Trance2MoveU

Artist: N.A.S.A. Title: Unique Label: Iono Music Date: December, 2009 1. Vive le sky 2. Scattered Ties 3. Forever in a day 4. Obsession 5. Beneath the black sky 6. Whatever the case may be 7. Broken 8. Rising Twilight 9. Before I sleep N.A.S.A. is Mikkel Rasmussen from Denmark who released his first track all the way back in 2001. He totally flew under my radar as I had never heard of him. I trust Iono Music completely, so when they put an artist's debut album on the table, chances are good I'm going to buy it. Let me tell you, this record isn't bad at all. He likes to put techno or electro touches into his tracks. But that is not all he can do. "Scattered Ties" was so funky that it's a shame it wasn't longer. You can tell he's got talent in this arena even if a few tracks were nothing special. His vision of progressive trance is fine, but I don't think that's where his future lay. The stars of this disc are the last two downtempo tracks. They are ultra deep and gush with emotional layers. There are spiraling arpeggios, thunderous kicks, and delicate synths that are as soft as a feather. He made wonderful use of pads, and the synths created a dreamy ominous atmosphere. I had to make sure this was still the same CD! Sure enough it was, and those tracks were a delight. If he decides to make an album full of music like the last two tracks, I will be first in line to buy it. So this was a good listen, and while his progressive stylings are decent, his forte seems to be in the downtempo arena. Good start! Beatspace Mdk

Artist: N.R.S. Title: Problem, Reaction, Solution Label: Last Possible Solution Date: November, 2009 1. Initiate 2. Doing Harm 3. Suppressant 4. Allegiance to Urd 5. Techno Rocka 6. Dead Shadow 7. Resonant Evil Remix 8. Prohibition Dub 9. I cant believe that Wow, this guy hasn't released a full length album since 2004! I remember when "Kick Drum Inertia" came out and it seemed super dark to me, without a lot of melodies. I had just discovered psy and thought that maybe this genre wasn't for me. N.R.S. is Paul Konrad Wright also known as Serious Porn Collector. He has put out tracks on numerous compilations, so it's not like he vanished or hasn't been busy. The album cover is a self portrait I think, or rather a cartoon version of a bad ass samurai that he would like to be. Being a samurai seems like it would be cool. Have a problem? I'm a samurai so I have a solution. This guy's music is different. But that's no secret, look at his Discogs photo. Nonsensical samples, no real melody, harsh chalkboard scraping leads and a pounding bassline. There was a lead that sounded like an elephant for chrissakes! I think he has a good sense of rhythm, because his tracks reek of it, but I also think he has a lot of ideas and tries to put them all in. Some sounds seem like he included them because he knew that they shouldn't be there. It comes off as just trying to be psychedelic by throwing random noises on the track. The leads aren't melodic (I get it, they aren't supposed to be), but they flirt with being intolerable and it becomes very tiring to listen to. His style reminds me a lot of Artifakt , but not as accomplished. I liken it to really aggressive heavy metal. Not in style of course, but it is a certain fan base that will find this appealing. It's not terrible, as he puts together some good stretches, but they are few and far between. Do we have voting for the worst of 2009? Pass. BTW, what the hell is up with the last abortion of a track? Psyshop Mdk

Artist: Solano Title: Under The White Flag Label: Iono Music Date: August, 2008 1. Blacklight Faces 2. The beat of 1000 hearts inside 3. Access Deny 4. Charles Overall 5. Paint the town red 6. Deep Fish 7. JayJay Three 8. Roxy Vibes 9. Pass Through Leaders in the progressive trance scene, Iono music releases Solano's 2nd full length album. Having reviewed a pile of this label's releases, my expectations are they will provide deep and dreamy trance that will stimulate the mind. Their first release, "Blackout" was a nice start, but seemed a little thin to my ears. Good news is that their music has evolved. While not as epic as some of Iono's other artists, the tracks here will entrance you. When I first listened to this, I wasn't that impressed, but upon further listens, it started to grow on me, and I could see myself getting lost in what they were trying to do. This is not trance where the effects create a wonderful storytelling atmosphere. There isn't layer upon layer of melody and lush pads. Sure they are there, but this isn't about that. It is about the groove; about turning it on at a party and getting people dancing. It's pretty straight forward without a lot of variation, but in this situation it works. The beats are good and had me wondering where the time went. The standout for me was "Roxy Vibes." Something about that track just feels right. So is it essential? No, but there is a definite improvement in the quality of their music. The tracks seem to be smoother than their debut. This would be great to put on at a party and let it play all the way through. Bottom line as always, it depends what you are in the mood for. Psyshop Mdk

