Trance2MoveU

Artist: Synergic Title: Liquid Depth Label: Space Baby Records Date: October, 2011 1. Liquid Depth 2. Ich mag das 3. Delusion Red 4. Nice interfering noise 5. Ujulala 6. There is nothing wrong 7. The Secret 8. The other side 9. It is all one Synergic are Torgen Anton & Benjamin Neiss and a little while back I reviewed their debut EP which can be found on Ektoplazm. Here's the link. http://www.psynews.o...__fromsearch__1 By the way, is there anyway to make the link into a word instead of that ugly long link? I thought the EP had a bunch of promise and brought together several styles. This is their debut full length and right off the bat I love the cover. Beautiful colors and imagery. Second and of equal importance was the fact that it is released by the same label that was responsible for Alienapia's superb Goapocalipsis. This album was actually made in 2008 and just recently released so apparently these tracks are 3 years older than the stuff on the EP. Hmmmm....I wonder why that happened? Liquid Depth- Right off the bat there are sounds of the shore and they dive (pardon the pun) right into a progressive groove surrounded by plenty of effects. After 4 minutes though and little in the way of evolution it begins to grow stale and stays that way. I'll treat it as an intro track but...we're not starting well. Ich Mag Das- Already there is a better groove but again this track is boring. It has better melody work and a drifting style but... I dunno. I think the title is German for What the hell is going on here? So far this sounds nothing like their EP and I'm just looking around trying to figure out what happened? Yeah like these guys. Delusion Red- There are some weird combinations of deep electronic bubbling and tabla work but it's another example of a track relying on effects to carry the load. When the twisted voice begins to speak I feel like this is the soundtrack to a cheesy carnival ride. Not impressive. Nice Interfering Noise- Computer gyrations abound as they shimmer in a very cyber environment. An immediate improvement over the previous two three tracks but where is the power or the chaotic leads? It just plods along without showing any spark. Ujulala- Now that is a bass line with some attitude. Forest sounds trickle out from rocks and stumps, bringing a nice lush feel. Leads rattle off and leave a trail like smoke as the guitar strums. The best one so far even though it too was lacking any twists or turns. There is Nothing Wrong- Sure there is...the album so far is full of weak tracks. But like the last two we are on the upswing. Thick effects and a slow wobbly bass line make for an ominous tone. Definitely an alien land that is filled with darkness. It's the perfect soundtrack for a trip through cold space. Me likey. The Secret- Rumbling bass and loads of sci-fi effects give this beast some swagger. It's darkpsy like I like my darkpsy. Atmospheric while not screaming at me. Imagine you found a Scandinavian forest in the middle of space. Twisted sounds abound but also soft comforting pads. Good stuff. The Other Side- The mindbending forest sound continues with flashes and bubbling synths that make you feel like the ground you walk on is alive. Nothing flashy, just good organic psytrance with a bunch of layers. The second half of this album has really taken an upswing. It Is All One- More effects but this track lacks the presence the previous ones had and sadly is a return to the trudging of the first three tunes. The first thing you have to realize is that this was made 3 years ago. Compared to their EP this is thin and lacking in evolution and the power that they had with the One Mystery Left EP had yet to manifest itself with this release. Everything sounds like it's far away. It's good to know that the current incarnation of Synergic is more detailed and mature now than when this was made. That said, the second half of the album is miles better than the first, being more descriptive and dark. Very skilled these musicians are at crafting a sinister vibe. They are on the right path and let's face it, the music is supposed to get better the longer you work at it. There's a lot of music to choose from out there. I suppose people read my reviews to be entertained but I also hope to inform consumers what an album or EP is like. Thank you Torgen for giving me the opportunity to review your early work...it's good to see where you guys were. I do indeed look forward to new tracks from this project. http://www.psyshop.c.../sre1cd008.html http://www.beatspace...th+/detail.aspx http://www.goastore....roducts_id=4662 Mdk

Artist: Liquid Space Title: Looking Forward EP Label: Iono Music Date: August, 2011 1. Small Vibrations 2. Life Breaks Down 3. Looking Forward 4. Bending Time (Liquid Space Remix) - Flegma & Nerso Progressive king of the hill Iono release an EP by Mr. Denny Seidewitz. Never heard of the guy, but as a label, you know you've got some clout if you can get a cameo by the Geico gecko. Perhaps after I give this EP the business he can save me on my car insurance. Small Vibrations- Not bad, kinda has a techno feel to it. There are effects stabs and small melodies but it's an interesting track with short vocal samples. I'm listening... Life Breaks Down- "What happens when life breaks down. When there is systemic contradiction. My name symbolized all that was corrupt to society. His name symbolized all that was pure. And I was being held in the embrace of a man who was pure." You're being a little hard on yourself wouldn't you say? This one slowly evolves and has more of the chopped up effects and sample work. The break is pretty cool though I don't know how to feel about the...chick uh chick aahhhh...I feel like I should think it's pure cheese, but I kinda liked it. Looking Forward- "As creatures of physics and chemistry and memory and hope we tend to fall into repetitious patterns." I was thinking of a way to describe this track and he nailed it. Bending Time (Liquid Space Remix)- Remixing a track off the Opposite album? You've got stones, kid. I hear plenty of massive sweeps and the pounding bass line, but that was in the original. The little melody and oscillating strings brings an airyness and hopeful feeling that appeals to me. It flowed nicely with his added touches. Good job. You know how they have a huge stable of artists that create beautiful and melodic progressive trance that is massive in scope? Well, this isn't that. It's definitely less detailed, but has a simpler charm. Think of it as....progressive light. Good stuff, but I don't think it has any staying power and I see myself getting tired of this rather quickly. Nonetheless, he did a pretty good job with the remix. http://www.beatport.com/release/looking-forward-e-p/399826 Mdk

Artist: Zyce Title: Technology EP Label: TesseracT Studio Date: September, 20111 1. Android 2. Technology More goodness from the label that cannot seem to do any wrong. Serbian Nikola Kozic is at it again with a short 2 track EP. Android- "You know how they say we can only access 20% of our brain? Well what this does...is let you access all of it." It's cold and digital, with nice echoing melodies. Nothing spectacular but good. The sample is repeated 3 times so if that turns you off you might not like it, but it didn't bother me. He is really good at sample placement and manipulation. Technology- This one drifts and is another one that isn't gonna set the house on fire. The break is typically good with a wide open feel. It churns growing in loudness and then back to a measured calm. Not bad but the first track was better. Like I said, I liked the first track better as it had more character. Both were pretty good but I can see them getting lost in the shuffle. There is a lot of good progressive trance out there. http://www.beatport.com/release/technology/674092 Mdk

