Jump to content

Jon Cocco

Members
  • Posts

    1641
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    36

Jon Cocco last won the day on December 17 2023

Jon Cocco had the most liked content!

Reputation

118 Excellent

Contact Methods

  • Website URL
    https://jamesliakos.com
  • ICQ
    0

Profile Information

  • Gender
    Male
  • Location
    United States
  • Interests
    Agate, Agartha, animals, ascension, compassion, creativity, dogs, eco-friendly, energy-matches, evolution, exercise, filmmaking, happiness, healthy food, higher consciousness, heart, humility, influencing, imagination, love, meditation, mind, mindfulness, movement, music, nature, optimism, positive, sun, traveling, understanding, peace, water, wholeness

Recent Profile Visitors

35306 profile views
  1. In the Mouth of Madness is my favourite song on the album. I'm engaged from the opening minute forward. Each act improves on the one before it. There's not an once of fat. Not a moment (like in Track 5 or 7) where I'm taken out of the song due to less-than-stellar choices choices. All in all, a phenomenal song from start to finish. I really like if not love tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 to this day. Not everything is for everyone. That said, the first half of City of Moons (album) impresses me to this as Tandu's Multimood's best 4 songs do if played back-to-back. Also, I love the refreshing, risk-taking approaches with tracks 6 and 8.
  2. I'm listening to this album for the first time in 2023, and now I see why. I skipped it after reading the reviews in 2006. I like the main melody that eventually arrives in Track 1, but the artist is capable of achieving so much more. The baselines are generic and repetitive. Hey, all you need is a beat sometimes on the dance floor! There's moments (Track 10) where it seems like he's enjoying the creative process (one of the better songs here), but that's few and far between. He places just enough little pay sounds to get away with calling this full on to the pay community, but it's not psychedelic, nor Goa, nor good IMO. The best part (for me) was turning this off and listening to one of his OLDER albums full of passion, ingenuity, heart, mind, and soul.
  3. Good post! I'd love to see the forums flourish too and was surprised to see the shortage of reviews the past 1-3 years. I've been around - busy like many of you. It's nice to see the forums are alive! I disappeared in 2022 as energy went to other things-- self-care, surgeries. Editing our last short Indie film I directed. Then it's off to bigger things > https://jamesliakos.com And YES, I plan to incorporate GOA in features but I digress. I heard the new Morphic Resonance album (better than the second IMO), Filteria (some super tracks though I'm more captivated/impressed with Jannis' third & fourth album comparably speaking), and Khetzal - Examines (2021) I thought was superb, magical, showcasing some of the most beautiful, satisfying (sound/melody work!) Goa songs I've heard in some time. I just came across Chi-A.D.'s lovely 2020's song "Into the Light" and just opened a thread > General Psytrance. Also felt inspired to re-review Virtual Spirit (1997) after returning to CHI-A.D. lately. The artist uploaded virtually every release to her official YouTube page (attached below) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk96OhKUo6M0IXAPe7Da4cQ Sounds like its been a busy last few years for many of us, with energy going to numerous things as we evolve and grow. At times I feel very tuned in to the flow of the conscious process. It's cool to see many of us are still there. PS: It's okay to post shorter reviews. Do whatever inspires you in ways that are positive! Stay safe! Cheers
  4. I just discovered this late in May of 2023. It's morning/Sunrise themed Goa, quite trancey. The video's from Chi A.D.'s Official YouTube page. I think it's beautiful. The song has an uplifting, elegant, sexy sunrise morning sound that I love, and the main melody gets stuck in my head. Positive vibes and thankfully not formulaic sounding, yet mainstream friendly in structure that makes it easily accessible to share with friends. I like! Chi-A.D. Official YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk96OhKUo6M0IXAPe7Da4cQ Jon Cocco aka James' Official Website (TV/FIlm) https://jamesliakos.com
  5. Yes!!! Thanks for the head sup! She has an official page on YouTube for us fans called: Chi-A.D. Music YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@Chi-ADMusic/videos One of her new (to me) songs! I love this.. so sexy, chill, elegant. Beautiful sound/melody work. She hasn't lost her touch.
  6. I was feeling inspired to share more about this debut after listening through Chi-A.D.'s albums lately. 01. Healing Magic 02. The Ocean Also Dreams 03. Astral Warrior 04. State Of Mind 05. Serpent's Fire 06. Inner Energy 07. Paranormal Activity (Spooky) 08. Organic Forms 09. Sacred Vision Hats off to this artist for producing some of the most arresting introductions to songs. I just had to get that out of the way. Each song is like a chapter to a bigger, deeper spiritual story and vision about nature, our Earth, us our world collectively, and more. Virtual Spirit was my first Chi-A.D. album. I heard the artist's song Exit Eternity on a compilation and here I am almost 30 years later. IMO Hannah of Chi-A.D. is one of the most talented, imaginative, spiritual, visionary, and ambitious artists working today. I resonated with every album to healthy degrees except for the more full on Eyes of Gaia album that I found thin on magic, mythos, depth, exploratory elements, feels, and the overall free-spirited style and approach (memorable melodies, atmosphere, structures, etc.) we all know and love. Chi-A.D. began, at least for me with-- 01. Healing Magic is one of my favourite Goa songs, and what an interesting (leading us into the mystical) and developed introduction. It does a great job hooking us early on. I love how the artist playfully incorporates edgy snippets of synths early on. Some people mentioned samples being overused at times. I could see that with tracks 2 and the reprisal of the intro voice in Track 3, but I really like the Native American sampling here, as it establishes the earthy, spiritual nature of the album nicely. Moreover, there are numerous segments without them, where the music breaks out and breaths which is great. All three acts are strong, and the variety in energy, transitions, and sound/melody work keeps the chapter interesting and lively. It seems that a lot of work went into this, as it feels meticulously composed and arranged. I love the interludes. I love the dark and light, the tribal and mythical touches, synth work, the Native American sampling (very spiritual), the