DeathPosture

Back on plastix! Yeah! Welcome back!

Thread moved to artist/label announcement section... Clearly not a review. Looking forward to it, though. /DP

* Wombatmusic - Shameful Silence (Chill Tribe Records 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/928448 * Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare (Domino USA 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/957352

* V/A - Explorations 2 - The Travel Bug (Return To The Source 2001) http://www.discogs.com/release/391260 * V/A - Psychedelic Visions Vol. 3 - The Best Of Koyote Records (Tua Records/Nova Tekk 1998) http://www.discogs.com/release/186292 Thx Ringo! /DP

12 points from the Danish jury! Yet another trade with Mats went down without any problems. Sweet! =)

Added: * V/A - Pulse 2 - The Second Psychedelic Chapter (Sub Terranean 1996) Good Plus (G+) http://www.discogs.com/release/99396 ~Both digipack + CDs has some notable wear and tear, but it's plays w/o skips~ Removed: * Alien Project – Activation Portal (H2O Records 2007) New and unplayed (not sealed though!) http://www.discogs.com/release/942952 * * V/A - Over Beat - Plug N' Play Vol. 2 (Com.Pact Records 2007) New and unplayed (not sealed though!) http://www.discogs.com/release/934625 * * V/A - iDrop(H2O Records 2007) New and unplayed (not sealed though!) http://www.discogs.com/release/888441 *