Gotta weigh in on this one. Like Richpa's excellent review stated it's 5 tracks but it ain't short. I also was disappointed with Flight of the Urbus but have no fear. They re back to the "Entheogenic" sound which is laden with religious and mystical samples and that ethnic tone. Like water? Lots of that here. The first track Love Letters To The Soul is 27 f*cking minutes and I didn't care one bit. It was awesome. So many twists and turns! Multiverse is a twisted descent into madness that is easy to love. It's great psy-chill that doesn't lull you to sleep, but rather opens your mind up and takes you on a journey. Very easy to get wrapped up in the detail and atmosphere. Super work! Mdk

Artist: Various Title: The Usual Suspects Parts 1 & 2 Label: Blue Tunes Records Date: July & August, 2011 Part 1 1. Downtown (Nok Remix) 2. Sexy Dance (Moon & DJ Fabio Remix) 3. True Reality (Interactive Noise Remix) Part 2 1. Sexy Dance (Ritmo Remix) 2. True Reality (Vaishiyas Remix) 3. Ask For Permission (Phaxe Remix) Originally I was going to talk about hand jobs to start this review, but I felt that might be going too far. No, no, no...my fault entirely. I'll see myself out. What the hell dude, I just wanted to read a review, what the f*ck is this? If there was ever an album that begged for a remix it was this underwhelming snoozefest. Very rarely do I dump a CD after I get it, but the Wotanowski brothers have earned that distinction with their album the Usual Suspects. I'll spare you any number of puke gifs to hammer the point home, but here's my review of that beer coaster http://www.psynews.org/forums/index.php?/topic/60400-symphonix-the-usual-suspects/page__hl__symphonix__fromsearch__1 The cast of characters lining up for their shot is fairly impressive so let's see what they can do when the bar was set very low. Downtown (Nok Remix)- This is Alexander Dorkian (not making that up) and while he has made some great tracks in the past, he must be too close to the brothers because this was far from his shining moment. No evolution or depth whatsoever. Same old boring crap. Just keeps going round and round and round... Sexy Dance (Moon & DH Fabio Remix)- How can anyone enjoy the track with that b*tch talking over it? No, I don't want to dance, I want you to shut the f*ck up. Keep talking and you'll force me to put my hands on you. And not in a nice way. "Go fix me chicken pot pie b*tch!" True Reality (Interactive Noise Remix)- I like the music better with more effects as it makes it a quantum leap forward from the original steaming pile, but stop with the f*cking talking already! When you touch me in the eye? Exactly what I want to do, but in my version it leaves a racetrack around your eye. Better go get a pack of frozen peas b*tch. Knockout. This is really sad. Sexy Dance (Ritmo Remix)- "All I see it the flashing lights." This is what this music feels like to me. It's bad enough that you're being chased by the cops, but then your car crashes and the cops beat the living sh*t out of you. F*ck man if Ritmo can't make a respectable remix than it's best to just burn these files and never speak of this again. True Reality (Vaishiyas Remix)- Hope has long since taken the short bus out of town but if it's worth anything this is the funkiest one. Still it's like being locked in a port a potty with an air freshner. Yeah it smells nicer, but your still standing on a pile of sh*t. Ask for Permission (Phaxe Remix)- Ahhh, they saved the best for last. The leads were at least engaging and there was a nice break. Very emotional in fact. Like looking at the sunset over a vast ocean. Good stuff Phaxe, you don't get the glare. There's a few hours I won't ever get back. Wow this f*cking sucked. No two ways about it. Other than the Phaxe remix I would steer clear of this like it was a chick with an open weeping sore on her lip. I am thankful for having listened to it though because it will make the choice between stabbing sharp sticks in my ears and listening to another Symphonix track that much easier. http://www.beatport.com/release/the-usual-suspects-remixes-part-1/392741 http://www.beatport.com/release/the-usual-suspects-remixes-part-2/401699 Mdk

Artist: Unseen Dimensions Title: Airglow EP Label: Iono Music Date: July, 2011 1. Airglow 2. Wonderland (Unseen Dimensions Remix) - Nok & Zyce 3. Sonic Manipulation (Unseen Dimensions Remix) - Flegma & Nerso Breastfeeding is a purely non sexual act. *shakes head in disbelief. What the f*ck dude?* At least that's what women have told me. And by women I mean the one woman I know who is currently breastfeeding. Look I get it, it's the act of nurturing your newborn child and has nothing to do with sex. The woman's point of view is very clear and rational. But have you seen what happens to breasts after childbirth? Boobs become so big and full that a brother can't help but stare. And that's what lead me to this review. I couldn't stop staring so my wife sent me downstairs. But all is not lost, because I get to review and EP from progressive masters Iono Music. Smooth, melodic sounds are just what I need to cure my banishment. This is Javier Martinez Salinas from Mexico who released a damn fine album a few years ago as Twilight. Airglow- "No one's coming to get us. Ok? No one. We have to help ourselves." And we're off to a pretty groovy start with effects that make you feel like you're riding a star. Very full and lush as numerous layers take you in. Whooshes and sweeps hover above the bass line that moves with a funky shuffle. My advice? Stand back and let this psychedelic bird fly. Wonderland (Unseen Dimensions Remix)- More groove and more effects as small melodies peek out. The break is tangible as comets zoom past and the whole universe opens up in front of you, ushering a change in time signature. After that nice floating interlude, the track assumes it's original position with a pounding melodic sixteen bars. Great stuff. Sonic Manipulation (Unseen Dimensions Remix)- This track is from their album Opposite which to me is one of the benchmarks of progressive trance. Now here are a list of the artists I know that have remixed this track. Liquid Space, Sven Snug, E-Clip, and Protoactive. Some tracks just lend themselves for remixing I guess. Oscillating synths come over you in waves, undulating breaks and liquid effects make this a joy to listen to. If you love the spacious Iono style, then this EP is a no brainer. Congratulations to Javier, he will fit in just fine making this beautiful progressive trance. Highly recommended. http://www.beatport.com/release/airglow-e-p/392750 Mdk

