Jon Cocco

Thanks Abasio. I got it!!

TORAKKA - FAR OUT EXPRESS 2004 1. Blue Oxygen - B+ 2. Under the Tongue - B 3. Dead and 74 - B+ 4. Voodoo Crystal - B+ 5. At the Edge - A- 6. Plastic Spliff up Boogie - B+ 7. Their Secret Liquids in Me - B+ 8. Chant of the Bassmonkey - B 9. Drool on Mirrors - B+ I read that this is a solo project by Tommi Kaatranens. This album is awesome. It's so gripping and musically developed. I have been listening to it every day since I took it out of my collection over a week ago. I cannot stop listening to it lately. It's refreshing, not just heavy in melodies and layers. Impressive is the unique sounds chosen, the sound/melody combinations, and how they are utilized into the mix. The effect is smart and delectible. They're filled with harmony and depth, and they blend together extremely well. The build up and sounds used in At The Edge is infectious and powerful. This is what I consider excellent. It's artistic, innovative, ambitious, filled with change up and a plethora of ideas well executed. The song is unlike anything I've ever heard. In conclusion, the musical approach appears to be very aware on this album. Remember those old Nintendo tunes you could never get out of your head a la F-Zero and others? That is how some of the melody work is on this album. It's gorgeous and fluid. I don't know who or what inspired this artist. There is just something positive and healthy about the tone, the style and the overall development of the songs. The album is wonderful, very uplifting, infectious, fun and friendly sounding, and animated. Sometimes I feel like I'm listening to an underrated masterpeice inspired by Chi-A.D. but in a totally different style and group. One of the best solo projects ever produced? I love this album. It's one of the best 21st Century Goa albums ever released. And it's still available to buy!!! http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/thi/thi1cd003.html Favorite Tracks: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9. B+

Hi, for some reason each time I access a thread, the majority of the comments appear as a list. I think this is a cookies problem or something needs to be corrected in the options or My Controls part of the site when the user is logged in, but I cannot find where to go. Can someone please inform me where and what to do?

Well I'm glad you stuck to it and finished it. Not only does it sound professional. It kicks ass. I have heard at least half a dozen times already, maybe more. You have a talent. Keep being creative and interesting!

You did something to enhance and further develop this most recent version (Qoysi - Zinghao). Anyway, by far your best one yet. Very chill and groovy. Great workl I would love an entire album of distinct tracks in your style as catchy as this one and beyond. I'd buy it. You're creative! Keep it up!! B / B+

I have the original on both the Trance Trippin' - A Non-Stop Voyage From Trance To Acid compilation as well as the version on the Mortal Kombat Annihilation soundtrack. They're both great. I have no idea how you obtained the female vocals without the original music. But then these things take place somehow in order for this to happen. It's pretty cool. I like the opening piano but not much stands out enough to arrest my attention. Nonetheless, I always thought there was something beautiful about the song, the essence and spirit of it anyways.

This is one of the most emotive psytrance albums I've ever heard. Naturally, you have to be the right mood for more comtemplative, emotive melodies. People who enjoyed Emuna may enjoy this. Imagine if Emuna was or went Full On back in the day, but with just as much emphasis on melodies and you have this. I've always liked this album and surprised to see the mixed reviews above. But to each his/her own.

Searching For UFO's is so goood !!!!!!

I really like it. It's interesting and catchy, especially towards the last several minutes. I like how the chill track builds up to a more dominant melody. But before that it worked as either solid background music or intelligent music listening. I've never heard a style or sound like this overall track before either, in PSY. It's unique and different in a good way. Keep up the experimental work.

Awesome. Nice cover too. Samples that most impress me on here are by: CD1 - Filteria - (I love the key changes and melody work) - Artifact303 - (Strong melody work) - Radical Distortion - (I love when these guys stick to GOA.. would have bought the debut if 2nd half was as strong as 1st) - Ethereal - EXCELLENT!! CD2 2. Solar Fields ... Beautiful. 3. Electrypnose ... This artist is the best when he makes tracks like these, in my opinion. 4. E-Mantra ... very nice, interesting work around the catchy beats. 5. Aes Dana ... has potential to be the best song by this group in years. 6. Asura ... these guys are on a roll after a several year period of silence and this definitely builds up to something... 9. Ra ... very quiet and peaceful, relaxing, interesting. Sounds very good. VA - Opus Iridium will be the first album I buy this year. http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/sut/sut2cd010.html

EAT STATIC - ABDUCTION ULTIMATE RECORDS 1993 Track list: 01. 07'24" Prana - A 02. 06'32" Gulf Breeze - A 03. 06'48" Kalika - B+ 04. 08'40" Splitting World - A- 05. 06'42" Kinetic Flow - B 06. 08'15" Forgotten Rites - A 07. 07'54" Abduction - A 08. 06'09" Intruder - B+ 09. 06'31" Xenomorph - C+ 10. 06'04" Inner Peace - A- How did I miss reviewing this album after all these years? I don't know. This is an awesome album. There are tracks that, by today's standards sound awesome. How many albums can you say that about now days from back in the 1990 to 1993 era? Juno Reactor - Transmissions and Prodigy - Music For the Gilted Generation may be included in a very short list of other 1993/04 albums that were beyond their times. But Prodigy has not held up so well, in my opinion, with exception to a select tracks like Firestarter and Smack My Bitch Up, amongst few others. The only track I don't care for on here is Xenomorph, but it isn't bad. This is the best Eat Static album ever made. Furthermore, it may just be the best techno/trance/psy-ANYTHING album from 1990-1993 era. Not even Eat Static can top how infectious and kickass this one is in our time now, although their 2007 De-Classified album was good. Abduction is a classic. Buy it. Download it. Just hear it if you have not! Favorite Tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10. A

JIKKENTEKI - FLIGHT OF INFINITY PAR 2 PRODUCTIONS 2008 Update: My review's been moved to the 2008 review thread.