V/A – Ear Pleasure Cover: front + back Artist: Various Title: Ear Pleasure Format: CD (jewel case) Label: Chill Tribe Records (Norway) Cat. #: CTRCD03 Distribution: Arabesque Date: March 2007 Track listing: 01. 07’32” Robert Leiner – Beginning Of The End 02. 07’34” Blue Planet Corporation – Gengis Khan Reverie 03. 12’08” Kris Kylven & Sub-Sonic – Forgotten Souls 04. 06’59” Cosmosis – The Himalaya 05. 06’03” Digital Mystery Tour - Nemo 06. 06’34” Slot Machine – Quick And The Dead (Snake Thing Dub Remix) 07. 06’59” Kiwa - Inside 08. 06’51” Highpersonic Whomen – Free Space 09. 06’12” Bluetech - Embrace 10. 07’47” Zen Lemonade – Island Of Forgotten Dreams .m3u-playlist: http://tinyurl.com/ys82jz (all tracks!) Review: Floatation device… Norway’s leading downtempo outlet, Chill Tribe Records, is out with its 3rd compilation. As always, the roster of artists boosts a very impressive line-up of well-established and legendary artists… Label boss PKS has scoured the scene once again and has come up with what looks like the third consecutive chill dream-team… Time for another ambient excursion. Let me take you thru the tracks… #01: Robert Leiner – Beginning Of The End The journey begins with a track by none other than The Source Experience himself. Legendary Swedish producer Robert Leiner has been in the game longer than anyone remembers and several of his compositions have risen to classic status… This track is a trademark piece of Leiner downtempo music with a distinct liquid flow, dreamy percussion and subtle floating pads… Extremely well-produced, but somehow it’s a little too cluttered to be a stand-out track here. It’s wholesome wallpaper though. #02: Blue Planet Corporation – Gengis Khan Reverie Frenchman Gabriel Masurel has become a Chill Tribe regular with stunning, genre-bending contributions on all three compilations – including this mean little chill-beast. This is stretching the definition of ambient with its murky, psychedelic nature… I really like the acid-bits and the high-pitched drilling FX… Something we don’t get very often in downbeat music, but it totally works wonders here… A lovely piece of electronica! #03: Kris Kylven & Sub-Sonic – Forgotten Souls On the next track Kris Kylven (UX/Syb Unity Nettwerk) is joined by one of his many alter-egos, namely Syb-Sonic. Scizophrenia? Anyway, this legendary producer has released a ton of fine music in different styles, and here’s another interesting take on downbeat. Drenched in subtle tribal beats and ethno-chants, this is maximal psychedelic downbeat with a digital edge… Really lush, potent stuff here… I can’t wait for the full album coming soon on Chill Tribe. Bring it on! #04: Cosmosis – The Himalaya And here’s another living legend. None other than Bilbo Bagginz (Bill Halsey) aka. Cosmosis. Bill has a gazillion releases under his belt and he’s one of my all time fav’e UK producers… He is most well-known for his full-on goa/psytrance tracks, but he has also impressed with his lovely, yet scarce chill-out productions… This track here is a gargantuan one – of epic proportions… Dubby and beautifully orchestrated downbeat stuff with a ton of uplifting melodies… Skazi killed my fondness of guitars in electronic music a long time ago, but when a track as beautiful as this turns up, I cannot help by fall in love all over again… The Arab vocals fit perfectly and they are the icing on the cake. Best track thus far. #05: Digital Mystery Tour – Nemo D.M.T. is the downbeat/ambient moniker for Total Eclipse founding member Stephane Holweck. On previous tracks and on both albums (Digital Mystery Tour/Twisted 2000 + D.M.T. Express/Sofa Beats 2005) Holweck was joined by several other musicians, but this track he made on his own. What we get here is the fastest tune thus far – upbeat electronica with lots of analogue synths and digital percussion. A nifty little tune that would mix perfectly with Jaydee’s timeless classic Plastic Dreams… Nice without being overly fantastic. #06: Slot Machine – Quick And The Dead (Snake Thing Dub Remix) Time for a little surprise. Slot Machine from Australia has some pretty prominent members, including old-schoolers Sean Candy (A.B. Didgeridoo Oblivion) and Nick Taylor (Snake Thing, Taiyo, Prana, Blissed). And now they’re releasing eclectic indie-electronic crossover stuff. Who would have thought? Anyway, what we get here is hybrid stuff fusing dub, trance and indie rock + emo punk… The result is a very unique, albeit odd cocktail of music… And no matter how interesting it might be, I fail to see its relevance on this compilation. At least right here in the middle. Sure it has some interesting moments, but it clashes too much with the rest of the tracks. #07: Kiwa – Inside Kiwa is one of the few non-Suomisoundi sounding acts from Finland. I’ve always liked Markku Louhio and Matti Elsinen’s versatile take on progressive trance… They always manage to incorporate surprising twists and turns, and this track is no exception… We’ve moved away from chill now, and we’re somewhere in between progressive trance, Japanese pop and future jazz… Totally freestyle, but with enough bite to keep me interested… A sweet piece of hybrid trance that should suit most open-minded listeners. #08: Highpersonic Whomen – Free Space The next act is also from Finland – and Markku Louhio from the above-mentioned Kiwa recently joined the Highpersonic Whomen project together with founder Tommi Sirkiä (Haltya). On this track we stay in the progressive trance lane – though with a massive twist… This is deep and pounding dub with various trancy elements + breakz + the odd instrument thrown in here and there for good measure… Sauna drum and bass really. Pretty nice. #09: Bluetech – Embrace US-based producer Evan Marc has always been the master of melancholy, icy ambient – and I don’t think anyone is ever in doubt when they listen to a Bluetech tune… The bittersweet, emotional melancholia has fast become Evan’s trademark… I’ve often been torn between utter boredom and utter ecstasy when reviewing Bluetech’s music – some of his stuff is excellent and some of his stuff is too pale for my taste. This track is somewhere in the middle. I like the melodies here, but there’s also a certain sense of blandness here that I cannot seem to get past. A decent track. #10: Zen Lemonade – Island Of Forgotten Dreams To finish things off, PKS has dusted off Gus Till and Super Cozi (Yukimi Yonezawa) aka. Zen Lemonade. Everything I’ve heard from this couple has been ace, and this ambient tune is pretty lush too… It’s the last track, so things have come to a halt and what we get here is dreamy, floating, beatless ambient…Deeply atmospheric and smile-inducing… The sampled children-sounds are a fun addition and generally I like this tune. Squeeze your karma! Yup, Chill Tribe Records did it again and released a really lovely compilation. It doesn’t quite reach the awesomeness-level of Quality Relaxation or Relaxed Journeys, but it still has a handful of really excellent tracks… I’m pretty old-school, so the general flow in a compilation is important to me – and I think the flow is off here… I’d much rather start with the chilled tracks and then raise the tempo – instead of this CD which peaks in the middle. But since it’s not a mix, I guess I can’t really complain. Once again I’m impressed by the work that PKS has put into this. Not only has he (once again) managed to scour the scene and has handpicked another batch of legendary artists, but he has also made a very informative booklet. The lovely artwork by Are Marmelade is in the usual high-quality Chill Tribe style. All in all a pretty nice compilation. Not the best from Chill Tribe, but lovely nonetheless. Recommended to both veteran chillers and crossover pioneers. Enjoy. Favourites: 2(!), 3, 4(!!), 7, 10 DeathPosture External links: Chill Tribe Records: http://www.chilltriberecords.com Discogs: http://www.discogs.com/release/838797 Saiko Sounds: http://tinyurl.com/2hq4xr Beatspace: http://tinyurl.com/2zm9ts Psyshop: http://tinyurl.com/2fu3tt Juno: http://tinyurl.com/23hkjf