buildups are fun, the atmosphere, kick drum, baseline, and more. There's so many choices that make up the whole, and I love what the artist achieved. The song is danceable, fun, and has that special old-school something missing from most Goa now days. The atmospheric impact effects catchy too! All these little details add to how attractively entertaining the overall song is. I could have maybe done without a few samples saying "Healing Magic" but I'm nitpicking. This is an excellent song from start to finish. A 02. The Ocean Also Dreams used to be my favourite song on the album, and I enjoy it to this day. I first heard it in the 90's when I was getting into New Age music like Enigma and Downtempo / Chill Out. The artist's spirituality and love for the ocean, nature, and aquatic life really shows. The music is more relaxing, floating, and harmonious than the other songs. It's also less pure / Goa heavy and that's okay. The Goa influence grows more noticeably catchier in the second act. I feel that the sample "Whales and dolphins..." repeats a bit more than necessary, and arguably (to me at least) distracts from the beautiful, organic flow of the warm harmony. Nonetheless, the sound/melody work is good, uplifting, full of heart and feels-- a pleasant, unique, and unexpected surprise, strategically placed in-between two more energetic, psychedelic numbers. The slower, emotive approach here may not be everyone's cup of tea, as it deviates in style from Track 1 and is, more or less, the black sheep on the album. I sometimes think the last act could have stood out a little more, but the song is so pleasant. Less is sometimes more. This is a wholesome track breathing with life, love, beauty, balance and harmony. B 03. Astral Warrior -- I'll never forget the first time my friend and I put this on, captivated by the song's introduction and sample..."I have seen places that you can only dream of... I have been there..." The intrigue, allure to this artist's introductions are fantastic. Then the buildup and suddenly BOOM! The song takes off like a race horse, full of energy and excitement, aggressive and danceable! The song could have incorporated more innovative, refreshing development in the second half, as it grows a bit repetitive in ideas and execution by the end. Some positives are the first two acts. In act 2, the interlude coupled with voice sample reignites intrigue before briefly mixing in "I have..." like an accent (cut off- catchy) along with more grit to the synths, new sound/melodies, and substance. The aggressive, dance-friendly approach won me over in the 90's and I enjoy the song to this day, though I feel that the last act runs out of steam and could have used more inventiveness and ingenuity. Still, the song has a energetically cool and badass sound throughout, and I presume the Astral Warrior Remix (superior version according to numerous listeners and myself) was not yet produced since the original inspired it, duh! B+ 04. State Of Mind continues the storytelling approach with a shorter albeit engaging, warm, and gentle introduction (one of my favourite parts of the song which is often the case with Chi-A.D.). I love how the music begins, the gentle bong-esque sound, kick drum, and Goa sound/melody work. The beat is emphasized with claps. The music grows increasingly danceable, layered, and psychedelic, though the flute or windpipe (whatever type of instrument) softens the energy a bit. The first act is excellent. In act 2 a club-esque synth enters. It's dance-friendly and though a bit typical, works, though it's bit in my face and combined with the flute or wind pipe, I often feel energetically mixed between higher energy and wanting to close my eyes. I feel like the song loses some interest and grows a bit repetitive in ideas and sounds (those opening minutes felt tighter, punchier, tastier to me), past the halfway mark. In that sense, it doesn't stand out to me as Healing Magic and Astral Warrior did, and I'm all for softer, gentler approaches to Goa. In the presence of stillness and stillness of presence is where some of the most wonderful work, clarity, peacefulness, realizations-- consciousness resides, but I digress. There are lots of good ideas throughout this song, and numerous listeners clearly favor, appreciate, and enjoy it more than myself. In my opinion, I feel that it could have been better considering how captivating those first several minutes felt. I just feel that the song's second half is unable to match or elevate how catchy and refreshing the song's first half is. And yet even in the last act, the song continues to showcases tasty/edgy synth work that I love. My challenge has something to do with those two sounds (flutey sound and the club synth) that takes me away from how much I enjoy the rest of it. B / B+ 05. Serpent's Fire packs more feels, and has an intoxicating (captivating and emotive) opening. It's beautiful, coupled with complimentary sound/melody work. The first act is really special, followed by an interlude that curiously allows opportunity for fresh growth and development (something the artist often takes full advantage of in ways that are positive). The second act maintains the feels, elevating them with higher notes. A second transition showcases edgier synths... buildup, and climax-- the fire part of the song. This part is high energy, psychedelic, stomping, and danceable, though I feel it's overall sound, arrangement, and composition could have complimented the fantasy sounds around it better, as it's execution wise, it's a bit harsh and repetitive in contrast to how gorgeous the sound/melody work is. But I love the idea of incorporating fire and my perspective may be very different if I was on the dancefloor. Still, I love the mystical/fantasy feels, melodies, and warm atmosphere throughout this track. B+ / A- 06. Inner Energy is hooks me early on with sci-fi sounds / feels. The mixing is more dynamic in the first act, and the combination of Eastern Indian melodies along with a psychedelically wobbly accent-esque (lower pitched) synch works well early on. For me, the Eastern Indian melodies grow a bit tiresome and redundant as the song progresses. I would have loved more development, possibly in the sci-fi direction. Hearing the more minimal segments showed me what could have led been, leading to more intoxicating terrain. Alas, the artist wasn't inspired to go in that direction. Nonetheless, more complimentary changes and variety would have been nice, as the song's second half sounds fairly similar in ideas to the first. That said, the Eastern Indian melodies are nice and compliment the lower pitched undertones. Moreover, the artist finds ways to improve the music and brings virtually every established sound and melody together into a