Yes, thanks to the reviewer who opened this thread for picking an album that many of us actually care about, one with an actual intelligent thought, and not the general Full On crap that seems to fill up psynews.org review lists each year around the quality albums. The reviewer did a fine job for a first review. The only thing missing is the.. Samples http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=7136 http://www.twistedrecords.co.uk/shop/catal...products_id=125 http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/twi/twi1cd033.html I heard Blumenkraft and of all the songs, found Splitting An Atom, Billy The Kid Strikes Back, and Smoked Glass and Chrome instant hits in the Psy [downtempo] genre. On Skylon, it seems like Ott wanted to make a new boat without using as much fresh material as he could have. Edit: I did NOT care for Ott's dub tracks on the debut album. I am not a big fan of "dub" in general. And that is one of the reasons why I enjoy Shpongle and Younger Brother far over Ott, to date. But he makes some great tracks.

ASTRAL PROJECTION - ANOTHER WORLD TRUST IN TRANCE RECORDS 1999 01. 09'25" Nilaya 02. 06'54" Another World 03. 08'57" Visions Of Nasca 04. 10'26" Searching For UFO's 05. 09'51" Tryptomine Dream 06. 09'33" Trance Dance 07. 08'21" Mahadeva 99 08. 08'35" Aqua Line Spirit 09. 07'31" Still On Mars A brief recap-- Trust In Trance (1996) was a groundbreaking debut with many strong, classic songs. The Astral Files (1996) was a solid remix album of the debut. Still considered very good if not great! Who else better to remix their work than themselves? Dancing Galaxy (1997) felt more like a fresh ride from beginning to end. It came packed with a strong story and theme. The track compilaton took the listener deeper into the cosmosis the more the story progressed. Eventually the dualistic, intergalactic adventure reached sunrise bliss euphoria with Liquid Sun. Dancing Galaxy had a huge production. It's like if Hollywood backed AP making a Goa album. Dancing Galaxy is arguably their best album. That said, some felt that AP was "trying" too hard at times to show off their elaborate style rather then involving the level of heart and passion that made their first album so special. Although Kabalah and Enlightened Evolution off their first album were more spiritual, ascensional, and/or deep, Dancing Galaxy is gem. Another World (1999) would be known as the last classic old-school album by AP. As opposed to waiting a year between albums, the group released the second sequel two years later. I always loved the cover to this album... I see more into it than just "looks pretty" 01. Nilaya begins with an infectious, rollicking melody lead. It's pretty awesome! The music is free, fluid, and exciting. For the first two acts, the song's fantastic. After the sixth or so minute however, things begin to drag. Similar variations are repeated and the song loses its luster and steam (fire, momentum) by revealing all of its goodies early on. More fresh, complimentary evolution in second half (or last third) would have appreciated. Moreover, at 9 to 10 minutes Nilaya would have been better had it ended closer to 7 and change IMO. That said, what a terrific six or so minutes that I'd easily give an A- to. This is a great dance track, and while some consider it a home run, one of the best tracks on the album (I do for the first 6 minutes), the best tracks entirety-wise IMO are yet to come, after the next one. B+ 02. Another World is not as big, melody-wise as Nilaya, so it may seem like a bit of a let-down for some. Loaded with crisp effects, attractive melodies, and rhythm, the song's darker in some ways. It doesn't overload nor go on for too long. That said, a little more could have been done with it. Being constructive, the song sounds great production-wise, but structure wise (coming from these guys), it feels just a tad light or lazy in that again, it could have showcased more, been more eventful, etc. That said, for a catchy, driving vehicle building up to the best tracks on the album, it's good, and a fresh change from the highly energetic but borderline draggy duration and finale (shortcomings) of the otherwise excellent Nilaya. B 03. Visions Of Nasca stands out with its strange, male voice sample(?) work. Such human-esque alterations are chopped up, mixed around the beat. Other melody work presents an engaging Goa piece that's more involved, varied, and interesting IMO than the previous number. After the transition around 5:51, the beat slows down as crips soundscapes dance around it, then we move through a delectable downbeat Goa interlude. I really like moments like these despite chilling the dance floor energy, it gives the song's energy a chance to regroup, evolve, and expand into new terrain. The last third is great, building on the uptempo work that preceded it, and the touches of darkness compliment. Strong track! A- 04. Searching For UFO's is the song you've been waiting for on this album.. The one that REMINDS you why you LOVE this group. The spirit, heart, and fire with imagination, vision, and to such unique, memorable, and engaging degree. For me (and many others), this is the best, if not one of the best tracks on the album and that AP ever released. It's not a wild Full On GOA roller coaster like many of AP's tracks. This