Artist: Will-O'-The-Wisp Title: Long Sleep Plain Label: Cosmicleaf Records Date: October, 2008 1. Influences 2. Long sleep plain 3. Damaged 4. Dawn and Dusk 5. Divided and Conquered 6. Moonlight Remix (Vs. Side Liner) 7. Echoing Melodies (Cydelix rmx) 8. Sweet stolen song (vs. Zero Cult) 9. Desolation 10. Like a leaf in the wind 11. Making Wishes The family business strikes again! Cosmicleaf Records is a Greek chillout label, run by Sideliner(who is also the brains behind the project Mendark for those who are fluent in Purple Energy), and who happens to be the brother of Mr. Wisp. Younger brother brings his debut album which is full of cinematic ambient and aggressive downtempo. The opening track "Influences" is a tremendous soundtrack-like experience, rocketing me through space, getting up close and personal to nebulous galaxies. The melodies are heavenly and very melancholic, and he shows great work with strings and pads. The music has a cold and digital feel, but is also wide open and very dreamy. The piano in "Like a Leaf In The Wind" joins with tribal beats creating a deep and contemplative reverie. There are plenty of layers with which to lose oneself, and I can only find one minor thing that bothers me about this release. In small parts it isn't very relaxing IMO especially in a couple of the beginning tracks. How can an ambient/downtempo album not be relaxing? I find that it is very loud and frequently the sounds come across as distorted. I don't know if that is a mastering issue or he should just turn it down. Nonetheless, the music itself is quite revealing and it shows that he has a talent for combining rich atmospheres with thought provoking melody. "Sweet Stolen Song" exemplifies this with slowly churning synths at one end of the spectrum and lamenting strings high above the fray. This release seems to have come in under the radar and is definitely worth a listen. Good job. Psyshop Mdk

I liked it. Even the little breakbeat piece at the end. The first 2 tracks though are outstanding. Mdk

Artist: Zero Cult Title: Dreams In Stereo Label: Cosmicleaf Records Date: June, 2009 1. Indigo Dream 2. Electro Wind 3. Cosmic Noise 4. Seclusion 5. Frozen 6. Once upon a time (Remix For Side Liner) 7. Inside the urban ocean 8. Edelweis 9. Walking on the moon 10. Till the morning Cosmicleaf Records is a Greek chillout label who has some pretty good artists in the stable. Side Liner, Kick Bong, Easily Embarrassed to name a few. I really enjoyed "Planet Discovery" and "Flower Power" as they took my mind on a continuous journey. Zero Cult is Emil Ilyayev an Israeli with his 3rd full length release. His track "Air" on the Compilation "Chiller Vol. 1" was hauntingly beautiful, spacious and melodic. I am hoping for more of the same with his latest release. The cover is of a small person amidst some very large speakers. This is a very eclectic release. It goes from slow and spacious downtempo to a more upbeat style. Sometimes within the same track. The sounds are crystal clear and there is a good mix of acoustic and electric instruments. The pads are ultra lush, sucking you right in as feathery tones twinkle from above like stars at night. The sounds flow together seamlessly, allowing you to lose yourself in his vision. "Cosmic Noise" is a powerful breakbeat track that sounds like it could've been made by The Crystal Method. "Frozen" has a dreamy break with arcing pads. "Till The Morning" which begins as a slow progressive trance track has a wonderful downtempo shuffle at the break. Nicely unexpected. This was a great fit after a long and exhausting day. Not what I would reach for normally, but definitely worth a listen. Psyshop Mdk

Artist: Zyce & Fox Title: Hypercube Label: Synergetic Records Date: June, 2008 1. R.O.T.N.G. (feat. Hardy) ZYCE AND FOX 2. Insolation ZYCE AND FOX 3. Ireversible Night ZYCE AND FOX 4. Avangarda ZYCE AND FOX 5. Infinity Ends ZYCE AND FOX 6. Somtime (Zyce and Fox rmx) EL ZISCO 7. Earth.Base Zerone ZYCE AND FOX 8. Jaguar 2008 (feat. Flegma) ZYCE AND FOX 9. That Day ZYCE AND FOX C'mon Synergetic, quit being so damn lazy. This is almost the same cover as your V/A - Synergetic. Just kidding, just a minor complaint. Zyce is Nikola Kozić from Serbia and is somewhat a newcomer. All the stuff he has been involved in has been quality however. Fox is Petar Lisica also from Serbia with an even more limited resume. Together they aim to make a progressive trance album and it ain't half bad. This is more in the vein of the mid tempo variety with less layers. Some of the effects used though give the tracks a wide open feeling, keeping it from being minimal and possibly boring. The bass lines are simple and provide a rudimentary foundation of groove. The tracks are not overwhelming, but rather of the slowly evolving kind. For me, the more layers the better, so in a sense I miss them, but these guys build a nice track. That being said, there isn't any track that stands out. They all just kind of fade into each other. While I believe that you can do a lot worse than this album, it is far from essential. Psyshop Mdk