Artist: Sideform Title: Santo Daime EP Label: TesseracT Studio Date: March, 2011 1. Santo Daime 2. Santo Daime (Zyce Remix) 3. Santo Daime (Relativ Remix) Poolside Insert 80's marijuana induced montage...aka back when Sean Penn wasn't such a righteous prick. Outside Oh yeah, I would so much rather be outside than inside. Sideboob Ummm...speaks for itself really So the way I see it, I'm pretty good with sides. But you know...there is always that one; that black sheep that takes something which is mostly good and twists it so now it is the worst of the worst. Homicide. Suicide. Genocide. Ugh...now I don't know how to feel. Sideform are Drasko Radovanovich and Milos Modrinic who released their debut album Moving On this year. They've also made the rounds with some EP's and compilation work. Since it's TesseracT I took a flying leap on this one. 2nd only to Iono in lush progressive music their artists have the same wide open and melodic style. There is absolutely no need for a track by track review but let me tell you this. When I first read the promo that Santo Daime was a masterpiece, my guns were cocked and loaded. But after many listens this time the promo got it right. It is a melodic showstopper with soaring melodies, liquid effects, and just fantastic breaks. The remixes stay true to the original but still have their own uniqueness about them. Think of the main track as the star and the two remixes as a wonderful supporting cast. Don't get me wrong, the remixes are some great tracks as well, but when you try and remix something so great, it just sheds more light on how super the original was. Awesome. http://www.beatport....to-daime/342101 Mdk

Artist: Phaxe Title: Mr. Bogart EP / Unknown Language EP Label: Spin Twist Records/ Blue Tunes Records Date: April / May 2011 Mr. Bogart 1. So F**king Beautiful 2. Mr. Bogart Unknown Language 1. Unknown Language 2. With In (Phaxe Remix) - Vice That's right ladies another EP twofer. This is Kevin Josefsen who put out an EP called Train Boogie (review here http://www.psynews.org/forums/index.php?/topic/61933-phaxe-train-boogie-ep/page__hl__phaxe__fromsearch__1) in a very melodic and spacious style. I've been getting a lot of EP's lately not because I want to help the music industry, but because I have a short attention span. 2 tracks per EP? Sure, I can digest that. You try hanging around a 2 year old all day and see where that takes you. So F**king Beautiful- This is the first track and before you ask me about Bogart, he was before my time you callous bastards. And just so you know Kevin, titling your track as you did bears a great responsibility. Don't make it suck. Unfortunately you hit strike ond fairly early with the repeated sample screaming the track title. But I'm a forgiving guy and the pad stabs feel pretty good. The track has a very mainstream trance vibe and I feel like I'm listening to Digweed or Van Dyk. Not in the euphoric raise my hands in the air like I just don't care feeling either. Too much of a good thing gets old and that sample is exhibit number one. Not bad, but I've heard you make better Kevin. Mr. Bogart- "Everything you do...All I want to do..." Popcorn lead and not a whole lot going on. It's more of the popular trance kind of stuff with the included breathy sample to add urgency. Might as well have been a Pet Shop Boys remix. This is nothing like his previous output and while not terrible just doesn't move me. Instead of the ultra layered melodic style he went in a more minimal filler direction. Unknown Language- Now this is more like it. With a deliberate beat a soft melody floats above right into a break that drifts across space. It takes a nice turn after the break continuing with its groovy style. I can see this being played with lights flashing all over the place. Was it a little long? Sure, but it was still good. When you absolutely positively have to have the most expensive light show in history. With In (Phaxe Remix)- "In just a moment you will learn to interpret your dream. Because this dream is part...of who you really are." This one was bouncy and tight, with all the sounds in the right place. It had a cold and digital feel while keeping the groove the whole way through. Effects echoing off the hull of the spacecraft as melodies saturate the view screen. Even though it leaned a little to the dark side it still elicited a smile. Well done. I easily preferred the Unknown Language EP with it's progressive attitude and melodies. Mr Bogart was a turn towards the commercial direction that didn't suit me. Mr. Bogart EP http://www.beatport....ogart-ep/350684 Unknown Language EP http://www.beatport....language/352325Mdk Mdk

Artist: Time In Motion Title: Four Degrees EP Label: Iono Music Date: June, 2011 1. Colour (Remake 2011) - Time In Motion 2. Audio Gigilo (Strange Doctors & Viram Remix) - Time In Motion 3. Shadowgaze (Aqualize Remix) - Time In Motion 4. Audio Gigilo (Flegma & Nerso Remix) - Time In Motion If you have 4 tracks and 3 are remixed by other artists, do you really get to claim it as your own? Don't ya think it might be a mini-compilation? Just a thought. This is the Cowan brothers as well as Martin Daltoft from Denmark with a 4-track EP released by Iono. Since it is Iono you can expect rich atmospheres with melodies longer than the US unemployment line. I recently reviewed another EP by these gentlemen called Smooth Vibrations and was very pleased with what I heard. Here's the link: http://www.psynews.o...-vibrations-ep/ I do have one beef with this EP. The ugly cover. I realize that every cover can't be LSD fractal galaxy dieties, but I expected more than a meter I could read on the side of my house. Colour (Remake 2011)- "The colour of your imagination..." This is a track from the Beat Generation 2 compilation and they decided to give it a fresh coat of paint. I don't remember the original, but this one has a nice drifting sway to it. The break is typically massive with galaxy spanning synths and echoing effects. Their sound is so vast it's like hurtling through space with a huge bay window so you can take it all in. The layers give it some rich depth and I do not get tired of this one. Audio Gigolo (Strange Doctors & Viram Remix)- This is from the EP of the same name. No idea who the remixers are and since I have never heard the original this is a blank slate for me. There are plenty of the juicy and tangible Iono effects and the tempo is in the mid 130's if I had to guess. This is as close to being able to touch the music as I imagine you could get...rich sweeps, chopped up synths racing by.. Another great one. Shadowgaze (Aqualize Remix)- Here come the Greeks Vladislav Koumpatidis & Koinis Anastasios with their take on a track from the Destinations 2 compilation. More of the same drifting, melodic juicyness. This is the type of music I would break out after I climbed a mountain and wanted to take in the view. Rolling synths unfurl with tracks of color as they spiral into the sky during the breaks. Love this stuff. Audio Gigolo (Flegma & Nerso Remix)- Dalibor Delić & Dragan Matić are the creme de la creme of melodic progressive and they take their cut at the gigolo. Their version seems fuller and with more of an aggressive swagger. So firm and fully packed as Pepe Le Pew would say. Beautiful melodies that are supported by grumbly effects. Awesome. It occurs to me that I didn't have to do a track by track review of this EP because all 4 of the tracks had the same qualities. Melodic drifters that twist and turn leaving streamers of color. Wide open breaks that curl around you like your favorite blanket. If you love the Iono style of melodic and rich atmospheric progressive then this is a must. http://www.beatport....rees-e-p/376648 Mdk

