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Jon Cocco
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Antares - Exodus
2011
Suntrip Records
1. The Exodus
2. Mysticism
3. Aurum Solis
4. The 4th Dimension
5. Dreaming Universe
6. Mount Meru
7. Astral Plane
8. Sun Sanctuary
Antares has made some fantastic Goatrance songs on previous compilations. Exodus is the artist's debut album. How is it?
1. The Exodus is an vibrant opening. It sounds influenced by nature, almost Khetzal/Corolle-esque in opening concept however with Antares's unique vision and appeal. I like the ambient notes, the positive warm vibes, harmonies, and the supporting ethereal sounds throughout. There is some really beautiful work here. The song is relaxing, traveling, most importantly catchy. It flows well from beginning to end. Well done. B+
2. Mysticism is warm, emotive, relaxing, and contemplative. The male hymns are a great touch. There are male choir hymns, as if at church or prayer throughout that gives the song a distinct, spiritual vibe. It's catchy, and adds to the developing character. Great track. B+
3. Aurum Solis is the first song to really break the album out energetically. This is an excellent, climatic goatrance number. It's exciting, delectable, and great from beginning to end. This is the strongest more energetic (of tracks 3, 4, 6, 7, 8) number on the album which has so far been getting better (catchier IMO?) as it progresses. Well done! A-
4. The 4th Dimension starts off with an interesting voice sample about space. This is another high energy number after the previous, stellar one. The synth at 1:20 is catchy. It switches up around 1:40 and maintains a catchy feel. Another sound enters at 2:50. It works well, and exits as a grittier one at 3:30 arrives. The issue I find, is the returning melody from 2:50 returns. As opposed to new ideas, the same repetitious melody segments are used throughout the entire song. There are some subtle alterations and development as the song progresses, but it is overcast by the redundant sound that by the second half, is just too obvious not to ignore. I find that this song is less imaginative, catchy, and ambitious in every way from the previous one. This is a pretty good song that becomes monotonous after the first few minutes. B-
5. Dreaming Universe is long and floaty. Unfortunately it fails to engage me past the first few minutes. This is because the catchier part, that being the flute takes absence early on. The melody at 1:35 is catchy, but this catchy element leaves too early on and very little that's gripping arrives to further the baton. What we're left with is not that engaging nor memorable I feel. From around 4:00 forward, the song becomes more dependent on its floating textures. Not that there's anything wrong with floating textures, i.e: E-Mantra. The result here though is predictable. The sounds grow monotonous as opposed to trance-inducing, or at least gripping. By the fifth minute I await something catchy to revive the song. By the sixth, I've grown tired and restless. A good example of an ethereal (floaty) goatrance song not dependent on synth leads is RA's Transcendent, or Khetzal's opening on the Corolle album, or this album's opening! This fails to keep my attention though. I find it dull, lackluster, and boring. Even with an okay melody here and there, the overall song is forgettable. In a nutshell, this song starts off well and grows repetitious the more it progresses. This was my issue with the previous song but moreso here. More tasty ingredients in the second half and some re-working could have helped. C
6. Mount Meru is a return to what was working well before the previous number's unintended snore-fest for some, not all. Mount Meru has some catchy melody/sound work in the first half, though none of it arrests my attention. The guitars around the seventh minute are good. The song isn't as strong as Aurum Solis, though it's another solid uptempo vehicle with memorable melody work in the last third. This is a good track with great elements. Well done. B+
7. Astral Plane, like the previous track isn't as powerful or as ambitious as Aurum Solis in my opinion. There's a lot to admire and enjoy here though. It's emotive layers are gripping and enhance the melody/sound work around them. The song becomes catchier as more layers arrive, integrating with the others. There is a transition in the middle that provides an opportunity for new development; the emotive notes are catchy! The song embraces new terrain well, though the second act could have been catchier. It's good. The vehicle enters a second interlude around the sixth minute that's more contemplative than the last. The returning music this time is more engaging. Added to nice effect are key changes coupled with the emotive notes providing harmony and feeling. This artist creates some really wonderful, evocative work here. Great track! B+
8. Sun Sanctuary is atmospheric and danceable. Its juicy melody/sound work is great. This vehicle is a deliciously designed, uptempo (in closing) goatrance number. There's a fluid smoothness, style, and sound to this song that's more alive and dynamic sounding than numerous songs on the album. The echoed effects are extremely catchy. Even though the melodies don't stay with me as long as they do on some of the other tracks, the overall style and approach here is memorable. Excellent track. A-
Exodus is a good album filled with creativity, mystical elements, positive/warm energy, sounds, and feeling. It lacks taking risks and is a bit tame in that regard. It also has few tracks with shortcomings due to repetition, and a track (Dreaming Universe) in the middle of the that drags after the first few minutes. I would have loved a catchier song in place of it like Eureka or Aurora (also by this artist). Dreaming Universe brought down the album for me. I also found The 4th Dimension a step back, right when the album's becoming catchier from Aurum Solis. So I would have loved stronger new tracks in place of those since the work around them (even elements of those tracks themselves) is just so good, harmonious, and enjoyable. Exodus is a good album filled with warmth, beauty, passion, and spirit.