I figured you would like that one! Mdk

Lately I have been reviewing a lot of progressive trance because psytrance has become super stale and derivative. Iono is a label which has answered the call and released music that is rich, layered and very melodic without sacrificing groove. I could recommend a few for you. Ritmo- Archive 9 Flegma & Nerso- Opposite Suntree- Inside Ovnimoon- Geometric Poetry Ritmo- Disharmonic Silence V/A- Sunset Delights V/A- Genetic Drift V/A - Crimson Underground V/A- Carrots & Stick V/A- Beat Generation 2 All of these are super spacious and melodic. Feel good music. You cannot go wrong with most of their later catalog. Enjoy! Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Time Is Now Label: Phantasm Records Date: November, 2009 1. The new sound PAINKILLER VS MADMAXX 2. Sub Factory INSOMNIA VS PAINKILLER 3. Dont Panick BIOGENESIS VS PUNCHLINE 4. Final Cut (Painkiller rmx) BLISS 5. Cutting edge sience (Painkiller rmx) AZAX SYNDROM 6. Brainwash (Exodus rmx) PAINKILLER 7. Kill all the bugs INSOMNIA 8. Psycodelika MEKKANIKKA VS PAINKILLER 9. Fresh Sansation MASSIVE 10. New Goa Tec PEACE MAKER This blows. Clear enough for you? I would've thought that over time this kind of non substantive drivel would have been squeezed out of the scene, but unfortunately no. It's this kind of derivative crap that drove me to listen to progressive and downtempo stuff. I guess I knew that this was fated to disappoint, but I usually like most of the artists represented here. This is the same label that put out The Atari.s Space Invaded and Cosmosis Psychedelic Melodica right? Painkiller (the poor soul who actually put this train wreck together) has released two full length albums on his own that were quite good. They were very high energy, with great sounds and a super amount of groove on Nutek Records. Forget all of that. What you get here is full on to the bone with paper thin complexity, chock full of annoying buildups and littered with momentum killing stops and starts. This is unimaginative and never allows any sort of flow to be generated. I've stepped in deeper puddles. It's all been done before and much better I might add. This reeks of a blatant cash grab and weak effort, so let me save you from purchasing this. You would get more stimulation from slamming your fingers in a car door. I'm not going through all the tracks because they are all equally crappy. If I had to pick the shiniest turd, I suppose "New Goa Tec" doesn't make me want to shove a sharpened pencil in my ear. As artists, look yourselves in the mirror and tell me that this is the best you can do? Have some pride. Enough of this please. I don't want to link to it, but I guess I am obliged to. Mdk

Artist: Speedball Title: Human Disorder Label: Materia Records Date: November, 2009 1. Nowhereland 2. Interes-thing 3. Sci-fi 4. Buenos Muchachos 5. Mars Life 6. Little Trouble 7. Weed's Band 8. World Domination 9. Flashing Paranoia Oh, hell yes. I have been jonesing for some quality in your face acid insanity psytrance and then this gem comes along. Speedball are Javier Durán Cortes & Raul Gonzalez from Mexico who have released tracks on numerous labels. This is their debut and after listening to their compilation work, I knew I had to own this. What was the last good twilight psy release? Deliriant? Hypnoxock? Both of those albums were out frikken standing, and so is this beast. If you like your psy with twisted acid leads and thunderous beats, then this is for you. Ominous pads, eerie movie samples, and super high energy. And any album that has "Goodfellas" samples is ok in my book. While I enjoyed my little stroll down progressive avenue, it's nice to get back into some meat and potatoes psytrance. This disc hits you right in the face with the force of a sledgehammer. It is relentless. The groove is on point and will move you. The only thing I don't like about this release is the cover. I mean, what the hell is that? Little nano robots entering the world? They can do better than that. Highly recommended to get your groove on. I haven't heard a disc this powerful since Absolum's "Inside The Sphere" and back when CPU was actually making good music on "Computer Error." Psyshop Beatspace Saikosounds Mdk

Think so? You are entitled to your opinion. Tastes differ. I don't mind if someone doesn't agree with my review, I'm not the end all and be all. I'm just some guy with a lot of free time on his hands. For starters, check out my review for the latest Bio-Tonic, Ix Lam At, and Not For Human Consumption V/A if you think they are all positive. Perhaps you should listen to an album before judging it by it's cover.