As for now, he's still banned. We'll let him know if that changes.

Hopefully I'll have a review up today.

You've got me confused with the almighty Damion... I haven't reviewed this one - and I don't intend to. After one attempted listen, I had to dump my copy in utter disgust. Its predictability is exceeded only by its complete lack of edge. It sucks beyond comprehension. /DP

Shopping spree this week: * V/A - Pulse 2 - The Second Psychedelic Chapter (Sub Terranean 1996) dupe http://www.discogs.com/release/99396 * Stress Assassin - Within The Office Of Eye And Ear (Spiral Trax 2002) http://www.discogs.com/release/55886 * Sunkings - Soul Sleeping (Blue Room Released 1998) http://www.discogs.com/release/55808 * Moksha - Neuromystix (BTM - Bochumer Ton Manufaktur 2000) http://www.discogs.com/release/101675 * Johann Bley - Signs And Signals (Sector/GTN 2000) http://www.discogs.com/release/66688 * V/A - Movers And Groovers At The Temple Of Dawn (TIP.World 2000) http://www.discogs.com/release/36152 * Carbon Based Lifeforms - Hydroponic Garden (Ultimae Records 2003) http://www.discogs.com/release/161576 * Padmasana - Padmasana (Dakini Records 1999) http://www.discogs.com/release/68325 * Phutureprimitive - Sub Conscious (Waveform Records 2004) http://www.discogs.com/release/360242 * V/A - Alchemy - 30 Years Of Counter Culture (Arkadia Productions 2002) http://www.discogs.com/release/248439 * V/A - 13th Moon - Journey Into Future Consciousness (Interchill Records 2003) http://www.discogs.com/release/213444 + a couple of promos * Quantum - Penetration (Trancelucent Productions 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/952761 * D-Clock - D-Clock (Drive Records 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/956072 * Khooman - Is A Flexible Liquid (Ajana Records 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/956333 * Roman Rai - Tokyo (Tribal Vision 2007) Not yet on Discogs * V/A - Helicon In Trance - The Underground Sound Of Athens (Helicon Sound System 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/956335 + some DJ tools * V/A - Rule Britannia! (Q Magazine 2005) http://www.discogs.com/release/717011 * Soundgarden - A-Sides (A & M Records 1997) http://www.discogs.com/release/956341 * Dire Straits - Sultans Of Swing: The Very Best Of Dire Straits (Mercury 1998) http://www.discogs.com/release/490683 * Anouk - Together Alone (BMG 1997) http://www.discogs.com/release/372277 * Volbeat – Rock The Rebel / Metal The Devil (Mascot Records 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/955601 * Faith No More - The Platinum Collection (Warner Platinum 2005) http://www.discogs.com/release/956338 * V/A - 101 80s Hits (Virgin Records 2007) Not yet on Discogs * V/A - Put Your Hands Up (Ministry Of Sound 2007) Not yet on Discogs /DP