Favorite tracks - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8
B+ -
This album's style is more homogeneous. There are no climaxes, twists, and turns. Or crazy synth leads. It is however very, VERY melodic, floaty; the album works in subtle ways to trance the listener (assuming it works on you!
). Whereas each time I listen to Hallucinogen, Cosmosis, Transwave, Pleiadians, MFG, Infected Mushroom (first several albums) etc., I feel that those albums are not only timeless, classic, and infectious, but easily accessible too. I tried listening to Second Phaze again in 2013 and found the tracks quite similar sounding which I read here. Mooncake starts strong, but low on variety as it progresses I feel. That said, the album is for real melodic lovers of Goatrance. The songs that jumped out at me right away upon returning to this is Mooncake (the beginning of the song), Mind To Mind, though I've always found Flow on the debut superior. The other song is Polaris 2 due to the second half of the song (my favorite part on the album). I LOVE the melody arrangement, composition around the fifth minute forward; it's magical, beautiful, harmonious stuff, exactly how I remember it after all these years: warm, euphoric sounds! Depending on state of mind, one could find Second Phaze absorbing and immersive, or boring, monotonous, uneventful, even lazy in comparison to their other albums because the work is more, I don't know... progressive for Goa sounding if that's even accurate to say (which it probably isn't!)
Having said that, maybe I've become spoiled by the more eventful work and synth leads in D5's Trans Addendum that I'm enjoying very much. This is a rare release with beauty and harmony! I wonder why the artists decided to approach the second album being more floaty, less edgy than Transdimensional... and later releases: Trans Addendum and Transteller. It's a unique release and their least accessible album to date in my opinion.
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We saw it last night and thought it was a terrible film. The visuals were... different. I can't even say they were good or bad.
Half the shots were out-of-focus and blurry whether intentional or not. That wasn't our complaint. We sat through this for 110 minutes confused, unsure what was happening and why. It was like watching a two hour music video with no story or explanation. The pacing was drowning. Sitting through this was a boring, convoluted mess.
The good? I liked the score, though one of the tunes reminded me of Phantasm. John Carpenter's Prince of Darkness also had a solid, synth score throughout. I found that film a lot more watchable than this one.
This film could have been great, like Cube or the Portal games if it had a clever, strong and eventful screenplay, good pacing, character development, an actual story, etc. But it was a bunch of ideas sprinkled in vagueness from start to finish. A little like Eden's Log relative to confusing. We were lost.
From what we gathered, a girl with a unique TK ability is imprisoned against her will in some type of facility that conducts unethical, psychological experiments. A deranged man; we're not sure if he's even human or monster observes the girl. He enacts his negative thinking by projecting thoughts of fear, hopelessness. We're not sure why she's here. She doesn't speak a single word in the entire film. There is a long, tedious flash back of another world or realm with this man; it's dreamlike but vague and edited around extended, over-exposed shots where you can barely make out people. At one point, a Tron-esque robot figure walks down the hall. No reason why. She escapes in the end past a tortured looking man (we can assume there are others captured), and the deranged man follows her. He also dies in the most lame way regardless that it is inferred that she "controlled" how he died. It was clear he was a terrible person and should have suffered more (not at all?). THE END.
The movie could be summed up as a bad trip, and not a very entertaining one.
I'm all for psychedelic, far out films (Altered States, Waking Life, etc) and colorful films (Go see OZ, nothing great but decent w/ great visuals), etc. But Beyond The Black Rainbow was just bad we felt, drawn out, boring, uneventful, vague, tedious to sit through, and an overall negative experience. This makes me want to go see Solaris again, or something slow that actually had what I consider quality and substance.