sweet fusion by the last act. The song simply feels less less memorable, interesting, captivating, and eventful to me, and that's how I felt about State of Mind to some degree. B 07. Paranormal Activity (Spooky) has IMO such a great use of an accent-- more naturey in the form (or formless sound) of a tastefully echoed chirpy effect utilized differently throughout the track and while effectively allowing it to take a breather in all the right spots before allowing its freedom more often than not. This works so well. Around it, I find the melody/sound arrangement and composition more memorable. The song's design is full of complimentary ideas and sounds, and pops/stands out because of the accent. Listening to each act feels carefully crafted, choosing when to supply and take a beat (break) from said accents before switching it to the exact variation and timing that feels right. Maybe I just have a sweet spot for catchy/unique accents a la Khetzal, Space Cat, etc., etc. All in all, this is one of the more fun and memorable songs for me. I really like the overall tribally sound, flute, sound/melody work, and chirping bird (whatever that is) that emphasizes the danceable nature of the song that keeps things free, fun, and light. A- 08. Organic Forms is the most chill out song here since the second song. It's deeply entrancing and floating in subtle ways and melodic. The mid-tempo ambient and trance with Psy/Goa development deeper in that's excellent, great! You could argue that it's a nice background song and very little happens, and you'd be missing the complimentary state-of-mind and the whole thing. The song is intended I infer, as are all of the chapters here, to fit into the spiritually visionary storytelling whole. Another great track! B+ / A- 09. Sacred Vision is a conundrum for me. The first downtempo act is so earthy, beautiful, heartfelt, tribally, conscious aware/wise and mystical. As the song progresses, the second act transitions-- increasing in energy. The buildup is catchy as the song's energy increases, though it increases so much so that we shift into a seemingly less natural uptempo approach with intense and aggressive synth work that seem to underscore and overpower the magical and poignant mastery of the Navajo / Shamanic, downtempo influenced approach. While the second half of Sacred Vision incorporates some others the first half's ingredients, the song's direction becomes so energetically intense, that I feel jarred from the wondrous, uplifting, and spiritual effectiveness of the amazing opening minutes. I would have loved for the song to continue in the downtempo direction. I don't want to speculate on what inspired Sacred Vision to sound less sacred in the second half, for lack of better words. Numerous listeners also seem to have fell in love with the first half, and I think a couple refinements could have brought more joy to the whole. It's challenging for me to rate this because the first chunk of it is no less than a solid A. B+ / A- CONCLUSION Virtual Spirit is full of passion, beauty, innovation, and imagination from start to finish. There are no bad tracks here. The debut showcases sensitive, emotional, and heartfelt songs and elements, along with numbers carrying fire and intensity. Although I find Anno Domini superior and one of the best sequel albums in Goa Trance, everyone starts somewhere, and for a debut, the pros far outweigh the cons. Every song seems mindfully crafted with love and care. If not for taking risks, we wouldn't have hits like Sacred Healing, Astral Warrior (which naturally inspired the improved remix), the fun dance track Paranormal Activity (Spooky), and more. Naturally, when it comes to songs and albums, we all have our favorites. Not everyone is going to like or love everything. That said, my biggest constructive criticism if I were to provide one, is that there are a couple tracks, or parts of tracks (4, 5, 6, 9) where things start off great, except for (at some point) a certain synth, sound, idea, or change in composition and direction that sounds less synergistic to me, from the rest of the track. This is probably most notable in Sacred Vision, a beautiful piece of work that shines brightest in the song's first half. For me this is also apparent in the type of Fire approach a la Serpent's Fire. I love the idea. I just like the execution, e.g., sound selection and arrangement/approach could have sounded more synergistic, complimentary, and satisfying to the other sounds. The Ocean Also Dreams on the other hand could have used a few less repeating samples IMO. That said, creative freedom is essential, and without it, Chi-A.D. wouldn't have created so many beloved treasures, so I praise the risk-taking, even if some inspire feedback via constructive criticism. For me, Chi-A.D.'s music is more than music. It symbolizes, deeper, more expansive, higher consciousness. I consider Chi-A.D. one of the best electronic artists, right up there with Astral Projection, Hallucinogen, Juno Reactor, Pleiadians, Cosmosis, Transwave, MFG, Khetzal, Filteria-- the best of the best. It's so interesting and inspiring to hear how far this artist has evolved since 1997, like ripples in a galaxy, flowing throughout the Universe. Through every choice-- every moment of being and forgiveness allows us to untangle our consciousness from the split / separation-- from the fear and guilt associated with our collective consciousness-- from our falling out with Infinite Creator / unconditional love, IMO, hence duality, the lower realms-- and inspiration to ascend higher-- to be whole again, beyond space and time in ways that are positive. But I digress! Something tells me that we have yet to fully experience and comprehend how deep this all goes regarding spiritual influences and intentions beyond [that inspires] the music. I'm personally, and believe more of us collectively are becoming more conscious-- whatever that means in respect to where we are headed, a higher octave [vibration] of love. Thank you Hanna for producing so much wonderful from your heart and soul over these decades. Highlights: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and the first half of 9. B+ if I were to grade it, and I'm caring for ratings less and less as I get older because, spiritually speaking ,it just feels so subjective for me to slap a grade on something as if that's the answer when it's subjective. I love you for appreciating my reviews over the years when I had more time and interest writing them (circa 2000 to 2018-ish). How time flies. Pretty soon we'll be living in the 4th dimension (on the way to the 5th), and remember there's truth to everything that's said, so we'll see each other in the expansion for real at some point Love and light PS: Chi-A.D. Official YouTube Check out her song Into the Light... just beautiful ... A