is groovy, intelligent, and distinct, with excellent sound/melody work (!!!), ambient harmonies, and more. THIS is the track IMO to showcase AP's biggest, most distinct maturing or updated approach to superb songs since Dancing Galaxy. It's less sensationalized, more refined in that regard. Oh and the accents (around the halfway forward mark) are so catchy, solidifying the signature sounding track with enough to refresh our senses for all three acts. Superb song! A 05. Tryptomine Dream is another strong track in AP's modernized style. The opening voice sample talks about machines being conscious. It reminds me of something out of a Terminator film, but it seems less important to the theme or message (?) of the album. There are moments when the beat falls back for more contemplative, listener-friendly transition. Such choices deepen the structuring, storytelling aspects of the music, to some degree. The song's progression is fluid and enjoyable, thanks to uplifting melody work coupled with touches of darkness, like a sunrise washing away the clouds. Although Nilaya along with Track 3+4 grabbed my attention more, this has some great feel good sound/melody work and vibes throughout. Another great track. B+ 06. Trance Dance --- The TITLE makes the song sound GENERIC > which it is NOT. For many years was favourite song on the album along with Nilaya, probably due to their stand-out, captivating sound of each track. As a whole in terms of satisfaction though, THIS along with the less aggressive Searching For UFO's are my favourite (top 2) songs on the album. The aggressive albeit infectious synths (sound/melody work), accent, and ambient is excellent. I love that industrialized sound effect (accent) released early on. The rising and falling ambient supports both the darkness and light with a dash of hope, life, and light amongst the driving (intimidating, dark) rhythm. Great development and evolution as the song progresses. Talk about a gripping, dark, edgy (tense), and enjoyable to dance and/or simply listen to number. Astral Projection does dark [Goa-Trance] music well. Oh, and the ending is strong but I wouldn't expect anything less form one of the best groups in music. These guys are wildly talented. Awesome track! A 07. Mahadeva 99 is a great remix of a classic. No one remixes AP's songs like AP. I cannot say this remix tops the original. It doesn't in my opinion. But it brings a fresh approach to the wonderful original that inspired it. The song's most memorable characteristics, such as the man's voice and the leading melody work have been captured and reprised in an updated version of a classic. Nonetheless, I would have preferred an original song on the album, as this is the one track the album could have done without, or at least with a superb, new song in its place. B+ 08. Aqua Line Spirit is the last big dance number on the album. It doesn't seem to morph direction and/or change up as much as previous songs. It's strong in development, tasty melodies, supported sounds, and what seems to be key changes(!) during the second half of the duration. This is a beautiful, less intense track that really lets the listener fly or drift off into the bright blue sky with a smile on his or her face. A- 09. Still On Mars is a mid-tempo number that's quite unique sounding. It has a somewhat catchy, emotive sound to it. AP simply put, has achieved far better down/mid-tempo work. Still not bad though. B Another World is the last classic album by Astral Projection. It concludes the epic trilogy with greatness, even if the story seems a bit uneven at times and ends with a less than stellar track. The overall album is full of spirt with the classic, beloved sound, style, and feels of AP. I have often been impressed with the amount of quality tracks throughout AP's albums. There never seems to be filler. The same goes here. The soundscapes are wonderful, at times more juicy and emotive than 1997's Dancing Galaxy. Several numbers on Another World are stunning. The others are no less than great, or very good. Having an extra year before this release seemed to be for the best. Nilaya is a beautiful track. It simply runs out of steam roughly 70% through. Searching For UFO's is one of their best tracks to date. Trance Dance is surprisingly dark, great. Still On Mars has a fresh sound in the downbeat style with novel melody work and direction. This third and final album in AP's their golden years retained the magic in an era where gold seemed to last forever, even in 1999 and the years.. for many-- decades that followed ( as I update this in 2019 ). Despite some nitpicks here and there, what an awesome release!!!! Favorite Tracks: 3, 4, 6, 8. A- I LOVE the cover. It's beautiful and appears to be inspired by the 4th or 5th dimension, e.g., vibration, higher frequency, consciousness. I love you AP and I'll see you in the expansion (as the Earth continues to awaken until we shift into a higher octave of consciousness, considering thoughts (the MIND) creates reality according to physicists, mediation, elders, and numerous enlightened individuals who have shared ancient knowledge, higher truths for thousands of years. Everything in this (3D) realm is a projection of the split projected (collective) mind that is not limited to the body, only the brain and non-etheric body is.