NO STARS
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Kudos on the cover art.
Their Forever After album is more melodic and I like it more. That said, this has some great tracks. Doctor Mesmer for instance has more harmonies, melodies that engage me around the psychedelic work. The album's generally not my cup of tea. Some people will like the computerized, experimental, and robotic approach though. You got to give these artists credit for innovating whether you like it or not.
Best tracks IMO are: 3, 4, 5, 7, 8.
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This is one of the most solid and underrated Goatrance albums ever released.
Tracks 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 are all great, and a few of the others are good too! I don't care for track 4; it sounds monotonous, not catchy, or memorable. I usually skip it. The last track is fantastic, like Goatrance set to a techno beat and bass line. Overall, great album, very psychedelic and creative!
B+
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I am finally getting to dig into and appreciate this after immersing myself in TransAddendum, and adding my review of that album in the 2013 section here: Dimension 5 - TransAddendum
I have never heard ANY of these songs before this release. Though some listeners have, some haven't.
But why release them so close? I would have waited a few months maybe, built anticipation so that the second is not overcast by the quench of the first but that's me. The general Goa fan won't care the timing I imagine. If anything, he/she will want them as soon as available! No need to explain really. I'm just happy they're here! Thanks guys for bringing back our favorite music from over the years!
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Fractal Glider - Digital Mandala
2003
01. Tabla Trek
02. Megatonne
03. Titanium Walls
04. Striker
05. Things That Go Bump
06. My World
07. 6 Degrees
08. Mezmorized (Rmx)
09. The Stem CellMarch 3rd, 2013 - I heard this album for the first time, 10 years after its release!
Over the years I avoided this follow up due to getting the impression that it lacked Goa-influence, or was more mainstream full on (means generic to me). This isn't Goatrance; there's influence I think. I didn't consider the first album entirely Goa anyway.
01. Tabla Trek - I love how this starts out, and wish he found a way to show case the beginning two minutes sound more throughout the song. Overall a pretty good song.
08. Mezmorized (Rmx) is an awesome remix. It's "bird chirping" sound effect I find irritating (as it progresses) though, and the end's a little messy (over-layered, muddled) sounding. A-
Conclusion - There's lots of catchy stuff here. Digital Mandela is NOT generic Full On. It IS Psytrance with some Goa-influence here and there, more or less like Parasite. The debut is more intense, chaotic; his sound here stands out more on certain tracks; it more refined. The artist produces such a nice, catchy, and unique sound in the beginning of Table Trek. That creative, harmonious influence unfortunately does not take place again in the sound once it exits at 2:14. It could have developed to avoid sounding repetitious. That said, it flows into the music that's quite catchy. I agree with Trance2MoveJ about track 2, the strange synth work early on (like an instrument crying) I don't find appealing. The album has moments that work better than others in that sense; thanks to experimenting, he produced some really fantastic work. This follow up doesn't have the powerful intros as few tracks on the debut had. There are some great intros and songs nonetheless! This is a solid follow up.
Favorites - 1, 5, 8, 9.
B
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Dimension 5: TransAddendum
Suntrip Records
2013
1. Altair
2. Zarkon
3. Strange Phenomena
4. Return To The Source
5. Caprica
6. Symphonic Switch
7. Alpha Particles
8. Deep Space 5D (Thai Remix)
Prior to 2013's releases of TransAddendum and Transstellar, I thought I had heard all of Dimension 5's tracks; D5 being one of the most famous groups in Psychedelic Goa-Trance. The debut, Transdimensional is a great album that many consider classic. While I didn't feel the same about every song, I found Deep Space 5D, Psychic Influence, and Flow some of the best songs ever created, with numerous others on levels of greatness. My expectations weren't high with TransAddendum; I was just thankful, really curious, and excited to hear unreleased songs by D5. Surprisingly, I find some of the songs on TransAddendum better than some of the ones on Transdimensional, and vice-versa to be fair.