Artist: Hiyarant Title: Immaterial EP Label: Disasterpeace Records Date: July, 2011 1. 2 Times Devoured 2. One Punch Machine Gun 3. For the Blind 4. Disperse Stuart Vermaak is from South Africa so due to genetics he obviously has the psytrance goods. Don't try to fight science; like gravity it's a competitor that is undefeated. Just ask this chick. My sources tell me that after this incident she and every girl who resembled Chrissy from Three's Company died right on the spot. True story. So Stuart released Collision in 2008 and he had me with all the creepy Emily Rose samples. It was powerful and dark just the way I like it. So here's a little EP giving us a window of what he's up to today. 2 Times Devoured- "No problem...easy peasy. But I will only do this for a price." More power and a lead that will cut through your skull like a migraine. Definitely an acquired taste. It is a little stop and starty for my liking though. Couldn't build any momentum. It's like hiking the mountains with my 2 year old. We would make some good time, but he has to stop every 20 feet and pick up a f*cking pine cone. One Punch Machine Gun- "I don't f*ck around fellas, you all know the rules and you know I won't stand for it." Ding ding ding...I believe we have a winner for the coolest track name for 2011! Now this is more like it. With a hard driving bass line things are in order as he smears acid across the windshield like bugs on a road trip. There are a lot of samples here, too many and they dominate the track. Not bad, but he's done better. For the Blind- "You're a very special kind of monster." The grooviest track so far loaded with torrents of acid. It's layered more than the other tracks and that appeals to me. This is a pummeling of the first order and the first track on the EP that I can say that I really like. Disperse- That lead is psycho. Think of scribbling with a crayon but instead of color you get sound. And that sound is very loud and totally f*cked up your paper. Who hurt you Stuart? Who hurt you? One of the first things I would tell you is if you have a headache that is even on the horizon, do not listen to this. It is loud and abrasive and very raw. Each track has starts and stops but the last two are the best for my money. It's intense and chaotic often times just like his debut. I can't recommend it because I can't recommend music that makes me want to go on a shooting spree. http://www.junodownload.com/products/immaterial/1778558-02/ Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Pangaea Label: Hadra Records Date: July, 2011 1. The Psychedelic Experience - Shotu 2. How's Your Head - Mr. Peculiar 3. Star Born - Atomic Pulse 4. Through the Brain - Painkiller 5. Menotone - Menog & Chromotone 6. Virtuoso - Lost & Found 7. Romp & Stomp - Artsense 8. Life After Death - Occy 9. Maudits Artistes - Lunaroot Remember when the planets were all connected in one big land mass and we were a unified people? Yeah, me neither. Nobody does because it was...wait one second.... *puts finger to earpiece* I just got word that we have exclusive video of two men that do remember that magical and enlightening time. "Jag?? Jag is for pussies! Matlock is the best! Maaaatlocccck!!!!" Hadra records known for the Hadracadabra series and several pretty good compilations are back at it with their latest effort. Compiled by Jimson (aka...who?) it brings together an impressive tracklist but before I get tricked again I shall view this with a skeptical eye. The Psychedelic Experience- "Once upon a time in San Francisco a filmaker and an art teacher poured some colored ink in water to make an experimental film." You ever know someone who never seems to age? No matter how many years go by they still look the same? It's called the Ralph Macchio/Kevin Arnold Syndrome. Well that's this guy's music. David Marmin has never been big on melodies but always waded deep into psychedelia. He's been making the same track for seven years. Scratchy synths and well placed samples over a quick bass line. It's very cold and digital. IMO he is the definition of a one trick pony. But, f*ck I like ponies. C'mon dude, even Twinkle Twinkle has a few notes... How's Your Head- Dustin Saalfield from Australia has long been one of my favorite artists. Full-on gets sh*t on a lot, but he creates the detailed and psychedelic stuff that makes this music great. I like his atmosphere and the effects sound really good. This track is drenched in layers and has a nice spacious break. His leads twirl, ducking and diving as new synths join the fray. Pretty good sir. Star Born- "It all began at the time of the universe...gave birth to the stars." If we're being honest it doesn't get any more full-on than Atomic Pulse. Well maybe Alien Project might fight for the title, but shut the front door the beginning of the track is a cracker! Someone has been vacationing on the shores of goa because there was some ripping goa melodies at the outset. Sure, after that it became what he is known for, but it was well done and he did a nice job. It's like when you're at McDonalds and your expecting the same old Big Mac and then it comes back with loads of special sauce and pickles. What recession? Muy bien hecho! Through The Brain- "When drugs are used many parts of the brain become inactive or....over active." Roy has been hanging out with Nutek too much and let's face it his sound has suffered because of it. His first album was everything you could want in a twilight psy album, but his latest Duty Freak (reviewed here http://www.psynews.o...__fromsearch__1) was a little off the mark. And this is more of the same tame and uninspired stuff. There are numerous drug samples (what do you want the artist name is Painkiller) and the leads weren't that impressive. No chaos or dark tone setting effects just least common denominator full-on. I'm not saying that I'm here ...but I'm not not saying it. Menotone- "The first step in seeking happiness...is learning." Love both of the artists, but I cannot stand the cutesy track names that...sigh, cleverly act as a mix of the two artist names. Both are twilight stalwarts and hell, Daniel (Mr. Spectral Records) practically had a hand in inventing the genre. But you wouldn't know it from this track. I mean it was moving pretty good in the beginning with a distorted synth...Not bad. Not that this was a killer to begin with, but if you want a picture of a flow killer see this track. The sample above? Grinds this track to a halt. Throw in a little build up and see this.... It's my sad panda face. After a f*ckton of ketamine. And pot. And mushrooms. And....funions. Romp & Stomp- This is the first artist I know nothing about but that's cool. Leads switch places amid several mini buildups as the bass line races to finish first. And wouldn't you know it there is a sample about art. Not everything can be art you know...it has to be amazing. Halfway through it begins to layer up right into a break. Not terribly dark or atmospheric, but it doesn't lack power. Virtuoso- "When this all started I thought you might have a little harmless fun. And that you'd be responsible enough to keep it in perspective. I can see now that I was mistaken." His album Decoder was released this year (review here http://www.psynews.o...__fromsearch__1 ) and even though it wasn't as strong as I would've liked he is still my favorite twilight artist. This track begins like almost all his tracks. Heavy beat, acid drenched synths, and a dark ready to kick you in the nuts atmosphere. His groove picks up with leads that sound like they are turntable manipulated as a crunchy break. It's cyber intensive and the best track on the compilation. His best? Nah, but I'll take it. Life After Death- "Do you know who...who you're messing with? I want this man dead. When I say dead, I mean seriously dead. Beaten. Broken. His head mounted on my wall kinda dead!" Wow, there sure are a lot of quotable samples in this disc. 2nd unknown and this project begins with a decidedly alien effects show and the above angry sample. Synths fly like frisbees amid intense samples and the guy is making me nervous. Pretty wild and enjoyable. Maudits Artistes- My French is a little rusty ever since I stopped banging that hot French chick in the 90's but I think the title means cursed or damned artists. For the hat trick, this is the 3rd project I have no clue about. Pretty cool sample in the language of love and the track itself is good. The vibe is dark as leads unravel and pads hum forlornly above. It changes direction which always appeals to me. I always thought the last track in a compilation should leave you with a memorable feeling and this project seemed quite capable of doing that with good atmosphere. Not heavy but it went down nicely. Not a bad compilation. Not surprisingly the Lost & Found and Mr. Peculiar track were the best for me but surprisingly the Atomic Pulse one was also quality. It seemed like a couple of artists just mailed it in though. Far from essential it is more on the lighter side of twilight psytrance if you get my meaning. http://www.psyshop.c.../haa1cd023.html http://www.beatspace...ea+/detail.aspx http://www.goastore....roducts_id=4527 Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Stand Up Against Gravity Label: Iono Music Date: July, 2011 1. Jeff Vader - Clubgeister 2. Dark Ages - Egorhythmia 3. Chapter One - Twice 4. Heavy New Beer - Klopfgeister 5. Good Bye Goa (Jiser Remix) - Klopfgeister 6. Clone Baby - Midimal 7. Dirty Santa (Elecdruids Remix) - Klopfgeister 8. Good Bye Goa (Suduaya Remix) - Klopfgeister 9. Apollo - Beatbastards *Barry White Music playing softly in the background. Lights dimmed.* Hey Iono baby. Long time no see. Aw, don't be like that sugar nipples. True, it's been a while since I touched you but you gotta realize those other labels meant nothing to me. Really they didn't. I thought you had lost interest, you know, releasing so many EP's, going all digital on me.... You know I love you right? You look really good with that slimmed down tracklist. I didn't think you had 3 Klopfgeister remixes, a new track and a track by his new project in you. C'mon baby we've been through so much that I think we owe it to ourselves to see if we still have that magic. Whattya say? Another go round, just for old times sake? Jeff Vader- Was that Darth's real first name? Let's see...what project does this remind me of...wait for it, wait for it...AH! Klopfgeister! This is Thorsten Paul with his slower tempo house project. It's got a house swagger to it and from the 2001 movie dramatic string stabs...you know...dah dah!!!! There should be monkeys throwing sequencers in the air in the video. Nice beat and groovy tone, perfect to whet the appetite. Dark Ages- Boban Lazovski has been a busy progressive trance guy releasing several EP's and a recent remix album that I've been meaning to dive into. He's got the atmosphere here, with great effects and a darker tone. Hmmm, go figure, the track is called Dark Ages. Digital farts abound with sounds echoing from every nook and cranny. Nice. Chapter One- This one is true Iono spaciousness. No idea who is behind this project, but now I'm behind this project. It's a bit of a slow and minimal starter, but then the effects kick in and the groove intensifies. Short synth melodies echo and whoever this is got his PHD in the delay button. The break is superb with a brief slow beat and warm pads. The best so far. Heavy New Beer- This is the one new Klopfgeister track and he decides to tackle the most popular beverage on the planet. We sent our crack team of investigators into the field for a little research as to why this was the case. "Again too small of a sample size...how many times must we go over this?!?" This track is more under the radar. Gone are the echoing synths and crammed in sounds. The lead appears more than halfway through in the form of a chopped up synth and then vanishes and doesn't return. Not bad, but nothing that makes me want to put this beer down. Good Bye Goa (Jiser Remix)- Juan Carlos tackles a Thorsten track. Actually, I think it tackled him because it wasn't very impressive. How would I describe this...you ever have one of those ideas that seemed really good at the time, but didn't turn out how you thought it would? Yeah, like that. Clone Baby- Christian Merkis recently reviewed his 2nd studio album The Pursuit of Happiness. It wasn't bad at all but he is probably still searching. I know I am because this was a thin slice of vanilla. Nothing at all stood out, it just...went. He tries for a recovery at the end with a bright melody, but too little too late homie. Dirty Santa (Elecdruids Remix)- "Who would even like those tracks?" That is a great question. Ok, so now Phillip Schweitzer will attempt a Klopfgeister remix with the same boring results only he trumps the other remix? How...well, for starters the track is over 9 minutes. 2nd, there are samples promoting Thorsten's slower, club project and picking on the name. Remind this guy that this is dance music...I'm going to take a leak. Sorry kitty! Good Bye Goa (Suduaya Remix)- Newcomer Suduaya is the latest to try and remix a Klopf...really, almost 10 minutes? You know bigger isn't always better. Ask this guy... Holy sh*t. Right about here...yep, that's where I would've crapped myself. Suduaya released his debut Dreaming Sun this year and I am really interested in hearing it. He gives this track the spacey pad treatment. Throws a little breakbeat your way and gets all angelic choir on your ass. The melodies are quite airy with pretty good breaks. Not bad at all. If this was a streetfight and we were to compare Good Bye Goa remixes, well Juan Carlos... Yeah, you're Joey. Night-night! Apollo- This is the perfect non-commital track. Not a lot happening and no risks taken. It won't be remembered not because it was terrible because it wasn't, but like that blind date your mother insisted you go on to get you out of her house you just know that this isn't the girl for you. "No Mom! I can do it myself!!!" So...that was great yeah? Man it was really good seeing you. We should totally do this again. *Hops on one leg as puts pants on and looks around for keys* Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'll call you. *Pokes head back in the door* Of course I respect you...you're wonderful...you. Can we do this another time, I've got a....thing. You know how it is. http://www.psyshop.c.../inm1cd049.html http://www.beatspace...ity/detail.aspx http://www.goastore....roducts_id=4541 Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Digital Breed Vol. 1 EP Label: Mind Manipulation Device Records Date: March, 2010 1. Counterfreak (Zion Linguist RMX) - Biorhythm 2. Crytic of Trance - Brave 3. From The Heart - Sinful Reactions This is MMD Records from the promised land of South Africa (take that Israel!) with another EP of twilight music. They do it big with dark sounds and darker atmosphere. If you love this music like I do, then check out Saturate by Rubix Qube, you'll be glad ya did. This is the first EP in the Digital Breed series. Having reviewed the 2nd one I was curious to see if the first one had the same power. Counterfreak (Zion Linguist RMX)- Laurence Sonnenberg is part owner of MMD and he gives you a little remix of a Biorhythm track. I've always been on the fence about his music...some I liked and some just had me shaking my head. I can't remember the original so going by just this track, the lead is...meh. It has a nice scratchy quality to it, but I don't think it is strong enough to carry the track. The pads are minor key ominous and the break is cool. When he starts flinging the acid my ears perk up. Crytic of Trance- I think this artist is fairly new, but for my money (and it has to be mine, can I borrow a few bucks?) he wins the EP. The bass line is punchy and it has a groovy quality that had me whipping my hair back and forth. See all that crap on the walls? That's acidic goodness. The final bit is a quite tasty mix of acid and chopped up synthetics. Good stuff. From The Heart- "And now for the grand finale...a little song that comes from the bottom of my heart." The Pereira brothers from Portugal close the EP with a fast paced romp through metallic lead town. It gets on my nerves after a bit and the old time sample doesn't seem to fit. Couple that with a slight buildup and even though the acid flies near the end I am still left with an indifferent feeling. Not bad, but I liked the Volume 2 better. http://www.beatport....volume-1/232299 Mdk