Big update! Lots of stuff added: * 9 x psytrance posters (including signed Infected Mushroom poster) Ebay listing. + some CDs: * V/A – Energy (Mandala Records 2007) New and unplayed (not sealed though!) http://www.discogs.com/release/934617 * * V/A – iDrop (H2O Records 2007) New and unplayed (not sealed though!) http://www.discogs.com/release/888441 * * V/A – Spaced Out (Noga Records 2007) New and unplayed (not sealed though!) http://www.discogs.com/release/910655 * * Alien Project – Activation Portal (H2O Records 2007) New and unplayed (not sealed though!) http://www.discogs.com/release/942952 * * V/A - Over Beat - Plug N' Play Vol. 2 (Com.Pact Records 2007) New and unplayed (not sealed though!) http://www.discogs.com/release/934625 * * Bubble – Sound Of Silence (Mushy Records 2006) New and unplayed (not sealed though!) http://www.discogs.com/release/843259 ~Cardboard sleeve~ * Aerospace – Elevation (Spintwist Records 2007) New and unplayed (not sealed though!) http://www.discogs.com/release/852372 ~CD only - no artwork~ Scroll back to original post to see full details. /DP

* Miranda - Mars Needs Women (Why Not Records 1999) http://www.discogs.com/release/28220 * V/A - Twelve (TIP.World 2001) http://www.discogs.com/release/79687 * V/A - Der Alchemistische Kongress (BTM - Bochumer Ton Manufaktur 1998) http://www.discogs.com/release/183946

Sound Field – Audio Surfin’ Hi-res cover: front + back Artist: Sound Field (Israel) Title: Audio Surfin’ Format: CD (jewel case) Label: Oxygen Records (Spain) Cat. #: OXYCD006 Distribution: Arabesque Date: February 2007 Track listing: 01. 09’39” Psychedelic Revival 02. 08’59” Technological Terror 03. 08’26” Midi Tales 04. 06’47” Return To The Field 05. 09’26” CrossBreed 06. 08’09” Dub Vibration 07. 09’01” Funk Science (Southern Mix) 08. 09’55” Second Step Above The Sun 09. 08’15” Lifted Higher .m3u-playlist: http://tinyurl.com/2ccatj (all tracks!) Review: Cross-dressing trance. The sixth release from Spain’s Oxygen Records is the long awaited debut album from the Sound Field duo consisting of Israeli studio wizards Andy Yakovlev (ProSect, Sonify) and Liron Atia (who suffered an accident recently causing Andy to continue the project on his own for the time being). When I write ‘long awaited’ I mean it – every single compilation track I’ve heard from these talented guys have been nothing short of breathtaking… Endlessly funky music from the deep realms of progressive trance fused with all kinds of electronic hybrids creating purebred crossover trance… Let’s find out if their full album delivers the same kind of stamina. Let me take you thru the tracks… #01: Psychedelic Revival [135 BPM] “My music, it started without me!” And we open with a blast! As the title reveals, the guys go straight for the gold, and presents us with a sure-fit psychedelic blast… Extremely versatile, eclectic trance which draws on all kinds of influences. Lush percussion, driving synths and tweaked rhythms. The perfect hybrid between rich, funky progressive trance and twirling psytrance… Amazing track! #02: Technological Terror [138 BPM] The next track is a pun on the pretentious darkpsy fad which is currently swamping our scene… Of course the alleged darkness isn’t allowed to prevail for too long, and after the minimal spugeadelic intro, the track finds itself somewhere in between melodic morning bliss and gritty progressive trance… Lovely floating stuff, which I think works better for home listening or beach crusing than on the dancefloors. #03: Midi Tales [137 BPM] “Learn not to cross me!” The next track has more dancefloor appeal though. After another very original intro, we’re exposed to a beautifully orchestrated track with a deep, sharp, bouncy nature… Despite the lower BPM, this actually sounds faster than the previous one – and the subtle-placed acid-bits go down really well with this reviewer. Brilliant track. #04: Return To The Field [140 BPM] Let’s shelf the crossover action for a while, and just listen to this uplifting track which is a textbook example of lush progressive trance building to a frenzy… The progression is spot-on and is destined to leave smiles on everyone exposed to it… Sexy stuff for sure, but I prefer the edgier tracks over this. #05: CrossBreed [138 BPM] And we’re back in crossover territory… This one leans heavily towards commercial melodic trance – with a subtle Sound Field twist to it… Uplifting melodies, harmonic pads, tight percussion and seamless chord progression… All pretty cheesy elements, but I can’t help but like this… It’s just so damn crisp. Nicey nice! #06: Dub Vibration [120 BPM] Next up is another detour – this time into…You’ve guessed it – smoky dub! Dub which eventually picks up the pace and morphs into faster, danceable stuff. Would mix perfectly with Ganja Beats, Kukan-Dub-Lagan and the likes… This track has some smooth passages and the production is flawless, but I’ve never been the biggest fan of dub to be honest. The rasta samples doesn’t help either. #07: Funk Science (Southern Mix) [130 BPM] Time for a slow-burning, low-ripping progressive back-burner… This is lush, plush and totally laid-back sexy beach house trance… (!) Real percussion and stretched harmonic background pads alongside some soothing, joyous melodies… Very Scandinavian sounding with a seductive Southern edge. Wallpaper yes, but good and wholesome wallpaper. #08: Second Step Above The Sun [132 BPM] The lush progressive trance feeling continues on the next track which has just a tad more bite… A pounding, yet funky rhythm section provides the funk factor alongside some patented Sound Field synth lines and some house antix! (Pun intended!). It’s still as sexy as its predecessor, but the extra edge makes even more enjoyable and this is my fav’e of the two. Yummy! #09: Lifted Higher [130 BPM] “We will fly!” On the last track the guys are joined by Lars Knudsen (aka. Mindfly) form Denmark. What we get here is lovely balanced progressive trance with a nightly atmosphere and a deep, groovy kick. Pretty straightforward without any major surprises, but with such an uplifting nature that you cannot help but like it… A fine little track which is rich in trance nutrition. The Sound Field debut album is a very enjoyable encounter. Just as I’d expected, this was a very versatile journey spanning a wide musical spectre. From aggressive, relentless psytrance to smooth, silky-white downbeat, over lush and uplifting morning trance… And pretty much everything in between… There’s something for most people here. Top notch production quality too from these multitalented producers… With only a one track that didn’t do much for me, I’m also impressed by the quality level here. From the subtle artwork to the story-telling. Lovely stuff for stuff for sure, that will most definitely find fans among both hardened trancers, clubbers and crossover aficionados. Enjoy! Favourites: 1(!!), 3(!), 5, 8 DeathPosture External links: Prosect: http://www.prosectorium.com (currently n/a) Oxygen Records: http://www.oxygenrecords.com Discogs: http://www.discogs.com/release/913232 Saiko Sounds: http://tinyurl.com/yvx63b CD Universe: http://tinyurl.com/23hz39 Beatspace: http://tinyurl.com/2dy7ys Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/27o4pm Psyshop: http://tinyurl.com/246e8z Juno: http://tinyurl.com/yru2xo