1. Altair doesn't throw the best stuff at you just yet. It's not filled with many events, twists, and turns. The first half is decent, but with D5's melodic edge and ingredients that enhance the recipe along the way. The last third articulates the melodies, showcases them more. This is just the opening track and it's solid. The more I hear it, the more I like it! B+
2. Zarkon has a strong, melodic passage than stands out more than the previous track. The song really shines in the first half, from 2:26 to 5:47. The voice samples are unique. The interlude in the second third is nice too! I don't care for how the otherwise effectively psychedelic synth line changes up from 3:48 to 4:25, reoccurring from 5:19 to 5:58. I find it distracting and unnecessary. The song without its reprisal would have sounded bare, but something different in the fifth minute could have sufficed. Others may have no qualm with my gripe. Fortunately, the artists bring back the tasty lead in the last two minutes which salvages the end. This is a pretty good song with elements of greatness. B
3. Strange Phenomena is the first song to really grab me with the synth lead. The intro is short and emotive. The lead that enters in the second minute sounds determined and gripping, and the usage of voice samples compliments. The lead returns several times which is nice; the melody/sound work around it is solid. The song breaks for an interlude. Then suddenly evolves into Cosmosis-esque psychedelia, as if inspired by Synergy(!) around the fifth minute. Strange Phenomena is kind of like the Psychic Influence of TransAddendum to some degree with the melodies, driving direction, and voice samples. I'm amazed that this wasn't released before. Though nothing groundbreaking, it's better than numerous songs from the classic Transdimensional album in my opinion. Excellent work. A-
4. Return To The Source involves synth leads less prominent than Caprica. The supporting structures stand out more; they're more psychedelic, textured and immersive as if to load the vehicle with options. The track grows catchier as it progresses. It isn't very eventful though. That said, the layering is well done. Continuous blending takes precedence over changes of scenery so to speak. Overall, this is great song! A-
5. Caprica begins like something out of NeverEnding Story. The opening is ethereal, heavenly; it's gorgeous, like a castle floating in the sky or a beloved fantasy film unfolding before your eyes (ears). I love the work at the beginning of this song that reprise later. The style becomes more elaborate as it unfolds. During a floating interlude, the opening notes return. This approach is wonderful; the notes seamlessly flow into the uptempo work; it's catchy! I love songs that get better as they progress. The artist's have produced another gem with Caprica! I think a tremendous downtempo song could come out of the fantasy sound here with more development of those sounds. The first and last several minutes is magical; everything in-between deserves attention. Superb work! A
6. Symphonic Switch for some will be a melodic Goa fanboy's dream. It's one of the most melodic songs D5 has ever made. I love the nostalgic sound in the opening two minutes, the lead at 0:30 like something out a futuristic movie; this could have been on the Tron: Legacy soundtrack! I love the ambient notes, the plucking sound in the second minute that later reprise, the melodies, soundscapes, tune-driven interludes, and how the song develops. The last two minutes could have been tighter though, from 7:37 to close. Or the song could have ended around 7:37, without the drum roll, because the last two minutes didn't express much. Furthermore, the song doesn't seem to know when to end; how and when it fade seems odd and abrupt, as if soon after the song attempts a third-wind, so to speak. This song could have used some touching up towards the end, but as a whole, it's great. The melodies are wonderful. A-
7. Alpha Particles is more futuristic than the previous numbers. It involves more emphasis around the beat; the song's delectable, driving, and infectious. The first two minutes isn't anything great. They are more or less buildup to an indelibly designed liquid vehicle that comes to fruition in the second and third act. The pulsating bass line is hypnotic. Alpha Particles is a more sophisticated and advanced; it's crafted with technical skill and attention to details outside of melody leads, twists, turns, and climaxes that are generally associated with Goatrance. The song's inventive, kinetic, and mature. The purposely incoherent, skipping, vocals in the last third's background blends in with everything else remarkably. This song may take time to grow on numerous listeners due to its melody work taking a backseat to the experimental approach. Well done! A
8. Deep Space 5D (Thai Remix) is like an ethnic-influenced version of the original to some degree, that being the most famous song on the debut. The classic, opening notes get me drunk with euphoria. Listeners will enjoy the vast, creative differences of the two versions. The hypnotic sound was simply more hypnotic in the original version. The hair on my head doesn't stand up this time. I'm not induced into a deep trance, but that's not a bad thing. The song is more aggressive and showcases catchy ideas and approaches from that of the original. Sold remix! A-
In Conclusion, D5's TransAddendum is a splash of old-school, nostalgic bliss with updated production values. D5 is huge when it comes to catchy rhythms and melodies, and TransAddendum is no exception. It's Psychedelic Goatrance in one of its purest forms. While the first two songs are solid, I didn't care for some of the distorted synth work in Zarkon. My attention was grabbed from Strange Phenomena forward, and going back, I enjoy the album straight through now. This release is filled with talent, delectable harmonies, and rhythms. It's for fans of Goatrance, both old and new. It's D5 as you remember them, a list of carefully selected, unreleased songs from the 1990's, mastered (or re-mastered) and released for the first time. The strange thing is that they did release a second album called Second Phaze... and it wasn't as good as this one!