Artist: Artifakt Title: Triad Pt. 1 & 2 Label: Timecode Records Date: April & July, 2011 Pt.1 1. Born Again 2. Sloppy 3. Summer Pt.2 1. Growler 2. Bent Recollection feat. Broken Toy 3. The Scoop There is a lot you can say about the Artifakt style of music. Abrasive, random, metallic..but I think the description that sums it all up is right here F*ck your boundaries. F*ck your preconceived notions of what psychedelic music is. Is that your sister? Yeah, f*ck her too. BTW that is waaaay closer to Redman than my comfort zone will allow. Yep, the co-owner of the mighty Timecode Records Matthew De Nobrega is back with his own special brand of psychedelic music. Now I love me some Timecode stuff, but if I am being honest, I was never a big fan of his music due to the description above. That began to change with last years collaboration with fellow labelmate Poizon for some really refreshing tracks. Well, now he is revamping his style yet again with the focus being more bass heavy and...well diverse. Yeah, diverse has never been a problem for him. You don't listen to his music and say, "Oh great, another Aquatica clone." Just doesn't happen. Born Again- This one has a lot of styles in it. Deep, chest thumping, serpentine bass as well as a tech-trance feel. His trademark dischordant and random style is still there with techno-industrial touches. The break has some glithyness to it, but it's that squirly bass that is the star even if his sample says his bass is broken. A really good techno rumbler that even has some SynSun synmphonics. "Veeeeery interesting...tell me more darlink!" Sloppy- More techno vibes, scratchy synths, and banging percussion. It really is a bit of a sloppy mess, but somehow he turns water into wine and it comes off as entertaining. Sound walls crumble as new leads shimmer loudly and then he bust back with the metallic stuff. If you like aggressive techno this is right up your alley Summer- Love, just love the quick hit distorted synth in the beginning. It says summer, but there doesn't feel like a lot of warmth is to be had. It is full of synth runs and boogie shoe quick step. More symphonics but this ain't your grandfather's orchestra as a new lead squeaks by. Very electronic and very robotic...hey! Hey, no cameras! Sigh. I have no shame. Growler- Japanese androids with real life breathing? Of course it was made in Japan, where else would it be? Insert random synths that seem to not follow any discernable pattern, but that's part of his appeal isn't it? His sounds are abrasive and detailed at the same time. I swear he says, "Ok this is what would be pleasing to the ear, so now I'm gonna totally f*ck it up." Deepy cyber and I loved it. Bent Recollection- Pumpkin patch? What the f*ck? You should expect no less from Matthew as he drops another bass lead that has a seek and destroy sensibility. Techno sharpness abounds and it sounds like a NES video came after a go in the dishwasher. The break is surreal and has a sample in a language I can't understand. Wait...is that jive? Cause I speak jive. Whatever it is it adds to it's hallucinatory vibe. Highly danceable and fun The Scoop- What do you get when you cross a slinky house saunter with some concrete on metal techno? This brief but powerful monster. He laid down a massive groove that can't help but get the goodies wigglin'. Yeah, I was over at the snack table and this came on and BAM! Footloose. This is a very techno influenced bit of psytrance. Hell, I hesitate to call it trance at all even though there are elements inside. It's cold and dark with a robotic atmosphere and booming bass in almost all the tracks. Personally I felt the 2nd part was more groovy and the 1st part was heavier techno. It's definitely not your everyday type of music. And it's good to step outside of the box every now and then. http://www.beatport.com/release/triad-part-1/347257 http://www.beatport.com/release/triad-part-2/386433 Mdk