  7. Now in 2023+ I feel like we're all-- at least most of us becoming more conscious that many people born male or female (XY / XX) have been feeling a connection and/or dilemma with feeling like the opposite sex, primarily because we have all been boys and girls spiritually for those open to the belief in reincarnation which I'm convinced there is truth too relative to spiritual growth, development, and evolution, so that we can reach higher levels of wholeness, understanding, consciousness (like Infinite Creator experiencing his / her / they / their / our creation) and the manifestation of so-called realities that are really just that-- spaces in consciousness. So let's focus on the higher, more vibrant and expanded consciousness like a lot of music we love that is NOT limited to third density inspiration IMO. We're all conceived with XX chromosomes before birth relative to our sex organs that are later (for males born with genitals) XY chromosome. But we all start off as XX, so the female energy is really inherent in all of us from an earlier state of energetic being (before embryo development) which I find interesting. We all share female energy to some degree. Dave is no longer Dave. Her name is Hannah. This helps me understand the level of female energy (elegance, heart, emotion, beauty) that I absolutely adore in Chi-A.D.'s music. Naturally, those that identify as males can also express elegance, heart, emotion, beauty. I'm simply saying there is a female energy to Chi-A.D.'s music that seems more put in perspective for me now. At the end of the day, I LOVE Chi. A.D. and this spirit who's produced such magical songs. Overflowing with passion from the heart and soul. Anno Domini is a masterpiece that deserves to be experienced in a deeper state. An interesting experience I had listening to Anno Domini a while back: I fell into a deep trance where my conscious awareness remained intact (presence in stillness). Eyes shut in a dark room, I allowed my body and mind to relax and sink into the music, being completely open and vulnerable... At some point, I was moving without walking, e.g., floating forward, deep, and I mean DEEP (!!!) underground-- subterranean areas with clear blue and green crystals illuminating the dark. Vibrant, brilliant in color and light. Crystals illuminating the dark. LUMINESCENCE In retrospect, I feel like I was really observing real spaces deeper within our Earth. Fast forward 1-2 decades later. My understanding is that there are places deeper within our world that are not accessible to third density beings, humans, or eyes. We must reach a higher vibrational level and octave in consciousness and love, respectively, in order to experience deeper truths regarding they / them > the advanced conscious beings of Telos, the inner Earth within our Earth, the City of Lights. I mention this in retrospect because I feel like I was remote viewing caverns fairly close to, and just outside of Telos when listening to Anno Domini. And get this. The answer for entry is in us. Our higher consciousness + hearts & higher mind is the key. Music can help unlock blocks in our minds thanks to the heart (love) and mind (imagination), gratitude (attracts reasons to be thankful), forgiveness (let go, make peace), compassion, empathy, mindfulness, and joy. Good attracts good. Wholeness attracts wholeness! Maybe one day we will reincarnate and/or manifest in the New Earth literally, for real. Or when our 3D planet is no longer habitable due to all of the toxins that are vibrationally lowering, maybe at some point we'll feel inspired to return with protection (of our vibrations) and advanced technology to repair 3D Earth so that Earth's surface vibration rises (As Above, So Below) and we can experience a version of Heaven for real, right here on Earth with magical, heavenly sunrise gatherings and more. I'm thinking 4th density. And with increased consciousness we will experience a greater comprehension of light (UV / X-Ray, etc.) so everything will appear more vibrant, crisp, and beautiful in that sense. I intuit the sun via gamma is related to Earth's rising vibration. There's a process / cycle to the awakening as we continue to raise in vibration. My understanding is that humans are just beginning to awaken to deeper truths of who we are and realizations to our reality, Earth, and beyond (it's not what we think it is), but I digress. I wonder if she has interest producing a new PURE GOA (classic style and obviously more contemporary for our time now) album by Suntrip Records? This music is sooo spiritual, beautiful, aware, inspirational, magnetic, danceable, and engaging!
  8. Well said, I agree Trance2MoveU My FULLY Re-Written Review (2022) Technossomy: Synthetic Flesh 1997 FLYING RHINO RECORDS Track list: 01. Breathe 02. Pyramid 03. Kozmotron (1 And 2) 04. Synthetic Flesh 05. Skinflint 06. VTOL 07. Pleiadian Landing 08. Elektron Bender 09. Chug Oh man, what a mixed bag this album is (at times) with some great and outstanding work! 01. Breath takes a minute to get going. The first minute sounds awkward to my ears and could have been shorter, or replaced with a more interesting, beat-free intro before the catchier sound/melody work that arrives at 1:04 and 1:16. Once there, we get some actual music, and although this song doesn't come close to the best tracks here, it's one of the more underrated ones IMO. I like the dreamy synths and feels, atmosphere, and emotive approach. Furthermore, the tempo change (to more urgent and energetic) in Act 3 coupled with sound modifications and Goa scapes is the best part IMO. The song feels homogeneously structured, and to be fair is more suited for home listening / exercising, etc., than dance floors. B / B+ 02. Pyramid is the harder, more aggressive, and psychedelic. The synths and trippy sound work blend well. This is more danceable than Breath which people are bound to like. That said, I don't find the song as stellar as some others, and not to take anything away from what works. My only real constructive criticism is that the song goes on for too long in the last 1-2 minutes and begins to sound like it's spinning its wheels when it should have ended more solidly. B+ 03. Kozmotron (1 And 2) -- The staccato melodies in Act 1 more or less work and grew repetitive-- It's as if Goa sounds are present without good arrangement or structure. Act 2 see's improvement. After a brief transition around 3:05, the music re-emerges more bouncy and psychedelic, although the arrangement could be better. Thankfully everything improves at 3:57 thanks to catchier mixing and the inclusion of an Eastern/oriental synth a minute later was pleasantly surprising. We reach an interlude. Slow. Intriguing. Here the