I say leave Trentemøller out of the count... It's a great album, but it's not associated with the psy/progressive/goa/downbeat scene as such. You know what I mean.

Out: Friday 29 June, 2007 I can't wait for it. It truely was a magical night...

* Meta - Ekstasis (Geomagnetic.Tv/Acidance Recs 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/946324 + some DJ tools * David Bowie - Best Of Bowie (EMI America Records 2002) http://www.discogs.com/release/238538 * Kings Of Leon - Because Of The Times (RCA 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/924608 * Arcade Fire - Neon Bible (Merge Records 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/922306 * Bloc Party - A Weekend In The City (Wichita 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/873177 * Kaiser Chiefs - Yours Truly, Angry Mob (B-Unique Records 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/916471

* Alien Project - Activation Portal (H2O Records 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/942952 * Flooting Grooves - Upsyde Downe (Peak Records 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/943506

* Olien - Sounded Paratronic (Trishula Records 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/941780 * Penta - Horn Please (AuraQuake 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/941797 * V/A - Jitter Glow (AuraQuake 2006) http://www.discogs.com/release/848104 * Kukan Dub Lagan - Step InA Rasta Step (MikelaBella Records 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/928649

* Cosmoon - Damnation Generation (BooM! Records 2001) http://www.discogs.com/release/339780 * Etic - Zooming Out (Trancelucent Productions 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/931371 * Shotu - Jungle Expedition (Hadra Records 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/937122 * V/A - Energy (Mandala Records 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/934617 * V/A - Over Beat - Plug N' Play Vol. 2 (Com.Pact Records 2007) http://www.discogs.com/release/934625

No no no no no no no no no no no no there's no limit! Sorry NHJO, but this has nothing to do with hardcore goa. Not your best effort, I'm afraid... /DP