Artist: Kyoto Title: Forest Trip Label: Space Baby Records Date: November, 2009 1. Intro 2. Knockin to the heaven door 3. For You 4. Angels 5. Forest Trip 6. Tears of a rain 7. Walking on the sky 8. Liquid Emotions 9. Gloria When I first came across this one, I was confused. I'm thinking Kyoto, ok a Japanese downtempo artist. Wrong. Kyoto is a Russian named Vitaly Zenkov and this is his debut album. Space Baby Records is very new to the scene having released only 2 other compilations (Shamanisma and Magic Dew.) They were both very interesting so hopes are high for an interesting ride here. I don't see where Vitaly has released any other tracks so... Check out that cover. It has to be one of the best I have seen in quite some time. The striking green field has two winged nymphs playing instruments in an enchanted forest complete with entranced wildlife. Beautiful. You get 9 tracks (well, 8 really as the first one is an intro with Russian being spoken.) So "Knockin' To The Heaven Door" comes with haunting piano and a tribal drum beat out in front of stellar pads. It creates a mystic mood keeping the listener wary as the journey begins. "For You" is a short mid-tempo number with arching effects keeping with the tribal theme. Piano tones mingle with effects letting you know you are on the right path. Very contemplative. "Angels" has a chopped up lead soaring skyward above churning deep tones. Synths are delicately laid down furthering the atmosphere. "Forest Trip" has one of the most beautiful intros, totally transporting the listener inside his world. A slow beat ensues, guiding you down the forested trail until it reaches a small oasis. So tender are the synths you don't want to touch anything for the fear of it dissipating. Awesome. Heavenly strings caress spider web thin synths as they grow in intensity on "Tears of a Rain." Layer upon layer combine to give this track a mournful lushness. Awesome again! Rich pads and a rhythmic tabla combine with analogue strings as a celestial dance begins in "Walking On The Sky." The guitar wails above the percussion as the key changes and I cannot take my eyes off this ritual. Well done. The spirit creatures must have sensed my presence, because on "Liquid Emotions" things are sent into an upbeat chaos. This breakbeat track is the fastest bpm on the disc and really wakes you out of your dream state. But, Vitaly proves that he can craft this as well. Far away pads and modulating synths hover over the beat. The break at 3:15 is an evolving melodic dance, with effects junping into the fray. The heavy drums return to take you back to the edge of the forest. What a "Gloria" us ride it has been! Magical effects spiral over a deep bass line. The insects from this enchanted world perform a cosmic ceremony twisting and turning, rising and falling. A slow, thunderous beat arises from the darkness as synths continue their melody. Then it all just fades into sounds of the forest. I like what he did here. This is a pixie like ultra melodic escapade. He weaves a very vivid sonic tapestry combining wispy synths, out of this world effects and a very convincing percussive element. All of which make for a lush atmospheric journey. The tracks are not too long, and the way he fades sounds in and out as well as into each other brings a fluidity to his story. Each melodic sound is like a drop into a pool, causing the ripples to go forth and creating a very enjoyable listening experience. The music is relaxing and very emotive, matching the cover almost perfectly. This guy is one to watch and has dropped one of the best downtempo albums for me in 2009. Highly recommended. Psyshop Mdk

Artist: Kick Bong Title: Flower Power Label: Cosmicleaf Records Date: June, 2008 1. 2 Seasons 2. Something Better 3. Landscape (Cydelix rmx) 4. Flower Power 5. Logical Life 6. In Doo 7. Outside the mountain 8. 2 Seasons (Side Liner rmx) 9. Duby Cure 10. Blissfull Kick Bong is Franck Jousselin and this is his 2nd full length album. He is a downtempo artist from France that has appeared on numerous compilations. He mixes real instruments with electronica to create very thought porvoking melodies. The label is Greek Cosmicleaf Records who recently released the outstanding Planet Discovery from Easily Embarrassed. The cover is of some tree branches with red leaves against the backdrop of the sky. So let me get into an Autumn frame of mind. There is a theme that is seen throughout the disc. Dreamy pads and a deep bass sound join a trip-hop beat on "2 Seasons." The guitar provides a nice melody as soft synths mingle with whispers. The percussion allows for a nice interlude and then more synths flesh out the track. Very pensive and a great way to open an album. The guitar takes center stage once again on "Flower Power" and churns over a breakbeat while synths pan left and right. The flute is mournful and is a nice touch. French whispers tickle the ear as the percussive touches are never far behind. Beautiful. Franck does a great job with this effort. They synths are very delicate providing melody and the pads are just super thick. Where he shines of course is the combination of synths and real live instruments. Guitars in several tracks really give them an added pop allowing the flow to be maintained and the percussion gives the tracks a tribal feel. The dreamy quality of this album cannot be missed. This is a journey of self-discovery with lots of genres being represented here. Downtempo, trip-hop, breakbeat...all done well. Vocals are here, but for the most part they enhance rather than distract. This music is very full, making sure that there is no empty space for the ear to wander. Highly recommended. Psyshop Mdk

Artist: Ix Lam At Title: Kin Ethics Label: Iono Music Date: March, 2008 1. Pizza trick IX LAM AT 2. Beat botanical IX LAM AT 3. Crash window IX LAM AT 4. Plant attack IX LAM AT 5. Consciousness (Ix Lam At rmx) YOTOPIA 6. Arrival IX LAM AT 7. Release IX LAM AT 8. Savilax IX LAM AT 9. Cachai IX LAM AT Ix Lam At are a progressive trance duo from Mexico that are relatively new to the scene. They have tracks on a couple of compilations like Blue Banquet and Beat Generation. They were signed to progressive trance super label Iono Music so they must have seen something there. I'm curious as to how that works. Don't you want to release a bunch of tracks on various compilations to get noticed before you put out an album? The cover is fairly simple, of leaf fronds beneath a green field. A mustard colored stripe across the bottom third gives the artist name and album. Well, what can be said about this? It's progressive trance that is true and it is nicely melodic in places. The melody and key change in "Plant Attack" is very catchy. The break in "Consciousness" is dreamy. The bass lines are good, but...something is missing. It seems empty as if there was space that could be used to flesh out the tracks. The groove is good, but my ear yearns for more. It is rather minimalistic in it's approach. True, I have been spoiled by Iono Music's incredible releases, but this seems like it needed more time in the oven. This seems pretty cut and paste to me and unfortunately a weak effort. BTW, this album is guilty of one of my biggest pet peeves. The last track is over 16 minutes long, but it has a gap of about 3 minutes only to continue on the other side. What is the purpose of that? Quit it. Psyshop Mdk

