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  1. Artist: Filteria Title: Live With The Lag Label: Suntrip Records Release: 29th April 2022 Things change, the world changes, we change but one thing we can be sure of is Filteria's powerful, crazy and beautiful symphonies. If someone had of asked you about the expected changes of the world 5 years ago another solid Filteria Release might have actually been the only thing you got right. Is that because Goa trance is the truth? HUH? Is it? Yea, that is why. This album is easily my favourite of his albums. And to be perfectly honest the only one I've really found myself getting fully immersed within. Much softer undertones and more uplifting floating moments than seen in previous albums but on the same trajectory. From Sky input, to Heliopolis to Daze and Lost in the Wild, this has very much been the direction Filteria is heading. Is this the Apex? Who knows, there is more time and trance seems to live in this sweet man. The stock markets have crashed, the housing markets have crashed, the crypto markets have crashed - But Filteria keeps us soaring to the Moon and beyond! Anyway, this is surprisingly the most concise review i've done yet. Enjoy https://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com/album/live-with-the-lag
  2. This week on Psylicious Radio we welcome the mighty Belgian-based Goa trance label, Suntrip Records, who will be providing you all with some tripped out, sun kissed psychedelic beats that will whip you up into a hypnotic whirlwind on this label showcase - Enjoy! Suntrip Records was set up in the summer of 2004 by Fabien "Mars" Marsaud, one of the founders of the Psynews.org website and Joske "Anoebis" Vranken, a famous Belgian DJ and party-organiser. Listen to the show: GOASIS [Suntrip Recs] AU / DK Grant Camov has been a key figure in the Australian underground music scene for close to a decade. With sets spanning from dusty doofed-out dance floors deep in the Australian Outback, to lush Transilvanian mountain valleys, delivering psychedelic hypnosis during pure Goa parties in Belgium, to spinning smooth morning sets at underground forest gatherings on the coastlines of Denmark, to cosy Swedish outdoor midsummer raves, his trademark deejay style has been appreciated by fun loving party freaks the world over. Happily representing mainstay Goa Trance label Suntrip Records as a label DJ since 2017 and currently based in Copenhagen, Denmark, there are no signs of things slowing down any time soon... Goasis Track List Played: 01: Cosmosis - Grinderwinder 02: Mr. Peculiar - 1000 Tablets 03: Lunar Plexus - Ugglor I Mossen 04: Saft - Ditt Namn I Min Mun (Hux-Flux Mix) 05: Nervasystem - Liquid Lifeform 06: X-Dream - Electromagnetic 07: Darshan - Tranceformations 08: Omputer - Space Midi 09: Radiation - On The Machine 10: Analog Pussy - Fight To Trance 11: Morphic Resonance - Superior Minds 12: Ugler I Mosen - Rav 13: System Overload - Attack !! 14: Mr. Peculiar - Last Chance Soundcloud Instagram Facebook DJ GHANTT [Suntrip Recs] BR DJ Ghantt started her psychedelic musical journey in 2014 when she fell in love with Goa-trance. This resulted in 2015 in DJ-sets bringing the best Goa Trance to the Brazilian dance floor. Her mission is clear: bringing a transcendental experience to the dancer! Playing a mix of powerful modern Goa-trance and old style acidic trance she makes sure the dancer will have this unique other-worldly happening! DJ Ghantt Track List Played: 01: Clementz- Easter Hymn 02: Triquetra - Solar Searcher 03: Celestial Intelligence - Blueberry 04: Hypnoxock - Heaven Can't Wait 05: K.o.b - Folie a Deux 06: Filteria - Bring Everything But Whistles 07: Denshi Danshi - Sukha 08: Median Project - Pnadora’s Box 09: Celestial Intelligence- Forking paths 10: Merr0w- Cephalopod Awareness 11: Shakta- Expedition to Earth 12: Mini Spacer - The Call Of The Whales 13: Dimension 5 - Purple Om 14: Ka-Sol - Dance Of The Locusts Facebook Soundcloud Instagram HAXTRAXX [Suntrip Recs] AU Haxtraxx is a psychedelic and Goa trance Dj from Australia. In 1994, at the age of 16 he fell in love with psychedelic music and soon after he found himself playing psychedelic / Goa trance at various club venues, underground and community radio programs as well as a few outdoor gatherings. In 2019 he began his journey in his private studio (a dream he’s had since he was 17 years old) and is now on his way to producing his own flavour of psychedelic music, whilst still trying to preserve and capture some of the essence and soul of the music that first brought him in. And now, after over a quarter of a century he’s ecstatic to be a part of Suntrip Records as a DJ. Expect full powered psychedelic and Goa trance sets. Haxtraxx Track List Played: 01: Phant Om X - Rite Shamans 02: Artha - Hall Lux 03: Psysutra - Free and Independant 04: Liquid Flow - Chaotic 05: Uth - Cosmic Fusion 06: Oxi vs Ancient Vision - Balkania 07: Artifact 303 - Open your Eyes 08: Cosmic Dimension - Fabric of Creation 09: Median Project - Mission Adept 10: Atlantis - Come with Peace 11: Clementz - Herlumhei 12: The Maniac - Maha Shivaratri 13: Merrow - Pixelized Sight 14: Shani Yantra - Fractal Memories Facebook Soundcloud Instagram DJ STEVO [Suntrip Recs] HR DJ Stevo is one of the most long-time active Croatian Psy/Goa DJs. In his career until today - Stevo had the opportunity to present his DJ sets in most major regions of Croatia. He has been part as official DJ of legendary Croatian record label called "Neogoa Records" from its very beginning. Very soon after he got opportunity to play on big 5 days event called "Lost Theory Festival" where he meet Joske "Anoebis" who called him to start as official DJ on his well known Belgian Goa trance label called "Suntrip Records". DJ StevO Track List Played: 01: Shaolin Wooden Men - Remember The Slime 02: Interstellar Overdrive - Part 3 (Unreleased) 03: Double Dragon - Soft Machine 04: Purosurpo - Derangotango (Derango rmx) 05: Transdriver - Dark Surround 06: Parasense - Microwave 07: Captain Kirk - Skutsifer 08: Imaginary Sight - When Life Breaks Down 09: RioDario & Third Eye Channel - Forbiden Idiology (Unreleased) 10: Moodsyne - Frogs Breath 11: Freaking - Obrigado 12: Morphic Resonance - Hypnoman (Unreleased) 13: Third Eye Channel - Liars Truth (Unreleased) 14: Goasia - Last Tree On Earth (Unreleased) 15: Genshi - Medicine Soundcloud FacebooK Facebook: BalkanGoaFanatics Facebook: thirdeyechannelrecords Youtube Suntrip Records Links & Social Media: Website Twitter Bandcamp Youtube Soundcloud Facebook Instagram
  3. Tracklist Enhanced Acid 8:32 Eternal Freedom 11:10 Himalayan Heights 9:30 Electric Outburst 9:54 The First Expedition 9:15 Lucid Feelings 9:24 Around The Stars 10:48 Reaching Sunrise 9:20 I think the artwork is colorful, warm and inviting, and retains the Suntrip tradition of cover artworks with a more organic feel to it. I'm not sure what the original medium is, but it reminds me of the appearance of sand mandalas made with small colored sand granules. Perhaps it's some type of fabric or a painting with mixed medium. It has atleast a digital retouch in photoshop, so either way it's a mixed medium of sorts. https://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com/album/eternal-freedom Listening to Himalayan Heights, it's a 90's throwback for sure. It reminds me of the genre Dream Trance and fuses some beautiful and rather majestic chilled pads with the type of uplifting acidic 303 layers we've come to expect from Afgin. This track also have some clear inspiration found in the Hardtrance and Acid Trance genres. The feelings conveyed are those of pure nostalgia, and also indeed as marketed by warm sentiments which will teleport the listener to a nice sunny beach in the middle east. Nice track, only remarks I have is the panorama effect on the main 303 line. It's a bit dizzying, could have been toned down a bit. And the kick is a bit on the weaker side, I prefer the big Nitzho kicks but that's just a stylistic preference. The bass as pointed out is a bit low compared to the rest of the elements. However I'm not a fan of modern Psytrance either where the bass is the focal element of the tracks, to the point of becoming the lead element in a way. In classic Goa Trance, the bass played more of a supportive role to the rest of the elements. The melodies will always be at the center stage in Goa Trance IMO. That beeing said, maybe the mastering engineer could have boosted the bass a bit? On to the next track which is Around The Stars. I just pressed play on Suntrips youtube channel, so the track order isn't correct. This track starts of harder, the kick is more doof and deep, and the track gives of a more hypnotic Acid Trancey vibe in the first part than previous track. Around the 6 minute mark comes a nice surprise, it changes mood completely from the hypnotic and more monotone Acid Trance sentiments, to a much more elevated and indeed euphoric pad-driven sensation. Providing a cathartic final part to the song, which is a successful concept. Amazing track favourite track so far. The best way I can describe this track for comparison, is that it sounds a bit like the kind of euphoric Goa Trance that Artifact303 makes, but through a 90s Dream Trance/Acid Trance prism. It's more scaled back, not so much focus on intricate layers, but instead on pure emotions and clarity to hear those sounds which truly matters the most. Which are the harmonies themselves, and the 303 lines. I think this track might provide more insight into how Afgin have chosen to interpret the 90's Acid Trance/Dream Trance aesthetics. Since in the Acid genre and its related offshoots, the TB-303 often played the simultaneous role of bass and acid line/main motif. So to put the 303 at center stage as in the good old days of those genres, the actual synth bass might've been toned down. Next track I randomly chose is the closing number Reaching Sunrise. The intro reminds me of type of clubby music Antiloop or Richi-M made in the 90's. Besides the intro the track is more is firmly achored in the Israeli Goa tradition established by MFG and Astral Projection around their early albums. (That beeing said, Richi-M had some rather oriental/Goa sounding tunes as well.) There is a very spiralling and sparkling sensation to the first of this track, the main lead is surrounded by carefully sculpted 303 layers. It sounds fresh and uplifting, and there are some unexpected bass keychanges thrown in for good measure. Overall it's a simpler approach however than the early Goa Trance made by Astral Projection and MFG. As the sound image is not as densely layered with regards to psychedelic background sounds, as those albums. Which I think fits this more Trancey take on Goa trance. What's here however really counts, and you'll be delighted to hear this fresh take on a genre which according some might've stagnated in the last couple of years. Re-threading some familiar formulas, Afgin is however not afraid to experiment and go back in time for inspiration among the heroes of yesteryear. The big 2 minute break in the middle of the track is excellent, and and evokes some rather interesting cinematic scenery. A purely epical reality-escape courtesy of these light-laden grandiose pads. This is something I would welcome more into the Goa Trance genre, I love this aspect of regular Trance. And indeed in modern Techno, which as become fused with Trance elements these days. When I think of it, this album might have some influences from early Yahel and Eyal Barkan tracks as well. The main climactic part which comes after the break, gives me a huge flashback, I'm not sure to exactly what track. It just feels familiar in the way it changes keys. A very nostalgic and euphoric track. I like this one even more than Around The Stars, which I think is a very solid track. When I think about it some more, the style reminds me a lot of an old group a couple of friends of mine had in the 90s here in Sweden. Atomic Troop/PL-Prophecy, they were quite big on mp3.com. But I don't think Afgin heard them? They and many other artists/groups of this era often did these types of key changes in the bass and the melodies. https://goatrance.xyz/music/atomictroop/ https://ia800504.us.archive.org/25/items/iuma-atomictroop/AtomicTroop_-_Infinite_Arousal.mp3 (Melodic Acid Trance/Hardtrance) https://ia600504.us.archive.org/25/items/iuma-atomictroop/AtomicTroop_-_Im_in_love.mp3 (Acid Trance) https://ia600504.us.archive.org/25/items/iuma-atomictroop/AtomicTroop_-_Paralyzed_By_Trance.mp3 (Goa Trance) Real euphoric 303 Wizards of yesteryear. So I'm really happy to hear Afgin reviving these type of styles. It's actually uncanny to hear how close Afgin managed to get these older styles in terms of how they mixed back then, the bass was not in your face back then. Overall I think on this album Afgin appears to be less constrained by expectations on the style. He here shows a maturation of his artistic repertoire, and provides a rich interpretation of styles. In the process creating something new. This album doesn't seem to be as honed in on recreating the Astral Projection sound as his debut album at times was. Which is great, and makes me curious as to what paths Afgin choses to take in the future. I hope it's an illuminated path full of light, my best wishes!