Exactly what went wrong here? 1200 Mic's - The Time Machine was Full On too and it kicked ass. I see no point buying this album to write a full review on an album I may potentially hate. It's a waste of time and money. I have read enough disappointing things here. I want to congradulate abasio for writing a review that is almost funny at times, relative to how bad the album is, according to the reviewer. It seems that many listeners agree. Sometimes it feels good to express how you feel whether a product is wonderful or sucks massive c o c k tails. Speaking of which, I am going to open a thread right now in the.. Off Topic section titled: "The most entertaining "worst product" reviews. Take mine for example. now posted And I will include a review I wrote to something (so bad you must read read it).

That's actually a good question. I got in a pretty bad car accident before the turn of the 21st century and had to drop out of college because of health issures (neck/back) related to the accident. I'm back in school now, after a 7 year hiatus but sitting is still uneasy. It was at home in 2000, that I spent most of my time on the cpu around physical therapy rehab. I began playing around one day on an outdated software program called Goldwave. Through extensive hours of exploring and experimenting with virtually every aspect of the program, I edited/mixed a comedy album with a group of friends for fun. I self taught myself the program inside and out, until I graduated, so to speak, to master something else. Two years later (2002, 2003) a friend of mine and I decided to try our skills with hip hop (!). We were inspired, creative yahoo's, don't ask. My friend bought a 76-key Korg Triton and found us a good backbeat guy that could produce what I wanted (powerful and emotive, catchy melodic beats). This project brought me to Cubase and other programs. I soon found myself in the studio, buying time with friends and replacing the sound engineer. I cut and mixed over 100 tracks, remixed several beats, composed few, and more. This went on for 8-12 hours a day (almost every day) for 1-2 years until I began developing wrist problems, from the car accident and all the typing. My back got worse too. We were asked to open for Twisted (the ICP-esque hip hop cult group) but I did not have the energy to tour if various people wanted us to tour. Granted, I brought fresh dynamics and controversy to hip hop but I didn't want to be potentially famous for stylish shock value, or saying certain things not true to what I belive. Before things could go further, I had a talk with my friend and we decided to dissolve the group. My passion and goal is to become a director of Indie feature films that make theatrical release. I would also love to cut a Goa album one day. I thought this wasn't possible before Suntrip Records proved to the world that anything is possible. Naturally I'm on a tight budget and continue to have some issues with the cpu and such, but I would love to one day invest the time, energy, heart, and spirit into what I consider a superb, new-school Goa album. And then you guys/girls can criticize the crap out of me. I have no idea how to make Goa to date. Naturally playing with Garage Band has taught me some tricks similar to Cubase however. I "get" certain concepts but finding the tunes and sounds and putting everything together is another thing. I believe someone will help guide me and raise my level of knowledge and awareness if the time ever comes. I'm just putting that out there to Universe. So unfortunately things are complicated in my life right now to produce music, otherwise I'd love to and potentially party and/or work with some of you creative artists' day. Who knows what the future will bring. Anything is possible. Thanks for explaining that. I didn't know. Yeah I think it sounds good just the way it is, right up until the 6:20 or 6:22 mark. Naturally if you have a more interesting idea without making this cool, little detail seem overdone I'd be interested to hear it. Several brief trims however will save you guys both the time and energy since the track feels so complete. Interesting. I'm glad to know I'm not crazy then.

Glad I caught this thread. Leap of Faith is a great track. It's interesting, involving, and evolving throughout. Hands down the best Aerosis track I've heard to date. I'd give this a B+ I heard the section from 5:50 to 6:50 many times to pick up on this and see if it's the "sound" I think it may be. Is amphiton referring to the sound that begins not at 6:20 but at 5:56 exactly? It repeats again at exactly 6:10, and again at 6:18, and at 6:22, and 6:25, and 6:31, and one last time at 6:36. I'm pretty sure that's it because it seems to repeat too many times beginning at the 6:22 mark. Initially I really liked it, beginning at 5:56. The "repeating sound" does seem to take place too often past 6:18. It's distracting in my opinion. I would cut it out past 6:18 and everything else sounds wonderful. Less is more with this one. And you'll have a song that is not potentially distracting in a negative way as a whole. One last minor nitpick observation. At 6:27 it sounds like someone is quickly saying "Hey" or an out of place super brief, irritating sound bit takes place in the background. At first I thought I was hearing things. Liek someone was in the background saying "J." What is that? Why is it here? Where did it come from? I don't know what that tiny dot is but it doesn't sound right. I used to be a sound engineer and had to go through sound waves hundreds of times per day at times to "perfect" the smallest things. I'm aware of the "concept" associated to editing/mixing regardless that I've had no hands-on experience creating Goa to date. That "ahy" I'd remove even if hardly anyone notices it. It isn't necessary and does not enhance the track in any way. It also takes place at 7:33. The only exception to keep this, is if it isn't an error but an actual illusion in sound/melody overlap due to the frequency and/or [whatever it's called in mixing, I forget] when one sound crosses another and created an unintentional, distorted sound. Sometimes these things happen even if two sounds are in sync, the note combinations will create a totally unique effect for better or worse. But these moments take place so infrequently here. I'd investigate it to see what it is, just to make sure whether it's fixable without compromising the solid track. Is this Aerosis doing dark/twisted Goa? This is one twisted and strange little creature. I like the melody alterations. It builds up really nicely into the Goa band from 2:33 to 3:23. The following transition (of sorts) is catchy too. From 5:52 to 6:17 showcase some really catchy melody work. The song's overall style and approach sounds fresh to my ears. This is a good song. It's interesting and danceable. Keep up the risk taking! And don't hesitate to exercise your skills with a super climactic and infectious psychedelic Goa number (or two) in your imaginative style and vision if a main album is released by Aerosis. The possibilities are endless.

Aes Dana - Season 5 Aes Dana - Memory Shell Asura - Code Eternity Asura - Life² And I own Asura's second whether that's by Ultimae or not. Asura is great. Life² was a huge surprise. I like Aes Dana very much too however I find their melody work less infectious at times. Once in a while Aes Dana makes something stunning but on their main albums I find all or their tracks (with exception to 2-3) good but far from impressive gems.