Artist: Kuba Title: Bringing It All Back Home Label: Chillcode Music Date: November 2009 1. Monk Dust 2. Wheres Fragga 3. A Shoe String (Spaff Mix feat. Shaky) 4. They all went to a party 5. The sky you are (feat. Tiago Coimbra) 6. It keeps us down to size (feat. Michele Adamson) 7. Mushroom Daddy in Dub (feat. Charlie Shuttler) 8. Make me Water 9. Keep Walking (feat. Michele Adamson) 10. Bringin it all back home 11. Maria from Huddersfield 12. Tangerine World Kuba is Laurence Harvey and this is his fourth full length album. This is a guy that doesn't get boxed into any one specific genre. He is a downtempo artist, but just as easily floats from ambient to dub to world. He uses real instruments to weave them seamlessly with his electronics. His last album "How The Future Sounded" was very good, but his album before that "Through A Lense" was incredible. Chillcode Music (formerly Chillcode Records) has released his last three as well as efforts by Human Blue and Entheogenic. They have been rather quiet lately so let's see what they have in store. The cover is a smooth bit of afternoon sun, showcasing a guitar in front of a bird's wing. What I like about his tracks is that they are short. I mentioned this when I reviewed the Duca album "After Dark", that they are short enough to keep the mind interested without becoming a listening burden due to great length. And with the way he jumps from genre to genre, anticipation is always high. Right off the bat,"Monk Dust" is a smooth breakbeat journey with a chanting monk in the beginning. This gives me the feeling of being on the beach in late afternoon with the wind blowing. Groovy. Gently plucked guitar strings over a tabla allow me to remain introspective in "Where's Fragga." I find the bass a little too overwhelming on this one, but that is being nitpicky. I don't care for the speaking/singing over the nice reggae piano in "A Shoe String" as it ruins the flow that the previous two tracks generated. It's mellow and the music backing it is nice, but it just isn't my taste. "The Sky You Are" is a pleasant track with a guitar backing a flute melody leading me back to happier times. Michele Adamson lends her voice (I suppose that is her) to the breakbeat "It Keeps Us Down To Size." Her voice floats over the irregular percussive beat, and sounds a little like Enya would. Out of nowhere comes "Make Me Water" and it seems like Vibrasphere joined the party. This is the only upbeat track on the disc, but it maintains that sun kissed afternoon flow. This album is a nice walk on a sunny beach by yourself. It is smooth and mellow, allowing your mind to wander playfully. Boundaries are crossed without looking back and makes the whole disc seem like a full package. The real instruments (true to form) fit in very nicely with the assorted psychedelia more in an enhancing role. Even the vocals are dreamy never jarring you awake from your reverie. Very enjoyable. Psyshop Mdk

Artist: Flooting Grooves Title: Psydeburns Label: Peak Records Date: November, 2009 1. Egypt 2. Insectoid 3. Naked dancers of Ra 4. Kyrosmatik 5. Sufisticated 6. Psylence 7. Earth calling Hawai 8. Atrium Two things: One, I always want to call the artist Floating Grooves and two, he seems to like the word side or "psyde" as it is in both on his album titles. Flooting Grooves is Pearce van der Merwe and you guessed it, he can play the flute. This is his second album, the first being "Upsyde Downe" (told ya). I missed the boat on that one, so I thought I would give this a listen. It is being released by Peak Records who have the distinction of being Switzerland's first psytrance label. They have also released several pretty good compilations in years past. Starting with the cover, it is definitely psychedelic. There is a lot going on there so I won't describe it, but I wonder if it is one of those paintings where you have to relax your eyes while focusing to get the image they want you to see. I was never any good at those. I'm a sucker for a wispy, mysterious flute amidst tribal music and that is what we've got. "Egypt" speaks of long dead pharaohs still wielding an iron grip on the people. The percussion is very engaging transporting the listener away from all the modern conveniences we enjoy. It takes center stage on "Insectoid" as the mood becomes darker with driving bass and eerie effects. More of the same on "Naked Dancers of Ra" with a long sample in the beginning. Again though, it is the gentle percussion that gives the feeling of foreign lands. Alien noises and flute flutterings give "Kyosmatik" a dreamy feel. "Sufisticated" is a journey through the vast , arid desert as the flute solo winds between the dunes. It's not until after 3 minutes that a bass line comes in, giving this track a haunting touch. Middle Eastern Ambient dub? If that wasn't enough, the track morphs into an upbeat psytrance track. Awesome! The tribal groove is ramped up with "Psylence" as gurgling synths spin above a dark bass line. Right on time the flute makes an appearance, but it is so satiny soft you barely notice it. Sounds of the deep forest are interrupted by the growling of a didgeridoo in "Earth Calling Hawai." It's a guttural track, full of low, rumbling bass and the most minimal one on the album. Closing with "Atrium" the flute glides above more ancient percussion amidst whooshes and various other effects. If you would have told me that a flute could carry some psytrance tracks, I would've thought you were nuts. This was a pleasant surprise. I had no idea what to expect, but between the lamenting flute and tribal percussion this is a hit. Warning, you have to be in the mood for it. But there are twists and turns in this music. This is not formulaic by any stretch. It is this originality that is refreshing. All the effects and psychedelia that we associate with psy are there, but with the mournful flute sounds and percussion put it over the top. Psyshop Mdk