  4. Artist: Median Project Title: Another Galaxy Label: Suntrip Records Release: April 30, 2021 Tracklist: 1. Human Error 2. Starry Skies 3. Time Lord 4. Devil Fish 5. Measurements X 6. Lone Star 7. Deep Dive 8. Other Life Form 9. Flight To Jupiter Join me as we explore yet Another Galaxy with Median Project in the usual well tempered and magnificently succinct way. https://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com/album/another-galaxy https://www.suntriprecords.com/news/
  5. Tsotsi

    Khetzal - Etamines

    Artist: Khetzal Title: Etamines Label: Suntrip records Release: 15th of March, 2021 Tracklist:- 1. Admonition 2. Zigggurat 3. Grey Kitty In The Box 4. Gather Your Herds 5. Acide Formique 6. Pavane 7. A World Of Outmoded Ideas 8. Didge Voices 9. Ealitas Ex Nihilo Please do not hesitate to enjoy https://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com/album/etamines-3
  6. Artist: Triquetra Title: Human Control Label: Suntrip Records Release: August 14, 2020 Tracklist:- 1. Caveman Season 2. Impact 3. Forget About The Earth 4. Concentrated Dark Matter 5. Eternal Crusader 6. Dream (Interlude) 7. Rotary Reality 8. First Contact 9. Space Slugs 10. Future.exe 11. Incinerate (Live) 12. Captain Is Dead 13. Solar Searcher 14. Anomaly 15. Out Of Reach 16. Digital Heaven 17. Mind Virus 18. The Vacuum Catastophe 19. Coronal Mass Ejection ~ ~ I've heard plenty of people say and they are all right. - A current and a future classic. https://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com/album/human-control
  7. Dave Saragosi aka. KAILUM aka. Electronics Fusion is playing a retro-liveset in Israel on the 11th of July 2020. Check it out if you have the possebilety! ⭕
  8. Finally! A Clementz LP to the circulatory.. Norway has spawned a new full-blooded Goa-Trance Artist ready to shock the World. No longer is RA the sole LP released Goa-Trance Producer on the plate. CLEMENTZ is in the Lighhouse, electrifying and intens. Where Ra are the LP Kings of Norwegian Released Goa-Trance, for sure Clementz is with his KRETSLØP Album the resilient Prince. Goalien the alien, Microcosm the holy spirit ghosts, the newly announced Maan LP as the up&standing, and of course Material Music as the psychedelic footpather .. *Heia Norge! CLEMENTZ - KRETSLØP Release Date: 3rd of May 2020 "Fierce Full Power Acidic Spiralling Goa-Trance like in the Old Dayz" - Dj Anoebis of Suntrip Records SAMPLES: https://www.suntriprecords.com/release/cat/SUNCD61/ 10 Track LP Total time :71:22 Style :Crazy melodic psychedelic trance Mastering :Tim Schuldt @ 4CN Studios, Germany Artwork :Andrii Averin, Ukraine @ Shiva Om Art Cat no :SUNCD61 Barcode :8 001120 002853 Format :CD (Compact Disc) + Digital Download Physical copies pressed :300
  9. MFG ‎– Pure Energy Label: Suntrip Records ‎– SUNCD59 1 New Kind Of World Tour Intro 2 Why (Demo Version) 3 Dark Horizon 4 Pure Energy 5 Hypnotized (Original Version) 6 Sanctification Of The Moon (Maya Moon Full Version) 7 New Kind Of World (Live Edit) 8 Inspiration 9 Desert Sun (Original Version) 10 Have A Nice Day (Ambient Mix) Really good work by MFG. I will write only something to my three favorite tracks. This are: Dark Horizon The track has a high energy fast feeling. The melody @3:05 is amazing and give the track a dreamy emotional touch! Following by a swirling sixteenth part arpeggiator, which storm over the dancefloor... :-) Pure Energy The start of the track is more trancey until the break. There came a keychange and the track become more groovey and has something of EBM. I love this part. Later the track become more trancey again. Very varied. I like it. :-) New Kind Of World (Live Edit) This track is a more epic atmosphere. I dont like the high kick drum. The sound of the flute works here very well. In generally nice compostion and progression, which flows in a really great break @5:09. Goose bumps and hands in the air! ;-) With the end of the track i have the feeling i was on a journey. Great storytelling. :-) So i think its the best track on the album. The rest of the album is also good work. The artwork is cool! So I will give 7,5 out of 10 points! :-)
  10. Alright you sons of bitches, whats going on here? 2019 the year you went and sold your souls to the devil? Huh do a little trade with The Beast did we? Condemn yourself through wizardry to become yourselves, sonic wizards? Artist: Sykespico Title: Perspective Label: Suntrip Records Release: September 30, 2019 Tracklist:- 1. Great Light 2. Psycho Therapy 3. Trancologica 4. 6EQJE5 5. Concerta 6. Visit Earth (Live Mix) 7. Dance Float 8. Spacestation 9. Persimon Median project? Jaraluca? Xamanist & now Israeli bad bois Matan Levi & Nadav Elhadad who make up Sykespico? You fellas dealing in dark magic? I always knew these Bad motha's were bad. But now they join the team of artists who release albums that are just about damn extraordinary. Am I easily pleased or have the Goa trance artists of the day kicked it up a notch? Do we deserve music like this? Are we living our lives well enough to warrant a gift like this? Relax, because Matan & Nadav seem to think so. Expect Bravado, Gusto, Excess, New Worlds, Raw Tectonics & Volcanoes of Ecstasy. ~ 1. Great Light - Nothing that begins without a boom ends without one. Nothing. Remember that for the rest of this album and use the 2nd half of this track as your first and final reminder. I really did think this track was going to be chill. My word what an exciting track. 2. Psycho therapy - Ok so now we know what to expect and the boys start it off just as beautifully. An instant transportation into a world full of tranquil expectations. I already know the guys for their brilliant compositions in the breaks of their tracks. And Psycho Therapy makes sure I also know them for a great deal of other good things on top of that. 3. Trancologica - Starts trancey as heck. Is that Osho? I don't know what it is but Indian accents and trance, a match made by Brahma. Expect a lot of good trancological karma and extraordinary soundscapes coming your way for this track. 4. 6EQJE5 - I mean are we here to party or what. That's rhetorical, Just fuck. Goddamn. 2:30 is all you need to know you're about to listen to one of the best trance tracks created. 6EQJE5, remember that one if you can, it's for your own good. There's nothing I can say that would be better than listening to this track. 5. Concerta - The bassline of this track got me stoned which makes it hard to think about what to write. I got it! No I lost it. YES! No it's gone. A crazy good track with celestial melodies that warp around every part of your consciousness. 6. Atmospheres painted by RA float in the background of this track and when the kickdrum came in I realized I didn't know it wasn't there. Matan & Navad know how to create cool worlds with sounds, and flounce those skills in your face on Visit Earth (Live Mix). I can't call it a favourite because each track pretty much is at this point. 7. Dance Float - Aaaaah Haha its on baby. Did you all check in on time? Bring your passports? Remember not to bring more than 50ml of liquids that aren't in a ziplocked bag? Leave your aerosols at home? Because this space ship ain't waiting around. Boom fucking Boom man. A speed of light banger that gives and gives and gives. Special surprises for us everywhere. But how the song composes it's finale is the most special, like lightening strikes of energy this song rocks. 8. Like every track so far Spacestation gains momentum along the journey. But Spacestation decides to swing you between calm (By Sykespico's standards) and crazy atmospheres. As soon as you think the calm is winning the crazy spreads its tentacles of psychedelic euphoria open, slowly engrossing every part it's electrified world. 9. Perlimor Star If you didn't already realise the crazy amazing atmospheres that these guys are compelled to create, you'll soon learn (I haven't head stuff like this since listening to Ra!) This could just as well have been an album opener as well as a closer. Beautiful slow trance that grows bigger and bigger. That grooves up and beyond. Did I just get transported to a the beginning of a new beautiful world being created? No... I got transported to a land of soaring energy that dances across the galaxy. But good guess. ~ If we are going to call Constellation by MP a cross between Mindsphere & Astral Projection. And Jaraluca's fits into the category of Psylent Budhi, Morphic Resonance & Pleaidians, which I agree with completely. Well then i'm going to liken this to a love child between Ra, Jannis & yes, Pleaidians...They get around. I think Celestial Intelligence might have christened the little bastard. I don't know what to say. It's just excellent unexpected stuff. Its exciting and energetic and a whole bunch of other nice words. This will surely be my album of year. This might be the best album of trance i've heard. But Sykespico already knew that, didn't they? Time will tell if this album really is as good as I think it is, but so far 8 listens in nothing has changed other than my favorite tracks. Magic https://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com/album/perspective
  11. It's big, it's beautiful, it's Median Project - Constellation Artist: Median project Album: Constellation Label: Suntrip Records Release: May 20, 2019 Tracklist:- 1. Antidote 2. Mission Adept 3. It Is Not Possible 4. Infinite Space 5. On The Edge 6. Pandora's Box 7. Sand Of Time 8. Sunrise 9. The Constellation Of Aries This review is about what is in my opinion one of the most extraordinary release of modern Goa to date. An Album that encapsulates the cosmic tone of the genre in it's own unique and captivating way. Personally I can honestly say that only 3 or 4 other albums have ever granted me this much excitement, and none of those have been been in this style and this style is by far my favourite. This album is not another level, it is the level. If your brain converts sound into colours and shapes then this is going be one vibrant journey of electricity. The album art by ShivaOMArt really says it all as far as the spectrum of colours that you are going to be blasted through goes. You're going to experience warm rust pyramids filled with gold, strokes of amber splashed across azure temples and gas giants of cerulean creating reactions with scarlets. You might even spot some periwinkle In the distance. 'Yea yea, it sounds amazing but it's not a game changer' 'Sorry huh? What did you just? Not a game changer for whom good sir & madam?' It is certainly a game changer for Sergey who has advanced his skill to another level. The layers are as balanced as a spirit level placed by Vladimir Shukhov himself, the leads rip through the other sounds and at times dance around in prisms of energy above your head while at other times zip through your head taking you to star nebula's. Vocal samples nestle themselves neatly into tracks where they are placed, but it's really the other elements that make these tracks stand out. The dial tone in Mission Adept, the boombastic roar in It Is Not Possible & the unforgettable screeches for the first 4 minutes of Sand Of Time, my god even a 4 second sample of that track gives my brain dopamine thrush. The melody of Sunrise & The Constellation Of Aries make me drive exactly 4 kilometres over the speed limit with a huge smile on my face. It's all cosmic Goa, but not like you have heard before. Median Project has placed more emphasis on the moments that really make a track stand out, the introductions and outro's have been given more detail, the tracks have been filled with 'Bigger' sounds and more effort has been placed into introducing periphery sounds that make every listen unique. I have had this album since it's release, so I have had plenty of time to listen to it, the honeymoon period is over and I can with all certainty say that this production of art is up there with the greats of the genre and the broader spectrum of Psytrance. What Median Project has done is find a way to take cosmic goa up to the next stage of its evolution, I can consider this album an advancement towards the style that others (Hopefully) will build on. It does have all the NeoGoa elements that some people (Not Tsotsi) often find tiresome but the arrangements are what keep this exciting. For those of you that think that this genre has nothing new to add, crank this up when the sun goes down and prepare yourself for a visit to solar systems far away. As always I would like to thank Sergey for taking the time to deliver this masterpiece to us and making the world that much more colourful for it. His hard work really does pay off. Thanks to all others involved in the project including Suntrip for an interstellar addition to their catalogue. One Final word. The description of the album calls this Astral Projection meets Mindsphere, but I think we can surely agree that from now on this is pure Median Project an artist unto himself. https://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com/album/median-project-constellation
