sycophant, Melbourne based artist John Vougioukas. This is his debut release on Ketuh Records. The style is dark and atmospheric, the dancefloor effect- massive. Ethereal, dreamlike atmospheres collide with a galloping bassline and scratchy synth- a sonic depiction of being lost amidst unknown confusion. The break brings inaudible samples of chaos and disarray as well as a wind tunnel which sends us swirling into a super mean psychedelic synth line. A perfect nighttime groove! This track is all about the atmosphere as we swirl about in anticipation of where it will toss us next. The main breakdown brings the bassline to the forefront where 'your hell awaits you' as well as a groove full of darkness, scratching synth lines, and screams of confusion, as we descend further into the abyss of the unknown. 8/10 4. Sungirl vs. Iron Madness- 'Buddhist Pyramidi'- Sungirl is Yana from Russia, with previous releases on Trishula and Manic Dragon Records. Iron Madness is Ziv from Israel, previously releasing on Doof Records. This is their first track released as Sungirl vs. Iron Madness, and also their first Ketuh release. A symphonic beginning, reminiscent of the opening scene of an epic movie. This melodrama is soon cut short as we are instantaneously faced with a dark, driving baseline and powerful snare interspersed with screams of horror. The main synth is introduced, catchy and melodic, yet also with a somber and emotional element to it as well. The melody doesn't detract at all from the overwhelming sense of darkness, chaos, and confusion that is the essence of this track. Rather than disrupting from the flow, the numerous breakdown-buildups we hear only serve to propel this track onwards, further building the intensity. This is nonstop madness!!! Previously, I had not been a fan Sungirl or Iron Madness, but together, the blend of their sounds is magical!!! Best track on this comp so far 11/10 5. Pondscum- 'Style Stalker'- Aha! The long anticipated second release from Luke Danielewski, Aussie #4 on this comp. His full flavored musical project Pondscum is notoriously known for its signature dark, minimal, hypnotic psychedelic sound and this track is certainly no exception to that! From the start, I am immediately drawn in by an overwhelming sense of spiraling downwards. Various complex and intricate synth lines working together along with swirling atmospheric pads sitting further in the background of this track further evoke the downward spiral. This is for sure one of the darkest psychedelic melodic grooves I've heard in a while. I really like how this track progresses and changes up a lot without ever straying too far from its central theme. Around 3:30, everything falls into place here and the groove is dark, melodic and extremely effective, it would have been interesting to see this idea develop more before the track changed things up once again. A monstrous spooky nighttime track- guaranteed to get everyone out of the darkness and onto the dancefloor, I only wish it hadn't ended so abruptly. 9/10 6. Paranoize- 'Deception'- From Israel comes Alex Ladyzanskyi aka Paranoize, this is his second release on Ketuh Records. With a driving bassline, scratchy percussive synth and air of eerieness we are officially launched into orbit. This track is centered around two synth lines, one which has a metallic, rhythmic sawing quality to it, the other can only be likened to the cawing of a scavenger crow circling above. Every element in this track is precise, exact, and deliberate. Transitions between different ideas are smooth and effortless, and the overall level of production is extremely high. With virtually no melodic element in this track, I find I'm craving more melody! As the hi-hats and snare are prominent here, it would have been interesting to see some more mid-range percussive elements added in. As this track progresses, the main synth line increasingly begins to ooze psychedelia. The constant morphing nature of this track keeps it interesting, leading up into the final buildup- Dark psy with a twist of lime. 9/10 7. Phonic Request vs. Akhoa- 'Call 1334 Rmx'- With previous releases on Magma and TIP, PhonicRequest is the work of Wilfried Decaesteker. Here he teams up with fellow Frenchman Akhoa. You may recall the duo from their track 'Early Reflections', on Parvati Records earlier this year. This is their second collaborative release, and their first Ketuh appearance. The track begins with a funky bassline full of movement, some short squiggly zooming synths adding to the raw bouncy sound and a gritty dirty no nonsense snare reminding me of Rinkadink. The likeness is again heard in the zooming buildups appearing throughout. The entirety of this track feels like one long buildup, leaving me constantly anticipating what is to come. I must admit, with the comical flavor, I expected the final buildup to lead to a goofy sample. I'm slightly disappointed with "call 13.34", which leaves me with with more of an "um....ok" feeling. Despite the fact that this track could have had a bit more drive, it is an essential dirty groove full of zooming psychedelic sounds and I love it! 9/10 8. Psyboriginal- 'Spirited Way Rmx'- Aussie #5 on this compilation, Psyboriginal is Marc Freund from Sydney. A new Ketuh artist, this is his debut release. His sound has been described as explosive, unique and highly danceable and now I will hear for myself. We start things off with a groovy bassline, some quick start-stops and eerie atmosphere to complete the mix. The main melody reminds me a bit of Logic Bomb, only with a darker, more sinister feel contrasting nicely with the raw bouncy synth line previously introduced. The sample usage throughout, and especially at 4:40, is the best of any track appearing on this compilation. Psyboriginal has managed to weave together all the right elements to create a perfect killer groove that just works- so much so that I cannot give away any more of the details. This is an insane debut track, I cannot even begin to imagine what else this guy has got up his sleeve. For sure, one of the strongest tracks on this compilation, perfect for bringing in the morning 10/10 9. Killer Buds- 'Biogenese'- From Brazil, Enzio, Tarcisio and Marcelo, collectively known as Killer Buds, are a Ketuh Records staple, appearing on the past 5 Ketuh compilations, as well as recently releasing their full length debut album on Ketuh. Much like their previous releases, this track is nothing short of massive sounding. A slightly different sound then I've previously heard from Killer Buds- the bassline is sitting more towards the back of this track, while the main synth line is front and center throughout. This track is a bit lighter on the sample usage than previous releases, giving precedence to the melody of this morning stomper. The breakdown is quite unique and my favorite part of this track, slowing the beat down and then rapidly speeding up once again, a zooming buildup storming ahead towards all hell breaking loose. Melodic mayhem perfect for waking up any dancefloor. 8/10 Favorites: 1(!!), 4(!!!), 5, 6, 7(!!), 8(!!!) Overall: Another strong compilation from Ketuh Records. Nothing endures but change, and with each quality release from this label, we continue to see just why this is true. Much like the Chrysalis, we are all evolving to a fluctuating vibration of cosmic energy, music is no exception to this. If you are at all curious as to where the future of psychedelic trance music lies, rest assured, a few of the answers you will find here. Five Australian artists appearing on a non-Australian label, Four artists making their debut releases on this compilation... Ketuh Records has consistantly made it their goal to seek out the newest, freshest, most unique sounds around. Well, mission more than accomplished.

I'll be there

Ott - Blumenkraft Cell - Phonic Peace Mr. Peculiar- Elements Atmos- Headcleaner Vibrasphere- Lime Structure Beat Bizarre - Pandora's Groove Box I feel like I should have more full on artists on this list....but these are the ones i listen to all the way through most often. maybe someone should start a "perfect compilation" topic...

Audialize- Full On Chaos Magic (Oxygen) Protoculture- Dawn Razer (Alchemy) Shift- Closer (Crystal Matrix) Gappeq- Theory of Everything (Ketuh) Phonic Request vs Akhoa- Call 1234 Rmx (Ketuh)

yes this totally sucks. Human Bass is one of my favorite tracks ever... While I agree that at times the Killer Buds sound can get a bit formulaic and repetitive, I will say their production is good, and at least 2 or 3 tracks on there are good for getting a dancefloor really moving. If you are only going to listen to one track off the album, Interfiber Skunk, it should be #3 I've Got the Virus, it's the best on there IMO...