Artist: Querox Title: The Life and Me Label: Prog On Syndicate Date: August, 2011 1. Crazy Smile 2. You and Me 3. One Day (feat. Monod) This is another label that has been releasing some really good progressive trance. Querox is Tobyjas Zaslon, but apart from his appearance on the Kosmics Playground compilation I've never heard of him. Since I've been on a bit of a EP binge as of late I decided to give it a go. The cover is very appealing and since I'm a sucker for that I dive in with eyes wide open. Crazy Smile- F*cking hell this is loaded with epic trance pads and saccharin sweetness. Not a lot of layers, erring towards the minimal side of progressive it also doesn't have a lot of surprises. Though I guess that was implied with the minimal comment. It's uplifting, but lacking. For example no matter how hard diet soda tries it can never be the same as regular. Made me feel like this... "No, no,no...! Don't lean back, you gotta...Meh. Nice sh*tcan though." You and Me- More diet soda. I like layers and for me there isn't enough going on. I get bored. My mind starts to wander. And that's dangerous. So when the break comes, I'm wondering what a Mike Tyson in spandex with backup dancers dance video would look like. Ahhhh...there we go. The break is pleasant and the vibe is cheerful, but I need more...I am a needy bastard. One Day- Hey, we heard this on the last track. And this is with someone? What did he do plug in the gear? When the MLK sample comes in I've had enough. This wasn't for me. Not enough happening. As mentioned it has a minimal style without much evolution. It's pretty and happy, but I came away empty. http://www.beatport....e-and-me/435803 Mdk