  12. Artist: Total Eclipse Title: Tokyo Live 1998 Label: Suntrip Records Date: April 1st, 2019 Track list: 1. Electro Gismo (Live) 2. Defrost (Live) 3. Kikamboot (Live) 4. Partycles (Live) 5. Sunrise (Live) 6. Collapsar (Live) 7. Miyukette (Live) 8. Chaotic Circus (Live) 9. Free Lemonade (Live) 10. Space Clinic (Live) 11. Are You Abducted (Live) 12. Psychedelic Terrorist (Live) Total Eclipse is one of the most influential Goa groups from the golden age. Tokyo Live 1998 is a re-mastered album filled with unreleased tracks and different versions from a set that was played in Tokyo in 1998. Being a fan of the group and someone who also has their classics, Violent Relaxation and Delta Aquarids, I was pleasantly surprised (to put it mildly) when I discovered the existence of this album-- nostalgic yet timeless. This would have been a classic from the golden age had it released in 1998. 1. Electro Gismo (Live) -- I never heard any version of this track before. The song's equipped with a catchy, organic-esque effect, like marbles or Chinese balls being shaken around the beat, but more integrated (like a melody). It's very nice and organic sounding. There's an intense climax early on. The synth is a bit harsh a la Crop Circles, but adds rough excitement to the danceable whole. Act 2 is great, returning to the groovy, more exploratory opening feel with greater depth and complexity. I like that the last act grew darker, more brooding and dramatic while remaining bouncy and fun. A- 2. Defrost (Live) -- This track develops tension and buildup before exploding into multiple, elaborate climaxes. The sound/melody work is fluid and infectious, resulting in a stomping sound frenzy with no shortage of growth and development. Moreover, there is a dark undercurrent synth (like Juno Reactor but refreshingly different) at its core. The song is wild, dynamic and fun, and bound to get blood pumping. It grows increasingly tasty and sinister, and the narrative/arc is excellent. Super track. A 3. Kikamboot (Live) -- Begins a little indecisive, but its direction becomes clearer, more psychedelic, and congruent in the second minute. A catchy, twangy synth compliments the music at 2:00, and the synth work grows increasingly catchy from 3:27 forward. The song's less climactic approach is a nice change after the previous sandstorm, allowing for more experimental sound/melody work. I was expecting more from the last act considering the previous two tracks seemed to develop more ear candy/development in Act 3. Besides a few short comings, the pure Goa sound is nice. This is a good track! B+ 4. Partycles (Live) -- Starts with the classic wind up the [insert inanimate object] bedtime melody (you'll know when you hear it) that got my attention. The first two minutes were a little slow, but led to a delectable accent at 2:30 that worked wonders until more substance arrived at 3:12. Here I jelled to the music. The song gradually transforms into a dark, edgy, and rhythmically contagious gem thanks to a strong second and third act. Somehow the song manages to infect in its last minute, whereas most songs are in cool-down. I simply wish the first act was a little more congruent, but I'm nitpicking since ideal Goa songs generally get better as they progress. Though I like the previous track, I'm more hooked by the feel and tone in this one. The song develops into a more comprehensive vision in the second half and rewards the listener. A- 5. Sunrise (Live) -- Is atmospheric and unpredictable. The track makes great use of its main melody and is complimented with a trance-inducing (quickly dribbling/repeating) synth. It's so catchy! I love the key changes that support the story (narrative), and the feels! The artists follow their vision to fruition, and at one point accelerate us through some darkly unexpected terrain thanks to an upgrade (of sorts) at 4:45. The interlude that follows allows for a reiteration in development and an adrenalized climax, and I won't reveal the unexpected ending. Sunrise (Live) is a tight story-driven gem that knows when to captivate us with sleek as b@lls (!) sequences, and when to chill out and just be. A- 6. Collapsar (Live) -- Follows off the ending of the previous track. We're floating in a neon sky that grows darker almost seemingly on point. Here the alien-influenced night-life emerges. Little firefly soundscapes echo around a growing sense of TENSION. We get some elegant piano-esque notes halfway through, though the song's general sound is moody, mature, dark, and engaging. The middle act develops into an attractive, musical sub-vision from the main arc, totally unexpected. Yet underneath it all is that darkly rich and engrossing (core) bass line and synth. The last act is good too, full of insectoid pops and clicks that sparkle the atmosphere with greater detail and luminescence. The song is further proof that the artists are great at combining light and dark (duality). A 7. The Antidote - Miyukette (Live) -- Gives us 20 seconds until the latch breaks and the music flies out the gate like a dragon full of fury. The melodies really pop in this track. The artists combine soft/euphoric sounds with grittier textures and some juicier, more colourful tunes with expanded development in arrangement (!). The result is an infectious, musical Goa song that's great for both home listening and dance floors/festivals. The middle act is excellent, increasing the storytelling drive with a greater sense of purpose. The artists take risks thanks to a desire and passion to experiment and always push further. I'm not a fan of the briefly repeating effect at 2:50, but it's through experimenting that we're exposed to so much ingenuity on both the song and overall album, and the last act is homogeneously solid. A- 8. Chaotic Circus (Live) -- Begins as if it's part-way into an uplifting, uptempo song believe it or not. Somehow the artists manage to make it work (I don't even want to know how). We're treated to a sonic fusion of melodies, like a famous Goa anthem. The arrangement is reworked at 2:00, maintaining its energetic feel before returning to the main melody and arrangement that inspired the opening act. Chaotic Circus is simpler than the other tracks, but very good/great nonetheless. I see this as a fun transitional piece-- though it's a main song obviously, between the more elaborate, ambitious ones. B+ 9. Free Lemonade (Live) -- "In the future, be more careful from whom you accept free lemonade." -- Ahhh... the classic track from back in the day (Delta Aquarids album). Think Close Encounters of the Third Kind if that film had a Goa theme. The song is accented with the sample before escalating into a cyclonic twister (around its signature theme sound) in the second minute. Free Lemonade is a darkly melodic track. Nonetheless, it doesn't feel as superior after hearing the slew of great songs on this album. The song builds towards two very cyclonic waves, reflecting its characteristic title that merely reflects the sample, otherwise the song could have been called something else. Great track! A- 10. Space Clinic (Live) -- Begins with one of the harshest, edgiest synths. My girlfriend feels that the first 1:45 is too rough. I think it's great. The track maintains its focus until 2:30 when the sounds drop out. This part lingers a bit, enhanced by a beeping (like one of those old telephone centers) effects that regains interest until a terrific climax at 3:35. The climactic segment develops well and although it's the last stand-out event on the track, the song feels complete (and completely solid) through its final moments. A- 11. Are You Abducted (Live) -- "What the hell are you doing man!!!" is the sample that sets the tone early on. This track feels unrestrained (in a good way). Some of the sound/melody work, e.g., 2:46-- is superb. When I hear songs like this, I shake my head at how this album never got a proper release until now. The ride reaches a second climax before diving into an infectiously acidic pool. A perk that's grown on me is the fading out of the track before the emergence of the beat. This helps to front new-- crunchier, darker, catchier, more psychedelic development, accented with an electric guitar. Super song! A 12. Psychedelic Terrorist (Live) -- Well this is different. We get some surreal sounds coupled with fast breaks early on. The first few minutes are catchy, e.g., a bouncy synth in the first act. Having heard so much by this group, I was expecting the song to grow increasingly infectious. Maybe it's just me, but the second act (part) to this track via 2:27 does little to hook me. It sounds a little too noisy and muddled for my taste, and I'm not a big fan of the arrangement. I do like the interlude at 3:07 to 3:42, and the zippy feel of the song. It's energetic and danceable. I like the returning energy/climax at 3:43 too. But I'm on the fence with the returning synth combinations in the last act, but that's me! Obviously the song was made for fun, to be thought-free (kick back and move). In that sense, I can see this being a fun party/dance track with the right crowd. I just prefer the group's more elaborate, ambitious work that's also fun and so broadly showcased above. B+ Conclusion 12 tracks and a handful of A songs is just part of the reason to get this album. Suntrip took one of the best unreleased Goa albums from the golden age and gave it a beautiful re-mastering and re-issue. Total Eclipse was never one (or three via trio of artists) to skimp on being elaborate, ambitious, imaginative, and visionary, and this is no exception. The music is punchy, tight, elaborate, and dark. It takes risks, had an expansive, flexible sound, and is fun! Thanks to the stellar mastering, we can hear every sound and detail. Everything is so crisp! It helps that the track list is healthy, full of top tracks. This is such a respectfully well done and appreciative release, kind of a gift/blessing for fans of Goa music. I own Violent Relaxation and Delta Aquarids, both great albums, classics in the genre. Tokyo Live (1998) is a stellar release that showcases some of the best songs in the genre that were never released until now. I just don't get it. This album is a huge surprise. Some of the tracks are INSANE!!! The sound/melody (synth) work is so catchy!!! Songs have character. They're dynamic, unpredictable, and visionary. Furthermore they have strong narratives. When was the last time you even read that about a Goa album? Pleiadians, RA, Cosmosis, D5, Filteria, and Khetzal (among most of our favourite Goa artist/groups) have strong narratives. They understand storytelling and how to structure a song to keep us engaged in the plot (narrative) throughout. This often involves a string of events along the way, but sometimes Total Eclipse packs so much plot into their songs that it's quite frankly amazing when they go all out. Granted there was a moment or two (here and there) that I found less stellar, but the overall track-visions, sound/melody work, and direction is terrific! While some songs have stronger narrative arcs than others, having good storytelling (direction) is huge. I love the sound/melody work on this album! The group also develops their arrangements, one of my biggest gripes with the otherwise great Morphic Resonance album, Perplexity (at times). Give me something with more developed arrangements. This album does that, and it was made in 1998! Moreover, it takes risks! The songs not only develop, they evolve. I've heard so much Goa that doesn't develop or evolve the music to THIS Degree, where THIS much change takes place at times. All in all, I'm not one to put every Suntrip album on a pedestal. I never cared for Denshi Danshi or the Prānā remix album, seemed lazy and uninteresting to me, not even worth buying. But this album, despite not every track being an A (from me) is fantastic! If you're a Goa purist, this is a must own release. Tokyo Live (1998) is more than a live set from 1998. It's a re-mastering of unreleased tracks and different versions, and some of the best songs Total Eclipse has ever made. It's been a while since I enjoyed a newly released Goa album this much. Prayers that this attracts everyone who loves Goa music. Although nothing is perfect, not even Pleiadian's IF.O. in my opinion, this is a super album!!! 