tempo downshifts. The music grows darker, still psychedelic. It's refreshing from where the first act and quickly grows edgier, more tense with a rattling accent that's quite catchy! Act 3 further develops with a cool key change, fresh synths, and accents to boot. As with Breath, this song's grown on me and gets better as it progresses. B 04. Synthetic Flesh ... Tribal drums. Squeeky psy-sounds. Unique. Some of the PSY sounds I find a too jarring early on. Some will love this TRIPPY approach. I find the first act unenjoyable, but the song really improves around some less than satisfying elements. Act 2 is catchier, more focused and refined until the LOUD ALIEN SYNTH EFFECT takes me out of the music. But the darker, aggressive tone and development that follows along with the buildup and drum change up is very cool. But then that loud alien synth effect returns and ahhhh--- but the song is so psychedelic and kick ass wild and fuck yes in the last act if you can let loose to this sort of thing. I admire the artist and taking risks and it's weird, sometimes I really enjoy this song straight through while other times-- it's all about the energetic state you're in. B 05. Skinflint starts promising, interesting early on. We're treated to various brief moments of synths that come and go, but little stays to actually engage and develop! I was starting to enjoy the synth work from 2:27 to 3:20, but then it exits without further growth and is REPLACED with an annoyingly loud sound-- WTF??? Then that hopeful synth from 2:27 returns only to quickly exit. Talk about tedious! A nice melody arrives via 6:48, but leaves us too soon in the dark again. Again, again, again. Why??? Why is this song produced the way it is?! At around 8:03 there is a pretty cool, somewhat promising in the 11th hour fusion of sounds.... that, oh wait, they're gone before I could finish writing this sentence! Talk about an exercise in frustration! D 06. V.T.O.L is comprised of four extremely well crafted parts as if each part is a marvelous tower connected to a cosmic castle (or something). Each with a different design with different leads, moments, mystery, etc. Any one of these parts could have been a complete albeit one-dimensional Goa track. The artists decided to go all out and the result is, consensus wise, their masterpiece! At the end of the forth tower or section, all appears to combine for a 5th (like a secret) part. It's like a final showdown bursting with energy! It's beautiful and so creative like the rest of the song that gets substantially catchier as it progresses. This is one of the most unique (in a good way), involving, thought out, ambitious, and well constructed Goa songs and my favourite song by Technossomy. I'm right up there with you guys! Sure a re-mastering could and likely would improve this further. It deserves it and is so close to perfect otherwise! What a beautiful, cool, kickass epic work of art! A 07. Pleiadian Landing is a nice return to melodic rhythms but after hearing V.T.O.L., how can I not feel let down? Hearing it separately-- NOT NEXT TO (RIGHT AFTER VTOL) , I'd say it's maybe one of the better songs via melody work. The music cuts out towards the end and the combination attractively returns with a rising melody. I think the previous song spoiled me so much that I don't even know (at times) how to rate this NOW SEEING what this artist is capable of! C+ / B- 08. Electron Bender is easily the best song since V.T.O.L. Man I love it! Excellent synths, structure, mixing, arrangement, direction throughout. The song's fun, danceable, psychedelic, interesting, CATCHY!!! I could go on and on. The main melody raises this up the bar at 3:08, but by then the artists have built a solid foundation and act with not a flaw in it. Moreover, they incorporate the kickass main theme (sound) at 1:30 which will define and redefine one of the best Goa songs as the artists' vision unfolds. I find this song so engaging, psychedelic, and unconventional while being user-friendly in all the right places. The voice samples and ambient notes compliment; the latter provides feels to the otherwise cosmic gem of an oddity approach. Songs like this and V.T.O.L. to me show a more advanced level of applications and musical theory from these artists. They're so talented, passionate, and creative! Additionally, the song gets catchier as it progresses as a classic Goa song often does, more refined, and addictive sounding. A- 09. Chug starts with interest and a catchy dark synth that works well. This cool moment is unfortunately soon RUINED BY SOUNDS THAT DO NOT COMPLIMENT AND THROWS OFF THE DARKER FEEL, PRODUCING A MISGUIDED SONG FROM WHERE THIS COULD HAVE GONE AND WHAT THE SONG COULD HAVE BEEN! Chug turns into a slugfest because of a LACK OF creative, catchy development and direction. If you cannot make a story interesting or engaging, how can you expect readers (listeners) to stick with your content, so to speak? As with Skinflint... Chug is such an oddity coming from the same artists who produced such badass work. Why not make them all killers or at least good? D / F CONCLUSON WTF are crappy songs like Skinflint and Chug doing on an album with old school classics like Elektron Bender and especially V.T.O.L. ??? This album is such a conundrum to me (at times) due to certain songs being so stellar while some others are so bland, boring, and dull. The result is an album more known for its classics than being a classic album in and of itself IMO. I don't recall a Goa album with such highs (so high) and such lows (so low) since maybe Universe 13 somehow made its way onto Pleiadian's Family of Light album, a disastrously boring slog some-freeking-how green lit between Head Spin and Modulation. It makes a world of difference and is so appreciated (just like when people behave and are genuinely wholesome to one another) when artists are consistent with high standards! The best songs remain (at least for most of us) just as wildly nostalgic and catchy, classics to this day whereas the few others make me what they were smoking/ingesting or thinking? Classic album? Well that's subjective. Certain tracks YES, others WTF. Classic album? Not to me but that's my opinion and I'm not getting into it. But a few of us can agree to disagree and some of the killer work here-- it's super, yes, classic for sure! V.T.O.L > Vertical Take-Off And Landing is freekin > I LOVE IT. ONE OF MY FAVOURITE GOA SONGS!!!! Electron Bender > Not nearly as groundbreaking as VTOL but so different, catchy, groovy, and cool! And that's not all! Favorite Songs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 (!!!!!), 8 (!!!) 7.5 / 10 = B (but again, IMO) PS: For fans of their GOOD shit, I found more kickass work by them.. tracks like Rejuvenation!
  9. Jon Cocco