Artist: The Riddler Title: Shadows EP Label: TesseracT Studio Date: September, 2011 1. Cliper 2. Shadows Mr. Funky Psy-House Goran Juric is back with two new tracks to get those ants in your pants moving. But just in case you thought it was your usual annoying gospel screaming that can oftentimes be found in house, let me tell you he delivers more eerie, spooky sounds with some Village People funk. I've reviewed most of his EP's as well as his brilliant album Questions and they have all been excellent. Cliper- I don't know that that means, but think of Jack from A Nightmare Before Xmas. But instead of being nice he's got a little bit of a mean streak and has watched Hostel a few too many times. Shimmering synths echo in the darkness as groovy bass sounds rumble. There is a shuffle common to lots of his tracks that bring attitude, like a teenager who thinks he knows everything. F*cking punk, quit throwing my newspaper in the bushes! Ladies and gentlemen, music like this makes me want to shake it like a white girl. Do you know how many hours I've stared at this? Shadows- "I now walk through the shadows between worlds. And it is there that I finally glimpsed upon what lives in the dark corners of the Earth." He continues the spooky vibe and funky beat with shimmering synths that saunter like Michael Jackson backup dancers. And if you thought the previous track was dark, then the deep, evil sample pretty much confirms that Satan collaborated with him on this track. Crazy melodic with a sinister overtone, like if Taco did Putting on the Ritz and then after performing murdered the audience. Creepiest. White men. Ever. Just call him the mailman cause he delivers. If you like to dance and love the nighttime, then methinks you will enjoy this. I sure as hell did. Goran for president! http://www.beatport.com/release/shadows/680597 Mdk

Artist: Timeless Title: The Journey EP Label: Iono Music Date: August, 2011 1. The Journey 2. Freedom 3. Night & Day - Timeless feat. Nitrodrop Iono Music is the top of the mountain when it comes to progressive trance. You know it, I know it, and that lady down the street with like 42 cats knows it. Their style is massive and melodic with a drifting quality that lends itself to storytelling. Sure I'm a fanboy, but when you consistently put out music of superior quality what do you want? This is a project from Israel that I don't have much experience with, but this label has earned some credit from me. Besides, the cover is f*cking awesome. The Journey- "What of your journey?" "A spy of sorts. I track a creature...small in size, yet cunning" "I have seen new breeds of Orc, but they grow larger and stronger, not smaller" "This is no Orc. It's tracks are like those of a Hobbit. It must not fall into the wrong hands." "This may be of no use but...I have heard rumours, whisperings of a nameless fear. In the outlying villages they speak of a ghost that drinks blood, a horror that lurks in the trees." That and more samples are from the unofficial fan made prequel to Lord of the Rings for the grand total of $5,000. Really? That's it? Couldn't get Daddy's law firm to pony up a few more sheckles? I've seen girl scouts strongarm more coin from pushing those damn cookies. You would think a film made for that amount would've sucked donkey balls, but apparently it appealed to more than the never kissed a girl dorks that still live at home in Mom's basement. Ah yeah, there he goes. It has over 10 million views and last I checked there aren't that many 40 year old virgins. But I haven't been to ComicCon yet, so the numbers are a bit fuzzy. You can find it on YouTube, but I didn't watch it...too lazy. The track itself plods along with echoing effects and reverberating synths, just like you would expect from Iono artists. It's dark and doesn't have many surprises, but the samples work so well, that I enjoyed it anyway. Freedom- "Lost in oblivion. Dark, silent, incomplete." Warped bass hums like computerized machinery with more great effects to set the mood. Once again it is dark and mysterious as a very familiar lead melody snakes its way across the sky. There are loads of layers with a very textured break that seems to breathe with life. Drifting and dreamy just the way I like it. Night & Day- Another galloping track but what sets it apart is the breakbeat style in the middle with the mind rattling synth and kick. When the shiny melody , ummm..shines over top it fits in nicely. I know, I didn't understand f*ck all what the Rastafarian said, but I don't speak weed. At least, not anymore. Why, you got some? It's kind of a reserved progressive track with all the glorious touches that make Iono music great. This label keeps on delivering the goods for my money. Wide open, storytelling progressive trance the just takes me away. http://www.beatport.com/release/the-journey-e-p/445394 Mdk

Artist: Time In Motion & Flexus Title: Smooth Vibrations EP Label: Iono Music Date: September, 2011 1. Smooth Vibrations 2. Moonwalk 3. Lakrids Now this is an interesting one. First off, Iono Music = quality progressive trance of the highest order. That's not even up for debate so I knew I was going to buy it. Sure I've never heard of these 2 projects, but what I don't know could fill a Wal Mart. Time in Motion are Thomas & Leslie Cowan from Denmark who apparently lost their studio. The little bio doesn't say how, but I'm sure it was due to a big night of binge drinking. They simply forgot where it was. I mean, what else could it be? Anyway, they come across DJ Flexus (Stefan Göransson) and a new collaboration is born. Another interesting fact is that these brothers come from the heavy metal scene and now make progressive trance. That must have been some party to make them tone it down. Or some really incredible weed. Smooth Vibrations- The Beach Boys wish they could be this smooth. Synths with slow attack rates and whooshes open things up as twinkling leads sprinkle over a simple bass line. It's a very full track with no empty space that flows effortlessly. The sounds are so clear you could reach out and touch them. Superb. Moonwalk- Wow, so much here. The effects really open things up with shimmering sounds. Firmly planted in the Iono style I find myself wondering where the time went. When the break arrives it sets the stage for the next step with dreamy pads and a change in time signature. It's like when you hang out with your best friend...it just feels right. Lots of changes in direction here. Lakrids- "In a special kind of space..." That word...I do not think it means what you think it means. I have no idea what that word means. But it could signify drifting on sound waves. Cause that's what happens here. More layers with leads that climb and dive with ease. It's full of sunbeams and just like R. Kelly in the presence of a fifth grade class of schoolgirls pick up your bottles of Lipton Green Tea and shimmy shake! How they made the jump from heavy metal to this laid back style is beyond me. But I'm not complaining. It really is a smooth EP that invites you to dive into its deep waters. Progressive trance that caresses and revels in the sunshine. No darkness here, just pleasant vibes. Recommended. http://www.beatport....ions-e-p/652054 Mdk

Artist: Flegma & Nerso Title: Sensei EP Label: Furthur Progressions Date: October, 2011 1. Genesis (Flegma & Nerso Rmx) - Ace Ventura 2. Sensei There are some artists that you will follow no matter what. I don't know a thing about this label, but when I see these two artists, I'm already reaching for my wallet. This is Dalibor Delić & Dragan Matić who are responsible for some of the smoothest progressive trance out there. Their album Opposite in 2009 was a thing of beauty and both have released countless tracks in their trademark melodic and drifting style. Genesis (Flegma & Nerso Rmx)- Echoing synths give the track depth and it's a big old universe out there. Scratchy leads forge a path against lush pads and we drift through a lovely break. These guys put a 303 in the mix and then twist it like a pretzel. Aggressive with an attitude. The original on the London Landscapes compilation was awesome and this is a worthy remix. Yep, me likey very much. Sensei- More spacious effects and layering make this one a definite treat. This is being adrift in space as meteor fields hurtle by and stars burst before your very eyes. There are delicate leads that leave ripples wherever they touch. Floating on ethereal winds. Loved it. Another feather in the cap for this duo. It was an awesome ride through the cosmos and they have continued to produce beautiful progressive trance that I cannot get enough of. Am I a fanboy? Sure, but I make no apologies for liking the quality music they release. Highly recommended. http://www.beatport....ensei-ep/676052 Mdk