4.5 / 5 HIGHLIGHTS: Defrost (!!), Partycles (!), Sunrise (!!), Collapsar (!!!), The Antidote - Miyukette (!!), Free Lemonade (!!), Space Clinic (!!), Are You Abducted (!!!) Reference links -- Samples / Buy https://suntriprecords.com/release/cat/SUNCD55/ https://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com/album/tokyo-live-1998
  13. 1.1 KhetzaL - Garden of Nyagrodha Trees 1.2 Cosmic Dimension - Deviant Behaviour 1.3 Triquetra - Electronomic 1.4 Sykespico - Visit Earth 1.5 Hada - Emaginary 1.6 Crossing Mind - Over Time Frame 1.7 Clementz - Trilafon 1.8 Median Project - Life Line 2.1 Battle Of the Future Buddhas - Faster Than Light 2.2 Cosmic Serpent - Fractal Colors 2.3 Everything Turns - Darkness Falls 2.4 Proxeeus - ...But the Joke's On Mankind 2.5 Triquetra - Torturing The Machine 2.6 Morphic Resonance - Wonderland 2.7 Ka-Sol - Hysterical Mass 2.8 Hada - Magic Of Nature NOTE: Each track review is being updated as I hear this more over winter break. The 50th Parallel is a 2 CD compilation that celebrates Suntrip's 15th year as a Goa-Trance label. The first CD is dedicated to the sun, and is more melodic. The second CD is dedicated to the moon, and features darker Goa-Trance. CD 1 1.1 KhetzaL - Garden of Nyagrodha Trees has such a clean, organic sound. The song includes almost everything you'd expect from one of Suntrip's most beloved artists, e.g., crisp melodies, sounds, and harmonies in healthy, warm atmosphere. The song is very homogenous, developing gradually. A part of me feels that the first half could have been punchier and more memorable despite the elegant Eastern-Indian influence and attention to detail. There is a beautiful interlude in the forth minute. The energy increases at 5:48 and is accented at 6:18, and this is where I felt most immersed, thanks to the exciting, psychedelic development. At 6:44, the artist alters the arrangement, adds fresh sounds, and key notes. It's beautiful. Before the journey's end, the listener is rewarded with a beautiful, climactic finale that's almost too good for words. All in all, the first two acts were solid; they could have stood out more. Thankfully, the world grew into something more enchanting and enjoyable as we progressed. Great track. B+ / A- 1.2 Cosmic Dimension - Deviant Behaviour begins with a beautiful, ambient-influenced opening. It sounds like it should be in a Castlevania film and deserves its own [non Goa] song. Act 1 is more psytrance oriented (to some degree) until an attractive synth enters at 2:47. It's very nice! After a beat-free transition, Act 2 begins. It starts out similar to Act 1. Actually, 3:42 to 4:35 could have developed more; it got fairly repetitive, but the second part of Act 2 (forth minute) is curious, more exploratory. Here the acidic synths fade for a more traveling, unexpected, and atmospheric offering, and although my girlfriend felt that the middle act was less memorable, I liked the non-acidic shift in sound. Variety is good, and this middle act, though lacking in a star sound or element to punch it up more, made the song more interesting to me. The last act is solid too. I enjoyed the climactic, dance-friendly synth at 7:17 that elevates the energy in its final minutes. Good track! B+ 1.3 Triquetra - Electronomic -- I just reviewed Triquetra's Ecstatic Planet (2018) album that included some of my favourite songs of the year. The first two minutes alone are great. An intense synth arrives at 2:31. It's too in-my-face loud, but ignites the music. The supporting synths is creative. The music is varied, and the 2:31 lead thankfully disappears at 3:38. A brief transition takes us to Act 2, a trippy segment with an edgy synth at 3:57. It's smart and punchy. The brief accents and nuances are delectable, strengthening the second act. After a brief drumroll via 5:25, I feel like the artists' missed an opportunity to elevate the final act. It's catchy, but the last few minutes (I feel) did little to improve the whole, as if the artists' ran out of ideas or ingredients early. Musically I like the complex, punchy sound/melody work and mixing. This is a tight track that ends with a tight continuation in development rather than a bang. That said, the song takes risks, sounds distinct. It's engaging and stands out. Strong track! B+ 1.4 Sykespico - Visit Earth has one of the best dramatic opening tunes (like a symphony) I've ever heard in a Goa song. It's so simple and captivating. It adds FEELS (!!!). As the beat kicks in, so does the empowering tune that grounds the music emotionally. The first act is excellent, simply in that it merges the dramatic (epic/backdrop) tune with strong sound/melody work and atmosphere. After the 3:11 transition, I would have loved if the middle act maintained the feels, taking us to new, dramatic highs. The artist(s) remove the emotive theme however, opting for a punchier, higher octane approach and it works! The Hallucinogen-esque synths at 3:37 are excellent, maintaining an infectious sound across the forth minute that knows when to end via 4:30. The second part of Act 2 (4:51) involves new synths and sounds. It's catchy, though it feels like it could have been in a different song. The Eastern-Indian melody from 5:58 to 6:25 I could have done without. Some of these elements are underwhelming to the wonderful, dramatic opening that seemed so storytelling perfect. Fortunately, the signature tune returns for Act 3 at 6:25, anchoring us with the hook and feels before the terrific synth at 7:19. The song took longer to fade out than necessary, but that's a nitpick. Although the middle act (at times) could have been a little more congruent and complimentary to the opening/closing acts, this is one of my favorite tracks on the compilation. Well done. A- 1.5 Hada - Emaginary reminds me of Ka-Sol. No intro. Hard beat and accompanied sound. The first 2-3 times I heard this song, I didn't like it. I can't deny that the core sound though is pretty hypnotic, psychedelic. Around it, creepy FX echo across the soundscapes. There are some catchy synths in the first act, but the music gets repetitive and less interesting by (somewhere in) the third minute. A much needed and improved change takes place at 4:32 where the music feels more confident, congruent, and satisfying. We soon return to less memorable sound/melody work (by comparison), but the creepy atmosphere is very nice! The seventh minute on grew increasingly more interesting and warped. Weirder doesn't always mean better, and by the eighth minute, the song becomes a little too dependent and repetitive on the distorted effect, before switching gears to something more solid that avoids repetition from being shorter. I'm back and forth with how good I think this song is. It has some very good/great elements, but it's one of the less interesting and engaging songs on the album for me. That said, this is a pumping dark number for the less conventional crowd. B- 1.6 Crossing Mind - Over Time Frame begins with an enchanting opening. It's like something out of a romantic sci-fi film or fantasy fable. Is it possible for the artist to develop a track with the more enchanting sound developing throughout (I wonder)? I'm thinking Chi.A-D. for inspiration but taking it further. Occasionally I hear an intro by Crossing Mind, and it's so sublime that I wish the song was mid or down-tempo to increase its chances of retaining the warm sound throughout. I've been following CM ever since the release of their album, The Inner Shift in 2012. hoping that one day they'd return to the futuristic and super funky candy land of sounds that made their Inner Shift album so memorable and endearing. The first act was decent. It could have been more interesting and varied with ideas, as it became fairly monotonous until a tune arrives at 3:00. The transition at 3:25 led to more gripping development at 3:40, and the song hooked me from there. I enjoyed the synths at 4:38, the trippy transition, and how the psychedelic infected the last act. That said, the last act seemed so short-lived. It could have done more and in that sense, felt underwhelming to me. The final cloud-walking segment was nice. B+ 1.7 Clementz - Trilafon begins with a wave of dark and atmospheric ambient. It's interesting. The first act builds a psychedelic rhythm with distinct sounds. It's pretty good, but grows repetitive. The artist(s) disengage a floating hymn, but we need something to vary up the sound, to keep us hooked. At 4:26 we get our answer. This next part is radically different, lower in tone, deeper in sound, and incorporates some experimental (?), almost funky electronic work to the mix. I like that the music broke free and opted to do something different and catchy. The last act via 6:11 incorporates fresh energy, development, and synths. The music here felt more flexible and realized. The artist even reprises a synth and accent from Act 2 that enhances the music, bringing the best elements together. The song is less memorable, elaborate, and felt a little minor compared to some of the other tracks IMO, but I liked it. B 1.8 Median Project - Life Line a refreshingly sleek and dualistic journey track. The song has feels (!), determination, and optimism. Act 1 is interesting and engaging, thanks to strong sound/melody work and atmosphere. The melodies are tight, psychedelic, and tastefully layered without sounding too acidy. My only complaint with the first act is that it could have used a little more variety, nuance, and development as it progressed. Act 2 lets its bouncy (very nice) tunes breathe, introducing harmony to the storytelling development. The end of the 5th minute involving a band of melodies moving together is elegant, gripping, and beautiful. Act 3 adds fresh ingredients and ingenuity, maintaining the inspirational sound I often miss in Goa. The track is traveling and easy to digest. It develops and evolves, and is easily one of my favorite songs on both CD's. Great work!!!! A- NOTE: I googled Median Project to learn that his main album released in 2018. It's in the Psynews review thread, In the Depth of Space (and it's good). CD 2 2.1 Battle Of the Future Buddhas - Faster Than Light begins with an interesting sample and synth. The synth at 1:14 is good, though the minor tune (segment) at 