Thank you D5, Tim Schuldt for the wonderful mastering, and Suntrip Records for making this album possible along with D5's Transstellar album. Highly recommended for fans of Goatrance!
Favorite tracks: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
A-
Samples / Order
Psyshop
http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/sut/sut1cd027.html
Saiko
http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display_release.asp?id=9228
Suntrip
http://www.suntriprecords.com/product/item/SUNCD27/ -
I don't know how I feel about Asura releasing an album with mainly comp songs already released. It's been done before. Land of Freedom sounds more complete finally thanks to the extended mix; it's great. Same with Fahrenheit. Basically if you missed these tracks and are a fan, I recommend at least sampling them. The music's beautiful.
Surprisingly, I never heard any version of Planisphere 7. I like it, how it develops and the end. Vangelis is decent too.Marianna Falls and Everlasting is excellent; I reviewed many of these on the elemental comp around 2010. I'd like the songs I don't have from this album.
Asura is one of the best artists producing music today. I would even say Charles Farewell is my favorite artist in the Chill-Out genre if I had to pick one. Same with my girlfriend and several friends of mine I helped get into Asura. Really beautiful work, filled with feeling, love and light.
I am looking forward to the next big release with all new songs.
Sample the full album here.
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Infected Mushroom - Army of Mushrooms
2012
The Messenger 2012 (track) is well done.
The Rat and Nation of Wusses is pretty good until the last 3 minutes where the epic, dramatic feel is lost and exchanged for what sounds like a goofy version of the same song. These artists obviously know what works because they end their album with a solid song. Bursts of emotive moments off-set the badness, i.e: Serve My Thirst from 1:50 to 2:28.... <--- that's good! Why isn't the rest of the song this catchy?!
The lyrics on "U R So Fucked" come across as juvenile, just bad. No thanks!
Much of the album sounds like noise to me; it's not catchy. Too often they digress, such as in Nation of Wusses; they had a good thing going.
The goup has a chance to say aware stuff that's engages considering the vocals. Too often it comes across as egoic: shallow and superfluous. These guys have so much talent; I wish they'd just stick with stuff that's aware. Help make the world a better place. Write songs that inspire.
I won't even bother rating this album. It sounds like anxiety where a plethora of ideas, both good and bad infect the songs.
The Messenger 2012 is great though. Buy it for 1$ off Apple's MP3 Store, Amazon MP3, or the likes. Actually why am I promoting this album? Just hear the song(s) on youtube for free. You can always buy the album or the songs you like. Money is too tight now days to spend it on a bunch of average stuff that's disappointing.
Update: WOW. B.P. Empire automatically started playing in my iTunes after this album and sounds AMAZING compared to this...so imaginative, creative, catchy, and visionary. I love IM's first three albums as much. I'm open to their new stuff to like Legend of the Black Schwarma too and find that LOTBS is significantly better than this convoluted mess, though it has its moments.
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Idea!
In a NEW THREAD we could list our favorite new school Goa albums. People could go back and edit their comments if they wanted to. Suntrip for instance released so many albums since I opened this thread in 2008.
My favorite Suntrip albums include..
Filteria
- Daze Of Our Lives
- Sky Input
Khetzal: Corolle
RA - 9th
D5 - TransAddendum
Crossing Mind: Inner Shift
V/A Comps
- Temple of Chaos
- Sundrops
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we are going through a time of spiritual uprising, don't miss it
+1
Btw look at the dates. This argument was in November, 2012.
TO Richpa and E-Mantra:
Guys, I have disagreements with people too. I handle stuff privately, over the phone, IM, e-mail, or in person (for me the latter works the best but isn't possible for everyone depending on location).
That said - NOT on public forums (threads) or the likes. None of you are bad people. Both of you explained your views.
You're adults. Grow up.
And will a someone please EDIT this thread. The BS on the first few pages side tracked album MUSIC focus.
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This album is excellent.