    MFG - Project Genesis

    Yes!!! I've been replaying MFG's first four album's recently and enjoying them so much. I also really like their 4th album (The Message, 2001) and appreciate the psytrance with Goa influences approach being that it's thankfully NOT like their fifth album (Message From God, 2006) that sounded too formulaic and routine via Full On structure, bass line, beat, and also lacked layers (stems/waves), atmosphere, visionary ambition, detail, and imagination-- though some of the accents and melodies were catchy/good/classic MFG associations, the overall 2006 album paled in comparison to their first four. WHY? s still my favourite MFG track 20+ years later. It's amazing how just one word can be so powerful and influential. But their are numerous MFG tracks I enjoy listening to more frequently if that makes sense, songs I find more fun and easily accessible, and yet that song is something special. Literally asking God WHY? ... Just-- Why? There is so much meaning in this track that can be interpreted and related to differently, personally, by so many people in so many ways. A song with intent and meaning if I ever heard one, WHY? IMO is outstanding, not just on a technical, visceral level, but on an existential, philosophical one as well. Despite some constructive criticisms, e.g., Voices is still the weakest song IMO, and the first half of On Mars and The Creation respectively could have been more eventful and interesting/satisfying, Project Genesis is a cybernetic fan's wet dream and one of the best Goa albums ever produced. This deserves a re-mastering to clear up those muddled stems/waves from old mastering (I presume) which would bring this album to a whole new level greatness. PS: Not sure what happened to Phonokol anymore. I ordered so many albums from them in the 90's and guessing they don't exist anymore, as their web address appears invalid. Oh well. What's meant to be will be. It's a super album regardless.
  10. This is the definition of a magnificent release in GOA TRANCE. God I WISH Pleiadians were inspired to produce songs, albums-- even a song, an album this amazing anymore. You'd think with today's software programs and mastering, people's consciousness raising-- the imagination is unlimited! IFO is the crown jewel of Goa Trance if I were to choose one pure Goa Trance album, and this re-mastered with super IFO remixes by the artists in addition to their best rarities, SINGLES, and COMPILATION songs is why we have certain emoji's Etnica - Live In Athens is also superb too! Just that beautiful sound!!! I have less than zero interest comparing them.
  11. Wow, what an entertaining opening review! I laughed. I nearly cried. I don't think I peed which is good because we just got a new area rug for the house. I just became aware of this album today (on YouTube) when searching for DAT Records triple IFO classic with remixes album. This wasn't it! Initially I could hear the Goa influence, but MINIMALLY SPEAKING, track after track. The approach is SAFE and RISK-FREE via FULL-ON. You can make dance friendly Goa songs without sticking to a basic formulaic structure, beat, and bass line, but this does exactly that. There are hints, traces of decent to fairly good (relatively catchy) synth work here and there. Trying to be objective, if I didn't know this was Pleiadians and it came on the dace floor, I'd think some of it was pretty cool, alright. But IT'S PLEIADIANS!!! They're so much more talented, creative, imaginative, and innovative than this... Or are they? They could have taken the time to produce something truly wonderful and divine, but I suppose the inspiration for a super album is not there anymore. They're just producing to stay relevant (I imagine) at this point for the fans and name they still have. We live in a time when the magical years are behind us, and YET THE ESSENCE of the Golden Years of GOA is TIMELESS, meaning we are approaching that timelessness as we move towards the expanded realities that await our consciousness as the vibration continues to rise. This is not the end or we wouldn't be conscious here and now! Acknowledging the SILVER-LINING, OLD-SCHOOL PLEIADIANS is a testament for what's to come (not necessarily from these artists though anything's possible) because of it's magic and timelessness. For instance-- This true timelessness goes BEYOND GOA to what inspired minds to produce gold! So if you catch my meaning, I'm speaking consciously, not about the 2019 album at this point and am simply thankful that we got IFO and whatever else you enjoyed from them, because the best is yet to come, even if it's not in the form of a new Pleiadians in this lifetime here and now. Just remember, where the mind goes, energy flows. Gratitude for what we love and forgive everything else. This is a way to THE WAY PS: Alien Artifact and a few others are pretty cool via Goa influences in the second act albeit fairly minimal before unfortunately returning to the predictably bland full on baseline in Act 3. The album has its LIGHT Goa inspired moments and aspects if you can forgive what the album is NOT, whether you like any of it or not. I'm beyond hating at this point. Negativity is draining. I hope the artists and their families are well, and if they get inspired to produce something more PASSIONATELY IMAGINATIVE, COMPLEX, and IMPRESSIVE > PURE GOA-ESQUE that isn't so formulaic/Full On at some point, I'd be thrilled, but I'm not holding my breath.
  12. Khetzal - Etamines - Full Review 17 years... It's been 17 years since the release of Corolle (2005), one of the best reviewed albums in Goa music. Aspects that always impressed me include Corolle's ability to engage- its living, breathing, atmospheric storytelling structure (sound/melody work), and direction. A song would begin with a compelling intro, such as placing the listener in a forest. You could hear the leaves rustling and nature sounds as if you're really there. These details added to the immersion, bringing the chapter(s) to life. Furthermore, each song was light on the mind, fun, so you're never bogged down. Also great was Corolle's ethnic influence and approach, be it Indian or oriental. World building doubled with story progression, so neither was boring. The Eastern approach was dynamic, whimsical, enchanting, and lively, with tempo changes, intriguing interludes, buildup, climax, cinematically inspired sounds, accents, and more. The debut was anything but ordinary, and showcased aspects we love about old school Goa Trance, yet the artist's delivery felt fresh and inventive, bursting with memorable melodies, surprises, and dance friendliness, as if Krishna was playing alongside or channeling through him. 17 years and a decent amount of compilation songs later, Matthieu Chamoux returns with his first main album since Corolle. It retains ethnic-influences, is less oriental, more