1:44 was less engaging. A brief transition takes us into the more psychedelic second act thanks to stronger synths from 2:45 to 3:29. The synths exit without something catchier from 3:30 to 4:16, and I feel that something more interesting could have replaced it. Another solid part is at 5:13 where the song rebounds. But I really liked when the 1:14 synth returned at 6:14 mixing in with the remaining music. This synth is so simple and catchy. Why not build on that catchy sound rather than have it infrequently come and go? Why not build stronger segments around it? I suppose I'm nit picking since the song does have a pretty catchy sound to it. The last two minutes were good. I just expected more as a whole coming from the legendary BotFB. B 2.2 Cosmic Serpent - Fractal Colors is very psychedelic and atmospheric. We get an icy synth at 1:38 and at 2:11, it sounds like a pianist playing an ice cube piano (catchy)! Once that leaves, the music felt less focused. The psychedelic backdrop remained, and the icy (ascending/descending) effect at 2:32 was good. Unfortunately, without more emphasis on sound/melody work, the song becomes almost too abstract for its own good. An attractive synth enters at 4:14, though minimal in development, short-lived. Could this part not have led to something more exciting and fun? The last act builds on the artistry. But I feel that the sound/melody work is triumphed by the imaginative world of textures and atmosphere. Missing for me are tunes, melodies, leads, buildup, climax, feels! Have fun with it, but being mindful of your crowd. Hallucinogen's Twisted and The Lone Deranger albums for instance were both fun while being wildly inventive. I admire the ambition. This is trippy track with some great elements, plenty of experimentation, and some clever sound usage, mixing, and editing. Just make it more fun the next time around! B 2.3 Everything Turns - Darkness Falls has a solid introduction that develops nicely. The atmosphere is good. The synths are lively, characteristic, and fun. The song continuously sculptures (improves on) itself. It flows well. There's no big event or climax, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'd like to hear a main album by this artist showcasing the variety of greatness (in dark Goa) that he can do. Each act is focused, punchy, and beautifully mixed, with soundscapes, accents-- enough to keep me hooked. A nitpick is the sound at 4:02. It's not bad, but it stands out so much that the song feels a little less creative, and more repetitive from 4:01 to 5:22. The sound continues, altered like a supporting synth, and I don't feel like it enhanced the song in any way, although it's not bad (there's plenty of great sound mixing around it). That said, Act 2 met rather than exceeded my expectations. Darkness Falls is a strong track, and the first one I'm calling a favourite on CD 2. A- 2.4 Proxeeus - ...But the Joke's On Mankind begins dark and mysterious. The main melody enters at 1:21-- a bouncy, ebullient synth. It's good and the supporting sounds add to the dance friendly number. Around unique accents, e.g., 2:25, the artist continuously switches out ingredients, no matter how subtle, to support the main melody. The latter could have grown repetitive, bland, but it doesn't, and I think I'd enjoy this song most on the dance floor. We get our first break from the main melody at 4:48. The segment adds variety and the few drum accents are nice, though a bit brief. The last act seemed more refined, with new variation, note changes, and minor details. I liked the atmospheric interlude because of the chilling sound, like the stirring of a Tibetan bowl at 7:50, and that it continued beyond the interlude, into the main music's return. Little things like that are unexpected, creative, and catchy, a duding to the fun. Although the song has a similar sound from the lead, I feel that the approach works, especially for dancing. This is a trancey fun song! B+ 2.5 Triquetra - Torturing The Machine continues the unconventional approach. The first several minutes are a fairly experimental and feature little more than buildup to the best parts. I wasn't hooked until 2:27 thanks to the synths. But the song's first half has issues. It seems indecisive in development. The interlude from 3:20 to 4:26 was too long considering its purpose (basically) was to get us to 4:24 where things take off. Everything past 4:24 was so much more enjoyable thanks to the beautiful sound/melody development. Also, the mechanized atmospheric effect (whatever sounds excellent. It's frustrating that the first or second act by these artists is often so underwhelming compared to the rest of the song. Compared to Electronomic, I'll take a superior second half over a less memorable third act almost any day of the week. I hope this positively influences the artists because they're very talented and have endless potential. I love that this song kept improving throughout the second half. In short, the music started at 4:24 for me. Everything else was forgettable. Once the song grew confident, decisive, and a set of balls halfway through, it was [still is] a pleasure to listen to. B+ 2.6 Morphic Resonance - Wonderland is like JAWS on a bad trip. The song has a few short-lived murky spots before rebounding to stronger waters. The core sound (baseline and synth) is solid, stands out. The first few minutes are electric, fully charged and captivating. The synths grow to be magnetic at 1:38, again at 1:50, and crossing into the third minute. I love the supporting synths and atmosphere around the leads. The first act is exciting, punchy, and intense. The arrangement (being so short) in the third minute grew slightly repetitive, but i'm nitpicking. The middle (4th minute) act started out great, but from 4:22 to 4:49 the music sounded too muddled (over-stuffed with layers), producing an unpleasant (less punchy, focused) on the ears. This took away from an otherwise stellar song (thus far). Having something less maximal and refreshing in place of 4:22 to 4:49 would have better better, and I hope this feedback helps to improve things. The music rebounded soon after, but something about the sixth minute was less punchy (dynamic?) and did little to hook me. The energy of the music is strong, sure, but it's missing something that made the song's first half so tight. Fortunately, the seventh minute onward grew increasingly magnetic, and the finale is fantastic! That's what I'm talking about! My issue here is the same recurrent one I had on the artist's 2018 album, Perplexity. Around its few less captivating moments, this is a great track that showcases some amazing work by one of Suntrip's best artists since Filteria! A- 2.7 Ka-Sol - Hysterical Mass remind's me of Hada's Emaginary to some degree. No intro (well okay, a brief one), and a hard beat and sound at 0:24. The distorted effect to the music is unique, hypnotic. It's also repetitive and went on for too long. Act 2's soundscapes were nice, adding something different. But the synths sound more like effects then actual sound/melody development. I imagine that was the intention. I find this song so hard (literally, the beat), repetitive, and chaotic though, due in part to the relentless core 0:24 sound that I lose interest. It's too much. I'm looking for a focus, a lead to hook onto, something to enjoy. Act 2 breaks the beat in place of a trippy segment, followed by a catchy bopping accent. Both are nice, and some synths (initially) seemed catchy. But the music ultimately grew too muddled and repetitive for me, despite the end even having some pleasant (less jarring) work. This song is a relentless dark stomper that's sure to appeal to some. Give the song a listen and decide. Different perspectives is what adds to the whole anyway, but I digress. I'm sure some will connect with the music and enjoy this more than I did. Hysterical Mass is just not my cup of tea. C+ 2.8 Hada - Magic Of Nature is a bit of a mixed bag. Parts are rich and engaging, while other parts are repetitive and bland. The first act starts okay before devolving into monotony from 1:32 to 2:35. Repeating the same short arrangement, primarily when it's not very good, over and over again is one way to lose your audience. After a quick fade out, the music returns at 3:31 with more creativity and development. Act 2 is a huge improvement that's topped with a strong lead at 3:54 that adds variety. Why couldn't the first act have been better considering this is the same artist who did the second act? Unfortunately, the synths (general sound) from 4:23 to 5:41 grew repetitive. The music soon rebounded, thanks to an infectious, bouncy synth at 5:47. This is a terrific part, but after a short while it became less satisfying as the music crossed the sixth minute, offering little to further develop, enhance, or reboot the climax after the lead's disappearance. This resulted in a less memorable last 1-2 minutes. The last act could have been great, but it's good intermittently. Magic Of Nature is boring one minute, and exciting the next, and that's the issue. You have to ride your winning horses, stick to (and develop) your best work. I feel like this song along with Ka-Sol's would have been better on a different compilation. It makes sense that Suntrip wanted to offer different styles of dark Goa-Trance. They succeeded. I'm simply less a fan of these last two songs. B- Conclusion For a double CD, The 50th Parallel showcases music that is sometimes marvelous, often times great, and few times disappointing. Both albums are very good, but far from perfect. I heard impressive work by many artists including: Median Project, Sykespico, Everything Turns, Triquetra, Morphic Resonance, Proxeeus, Khetzal, and Crossing Mind, and was surprised by the unconventional approaches that some of the artists took. It's fun to see artist's taking risks (at times), and Goa music continue to expand, to some degree. I feel like Suntrip was mindful to avoid generic Goa. But a few of the songs I didn't like. Maybe the inclusion of BotFB, two Hada songs along, and KaSol's was to attract fans who may be less inclined to buy Suntrip albums unless they see a familiar artist. I don't know and am merely speculating. I wish the few weaker songs were replaced with stronger ones obviously, but at least most of the songs were good. A nitpick is that there are a couple songs on CD 1 that sounded dark to me, and I thought CD 1 was supposed to showcase the light? I'm not sure where I'd rank The 50th Parallel compared to Suntrip's previous compilations. Time will tell. It's very good overall and worth checking out, especially for those who are fans of quality light (more melodic) and dark styles of Goa-Trance. Very nice artwork and cover btw! Favorite Tracks: CD 1 ... 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 CD 2 ... 3, 4, 5, 6 B+ Sample / Order https://www.suntriprecords.com/releases/ https://www.suntriprecords.com/release/cat/SUNCD50/ https://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-50th-parallel