DARSHAN - AWAKENING FLYING RHINO RECORDS 1998 01. 08'14" Awaken 02. 08'47" Sun Probe 03. 09'32" Anja 04. 08'07" Transformations 05. 10'48" Neuroscanner 06. 08'07" ECG 07. 07'37" Kyma 08. 09'47" Electroplasm I love the atmosphere on this album. If you are looking for roller coaster climaxes, look elsewhere. You won't find any here. This is an exploration album into the darker traces of the Universe. Darshan's style has fewer layers and sounds than the general Goa album. Do you like interesting introductions that pull you into the world? This has them in spades. Do you like thick/crunchy sound textures? Check. What about infectious Goa melodies, ambient notes, subtle eftects, sound effects, industrial rhythms, and other various sounds that compliment a sci-fi feel thoughout? All of these elements would simply be ingredients to an uncooked stew without Darshan's novel delivery and approach. Such an approach delivers a unique approach to goatrance. This album is about the process, the mysterious "build up" via the music, not the explosion, climax, event per say. The approach is unorthodox. I call it that, all dark Goa albums unorthodox, because the intent and tone is dark whereas the essence of Goa is love and light, spiritual, unconditional, free. This album tells a tale through the opposite end of the mirror spectrum, the darkness. Several songs are more interesting, dynamic, distinct, and involving, psychedelic than others, and to each their own. 01. Awaken is the opening into whatever dark world awaits. This number makes gives no doubt that the experience will be dark and interesting throughout. Sometimes there are voice samples that make a strong lasting impression on the listener. For me, one of them is the "Gardian Angel" sample in Juno Reactor's Beyond the Infinite album. On Awakening it is no doubt Sleep now my Snow White and "in my dreams.. so beautiful." Why is this so effective? What makes it so catchy and interesting? Why did the artist choose such a sample? Regardless of the answers, it adds character and interest to a darkly, rich opening number. From 4:55 to 5:42 is an excellent musical score. This moment sounds like a dark symphony. The track changes up in direction and introduces a smooth, liquid Goa melody soon after to stressed sounds of altered, sustained ambient. Overall this is a chilled taste of things to come. It's a very strong opening track that only gets better with age. B+ 02. Sun Probe's story/concept is difficult to grasp based on the strange sound effects followed by the beating heart in the introduction. Is this a robot crying out before going in to surgery? I doubt it. But such details provoke thoughts, regardless of whether they serve a purpose to the story or are simply existent for artistic reasons. It isn't until a hard *thump* clamps down upon the buzzing sounds around 1:10. An interesting voice sample mentions events regarding the solar system. The first really psychedelic melody takes place around 2:30. It's very tasty and the echoed voice samples compliment it. Currently there is no sign of life and this is the second chapter into the dark and mysterious void of Awakening. Thick bands of psychedelic melodies swim together. They sound very good around the 4:15 mark. Key changes seem to take place around 4:45 to 5:55. I forgot or wasn't aware that artists' added key [shift effect] changes in their work back in 1998. Often times I find such key changes provide more character in a song. The track becomes more emotive around the 5:55 mark. Acid lines squash the streams and put their prints all over the rhythm. Around 6:50 takes place the most effective Goa lead on the song. Coupled with strong atmosphere sound, ambient, a second Goa lead, and more, the deep, groovy combination wave seems not to evaporate for quite sometime. It's great. This is a great track. B+ 03. Anja has a beautiful new agey, ethereal introduction thanks to a gentle male female voice and some of the most emotive melodies/sounds I've ever heard in dark Goa/Psy since maybe a moment or two on Penta - Pentafiles. Can the rest of the song live up to the elegant opening? For starters, the pretty sound is soon lost. What takes place is an interesting, developing Goa number. Around 3:33 takes place a combination of catchy elements. From around 4:35 - 5:57 develops a beautiful, stirring and emotive rhythm that compliments the opening to near perfection. Also existent is the ethereal voices. This is like a tragic romance song without any Emo drama. At 6:14 is a huge, powerful return to thick and psychedelic, driving form. There are no clouds in the sky, only thick, crunchy, and infectious momentum. Yummy! The change up around 7:24 refreshes the table with new appetizers and each one is delicious. A gripping Goa melody takes place around 8:00, very engaging. The sad, echoed voices return in the end like spirits or angels singing from across the once beautiful and vivacious landscapes. Sirens anyone? There's an addictive draw to the whole mix. I love how this artist combines such unique elements and reprises the best elements throughout change up in music. In other words the songs are not repetitive and yet the best parts are never overdone. They're carefully separated and return only to enhance the experience. This is a pretty, dark Goa track if I ever heard one. It's more sad than angry. B+ 04. Transformations has one of the shortest introductions on the album. Several seconds go by and we're thrown into the psychedelic environment like a man being dumped in the middle of a war. Is he