psychedelic, features more old-school Goa concepts reinvigorated for our time now, and whooo man here we go! 1. Admonition begins with an alluring, atmospheric intro. Synths dangle across the sky as a powerful storm approaches. They're joined with a mid tempo kick drum and baseline. The overture/main melody arrives at 0:44. It's strong and unwavering, accompanied by ambience (harmony). The result is provocative- great, as if we're being guided to a pyramid or some lost forgotten treasure or artifact. Production wise, the sound/melody work is crisp, fluid, and attractively arranged. The first 3:40 of mid-tempo takes us to an interlude. The windstorm re-emerges. Ambient harmonies intermingle with the atmosphere as sound particles simmer, a fanciful sequence. The beat returns at 5:14- higher in tempo, faster, punchier, with stronger synths. After second, brief interlude, we're off, gliding across the lands with the addition of palatable soundscapes and synth(s). Compared to Corolle's opening track, I find this more interesting, involved, imaginative, and dynamic (varied). The song's easily digestible, whimsical, and engaging throughout. Best of all, it's fun, with touches of mythos, lure, and fantasy. This is a strong way to open the album. Excellent track. A- 2. Ziggurat is the only track I care less for to the point I sometimes skip it. The first act's sound work and arrangement is not very interesting or engaging compared to the more dynamic, previous song IMO, and the low key synth at 2:13 I go back and forth on. Positives include the tribally synth early on, delectable melody at 2:53, ambient, Egyptian/Arabic feels, and the saucy synths from 3:35 to 4:31. We reach an interlude. It's interesting. The music returns undeniably danceable, though with little developmental improvement in arrangement or composition. What follows from 5:52 to 6:16 left me feeling somewhat perplexed, restless, and unsure, as this would have been a great opportunity to improve things further. Fortunately, the music improves from 6:35 to 7:30, thanks to some lovely harmonious and structuring. Is it just me though, or does Ziggurat feel like it could have been produced around Corolle (2005), but- and if so, didn't make the cut? I don't feel that Ziggurat shares the same level of lively dynamic interest, ingenuity, or refreshing, arresting aspects on Etamines that the other songs do. At worst, I find it a bit lazy and forgettable despite the best of intentions. On other days, I find it pleasant on the ears and mind, quite enjoyable, though it's my least favourite track on the album. B 3. Gray Kitty In the Box is where the album levels up. It opens sublime, with one of the best accents, a briefly sustained bass hum. Additionally, the main synth is fantastic, coupled with rhythmic supporting ones, and the key changes compliment. At one point, the music disengages its layers as the trailing bass hum accents across an atmospheric interlude. I loved this part as suspense mounts, and the few impact sounds are perfectly placed. The music re-emerges more psychedelic, eloquent, and captivating. I love the song's ethnic flavors, and the intergalactic/cosmic approach as if inspired by Filteria. The result is one of the best Khetzal tracks: a visionary, mesmerizing cocktail of a rocket, thanks to strong synths, composition, direction, and arrangement. Even the last minute is engrossing. Grey Kitty In the Box is superb. A 4. Gather Your Herds opens in a meadow or field. Running water. Birds chirping. Soft wind. It's here that we're treated to the overture (main theme/melody). It carries us out of the field and into a colourfully cosmic dimension. Gather Your Herds is an example of great storytelling, defining melodies like characters as they develop and support the main leading one. Two eloquently composed interludes later, and I realize I'm plot jumping here- the story deepens in feels before encountering what I refer to as developmental growth and evolution. What follows is a melody lovers dream come true. A key change three-quarters through unlocks the dimension to Valhalla so to speak, allowing magic to pour through, altering, raising the music's vibration. Gather Your Herds features lush, articulative sound/melody work that puts a smile on my face. The artist's direction and passionate skillset for arrangement and composition is outstanding. This is a beautiful song from start to finish. A 5. Acide Formique is fun, energetic, and stomping in all the best ways. The Eastern influence is sleek and tasteful, complimenting the harder hitting (dance friendly) approach. I love the sound mixing- the psychedelic synth effects, accents, textures, etc. Coupled with boom effects early on, the first act lets go of layers for a kinetic sequence (I love this) before upstaging the rhythm with greater intricately and development. The second act shifts the kick drum to mid-tempo a la subtle pitch bends, a comfortably arresting segment before integrating buildup and boosting via effect the music into adventurously driving climax in the third act. The tempo adjustment in the middle act allowed this final act to stand out that much more! To reiterate, each act feels like an upgrade to the previous one, incorporating fresh synths, innovation, complexity, and excitement. The artist's ability to marry ethnic flavors to the more cosmic/intergalactic adventurous style on Etamines is refreshingly catchy and fun. Stellar track! A 6. Pavane is next up. The first act is gripping, thanks to great synths accentuated by a lower octave one a la undercurrent. The second act showcases strong growth and arrangement. The atmospheric interlude is good, opening the door for the music's return via climax. It's whimsically fun and reminds me of old-school Infected Mushroom and soon exits. The last card up its sleeve begins with another example of what I'd describe as evolutionary development (or developmental evolution) since Act 3 on Gather Your Herds. It's a terrific moment, bursting with higher ascensional feels. I wish more artists took the time to create more developed, catchy arrangements. The result is so enjoyable to hear. It's clear that the artist is accustomed to healthier durations of developmental arrangements, and in relation to tunes that are memorable. Gorgeous track. A 7. A World of Outmoded Ideas follows Pavane up nicely. It's faster in feel and tempo. The lack of intro doesn't bother me here. Pieces are added to the whole via 1:36, 1:48, and 2:26 that coalesce from 2:47 to 2:51 before breaking out with the main melody. The result is warmly euphoric and uplifting. The synths in the forth minute are great, reminding me of old Astral Projection, zippier in energy, adding variance and feels. We reach an interlude with a brief voice sample. More ingenuity could have taken place with the music's return IMO, though the accentuation to the bass line (it