  14. Quick quick, before the end of the year a review of another Suntrip album must be written! Artist: Denshi Danshi Label: Suntrip Records Format: CD and Digital Released: October 19, 2018 Tracklist: 01. Parallel Universe (Original Mix) 08:28 02. Starjna (Original Mix) 08:58 03. Leave The World Behind (Original Mix) 09:55 04. Alpha Omega (Original Mix) 07:59 05. Blink Of An Eye (Original Mix) 07:41 06. Brain Chemistry (Original Mix) 09:31 07. Sukha (Original Mix) 10:12 08. Lemmon 714 (Original Mix) 07:33 09. The Upside Down (Original Mix) 08:37 Lovely title, lovely cover. Denshi Danshi are a duo from France. Earlier they released Fluid Dynamics with some older unreleased tracks. I admit that it didn't grab my attention. I wasn't in for the old sound. But here they deliver a modern goa album filled with some heavy dancing monsters. Parallel Universe uses screeching acid lines surrounded by a lush melodic atmosphere. Very trancy! A bright opener. Starjna starts with a rolling bassline. Without hesitating, goa melodies fly around. All parts of the song flow into one another so organic. Beautiful. Technically this is very strong. But also story-wise, it is very intriguing and pleasant. A bouncy track! Leave The World Behind has a darker forest-like bassline, less my style. The centre of the track involves real psychedelic goa melodies. Besides the gloomier bassline underneath, the song breathes power, light and dancing legs. It gets better and better near the end. Alpha Omega is a multi-layered bomb. Very acidic, uplifting and bubbly. It has it all. Again crisp production. Ace track. And very danceable. A tad darker is Blink Of An Eye. A linear track that goes for the hypnotic feel. Not mesmerizing, but will do the job on the floor. The title track Brain Chemistry has my love. This is pure trance. How the epic break is surrounded by goa elements is superb. The rest of the track oozes speed and energy. Sukha blesses us with a lovely and addictive heavy bassline throughout the whole track. Things get real psychedelic here. I would go completely mental when I would hear this at a party. The track runs for more than 10 minutes and offers a lot in that time. Very exciting and warm! The drop at 6:43 is funny as hell. Lemmon 714 is the easier track here. It's hard to be amongst all those other dancefloor stompers. Make no mistake, this is no resting track. But compared to the rest of the album, this one takes it easy. Not my favorite and not memorable, but good to slow it down a little before the end. The final track The Upside Down is again slower. Denshi Danshi goes for a soft landing. This is a very trancy track that will hypnotise you step by step. Good closing of the album. The way I sense it, there is no red line through this album, story- or structure-wise. That's not a bad thing though. All tracks display a clear beautiful sound and are made strictly for dancing. It's no cult or classic album, but when in need of a good and firm goa shot or some beats for in the car, pick a track and you're good to go. Or play this at home just before going to a party. It will get you all psyched up! I love it! Buy links Suntrip Records Bandcamp Beatport Psyshop
  15. Artist: E-Mantra Title: Stapanii Timpului Record label: Suntrip Records Release date: 25.08.2018 Tracklist: Total runtime: 66 minutes Intro: I dont think he needs an introduction but I'll do it anyway in case you were living in a cave for the past decade. E-Mantra is Emanuel Carpus from Romania and he has been making goa trance since early 2000s. He gained notoriety in the scene with the release of "Arcana" in 2009, and his sound is described as being profound, dark and melodic. I never could get into his music... up until now. The Review: Cover art: First things first- the cover art. It's absolutely and insanely good. I was never as impressed by any cover art as I was by this one. Made by Pieter Pan (lol). 7/7 1. Rusalka: We get thrown right into the fray. No easing into the album. The track starts with ice-cold, echoing, industrious sounds which remind me a lot of Pigs In Space. The track has a great, brooding psy-trancey drive that is contrasted by clear melodic goa effects. The track really peaked my interest for the album because it didn't show off too much and it didn't slack of in catching my attention either. 7/7 2. Ghost In The Mist: One word can describe this track: Alarming! It is notable for being acidic and pretty dark. Reminds me of Morphic Resonance's style a little bit, minus the volatile temperament. We are still in the plains- the track doesn't oscillate much. Steadily cooking you with 303. It is good but not the highlight of the album. 5/7 3. Ravenmocker: Oh man, the flow from @2:45 onward is so good. Has a great rhythm, drive and cooking ability- so much so that I can already imagine the people that are on psychedelics on the dance-floor being deep-fried by this track. In the fourth quarter of the track enter Etnica spaceship beep-boop sounds, followed by crazy screeching acid- culminating into a decent crescendo. 5/7 4. At The Foothills Of Kogaion: Warped voices lead the tempo of the track while the acid builds up around them. We get a little ray of sunshine near the end of the track which is a welcome addition but it is plagued by same repeating vocals and by this point they started annoying me even though I enjoyed them at the start. This feels as the second dance-floor oriented track on this album. 5/7 5. Typhoon's Wrath: Great dance-floor cookage again, very psychedelic but unremarkable. Follows the formula of previous tracks. Does its job. 4/5 6. Rise Of The Dacians: I really enjoyed this one. It's a bit warmer and lighter, and it is a welcome change after the acidic carnage we suffered through before it. Ethereal, echoey, atmospheric melodies in this track are signature E-Mantra. 6/7 7. Terp Muronivid Aivlsa: A highlight of the album. Track isn't as overwhelming as were the middle 3 tracks of the album, but it is still pretty heavy and in the spirit of the album. Feels very well planned and carefully crafted. Flows well and is catchy. @6:25 onward is absolutely brilliant and closes the track on a perfect note and impression. 7/7 8. Amorok Rising From Black Sea: I just love it when an album ends with a down/mid-tempo track, especially when it is as creative as this one is. In the beginning we've got some Koxbox' funky vibe going on. @3:25 it goes very serious and dark again, with these threatening and penetrating alien sounds. Very entrancing and groovy. And then it fades into silence. Great ending to the album. Love it to bits and it is my favorite track on here . 7+/7 Final rating: Great 6/7 You can stream and buy the album on Suntrip Records' bandcamp: https://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com/ Or main site: https://www.suntriprecords.com/release/cat/SUNCD51/
  16. Artis: Morphic Resonance Title: Perplexity Record label: Suntrip Records Tracklist: 1. Intro 3:03 2. The Creature 10:19 3. Return of the Bad Dreamer 10:02 4. Outer Limits (Limitless Mix) 10:00 5. Vektogram (Remix) 09:05 6. Twisted Reality 10:44 7. Hallucinatory Acid 07:01 8. Unreal 09:29 9. Ouija 09:57 Total runtime: 1h19mins (A pretty long album) Morphic Resonance is Cristian Fernandez from Spain who is mostly known for his explosive style and face-melting 303 lines incorporated with melodies summoned straight from the depths of Hell. His first release was in 2014 “Chromatic World EP" released by Neogoa Records, but his fame started with the release of "The City Of Moons" in 2016. "The City Of Moons" was voted for the best album of 2016 and I was among those who voted for it. No small feat, I should say, considering the fact that the jury on Psynews is ruthless and nitpicky. In 2017 he released his remix compilation of Pleiadians/Etnica/Crop Circles tracks "Trip To The Stars" on DAT Records which brought mixed reviews; personally I didn't like it. Note* I'm a big Alien fan and this album inspired my imagination in such a setting and I decided to share it. Hope you enjoy! If you don't, I'll leave a summery down bellow. Now lets get to the business shall we!? 1. Intro: This short piece introduces us with the setting that Cristian has in store for us. First 30 seconds are riddled with horror movie sounds, similar to those at the opening of "Thing" from The Delta. Then comes the percussive beat that induces the feeling that something is... wrong. Danger approaches! The Intro culminates into a distorted voice chant which altogether makes the intro very intense for what it is. It does its job of preparing the listener. I am ready! Show me what you got! 2. The Creature : "The perfect organism. It's structural perfection is matched only by it's hostility." A short intro leads into a beat which is followed by background percussion and loud bangs, creating the feeling that you are in a space station that is falling apart. The first thing I noticed in this track that is different from his previous music is that Cristian has grown much more patient. He is no longer lashing out- creating chaos; now he is calm and collected in his story-telling. The maze of destruction is well thought-out. It's sophisticated and in it creeps the perfect organism! This is a decently long track and I felt that the balance between intense parts of the track and the brakes was very well balanced. Not for a moment was I feeling overwhelmed. From there it slowly builds up into a rampaging climax. I am already speechless. Great track! 3. Return of the Bad Dreamer: This is where I started hearing hints of MFG influence in the form of evil melodies. @4:20 () is the highlight of the track for me which features a cool spatially dynamic and intense segment. This is story-telling made perfect imo. There is great diversity in this track alone to justify the long runtime. I am impressed with how Cristian made such a heavily atmospheric track but also maintaining the fast tempo. 4. Outer Limits (Limitless Mix): A simpler track compared to previous two. First 2/3rds of the track are repetative (not in a bad way) and at the end track speeds up. Parts are separated with a few brakes which feature echoing and landscape-y droning sounds. The atmosphere is very sinister. 5. Vektogram (Remix): Here the album picks up the pace and again embraces complexity. What I love about this track is the juicy bassline. I honestly find it hard to stay still. Need to head bang and throw my hands around to keep up with the energy that is channeling, tunneling through. Also there is this small segment starting @6:20 and lasts 15 seconds that I absolutely ADORE. Easily some of the evilest stuff I've heard. 6. Twisted Reality: Ok, seriously guys. Please confirm that you too hear the MFG influence in the melodies in the beginning?! After that we're back at instantly recognizable MR's melodies this time with a bouncier bassline. @6:50 there is an interesting change in pace. MFG-estic melodies creep in again. Very enjoyable and it gives me throwbacks into oldschool goa which is always welcome. This is definitely one of the highlights of the album. 7. Hallucinatory Acid: Is more psychedelic than it is dark- relying more heavily on melodies than on horror-y effects to set the mood. Equally driving as the tracks before it. Can you keep up? 8. Unreal: This time I'm hearing Hallucinogen's The Lone Deranger influences. The part starting @ 1:40 is pure malicious bliss. A marathon of psychedelia, tenacious, non-relenting. This track too sticks to the formula and ends with a bang. 9.Ouija: Starts with a foresty psy mood which then transits back to acidic melodies. Sonic spiriling vortexes open @5:50 with these cool buzzing sounds flying around you like bullets. Awesome effect. @7:15 we've got a building up climax that sounds like an alarm going off, then a little brake AAAAND then some more madness. Wow... what a bang to end the album with. Summery: An extremely dark goa trance album by Morphic Resonance. What is immediately apparent is the fact that the tracks are much more carefully structured than those from "The City of Moons." Cristian seems more patient to tell his horror story this time around. It's a long album by today's standard but he justifies that with a lot of variety and story-telling. It is fast, aggressive, has no chill and it will pound the living crap out of you. You can hear the 90's artists influence which is revamped and then infused, incorporated into MR's iconic style. I feel that this album is a stand-out. Very memorable, unique, inspired, creative and well executed. This comparison is unnecessary, but I wanna say that IMO this album is better than "The City of Moons", which in itself was a high standard to pass over. I don't even have a nitpick. In my eyes,erm...ears, this is a perfect album and a strong contender for this years album of the year. Masterpiece 7/7 You can stream the album on youtube and bandcamp, and if you enjoy it, support the artist and the label: https://suntriprecords.com/release/cat/SUNCD49/ https://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com/album/morphic-resonance-perplexity