Artist: Duca Title: After Dark Label: Tribal Vision Date: September, 2008 1. Snowman 2. Canadian Visa 3. Astronaut 4. After Dark 5. Ducaralho 6. 120 7. Diploma 8. United Nations 9. Zakon 10. Hit the Target 11. Last One Czech label Tribal Vision is another monster on the progressive trance scene. Artists like Tegma, Fitalic, and Vibrasphere helped to put them on the map. Duca is Dusan Sekic and he ahs appeared on almost 1 million compilations so he is no rookie. I haven't heard any of his music prior to this review so I am curious to see where his version of progressive begins. The cover is...well, I don't know what that is. It looks like a light shining on...something against a black field. Anyone know what that is? The first thing I noticed is the length of his tracks. Not a one over 8 minutes and most around the 6 and a half minute mark. This usually means one of two two things: Either he doesn't need more time to tell his tales or this is a rampaging mess of 11 tracks. Well I am here to tell you it is the former. What you get are big fat house-like grooves. Kicks that are so thick it sounds like you're slamming a pillow with a sledgehammer. This is what progressive trance would sound like if it were in a car crash with house music minus the annoying vocals. There isn't a lot of evolution as this album seems to be devoted to the groove. That's not to say there isn't any melody, there is; it's just not as complex. But lest you think this is a bad thing, the strength of this disc lies elsewhere. For example, when that bass groove first appears on "Canadian Visa" it is absolutely guaranteed to set the mind wobbling. So is it good? I thought so, but not for melodic, storytelling track evolution reasons. It's not that type of trance. This is get your ass up and shake it music. If you're looking for the deep and layer rich progressive of Flegma & Nerso, keep looking. This ain't that type of party. That is why the tracks don't need to be 8 or 9 minutes long. Any longer would be overkill for what this music wants to accomplish. The main gripe I find with this, is in it's simplicity, all the tracks can sound the same. Add house beat, mix in funky bass, and then agitate. But what it does, it does pretty well. This guy can twist a bass groove and make you want to dance, but I want my music to do that as well as tell a rich layered tale. So for home listening, this is good up to a point, but then can become tedious. However if you are on the dance floor, this would do. Psyshop Mdk

Artist: Invisible Reality Title: Visibility Label: Iono Music Date: April, 2009 1. Visibility 2. Simplicity 3. Timeless 4. Creature in my mind 5. Love story 6. Obsessive 7. Ritmo - Rapture (Invisible Reality Remix) 8. Synthetic Mind 9. Relaxation Fixation Progressive Trance label Iono Music brings forth the debut album of Invisible Reality (Shamil Abramov & Igor Sorin). If you follow this label, then you know what to expect. Vast soundscapes with effects that drip atmosphere over a nice groove. This duo has put out several tracks on compilations like Solar Signals and Genetic Drift. The cover is of a crowded subway car. Just the place you would like to be "in"visible. The title track sets the tone with a dreamy guitar weaving its magic over lush pads. The whole thing is soaked in delicious reverb and brings to mind a wide open area like the praries of Montana. "Simplicity" continues that vibe as the leads and pads come together perfectly. The break is super smooth and the track feels as though we are headed for an uncertain destiny. "Creature In My Mind" combines progressive trance and operatic choirs to interesting effect. The break in the "Obsessive" was a bit of breakbeat cleverness. My favorite though was the lamenting remix of "Rapture." This one oozed of past regret or a rainy Saturday afternoon at the beach. Very contemplative. I would swear that all the artists from Iono go to the same progressive trance school. They all contribute to the signature Iono sound. Some would say that they are merely clones of each other and that they all sound the same. I disagree, as they all have certain nuances in their music that sets them apart. These guys know how to put a track together to tell a story. The use of reverb, delay and effects makes all the tracks seem vast, whilst little touches such as percussive elements really add character to their music. Some things I didn't care for like the whispering in the beginning of tracks. It comes off as pure corn. Nonetheless this was a nice surprise and I recommend it highly. Psyshop Mdk