capable of surviving and becoming a warrior or will he meet his defeat? The track only becomes more psychedelic and thick with sound textures as it progresses. Goa after Goa leading melody are dispatched in thick streams, into the atmospheric storm of warriors, beasts, and bosses. Not until 3:30 does an event take place strong enough to stop the beat, the chaos. Whatever this is it seems like a boss introduction. The drum rolls into a new, powerful beast of energy and complex, groovy rhythms. I have difficulty describing everything that takes place throughout this stunning Goa/Psy-Trance number. A moment from 5:35 to around 5:55 takes place without the beat. It's darkly enchanting, mysterious, and filled with suspense. The beat returns along with a strong tune. This entire song is awesome. It involves elements that are so captivating and interesting along witht the powerful dance friendly drive. Great song. A- 05. Neuroscanner begins with a strong note of ambient sound. It's as if one of the several suns just came into view on a beautiful planet far away from Planet Earth. Really, these tracks feel out of a memorable Sci-Fi movie. Radio voices enhance the in space (somewhere) feel. A strong beat is littered in Star Wars-esque sound fx. Certain alterations make the track feel more hypnotic and trance-inducing around 3:10. I'm curious how artists achieve this subtle, vibrating and trippy effect to the music. The song conjures up a strong feel with attractive sounds. There is a gentle moment of ambient towards the middle. The music returns more aggressive than before. This is an interesting, solid track. B+ 06 ECG begins with an interesting opening regarding female voice sample and something about the most beautiful light she saw. What follows is a crunchy, melodic, Goa/Psy-Trance number. The middle has an interesting transition as the beat volume lowers and takes a back seat to the clear, crisp layers. The opening voice sample continues from the opening. It's interesting and enhances the track. New alterated melodies appear along with bubbly Psy sounds, and other elements of surprise to a danceable beat. A change up in song direction takes place around 6:00. It's very cool how much work this artist seems to invest in the overall tracks. Around 6:50 takes place a catchy Goa melody soon playing tango with another. Overall this is a good track. B+ 07. Kyma sounds as if lost on a ghost battle ship or abandoned on a quiet world with sense of threat in the air. The first 1:14 involves some of the catchiest Goa melodies and sounds I've ever heard used to create build up in a beat-free introduction. Again, the winning factor here is in the visual tone, the atmosphere, and the overall environment. The Goa melodies are arresting and snake around the kick with and other sounds. There is a floating, dreamy beat-free transition in the middle. It's excellent. The beat returns along with an interesting, echoed voice sample. The song continues to improve and the overall sound changes up remaining dark and mysterious as it progresses. This artist should contribute in cutting several pieces for the next Pitch Black or Blade Runner-esque film. From around 6:05 to 6:57 involves one of the coolest Goa leads I have heard yet by Darshan. Keep in mind this isn't a big and loud tour de-whatever beam of sound. It's an infectious, motivating melody and it's awesome. A- 08. Electroplasm is a thick, psychedelic, bubbly dance number. But it begins with such an interesting soundscape. The voice sample seems like something out of a Sci-Fi film. The beginning, middle, and ending musical notes, ambient, and incorporation of other various sounds create an emotive, Chill/Psy soundscape both before, during, and after the kick drum. A thick, industural wave of support arrives around the 5:00 mark but cleverly stays in the background, not compromising the gentle notes in the forefront. This is not the greatest, most interesting track on the album but it's solid from A to Z. B / B+ In Conclusion, someone needs tell this artist that he created some of the "most interesting and capturing song introductions" in electronic music. They're rich and absorbing, as are the tracks that follow. The introductions on this album are superb. No song is less than good. It isn't as dark as Sandman's Witchcraft. It isn't as psychedelic, heavy, and intense as BotFB's Twin Sharkfins. Nor is it as detailed and abstract as Double Dragon's Continuum. Darshan's Awakening is atmospheric, sci-fi dark fantasy-esque, and even emotive at times. It is more about contemplation, exploration, and movement. The tone is more psychological and mental than pumped up, angry. Some of the struggles throughout this album seem enternal and/or symbolic. Space and other world "landscapes" through soundscapes provide the atmosphere and environment to such things; the voice samples add nice touches too. This is a catchy album too, and creative! There really isn't anything like Awakening out there. It's full of mystery and atmospheric soundscapes. The combination of Goa and Psy creates an intoxicating beverage at times. The result is an abstract, provocative, moody, and surreal entity. I love the non-linear style and direction too, well his style. No song sounds similar to the one before or after. Although there are areas less infectious than others, certain parts seem to come out of nowhere and capture my attention. This is an underrated album. People who like dark Goatrance should check this out. Favorite Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8. B+