  17. Artist: Ray Castle & Collaborators Title: Mystique of the Metaverse Label: Suntrip Records Date: February, 2018 1. Insectoid - Tribadelic Nomads (Feral mix) 2. Insectoid - Astrotrekker 3. Rhythmystec - Plutonica 4. Rhythmystec - Plasmatik 5. Rhythmystec - Cathexis 6. Rhythmystec - Stellium 7. Masaray - Time Traveler of Trance (Joyfull Natives Mix) 8. Insectoid - Omniscient 9. Sonic Sufi - Optimum Flux "Follow your bliss and don't be afraid." Ok. Like most of you I am a fan of Suntrip Records, but as a reviewer of their music I have to put aside my fangirling ways and immerse myself into the artist's work. And most of the time I come away with a positive experience. Allow me to introduce the first hiccup of 2018. There are a lot of things wrong with this release which seems more like a history lesson than a Suntrip album offering. I don't own the label or have any say in what they release and I surely don't want to offend the artist, but... was there a lot of demand for a Ray Castle album? This is a definite niche album that to me is attempting to capitalize on the everything old is gold momentum. Ray Castle worked under several project names and according to the headache inducing word salad album blurb found on the bandcamp page he was "one of the most distinguished trail-blazing legends of the nineties Goa movement.." Really? Ok I don't have a masters degree in goa trance history so I'll accept that on its face. The head of this fine label are in a way better position than I to determine that. So let's just talk about the music because I am one of those that appreciate music from the past finding its way to the present day. This label did a remarkable job with the Shakta, Prana, and Denshi Danshi releases. The Rhythmystec tracks were released in 95-96 and are decent if not dated. Different time, technology, yadda yadda yadda. I was excited about the Insectoid tracks because unlike the stuff from Rhythmystec I had never heard of this project. Two tracks from that project take up the first 17 minutes of this album and to say they were underwhelming would be an understatement. Omniscient would also fall into this category regrettably as did the Sonic Sufi track. They have the sound of early goa without many layers to give it depth. The best track for me was the Time Traveler of Trance remix as it sounded more like the goa trance I like. Personal preference of course. So for me I cannot recommend this album. If you're looking for blasting old school goa trance with crazy melodies you will come away from this disappointed. As I mentioned I see this as a niche album (which I will still be purchasing to support the label) appealing to fans of this project and the early goa sound. Suntrip Bandcamp Psyshop Beatspace
  18. Triquetra - Ecstatic Planet 1.Gate to Happiness 08:45 2.Stormbringer 08:31 3.No Unexpected Errors 07:50 4.Homonculus 08:57 5.Gargantuan Tribes (Live) 08:24 6.Starbirth 08:26 7.Psychic Dissonance 08:30 8.Chosen By The Gods 08:36 9.Helios 09:01 Fresh. It is the word I'd use to describe Ecstatic Planet. What this album avoids pretty well is using useless and predictable melodies and instead opts for absolutely vivid and odd sound design. It doesn't really follow the footsteps of modern post-2000 goa where all tracks share same intensity and melody structures, but instead it feels like it's molded from the same clay that Goa originally was. It sounds weird and at all times varied, aside from the screeching acid lines that might be a little over-abundant. It is highly danceable while remaining an interesting listen at home. You could throw tracks from this album to any compilation from the 90s and you'd have a hard time saying it's not from it. There is a clear ravey and unexpectingly alien sound to everything you hear. The highpoints of this album are fantastic(Gate To Happiness, No Unexpected Errors, Homonculus, Starbirth). There are moments that will undoubtetly wreck the dancefloors with their unconventional sounds. Homonculus is a perfect example of the album not conforming to the mainstream goa sound, it's just so weird. There is a melody at 2:00 that just sounds like your auditory nerves just went into overdrive. The tracks that fall a little short from the highpoints generally have too much repetition and can sound even a little bit aimless. Just about every track brings something new to the table for this album, and while it's not perfect, like some tracks engulf too much of the aforementioned problems, it has qualities that full albums don't always have - Variance. The Tracks sound different from another! the only real repetitous sound in this album is the typical screeching acid lines that I mentioned before. If you skip albums released lately you will find the sound is quite homogenous, I didn't really feel the same here. Absolutely not what I expected! I hope that it'll stand the test of time!
  19. Artist: K.O.B. Title: Identity Mash Label: Suntrip Records Date: May, 2017 1. Check In 2. Folie a Deux 3. Klecks 4. Grandiose Thoughts (Original Version) 5. Inculcating Ideas (Filteria Mix) 6. Identity Mash 7. Cousin It (2017 Mix) 8. Check Out feat. BOTB "I'm two people in one!" It's important to know who you are. It's the very foundation on which you build your character and what you go on to accomplish in life. K.O.B. is Jannis Tzikas and the alternate personality if you will of his more widely known project Filteria. While the latter is defined by melodies and is pure goa music through and through the former is a mash of styles relying heavily on the psychedelic aspect. This album is more concerned with driving rhythms and allowing the music to evolve. Sometimes building, sometimes deconstructing. It's robotic (not meant in a negative way), futuristic, and oftentimes the sound choices can sound metallic and harsh. But there is no mistaking who is behind this project as his goa soul shines through quite clearly. And sometimes angrily (which I like). The title and artwork accurately describe what is located within, a combination of forest and goa all tucked neatly under an umbrella of psychedelic psytrance. While not my favorite release from the vaunted Suntrip Records it continues to prove that they are not all sunshine and rainbows and haven't forgotten that psytrance indeed needs to remain psychedelic. Suntrip Bandcamp Psyshop Beatspace
  20. Title: Inti Label: Suntrip Records Release date: 19.04.2016 Tracklist: 1) Ovnimoon - Invocation 2) Triquetra - Renkinjutsu 3) Jagoa - Perverse Polymorph 4) Morphic Resonance - Varese Dream 5) Triquetra - Destroying Dinosaur 6) Celestial Intelligence - Distorted Visions 7) Mindsphere - Harmonic Garden 8) Crossing Mind - Entropy (First Edition) 9) Sykespico - Glimmers Of Sunrise Inti means "sun" in quechua. We have a cover art of a sun rising in all its glory and the release comes from SUNtrip. Convenient! Im not a big fan of Suntrip, especially not recently. Floating, sunshine-filled and butterfly infested soundscapes are not my thing. The reason why I am taking the initiative of writing this is because of the HUGE names I see in this comp. Now, the way I do these reviews is write the intro, play a track and write the first impression of it as that is what I value the most. So this going to be a raw, empirical and intellectually unbiased review! 1) Ovnimoon - Invocation: Now, I know Ovnimoon as a psy-trance artist, not goa, and that is why I was surprised to see him here. The track builds-up pretty quickly and Im surprised by the recipe here. Hardhitting and somewhat dark-ish. The tempo is amazing and the moment the acid kicks in its a bliss. I definitely wasnt expecting something like this! @4:00......... a salve of chills went down my spine! AMAZING. One climax after the other! Ovnimoon needs to take into consideration to do a full length goa album! 7/7 2) Triquetra - Renkinjutsu: Triquetra are Elric and Jurian Reinartz, brothers I suppose? They are pretty new and its awesome to see new faces in the scene! Again, hard and dark. I think Suntrip realised that the sun is also a 4.5 billion year old megaball of fire which will consume the star system as we know it one day. The feeling of the track reminds me somewhat of the feeling I had when I heard Howling At The Moon by Cosmosis, with its lightsaber-like melodies which feel like theyre slicing your brain into thousands of coronal sections. Orgasmic build-up all over the track. A great track! Good job, Triquetra! 6.5/7 3) Jagoa - Perverse Polymorph: Not to repeat myself, the album continues in its thematic direction.Ok, this thing is plain EVIL! A track for parties definitely as it's very rhythmic and simple. Its nothing special but it does it's job. Simply put, It's good! 5/7 4) Morphic Resonance - Varese Dream: We all know what to expect from this guy, AACCIIDD! A bit unconventional track considering his style in The City Of Moons. He builds up the track patiently and doesn't go overboard with chaos as he did in his album (which wasnt bad at all.) But even though it is a bit more serious as I said, there isnt much that is gripping my attention and its a bit crude to my ears. A touch above average 4.5/7 5) Triquetra - Destroying Dinosaur: These dudes again! They must be doing something right if Suntrip gave them 2 slots on their new release. Lets see... What I hear is youth energy, careful planning, a balance between an adrenaline rush and a story. The track is good IMHO! Their sound and style sits very well with me. 5/7 6) Celestial Intelligence - Distorted Visions: The kings of melodies are back! At some moments the track feels a bit foresty! Its pulsating in such a way and it feels very experimental to me. A unique experience. 5.5/7 7) Mindsphere - Harmonic Garden: HIER KOMMT DIE SONNE! and with it comes floatiness. God... This track feels incredibily out of place, but then again, I never liked Mindsphere's style. Even despite that fact, this track faired pretty well but its a thorn in my eye. It simply doesnt fit 4/7 8) Crossing Mind - Entropy (First Edition): Funny Crossing Mind decided to name this track Entropy, for it is its opposite. Melodies that remind me of BPC and at times it hints uplifting trance(?) All in all, a mid-tempo track with deep-minded and melancholic melodies. Dawn is upon us! 4.5/7 9) Sykespico - Glimmers Of Sunrise: You feel the X-rays warming your skin, you feel the wind's caresses and the sand tingling the soles of your feet. Its light, but its not floating. Its epic, sophisticated and vast just like the importance of our Sun. Its source is bright and endless, she resuscitates the hopeless. Without her, we are lifeless satellites drifting! I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to this compilation. It deserves my epic seal of approval! 7/7 Phew, what an experience! From the chaotic darkness that the first part of the compilation represents (to me) to the sunrise, kindness and blissful melodies... This release made me realise that I spend too much time indoors. I will definitely remember this release and I highly recommend it to everyone! Favorite track: 1. Stream it here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk82AnCYxUsjkC5iKR0DvFzt6vKt2lmcg Buy it here: -Suntrip store: https://suntriprecords.com/product/item/SUNCD45/ -Bandcamp: https://suntriprecords.bandcamp.com/album/va-inti