Artist: Day.Din Title: A Place To Be Real Label: Spintwist Records Date: February, 2009 1. Domdigga DAY.DIN AND DJ FABIO 2. Carnival in Xanthi DAY.DIN 3. Personal Trainer DAY.DIN 4. Dance with me DAY.DIN 5. Theory of mind DAY.DIN AND ALFREDO GARCIA 6. Using Light (Day.Din rmx) AUDIOMATIC AND NOK 7. Halkidiki DAY.DIN 8. A place to be real DAY.DIN 9. Lost in translation NORDLIGHT 10. Tierra Azul (Nordlight rmx) VIBRASPHERE German label Spintwist Records have quite busy this year putting out numerous CD releases as well as some digital media. Day.Din is Deniz Aydin who is also the other half of Nordlight. This is his 3rd full length release if you count the album of unreleaseds. He is a progressive trance guy and this is my first experience with one of his albums. I really like the cover of this CD. It's a black and white image of a mannequin staring thoughtfully off into space, perhaps pondering what might be. His sound could be described as wide open, with great groove and well-placed effects. I am here to tell you that this album is packed with ass shaking dynamite. All of the tracks have a mysterious feel about them. What I mean by that is that they are not happy, but neither are they dark. This occupies some middle ground where, like the mannequin on the cover, you can look off into the distance and imagine. "Carnival in Xanthi" is loaded with danceable bass rhythm and also has nice pads giving the track a pensive feel. The break on "Theory of Mind" is outstandingly rich with its delayed effects and smooth stings. Very heavenly. The "Using Light" remix is a groovy monster, with nice atmospheric pads. "Haldiki" is a massive track that storms forward without asking. Great rhythm and delicious effects. "Lost In Translation" is an absoulute delight in downtempo goodness, seeming to take a page from Solar Fields with their glitchy samples. The percussion and staccato synths allow the track to appear as fluid as water. The dubby remix of "Tierra Azul" is sublime, allowing the listener to melt into their surroundings like a soft summer rain on the Earth. Some would cry foul for including this Nordlight track (released on their album "A Deep Dive") on a Day.Din album, but I'm not one of them. That is not to say it is without its trouble spots. "Dance With Me" contains a vocal sample that is overused, bordering on annoying. But the effects and the synths are nice enough to almost make it almost a non-factor. Almost. "A Place To Be Real" has a detuned vocal that really doesn't do anything for me. But even with that minor hiccup, the music is good enough to make the bad part much less noticeable. So what you get is a very good effort. One of the things I really liked is the length of the tracks. Sometimes lengths get out of control as if the artist was trying to create the next big epic. Most here are long enough to enjoy without becoming a tiresome burden. It's a great album, full of danceable beats for the dancer and also great for the one who likes to ponder life's mysteries. Home listening was a joy, but I imagine this would also work well as part of a Dj's set. Ending the album with two downbeat numbers was a good move as they were superb. Besides, it is always good to put a Vibrasphere track on your album. Especially one as good as this one. Don't sleep on this. Psyshop Mdk

Is he signed to a label? Or, do you know what label is going to release his debut?

This guy creates some of the most melodic goa around in my opinion. I stumbled upon his page at ElectroBel and his tracks are awesome. He certainly has enough to release. I don't know if it is in the works or not, but I would be on board. Great work! Mdk

Artist: Easily Embarrassed Title: Planet Discovery Label: Cosmic Leaf Records Date: October 2009 1. Ignition 2. Leaving Terra 3. Gravity 4. Aurora and storm 5. Wormhole 6. The Journey 7. Extraterrestrial Life Forms 8. Final Hope Pt.1 9. Final Hope Pt.2 Cosmic Leaf Records is a Greek chill out label whose parent company is Unicorn Music. They have released music from the likes of Side-Liner, Kick Bong, and Zero Cult. Easily Embarrassed is Jeffrey van der Schilden, Nick van der Schilden, Peter Spaargaren who released their first album "Idyllic Life" in 2008. This is their second full length, and the cover is that of a planet (Earth I assume) floating in space within a letterbox that has the artist's name and title of the album. I'm kind of indifferent to it. It seems like a magazine cover. But I am here to tell you that this is a wonderful piece of music. This act combines so many aspects and melds them into something so engaging. This music can go from very loud to a soothing classical influence. The melodies are lush and the rhythm switches from breakbeat to downtempo to the purest beatless ambient. Whereas some artists use of piano can come off as cheesy, it enhances his tracks. Absolutely stunning. This is an example of how music can be ultra melodic and also entrancing."Gravity" goes down like a nice soothing trip into oblivion, so huge in scope. "Auroroa and Storm" grows and evolves with a synth not too far off from the symphonic progressive rock of the 70's. The Final Hope Part I and II are seemingly an hommage to Jean Michel Jarre in their sound quality and beautiful melody. I thought I was listening to "Rendezvous." Get this and get it now for a wonderful trip. Psyshop Mdk