If you like Psy-Ambient, Psy-Chill, Tribal/Psy-influenced Trance, etc. This album combined it beautifully.
My favorite Chill-releated album of 2012. There's so much feeling and mood.
My honorable mention goes to RA - Unearthly also released by Altar Records.
Check out the samples. We need more stuff like this. Keep putting it out there. Wake them the world with this stuff. And make sure to market it, youtube, facebook. Positive, wonderful music!
Samples:
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Guys (relative to pages 5 & 6), everyone has their opinions. I like bacon. My girlfriend hates it. To each their own. Respect.
Now about this album..
I just raised my score from a 10 to a 20, haha. Kidding.
Demention is a solid A from me though.
One last thiing.. grades/ scores... even though I still do it, you either enjoy it or you don't. I mean, when I try to put labels on shit, I feel like I limit it. Maybe today I'm in less a mood to enjoy this song as much as tomorrow or the next day. It's all relative, subjective. Enjoy the music!
My full review (not that long actually) is on page 5.
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Beautiful work, good album.
I love how the music opens up and the piano work in Night Walker. The song becomes less synth, more natural after this downtempo (climax?) part. Wonderful.
Where's the review thread for this one?
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Etnica: Live In Athens 1996
DAT Records
2012
1. Intro
2. Plastic A
3. Floating Universe A
4. Antidote (Etnica rmx) - Blue Planet Corporation A
5. Nice Toys A
6. Vimana (Etnica Remix?) A
7. Lunar Civilization (Etnica rmx) - Crop Circles A
8. Time Dilation (Etnica Morning mix) - Pleiadians A-
9. Mankind A-
10. Electric Shower A-
11. Rotating Fields A-
12. Fluorophilia Camps Bay A
13. Blinded Moon A-
14. Jungle Trax (Etnica rmx) - Pleiadians B+
15. Mental Puzzle B+
16. Phthalic Vibes AEtnica: Live In Athens 1996 is an outstanding release. Nearly every song I'd give an A- or an A to. This is one of the best releases of all time, and one of the biggest surprises in the history of Goatrance. I wish that this group still made music like this! Initially unreleased (how is that even possible?!), this double album was recorded live in the mid to late 90's. It showcases many wonderful tracks that I had not heard prior to this release.
Sold yet? Some of the best songs in electronic music are on this two-disc compilation from when Etnica A.K.A. Pleiadians were in their prime.
Gripes / Questions / Feedback - My question regards Vimana which is different from the Vimana song I have by Etnica on their EP 3 track here: http://www.discogs.com/Etnica-Plastic/release/76593
Did Etnica make two versions of Vimana? I suppose so. I like the other version more. Also, the second half of the album features less amazing work than the first half IMO, but it's still strong. Several tracks I find grow less desirable, somewhat repetitive, impressive. These songs include: Jungle Trax and Mental Puzzle that at least include some solid elements.
To Dreake/DAT Records and Etnica/Pleiadians: Thank you so much for releasing this amazing, underrated gem in Goatrance. We love it. Pleiadian's earlier sound was (and still is) delicious and absorbing, at times the level of imagination, sound selection, arrangement, mixing, and overall direction and addictive sound produced in the brain is unparalleled (for many!).
Personally, I think the artists should make a real GOA sequel to Etnica or Pleiadians if they have the vision, passion, and interest. There are numerous labels who would release it. Dat Records. Suntrip. The impression I get though is that these guys have moved on from Goa and are no longer a group, save the few Etnica guys who remained. These artists raised the bar on the most elaborate genre in uptempo music. Creating songs like this is a spiritual gift. You don't just lose it. It's inherent. I wish somehow the artist(s) most influential with this work would say YES out of passion, excitement and heart, for all the fans. Whether we see that day or never, this is a fantastic album.
There are tracks here that top several songs on I.F.O. and vice-versa. Etnica/Pleiadians best albums in Goa-Trance are I.F.O. and LIVE IN ATHENS.
I also realize this is subjective, but there's only around 5 Goatrance albums I've ever given a solid A to, to date. Many have come close (to me) of course, and many I consider classics not listed below.
- Pleiadians: I.F.O.
- Hallucinogen: Twisted
- Etnica: Live In Athens 1996
- Filteria: Daze Of Our Lives
- Hallucinogen: The Lone Deranger
Etnica: Live In Athens 1996 is highly recommended! For Goa fans this is a must!