seems) works well. Anything else constructive, I'd say the lower octave synth's return at 6:50 felt less complimentary. Thankfully it soon exits for a fun, bouncy segment of psychedelia at 7:16. The music regroups once more from 7:33 to 7:54, and 7:55 onward is wonderful, full of harmonious growth, development, and key changes that have been wonderfully used throughout the album thus far. Another strong track. A- 8. Didge Voices is a bit slower and grounded in direction (more on that in a moment). I love the more organic, worldly tribal and Arabic influence and approach here. The song feels otherworldly filmic, not soundtrack-y thankfully! As with Khetzal's Aramean Dreams on Suntrip's Blacklight Moments comp, both songs reward the listener after featuring an intriguing, contemplative interlude. The returning music here is akin to a family of eagles in some epic story or film (or real life experience that the story's inspired by) taking flight for the Heavens, as the skies part to accommodate their transformative ascent. It's an unconventional, confident, and soaring climax- a refreshingly contemporary high. The sequence is downright (or upright based on your perspective) wonderful and full of feels, elevating everything that preceded it and lifting my vibration in the process. Initially I didn't think much of this song if you'd believe that, until the final act. Now I find the first two acts symbiotic, excellent, and essential to the superb finale. Beautiful, mystical, and spiritually expressive work. A 9. Ealitas Ex Nihilo just to note: I'm really glad the album didn't end with a slow (downtempo) song, as there is no need or prerequisite for every Goa album to do that, as many did- some still do. If it works great! I say go with what inspires YOU and I'm happy to see the artist did exactly that. The album ends on a higher note in the form of uplifting, morning-inspired that I don't recall the artist creating to this degree before. I like the more energetic, punchy arrangements and composition. I find the song dynamic and fun. The last chapter is full of radiant energy, dance friendliness, and sunshine/LIGHT, along with power [the finale] married with warmth and euphoria a la feels, thanks to great usege of key changes that compliment the music with positive vibes. The song is heartfelt without ever sounding cheesy. It's like a reunion on a beach for spirited, loving souls across lifetimes, all taking part in a dance that has transcended (in this sense literally) the test of time. It's a beautiful closing track with three strong acts, and ends the album on a high note. A CONCLUSION Examines is an ambitious, imaginative, and engaging sequel to Corolle. is it better? Time will tell. I felt guilty for not reviewing this sooner. The only song I care less for is Ziggurat, but it's not bad. I jus think the rest of the album is on another level by comparison. Etamines features less oriental melodies than Corolle. It's more contemporary, psychedelic, and layered, with more elaborate mixing and direction. Middle Eastern influences include: Indian, Egyptian, Arabic, and Turkish. I generally wouldn't describe Khetzal tracks as cosmic or intergalactic, but I associated some of that on a few tracks here and the result IMO feels infectiously upgraded and unique from Corolle. The intrigue, excitement, and rewards never end until the credits roll, and that's a beautiful thing thanks to memorable sound/melody work and nearly 80 minutes of it. There seems to be a unique balance/mix of dualistic (light vs. dark) energy going on, but in a fun, creative way. Thankfully the music's never bogged down with lower vibrations. Moreover, there's much I found inspirational, mystical, adventurous, exploratory, and elevating in frequency (state of consciousness/mind) vibration. I appreciated what I felt was inspiration (at times) for overcoming duality (the practice of non-duality) in Didge Voices, especially in the end. I found these moments profound and powerful, as if was feeling the artist's inspirational intentions of the track. Etamines is a highly danceable and fun album, yet there's room for exploration. The album is rich with storytelling, mythos and lore, context and subtext, narrative beats, feels, world building, and super songs. And if you let it grow on you as I did, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised as song's sound more identifiable past the initial getting-to-know-you part of the relationship. Matthieu Chamoux is somewhat of an enigma, returning 17 years later with a sequel to Corolle this riveting. Highly recommend for listeners of Goa Trance. Favourite tracks: EVERYTHING RED A Sample https://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com Order / Buy https://suntriprecords.com/release/cat/SUNCD66/
  13. Club Trance = Uplifting in the sense of sounding contrived, formulaic, more typical and conventional (not taking risks or allowing for greater innovation as a whole to distinguish itself) trance. PS: Sorry for the late reply GhostOnAcid. I was locked out of my account for some time, felt inspired after a while to create the new password when I had more free time and saw your response. I've been immersed in post-production for a film I'm editing. Some of my other thoughts... Some of the album is less conventional and shares influences to his previous work. And IMO he went too Full On here at times, though there's some great yet there's some track(s) and moments of tracks mentioned throughout the tread. Regarding going too Full On as some have said, my suggestion is to split the difference. Also I'd consider the general consensus- tracks people really like vs don't like or like less, with make adjustments for the next album. I love Unidentified and I really like Astral Traveler's second, especially third act, Summer Storm, Solar Warden, and Secret Spaces are good too IMO. I just don't want to see this artist turn into another Full On commercial (by the numbers, predictable and typical sounding a la Talamasca. It's important to be mindful of one's inspiration for growth, expanded growth and development(!), imagination and standards for greatness. I get what sells and we also seem to agree (generally speaking) on what's catchier whereas some tracks have split consensus. He's still producing music that's entertaining, fun, and engaging thankfully, if not as consistently for as many in the more imaginative Goa realm, and that's fine to some degree if it's good!
  14. Jon Cocco

    Asura - 360

    This is the last SUPERB album I've heard by Asura to date. A beautiful, engaging, visionary journey full of distinct, highly engrossing tracks (or chapters in an epic, wonderfully told story) from start to finish. Still listening and loving it to this day. Surrender your heart and mind to this spiritual masterpiece and see where it takes you. Around a 9.5 from me.
×
×
  • Create New...