Sattel Battle – Sounds Cool Hi-res cover: front Artist: Sattel Battle (Israel) Title: Sounds Cool Format: CD (jewel case) Label: Gi'iwa Productions (Australia) Cat. #: GPCD 003 Distribution: Arabesque Date: January 2007 Track listing: 01. 05’40” Sounds Cool 02. 04’47” Dosomethingwithyourlife 03. 04’59” Rabel Rebel 04. 05’18” Sratim Metzuyarim 05. 05’07” Work In Space 06. 05’22” Hey Hop 07. 05’13” Gnat Whore 08. 04’41” Strangless 09. 05’09” Homegrown 10. 05’32” 2 Step Chase 11. 06’16” Fuck It 12. 06’14” 24 Shots 13. 06’40” Sky Divers + hidden after 4 minutes of silence: 04’34” Untitled Track (Big Bang) Stream: http://tinyurl.com/2ola8n (all tracks!) Review: Glow stick repellent Last year saw the resurrection of Australia’s Gi’iwa Production which finally surfaced again after a lengthy hiatus with their enthralling, genrebending Musica Discordia compilation. One of the most important compilations of 2006. Elad Weinberg from Israel (Tsabeat) catapulted into the scene with his infectious, suomi-saundi track Dotman off the legendary debut Gi’iwa release Schizm released back in 2004. Since then his only Sattel Battle output were the two wacked-out gems on last year’s Musica Discordia + a bunch of releases under his darkpsy moniker Tsabeat. I’ve always preferred his wackier, more uplifting Sattel Battle style and ever since I found out about this debut album I’ve been excited… Let me take you thru the tracks… #01: Sounds Cool [138 BPM] The opening track is a smooth little groover – rich in laidback, electro-jazzy flavour… Uplifting synth melodies are paired with both string-arrangements and harmonic, enchanting atmospheres… It’s some kind of weird mixture of bubblegum hentai-pop and edgy electronica. Lush, but not a stand-out.. #02: Dosomethingwithyourlife [140 BPM] How many times have your parents/girl- or boyfriend uttered this line to you? Yeah, I thought so – same here. The actual choon opens with an echoing sample about quantum mysticism which resonates throughout the track “We are here to infiltrate space with ideas and mansions of thought. We are here to make something of this life!” Oh yeah, this is where the fun begins! As from out of nowhere the track explodes into a frantic, pounding piece of nocturnal trance… Ripping, shredding psytrance with one well-thought-out passage after another… The old-school acid-lines pay homage to the 303-tracks of the past in the best way imaginable. Fantastic track! #03: Rabel Rebel [146 BPM] And here’s the Bowie tribute… As the many tributes before it, this track hails relentless, in-your-face punk rock… In Sattel Battle’s version that’s done with analogue synths, hardcore guitar riffs and old-school computer game samples… That may sound cheesy on paper, but Elad has managed to piece it all together in a way that I cannot help but adore… Rock on! Great! #04: Sratim Metzuyarim [145 BPM] “Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt this program to bring you important news!” The unpronounceable next opus marks a return to the fluffier, more wacky bubblegum pseudo-pop style - similar to that of the title track… Complete with a ton of whistles, bells and so on. The level of experimentation is still pretty high and psychedelia is lurking just below the surface making this track an interesting experience… #05: Work In Space [145 BPM] Another musical u-turn here, as Elad fuses breaks, space-jazz, old-school Amiga music and of course psychedelic trance… The Finnish/Australian style is similar to the style he first introduced us to on the Schizm complation 3 years ago… Deeply experimental, but it works and never gets pretentious… Dancing to it though, is a challenge. #06: Hey Hop [149 BPM] “You are now beginning a Grand Circle tour of Tomorrowland aboard the Peep-Peep, the first system of its kind in the world”. And now it’s time for some patented Sattel Battle dementia. This is a sonic whirlwind of unprecedented proportions… Tripped out samples, tweaked rhythms, beats, breakz and a ton of other crazy FX… All stirred well in this amazing tour de force of perverted muzak… Phat digital entertainment at its most non-linear. #07: Gnat Whore [150 BPM] The next track quickly picks up the pace – it is teeth-grinding tech-trance from the start, and the high-pitched, full-on industrial-slash-gabba’esque style continues all the way through… Fast, raw and totally psychedelic hybrid-trance