ASTRAL PROJECTION - DANCING GALAXY TRUST IN TRANCE RECORDS 1997 01. 09'18" Dancing Galaxy 02. 08'12" Soundform 03. 09'44" Flying Into A Star 04. 08'25" No-One Ever Dreams 05. 10'18" Cosmic Ascencion 06. 09'09" Life On Mars 07. 11'01" Liquid Sun 08. 13'44" Ambient Galaxy Dancing Galaxy has been my favorite album by Astral Projection since I heard it back in 1998. If I had to pick a song to represent the group however, it would be Kabalah from their first album, Trust In Trance. The most interesting perspective I have read on this album is Rino's above. He seems to touch on the bigger picture (unconditional love, peace), higher purpose, and expanding consciousness. There were times I felt similar feelings to a degree and didn't know how to express them. Over the years I've felt that Dancing Galaxy is freeing; this is the blockbuster "peek" of Astral Projection's career. It's also a show, an event that you experience. Across the Universe and the astral realms is the concept and theme for the story driven tracks. The ride is geared for the conscious mind and also appears to be rather friendly to the sub or unconscious mind as well. This is also a great dance album, and to drive to, in my opinion. It seems receptive for trance induced states too, however the most friendly emphasis is on the element of dancing, or various listening. Moving on. One can look at this album from several angles. For instance, where does it stand next to other Full On Goa album? How original is it? How does Dancing Galaxy compare to the sleeper hit debut? Well his group's style is not as groundbreaking as their first album, but they not only innovate, but push the old school "full on" imagination bar in goatrance which is well, groundbreaking. Dancing Galaxy is the album I'd want to show off to my friends if I had to pick an AP album. I've gotten the impression over the years that the group's goal was to make a super Psy/Goatrance album for dancing, and to remain #1. They succeeded, as far as Full On Goa went. And as we know, old school Full On and New School Full On are two different things. I miss when labels let artists make the album the way they envisioned it. 01. Dancing Galaxy has a wonderful sound via the theme opening. The female voice from David Lynch's DUNE are unforgettable and greatly the track with character and tone. Various melodies and direction throughout the song is great. However the artists' seem to be staying close to the ground here. In other words, the track is often risk-free, as if intended to appeal specifically for dance floors or for dancing. There is an interesting transition in the middle, without the beat but it is short lived. Overall this is a great dance song with elements that make it feel classic by today's standards. The actual musical work is not spectacular however. B+ 02. Soundform is darker, more aggressive than the previous number. It's more complex, involving, and energetic than the previous number, especially as it progresses. The song seems to stretch the parameters of its initial structure and by the end, appear a grown and developed version of itself. Overall this is an excellent dance friendly Goa song. I can still see Earth from this distance however. A- 03. Flying Into A Star is the first song to really detach my focus from the ground and take off to the stars. The number is aggressive, atmospheric, and strong throughout. But it lacks melodies. I have often felt the sense that I am traveling deep into the cosmic, dark unknown of outer space while listening to this. It really pushes the listener into the astral realms either visually and/or subconsciously. The male sample bits are effective and well placed in the song. This is one of Astral Projection's best songs, albeit one that lacks memorable melodies. It's emphasis on atmosphere makes it intriging and stand out. It's dance friendly too. It does not seem made to appeal to clubs like the previous song. This group gets to exercise their mind for new ideas and flex their muscles with a new level of strength in this number. I do not find it to be the masterpiece some proclaim it to be though. A- 04. No-One Ever Dreams is another fierce, atmospheric rocket. It follows up the previous number well. Actually, this may be similar to the previous song if it was melody driven. The Goa melodies become more complex, psychedelic, and infectious as the song progresses. They're superb. This is an exciting, less empty and stunningly rich and delectable Goa rocket. A 05. Cosmic Ascencion I'll have to hear in a trance sometime to see if the continuous voice of DJ Jorg affects it. I have often found this track hard to "get into" around the male hymns often taking place thoughout the first half. The melody/sound work is really great though. B+ 06. Life On Mars lacks a stand out Goa lead and for that reason I have never attained a huge liking to this rather strong track. It's involving with a interesting sound textures, and crunchy, aggressive melodic elements as Flying Into A Star was. However I find this less empty in the end, and less infectious than Flying Into A Star. The latter (Track 4) may have capitalized on one direction but that one direction was excellent. This feels less infectious and arresting to my ears. It's still a great track. B+ 07. Liquid Sun is beautiful. The opening and character driven melodies are heavenly, ascending. This is one of the best sunrise songs I have ever listened to. Over the years it has only sounded more beautiful to my mind and ears. It is also a different approach by AP and arguably the most passionate (potentially spiritual) and novel song on the album. Think about it. No song on here is close to this one. Did we hit a celestial area in space or what? Goasia in 2007 made a song that is wonderful and in the same general "feel good" group as this one, as far as beautiful, sunrise Goa songs go. A 08. Ambient Galaxy is an epic Goa/Ambient Trance closing. Even if it is essentially the opening track slowed down, with some alterations and tweaks, this is one of the most solid Goa/Ambient-Trance songs out there. It's a strong and memorable conclusion to a super album. Just when you think it ends, the music continues and sounds even more friendly like an encore. I feel like I'm watching the ending of a great broadway play in the Goa/Space concept and the performers are all bowing, symbolic to the tracks seemingly intent to end the album in glory. A- In Conclusion, some people will always feel that Astral Projection exploited their style by cutting an album with several songs more formulaic [made and/or intended for dance floors] over others. In a sense they're right or at least many listeners have that into their observation. But I don't see anything wrong with building upon an awesome, groundbreaking formula that is fun and danceable, and loved by potentially a million+ people. It isn't like this group decided to shy away from fresh, innovative gems such as Flying Into A Star, Ambient Galaxy, and few others. On another aspect, it is a beautiful, sunrise track like Liquid Sun that shows me the unconditional, passionate Astral Projection I fell in love with after hearing Kabalah. Naturally, the group sticks to the concept of the album for the most part, with Liquid Sun being both the underdog and the odd one out that, in my opinion, is easily one of the top, most beautiful songs this group has ever produced. I've read over the years that this is the best selling Goa album to date. As far as originality, the sequel builds upon the debut in virtually every way but the conditional soul. Dancing Galaxy may not be groundbreaking but the style is modernized with various elements of innovation througout. AP's elaborate style is even more elaborate, complex, and dance friendly than ever before. The concept of interesting track introductions is not discarded either, a big plus. This feels like a bigger, more expensive, polished and impressive follow up to the debut. AP's style and spirit remains but the latter seems altered to a degree, regardless that the package is more shiny overall. Dancing Galaxy is one of their magical old schol Goa albums. However the debut felt less conditional, and that's what I mean when I say their spirit seems altered to a degree. Granted the debut had little room for initial expectation of sudden success or massive exposure. People need to first hear a new style or debut in order to decide whether or not they like it. When artists' try to appeal, that is often when the artist sells out some of his or her passion, creativity, heart, and/or soul in order to compensate for expectations of the clubs, DJ's and fans. Such conpensations create conditions regardless of how many copies the album sells. AP's 1996 debut felt more from the soul. Whereas this sequel is a technical achievement and a selling success over the debut. I think the best way to look at this album is for what it is, a Full On Psy/Goa Trance album. The group simply had the brains, the budget, and the motivation to pull it off. I see nothing wrong with cutting an album loaded with great, excellent, and superb tracks back-to-back. It's actually pretty amazing and the reason I why think this is such a classic. But I cannot help but feel that the group compromised some of their heart and spirit for stardom and "to be accepted, loved, and embraced." Don't we all want to be accepted and loved somewhere inside? But does that "wanting" mean I'd make my work generally more appealing to those who praised my debut? I suppose in addition to myself, if other people loved my style (trying to place myself in AP's shoes) I'd consider developing what people generally seemed to love if I was truly passionate enough, and had a vision I felt was worth sharing. Regardless of the intentions here, Astral Projection took many of their most fun elements and capitalized on them here. The result is what many consider the best Full On Goa album to date. Whereas some artists' cut an album just to appeal, this group doesn't go through the motions like a lush. They're passionate, ambitious, and visionary, if even to produce something that would connect with a broader crowd. Favorite Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9. A-