  21. Artist: Mindsphere Title: Mental Triplex - Mindream Label: Suntrip Records Date: March, 2017 1. Solitude 2. Circle Sphere 3. Seclusion 4. Fate 5. Orientelic Genetic 6. Serenity 7. Respiratory 8. Reformation 9. Far Away About a year after his last album Presence, this limited edition partially mixed CD is the second installment of the Mindsphere Trilogy. Of course you can also buy the digital version which is unmixed. Joske described it as "Drony, sometimes warm, sometimes cold, floating and here and there exotic!" And I would say that is a very apt description. Mindsphere is Ali Akgun and he is one of the premier names in today's goa trance scene. Solitude is a deep space ambient track that seems to have some Jean Michel Jarre influences. Dark and cold. Circle Sphere continues the futuristic and electronic cold of deep space. There is more motion with the inclusion of multiple melodies amidst a digital wash. Louder with more gravitas and drama yet still without a kick to be heard. Seclusion has an ominous air and the first hint of percussion, perhaps the booming of the sound barrier as the space craft leaves the atmosphere. The melodies are melancholy and bring to mind an astronaut on a solo mission thousands of miles away from home. And here is where I detect some Vangelis influence. Fate is a purely drifting vehicle. Ambient bliss that increases in intensity, but never loses that floaty feeling. Orientelic Genetic sounds like a word salad, but it's when his goa begins to shine through. It's also the first real, perceptible "beat." The flute is mysterious and the entire track resembles some Khetzal production. Downtempo goa trance that becomes quite busy. Serenity is just that, tumbling melodies and soft, gentle sounds that are well suited for catching a nap. Much like I did when listening to Tangerine Dream back in the day. Respiratory is another downtempo track that has a soundtrack feel to it. It's grand and many layered. Maybe a movie about a war where people pilot Mech Warriors. There is a tinge of regret here. The weird thing is the "supposed" ending where the music stops and then a new strain appears. Perhaps that transition could've been smoother. Reformation is probably my least favorite track on the album. It doesn't fit with the style of the rest of the album and feels like a mish mosh of sounds above an oscillating sine wave. Far Away fittingly ends on a beatless note. Unfortunately the track doesn't have the same verve and depth that a lot of the others had. It just kind of...is. It's gentle yet doesn't tell any story. At the 6 minute mark it leaves the flighty style and changes completely, resembling the atmosphere of most of the album. And without any subtlety. This is such a relaxing experience. I literally felt my blood pressure dropping as I prepared for hypersleep. A large portion is beatless ambient and I can see why Suntrip went with a limited edition for this release. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but like others have said it's very lush and floaty. Dude clearly has talent. However I felt the album failed to maintain its theme near the end and the quality and mood suffered because of it. While I found it enjoyable I would recommend people to give it a good listen to find out if this is what they're looking for. Suntrip Bandcamp Suntrip Shop
  22. Artist: Toi Doi Title: Synaptic Electrophoresis Label: Suntrip Records Date: January, 2016 1. Pixel Voyager 2. Elliptical 3. Spiral Dive Remix 4. Exostatic 5. Rossignol Perché 6. Exostatic 3rd Mix 7. Planet 4 8. Whale Way Express 9. Noise I've never cared for the music of Toi Doi. I bought Technologic long ago and really had trouble getting through it. This wasn't the type of goa trance that made me fall in love with the genre in the first place. I don't know if it's coincidence or not, but I couldn't find a review for that album here. Maybe y'all are just some lazy f*cks. Gilles Coia makes a different sort of goa trance that doesn't have a lot in common with projects like MFG, Astral, Etnica...His sound is more experimental and shies away from the intense layers and over the top melodies. I believe his sound takes some work to really absorb and process effectively. Then again, maybe I'm a lazy f*ck. The 2000's were pretty productive for him, yet it wasn't until the Mother Pitch EP in 2011 that I began to give his music another chance. So here comes Suntrip and DAT Records with their latest offering of music from the cagey veteran. These are tracks from the late 90's and early 2000's that promise a darker and more acidic sound. And right out of the gate he delivers. Pixel Voyager is a long, entrancing bit of nastiness that immediately becomes my favorite track from Toi Doi. It gives and takes while it grows. Granted the bar was low for me, but he certainly now has my attention. And then by the third track he lost it. Psychedelic? Yeah I suppose, but the Spiral Remix was also light on melody and manages to plod forward without many dynamics. Exostatic exhibits a violent electricity that I really liked. As the track went along it picked up intensity and I found myself in a deep nebula of bliss. Unfortunately this album is a bit of an up and down ride. Case in point, after the mildly eyebrow raising Rossignol Perche' track he lays the 303 hammer down with the Exostatic 3rd mix. Pure goa! Just when I think he's going to string a few bangers together, he kinda switches on the auto-pilot. Nothing bad mind you, but nothing that requires the back button. "Everyone who likes their goa-trance different..." That's the tagline from Suntrip's shop and it's accurate. Nobody is going to confuse this with Afgin or Artifact303. Different is a good way to describe it and it surely is a deviation from their normal stuff. As I mentioned it's a bit of an up and down ride with some really good tracks and some that could arguably be labelled filler. Certainly not the pinnacle of their catalog. However, the fa ct that they are taking chances and presenting something different is something that should be applauded. They have been accused of producing the same generic sound in the past and clearly they've listened to what their fans want. The sound quality is excellent and if you're a fan of his music than I can't think of any reason not to purchase it. I did. Suntrip Psyshop Beatspace
  23. Artist: Night Hex Title: Viziuni Nocturne Label: Suntrip Records Date: November, 20015 1. Night Visitors 2. Sleep Paralysis 3. Distorted Visions 4. Nineve (Remix) 5. Katharsis 2015 was a superb year for goa trance with labels like DAT Records dropping the Pleiadians 3-disc holy grail, a 2-disc Doof release, as well as the Opale EP (seriously, check it out it's awesome), Neogoa released so many good albums for free that I'm just gonna give you a link to their treasure trove, and last but certainly not least Suntrip. They made a big splash in the old school pool by turning out classic albums by Asia 2001, Denshi Danshi, and a disc of Prana Remixes not to mention an album by superstars Celestial Intelligence and a legendary compilation called Aurora Sidera. Not one to rest on their laurels they deliver an EP from an artist that rules the goa kingdom. E-mantra threw 5 tracks together as his self described darker, more progressive goa trance project Night Hex. His style is instantly recognizable as the tracks delve into a hypnotic reverie. It's slower bpms which makes me wonder how you're supposed to dance to this. Pretty sure that's, uh...that's just f*cking awkward. Maybe you aren't and I sure didn't, but I can tell you that I had to listen to this over one hundred times because Mr. Melodies has the ability to make the mind take a vacation. His music is seamless and slowing down the bpm is akin to slowing time as I drift from one lead to another. The remix of Nineve is downright sinister. Fans of his music will not be disappointed as the attention to detail and atmosphere creation is what you would expect from your goa overlord. Suntrip Psyshop Beatspace
  24. Artist: Denshi Danshi Title: Fluid Dynamics Label: Suntrip Records Date: October, 2015 1. The Dancing Shiva 2. Mariposa Live Remix 3. Fluid Dynamics 4. Feed the Mugwumps 5. Vanaspati 6. Make Make 7. A Fast Trip Straight Down The Ladder 8. Mars Base Alpha 9. Tsuki 10. Maelstrom 11. Kraft Karamel Bonus Tracks: Temple of Heaven Cow's Blues Live Remix Ugh...so much music to listen to and so many reviews to write. This is fast becoming an all encompassing chore. "Mike I need you to clean the bathrooms today!" "Sorry babe I've got some work to do." Whew. Now that's a chore. A four year old who ain't potty trained and a six year old with terrible aim and that's a chore I'm looking to avoid. All right...let's see what we've got here...*swipes right to left on phone* No, no, no...hold up now, what's this? Denshi Danshi? Pffft...what a stupid name. And that artwork...look I know it can't always be fractals and dancing Shivas, but it's so...plain. Well, it's either this or the wrong end of a toilet brush. Wow. Double wow. Joske wasn't just hyping the sh*t out of this to boost sales. My man was speaking the gospel! The names behind this project are Chistophe Frere and Said Archer, artists from back in the day who never put out a proper album, but made some compilation appearances with tracks like Cow's Blues, Mariposa, and Feed the Mugwumps. Right from the first track you can tell it's going to be an acidic roller coaster ride. The Dancing Shiva bounces with crackling energy and groove while on the live remix of Mariposa they show that Seb isn't the only guy able to wreck a 303. Rising, rising and then unleashing. It's a bubbling sizzler. The title track is a monster that was made a few months ago just for this album. Pure and simple old school, in your face acidic goa trance. Now if you're anything like me you're asking yourself what the f*ck is a Mugwump? I thought it was a derogatory term for dwarf like Oompa Loompa, but it actually means an aloof or independent person. This is a remastered version and for those like myself who have never heard it a true treat. It's all over the place with chaotic acidic tribal wizardry. Vanaspati is ok, but doesn't shine like the previous tracks. Something had to follow the Mugwumps and unfortunately it was that one. Make Make and that sneaky lead had me dancing like no one was watching. It kept changing and adding new melodies, but kept it's consistent level of awesomeness. A Fast Trip also has that tribal feel, but only just cause you might miss it with the growly leads. The climax is a whole lot of twirling fun. Mars Base Alpha slows it down slightly with some shimmery sci-fi atmosphere and the climax of Tsuki is a mass of leads and 303 madness. Maelstrom is an accurate track name that keeps building until it erupts in a hugely acidic climax. Blistering. Closing things out is Kraft Karamel a downtempo track that descends from space and allows me to comprehend all that I have been deluged with. A welcome conclusion. Well, almost. There are two bonus tracks if you order from the Suntrip shop. Temple of Heaven can be found on Psychic Deli's Future Psychedelia and fits well on this album. Same type of acid chaos. Cow's Blues has a sound that really does sound like a cow mooing. Slower, but equally psychedelic. Are new artists making goa trance anymore? Seriously, the old timers are back in a big way showing the whippersnappers how it was and is to be done. Look I'm sorry I made fun of your name. You make music like this and call yourself psychedelic toilet brush and I'm going to buy it. It's old school all the way with a heaping helping of acidic power. You can get it at the regular shops of course, but as I mentioned if you order from Suntrip you get those two bonus tracks and you help out a label that's been delivering the goods since Katrina tried to swallow the Big Easy. It's a no brainer and if you call yourself a goa fan...essential. F*ck it. Get down Mugwumps! Suntrip Psyshop Beatspace
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