which will grab you by the gonads and keep you at the edge of sanity… Phew, what a rush! I’m totally digging it! #08: Strangless [150 BPM] Next up is a more ethereal piece of experimental sauna-trance… A groovy, yet pounding rhythm section lays the basis for some seriously fast-paced psychedelia… The ethnic world-music is blatantly kliché, but it makes perfect sense in this equation… The same is true with the unexpected tribal bits, the cheesy jazz-pop and the tons of other nifty little detours… On the verge of being a little too random, but it still has great qualities. #09: Homegrown [149 BPM] Ah, the joys of quality homegrown… This is another melting pot frenzy consisting of bizarre tricks, demented turns and an endless amount of electronic farts + digital burps… The old weirdness-meter has been cranked up to maximum volume and this is where it starts to get too damn weird for my taste… Holy shit! #10: 2 Step Chase [150 BPM] The demented antix continue unhindered on the next piece of sonic suomistyge… Highly experiMENTAL stuff that morphs from one musical reference point to the direct opposite – and back again, merging all kinds of freaky FX… Not as wacko as the previous track, and as such I prefer this… The most obvious shroom companion thus far. Wikkid! #11: Fuck It [148 BPM] “This is the sound that blows your mind!” Yeah, fuck it! Time to get down to the nitty-gritty and space out to a totally wobbly, yet dreamy track… This is dirty, funk-ridden eleKtroniKa with a grotesque, carnival-theme running throughout … Extremely fast-paced, though keeping a consistent pace and flow… And totally danceable too for the experienced trance-dancer. Quite thrilling… I like it! #12: 24 Shots [144 BPM] Next up is a yet another hybrid. This time Elad pours an inhumane amount of electro into the mix, leaving us with a bubbly, playful piece of wobbly trance… Tight percussion, subtle bass and rich instrumentation in the strangest of ways… Eerie, maximal trance which is bound to turn a few heads in either disgust or utter ecstacy. Yikes! #13: Sky Divers [138 BPM] The last ‘real’ track is Sky Divers which is a pretty nasty combination of evil downbeat and ethereal weirdo-trance…That’s meant as a compliment, mind you. Again the experimentation level is very high and it all ends in total bliss there towards the end. Brilliant. + hidden after 4 minutes of silence # 04’34” Untitled Track (Big Bang) The bonus track cracks me up every single time. This is so unbelievably grotesque that I don’t even know where to begin. Imagine a barn-dance where someone spiked the lemonade with DMT. Imagine Pikachu playing at this gig. His own remix of The Specials’ Ghost Town which he did on his Amiga 500 after a 3 week acid binge. That’s exactly how this track sounds. Genious. Another fine Gi’iwa release draws to a close after the dramatic, side-splittingly funny bonus track. I like most of the stuff here – Elad manages to walk the tightrope between sheer excellence and bizarro-schranz like few others. A couple of the tracks didn’t agree with me, but they were scarce and more than outnumbered by the many brilliant tracks. Versatility is also a keyword here, as Elad ensures maximum attention from the listeners by never taking the easy way out or retorting to predictability. The sheer, eclectic force of this album makes it an a very interesting acquaintance alone – and the many stand-out tracks makes it even more kick-ass. The lush, urban artwork by Jason Hueman & T-Bone is the icing on the cake. To sum up: A very fine debut album by Elad. Eclectic as always from Gi’iwa Production – and with enough depth to keep open-minded fans of versatile trance entertained for a long time… Picky neo full-on purists need to look elsewhere though… This is glowstick repellent. The rest of us will treasure this for a long time. Enjoy! Favourites: 2(!!), 3, 6(!), 7(!), 10, 11, 12 + the hidden track (!!) DeathPosture External links: Gi’iwa Productions: http://www.giiwa.com Sattel Battle: http://www.myspace.com/sattelbattle Discogs: http://www.discogs.com/release/879531 Saiko Sounds: http://tinyurl.com/38emw9 Beatspace: http://tinyurl.com/2urzdu Wirikuta: http://tinyurl.com/334kn3 Psyshop: http://tinyurl.com/2phg4o PsyBuy: http://tinyurl.com/32y53a

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wave upon wave carried me over, beyond the peripheries of hope and fear