I fully agree. It's actually much better than I thought. It's extremely dark and heavy. I can feel myself actually going into a negative state (thinking of negative things) while listening to this. I find certain tracks much more infectious and/or impressive (3, 4, 6, 9) in their novel style over others. Tracks 2, 5 I don't find spectacular, but to each his or her own. Their style is groundbreaking. This is a groundbreaking album regardless of people's scores. I agree. My overall review has just been updated. Oh, yes I could see how that could sound strange if one didn't know. Someone's sig at the time (yours maybe or Seraph, I forget) said something along the lines of: "Do what you feel and feel what you do." So I wrote the score I felt was reasonable at the time. It was a reminder to the critic who proclaimed to "do what you feel" in their signature. It's all trivial of course. Moving on. 09. Marsmellow (Miditation Mix) = Masterpiece.

Of all of Suntrip's releases I find myself coming back to this one the most, to date. It's a beautiful album with a strong track list. The opening track alone, Listening Winds is one of the most earthy, clear, and flowing songs.. There is something I wanted to mention not available in my review. At first and even after several listens I wasn't so sure how excactly to compartmentalize track 9 because initially my mind was more focused on "Climax.. Energy. Roller coaster." I want to say that Goa isn't about just climax. I think 8. Nyiragongo is a great track. Many Goa albums end with a downbeat (slower in speed) Goa-esque track. Khetzal thankfully added one to top things off after track 8. This artist never abuses his cleverly added moments, nor does he under-use them. If anything he is aware and understands for the most part, just what and how many ingredients to use. The artist creates a wonderful balance of power and peace throughout Corolle. Light is very powerful folks. Even the peaceful tracks are powerful here. To Khetzal: You were on to something very special here. Please make a follow up album to this one day. If I could change something about this album, I wouldn't!

1. Pleiadians - I.F.O. - A 2. Hallucinogen - Twisted - A 3. Astral Projection - Trust in Trance - A 4. Dimension 5 - Transdimensional (Re-Mastered) - A 5. Hallucinogen - The Lone Deranger - A 6. Transwave - Backfire - A

ASTRAL PROJECTION - TRUST IN TRANCE 3 TRUST IN TRANCE 1996 Track list: 01. 09'28" Kabalah - A 02. 08'03" Enlightened Evolution - A- 03. 07'23" The Feelings - B+ 04. 09'38" Utopia - A- 05. 07'29" Black And White - B- 06. 09'55" People Can Fly - A 07. 07'40" Radial Blur - B- 08. 08'03" Aurora Borealis - B+ 09. 07'47" Still Dreaming (Anything Can Happen) - A Trust In Trance is in my heart, Astral Projection's best album, though Dancing Galaxy has been my most favourite (and returned to) album by them over the years. Astral Projection was one of the first groups to establish Full On Goa. They invented a highly energetic, fun, and danceable style. When this album arrived, no one sounded anything like this group before, to my knowledge. Astral Projection's fast, heavily layered, intricate and melodic, roller coaster style would later be the inspiration for many artists. By the time I obtained a copy, I had already heard half of the songs various compilations. So I wasn't as impressed as I was when I first heard Dancing Galaxy because I knew what to expect. Years went by. I didn't hear this album for some years, until one day... I had forgotten how wonderful this album is. The Not So Good - Naturally some tracks are stronger than others. Kabalah is one of the best electronica songs I've ever heard. Both Enlightened Evolution and Utopia are some of the strongest Goa dance numbers here. Still Dreaming is one of the most compelling, Goa/downbeat numbers I've heard. I was never a fan of Black And White, The Feelings, or Radial Blur, and feel that the melody/sound, imagination, and direction in those aren't as good as they could be. But those songs have stand out moments (the melodies for instance in Black And White stands out). But these are the least positive things I can say about the album. In conclusion, from the Tree of Life to the unconditional, spiritual awareness that anything is possible, reinforced in both the middle (People Can Fly) and end (Still Dreaming) of the album, this group seems deeply connected to the source of all existence; they've built a legacy around fun music affiliated with elements of spiritual awareness. This debut is a treasure in finding the lost self that can always be attained again, in spirit. Sometimes an album comes along that triggers a certain state in a person. Such a state can potentially help him/her to regain a clear perspective on life, their purpose, special abilities, that which is holding them back (i.e: energy blocks) and more. This is a rare album thathas the potential to remind us who we were, before we were born, while we are still alive. I believed that anything was possible when I came across AP in 1998. These guys have put out so much positive energy, motivation, inspiration, and love. The Universe simply provided them with the tools to express their art and passion, through music. In a nutshell, this is about as classic as Goa albums get. The imperfect score is mainly due to just enough tracks being noticeably catchier than others for me to compare; my scores are obviously how I feel; they are not official of course. Trust In Trance is a reflection of the true art of Goa set: Spirituality and movement, life, i.e: dancing. Favorites - 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9. A- Sample/Order http://www.saikosoun...ease.asp?id=934

Shakta?! :posford: Filteria..(!!) Ethereal..(!!) Solar Fields..(!!) Electrypnose..(!!) Aes Dana..(!!) :drama: Asura..(!!) :clapping: Ra..(!!) This looks too good to be true. This is easily Suntrips most ambitious feat yet. This is like a blockbuster double album in Psy with far more famous artists than I have ever seen on any PSY compilation in current memory. I will be in awe if virtually each and every one of these artists (not just the great ones I mentioned above) pull through with a winning gem. I look forward to the extracts.