Favorite tracks: Are you serious? This is a must buy album for every Goa Trance fan out there.
A
Samples
http://www.datrecords.it/dat/releases/etnica.html
http://www.beatspace.com/7304/Dat+Records/ETNICA/Live+In+Athens+1996/detail.aspx
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1
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Where's the review thread here on this one?
Samples sound interesting.
http://www.saikosounds.com/english/show_artist.asp?artist_id=7593
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Glad we're doing this thread again! It helps people become aware of good releases. Altar Records has really come up btw. Great release by Dat Records this year too! Quality over quantity!
Still working on my list..
2012 Uptempo:
1. Crossing Mind - The Inner Shift (Suntrip Records)
2. Etnica - Live in Athens 96 (Dat Records)
3. Mindsphere - Patience For Heaven (Suntrip Records)
4. Innerspace - Innerspace (Suntrip Records)
5. V/A - Shaltu2012 Downtempo:
1. Akshan - The Tree of Life (Altar Records)2. RA - Unearthy (Altar Records)
3. E-Manra - Silence (Altar Records)
4.
5.
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The album is worth it for Magnetic Fields, Tropical Sunset, Mysterious Fantasy, Beyond Lightspeed, Close Encounter, and Delirium.
It's less memorable because of two to three tracks, mainly Transmissions and to some degree, They Will Communicate (followed by For A Better World) IMO. As you've probably read throughout the thread, the album rebounds from Track 5 forward (though I agree, that should have closed the album, and it's all one high after another from there.
Did the artist blank with Track 2 and to some degree Tracks 3+4 that have some great elements but are not great as a whole?? I wish these songs were replaced with stronger ones.
Once Tropical Sunset begins, the album becomes more elaborate, unique, distinct, (taking chances?), catchy, and memorable. I love albums that get better as they progress and despite a few less-than-stellar tracks early on, Back to Space becomes one of those strong Goa albums IMO.
So yeah, this is one of my favorite Suntrip (and overall modern GOA) releases despite a few shortcomings.
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I communicated with him a while back. He was very nice and was working on other (artist name) music. This was around 2010, before Rosin Memories. I agree with you guys/girls. I love his Corolle album; his contribution to music has been wonderful. I'd say don't hesitate sending him a short message via facebook, youtube, etc., expressing your interest and enthusiasm for a second Khetzal album. He might reply, or more so be encouraged to make one if enough of us keep putting the ideas out there.
One of the things I enjoy most about goatrance is that the artists are really nice; they're generally receptive. I mean, not always. Simon Postford never wrote me back, nor the AP guys, or Infected Mushroom (the latter probably because I went on a rant asking them to make another album like their first 3 after they were so far gone, lol).
But I'd say 4 times out of 5, I was able to get in touch keeping questions short (as opposed to general praise, though there's nothing wrong with praise!), communicating creative ideas, feedback, etc. Even Dado of Transwave wrote me back, though it took 1-2 years. That was on here after Dado posted on a Transwave thread. Distant Systems (artist) hasn't written me back yet. Several weeks ago on facebook, I asked if he had any idea when his second (long awaited) album is coming out.
Would I like a second Khetzal album and for Suntrip Records to market it like the first? You bet! Fuck yes. Of course. His first album is awesome! He's made numerous great compilation tracks too over the years. Corolle really is a gem though.
Khetzal is great,
I would love a second album!+1
Update (I just read this after posting)
Only few more months to go
Mattheiu said the album will probably be out by mid 2013 !!! 
What?? Really?? He's coming out with a second goa album for real!? !!! If that's true, I suddenly want him to really take his time to make it special!
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Really looking forward to this.
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Welcome to the forums! Lots of SP fans here. Just curious; any idea on the status of a third Hallucinogen album? I imagine thousands (probably in the tens) have been crossing their fingers for over a decade.
Either way, the samples sound cool. I'm looking forward to this.
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I am done with this group after their last album, Army of Mushrooms.
When the new generation you make music for doesn't find your music good, you know you're in trouble.
Sometimes it's better to quit while you're ahead.
My guess is they'll keep releasing albums as long as they make money. It's all about the money after their last album.
I'm wasting my time writing more.
Solar Fields - Mirror's Edge Original Videogame Score
in 2009
Posted
Still after all these years... one of my favourite chill out tracks of all time... just beautiful!