Artist: Solano Title: Blackout Label: Iono Music Date: June 2007 1. Knock Out 2. Go for Gold 3. Fruiti Blanche 4. Hold the Line 5. Dancing Shoes 6. Rush Hour 7. Sundried 8. Tiger Prawns 9. Defense Solano is Tony Buehlmann & Heinz Loertscher from Switzerland who tend to meld progressive trance, house and techno. They have released numerous tracks on labels like Tribal Tribe, Dance N Dust, and Plusquam. This is evident from the first track which happens to sample from all three elements. Iono Music is of course known for being one of the leaders in the progressive scene. The cover seems to be nothing special with some yellow fabric against a white wall. If someone could let me know how that and the title of the album relate I would appreciate it. Knock Out - This one begins as a breakbeat track and eventually morphs into a progressive number. Growling sounds are in the driver's seat over a non-complicated beat. Not bad, if a bit sparse. Go For Gold - Again another breakbeat intro, pretty long too. The progressive trance appears and this track seems a little fuller due to the effects, but man it just goes on and on. Fruiti Blanche - This track jumps right into progressive mode and is more low-key. This track is straight ahead with no surprises. Boring, in all honesty. Hold The Line - House like sample greets my ears and then the house beat is nipping at its heels. The synth that is played every quarter note begins to get annoying. After a short technoish break the synth is back. Pass. Dancing Shoes - This track is a bouncy one which shows off its housey elements and low synth line. And that's about it. Rush Hour - This one seemed to get a little better, adding more effects to the but there still weren't that many changes to engage the ear. However the groove was good and I feel this was the best one up to this point. Sundried - Now this is what I'm talkin' about! The effects make this track. It seems more sinister, mysterious. Better still. Tiger Prawns - This one seems even larger in scope even though it still feels "not full." The sample is just right and you can feel the track start to open up. This is the best one on the album for me. What took so long for this one to come out? Defense - Again, there is a mellow vibe here, but the sounds fit well together and the track moves along nicely. The break allows the track to regroup and gain momentum. Still a little on the light side for my tastes. After listening to a lot of the compilations that Iono has released, I would call this album a disappointment. For me anyway. Whereas the compilation work by and large was spacious and rich with melody and effects, this errs on the side of minimal progressive trance. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but for me it becomes very boring. There are times in the tracks where more layers could be added to flesh it out and make it more interesting. I can't get into the track because, well there is nothing to get into. The fact that most of the tracks are over 8 minutes doesn't help matters. I'm sure there are some out there that will enjoy it and see things that I don't, but have plenty of discs that will take me farther than this. Psyshop Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Altares Label: Synergetic Records Date: October, 2008 1. Celtic Boogie NEXT 2. Two Fingers ECTIMA 3. Moon Mistery JEY & EX 4. Turn off the light (El Zisco rmx) OVNIMOON 5. Final Steps PROTONICA 6. Mission Hard vs Soft ZYCE AND FOX 7. Can't stop it UNSEEN DIMENSIONS 8. Just makes me go KALIMAX 9. Love Effect BRISKER AND MAGITMAN Austrian label Synergetic Records did such a great job with their compilation "Synergy" that I had to check this out. We get 9 tracks compiled by Ovnimoon, who incidentally released his fourth album the awesome "Geometric Poetry." They are all in the progressive style with some really big names. The cover is of an island forest reflected in a lake at dusk. Very relaxing. Next (aka Midimal) starts off with an all encompassing track. Rich melody and wide open beauty. It goes down nice and easy. Ectima's two fingers felt a little thin and didn't deliver the goods. Not a lot of melody or storytelling. "Moon Mystery" by Jey & Ex seemed to drag on without a lot of direction. No twists or turns and kind of boring. The El Zisco remix of Ovnimoon's "Turn Off the Light" has thick house influences from the chopped up synth to the breathless female vocal. It's not terrible, just not a lot to it. "Final Steps" by Protonica (haven't heard his album Search yet) is an effect laden trip across the galaxy. Smooth and trance inducing with a cold and eerie break. Not a lot to this one either, but the great placement of effects and synth work really pull you in. The vibrating synthline in the Zyce & Fox track "Mission Hard and Soft" is massive, giving way to a dancing lead, but periodically returning and morphing. I wish it could have stayed longer, but it didn't. Decent track. Mexican Unseen Dimensions has produced smashes on compilations like "Archive 9", "Carrots & Stick", and "Pathfinder." Javier is also the guy behind psytrance project Twilight. His album "Angel's Calling" was really good. This guy just has that knack to make an interesting and involving track. No exception here. Kalimax produces a decent track, but it is sparse on layers. I couldn't get into it. We end this ride with Israeli progressive house duo Brisker and Magitman who seem to have tracks on every compilation ever made. House beat? Check. Filthy bass? Check. Pristine melody with heaps of groove? Check. This was pretty good. I love compilations because they are the best way to discover new artists. I know I will be looking at Brisker and Magitman a little more closely. There are some great tracks here and some filler. That's ok, they cannot all be homeruns. Standouts for me were tracks 1,5,6,7, and 9. Good groovy and melodic progressive. Recommended. Psyshop Mdk