Artist:: Dirty Motion Title: Chaos Before Order EP Label: Disasterpeace Records Date: September, 2011 1. Chaos Before Order 2. Just Another Freak 3. Smoking 4. Underdog I'm not an adrenaline junkie. I mean, I like excitement, but I'm not willing to you know...die for it. Seen this sh*t? Takes some serious stones to jump off a mountain with nothing but a batman cape. I would love to do that. Can you imagine the views you would get? You go to some party and listen to some blowhard talk about all the places he's been, showing his photos. He looks to you with a condescending smile and asks what have you done. Taking a sip of wine, you smile and say, "Oh not much...but last week I jumped off the Matterhorn with no parachute just to see if I could. Oh, I'm sorry were these ladies with you?" Game. Set. Match. Which brings me to this release. Hiyarant & Frozen Ghost have been bangin' since 2007. Their album Dirt E Motion was a thick slice of delicious twilight psytrance. This is more of the same intense, driving, ass wriggling style that makes South African psy so good. There are lots of sounds which make the tracks very heavy to listen to becoming a wall of sound at times. Its groovy and melodic at the same time all while keeping it dark and detuned. Chaos Before Order opens up with in your face rhythms and unrelenting leads. Had me checking to see if they knocked out any of my chicklets. Just Another Freak is full of Looney Toon samples. Might as well be looking in the window of your neighborhood sanitarium. But like they always do the track is laden with acid tongue lashings and involuntary dancing. Gettin crazy in el barrio! Smoking- F*cking groove factor is way the hell past eleven as acid flies with more reckless abandon than angry monkeys having a poo fight. More detuned craziness that will rock the floor. Underdog- Man this is like getting backed over by a freight truck! They have this ability to create danceable rhythms with well placed synth phrases. The bass line is a rumbler and they strangle the last gasps out of the leads. It's a hammer. If you like twilight psy drenched in the insane South African style then this is definitely for you. Sure it's over $7, but you were just gonna get high anyway. Pumping and nut-kicking good psy that can be summed up by this. "Ooooh, Skazi you got knocked the f*ck out!" http://www.beatport....re-order/441157 Mdk

Artist: Frost-RAVEN Title: Far Away From Home Label: Ovnimoon Records Date: July, 2011 1. Starfire 2. Asteroid Escape 3. Hyperspace 4. Flare Star 5. Cosmic Radiation 6. Celestial Queen 7. Galaxy 8. Mars Getaway 9. Far away from home I've been away for awhile, but I can never resist a request. This is Dustin Messer from San Francisco with his 4th studio release. I reviewed Thee Old Ones from last year and came away pleasantly surprised as he combined light and dark with very good results. I missed his downtempo stuff on Deep In Blue but keep your panties on, I'm getting to it. Once again he switches styles more than I change underwear much to my wife's chagrin. This time he is nestled deep in the progressive vibe where the beats are moderate, the melodies are evolving,...and the wine is delicious. Starfire- "Last time I saw a mouth that big it had a hook in it!" Miss ya Rodney. What a very large opening! With the effects there is a drifting in space quality that I find appealing. As nimble synths dance into view the bass line warms the soul. The groove is cemented with agile leads and large whooshes. I tell ya, I didn't see this coming. Asteroid Escape- Hey look I'm bouncing! That's what the bass line told me anyway. And bounce it does, but it really picks up steam around 4 minutes as the arpeggio unravels. Not bad, but not the strongest track here. After that opening, it's kinda like a chick that says she's not that kind of girl while you are in between her legs. Hyperspace- With a quieter, laid back vibe this one grumbles under the radar. Slowly evolving leads poke their heads out from their hidey holes as shimmering leads sprinkle down like the remnants of fireworks. Just some good, lush progressive to caress you as you rocket through hyperspace. Flare Star- The synths vibrate waves of energy over a galloping bass line and do I hear a grumbling 303? It has a saunter to it,like it knows it's over 9 minutes and doesn't give a f*ck. What a massive rumbler with a f*ckton of layers that just scream power. The break allows it to brew like a strong cup of coffee before it adds some more house friendly leads. Whew, a cauldron of goodness here. Sit back and watch the sparks fly! Cosmic Radiation- I'm calling this one space goa. That's what it is and shows that Dustin is comfortable in any style. The lead is one of sunshine as it races at full speed leaving a trail of flame on whatever it touches. The cool thing is that it never stops and just keeps twisting and turning. Where some goa is the firing of a bazooka this has the precision of a swordfight. Celestial Queen- "You are a dancing queen..." Very sparkling melodies echo into deep space as this Queen has it's Ruby Red slippers on. Uber powerful in the British style as synths undulate across the cosmos. This track has me dancing even if the sample makes me feel like a dog that just peed on the rug. The break once again shines with a nice breakbeat. Groovy and then some. Galaxy- If you're not yet noticing the space theme then you sir are obtuse. It is too a word, look it up. This has the typical progressive bounce with very spacious pads that make you realize how big a galaxy is. Digital farts...I hate that word. *Looks at writers with disgust* Can we come up with something a little more grown up? Sigh. Digital flatulence punctuates a very nice evolving melody...it's like I can see each molecule of water as it is poured from a pitcher. Not too detailed, but I liked what I heard. Mars Getaway- I thought about getting away to Mars but Arnold took the bullet on that one. On a side note, the nanny Arnold? Really? Did you already bang every hot piece of tail in California that you decided to go after a Lane Bryant model? Oh well, I can live through the shimmering synth wall as it pulsates against a plucky bass line. Funky stuff my brethren. But like your momma's bedroom, the break is where the magic happens. Large and airy...the break, not your mom. It takes a total turn from the staccato sound to a driving beat. It's twists like this that impress me. Far Away From Home- What a great closer. The man effectively combines the hum of cyberspace with the liquidity of a deep ocean in a downtempo delight. Rumbling bass with creeping synths form a daddy can you leave the light on sense of unease. Love the percussive touches as this one has a lot going for it. This is one of the best artists you have never heard of. Yeah I'm talkin' to you in your Younger Brother/Hallucinogen ivory tower. Dustin has shown he can do progressive, psytrance, goa, and downtempo. And that is just on this album alone. Now if he were just average that would be one thing, but this is high quality music. For me it is easily the best thing he has ever done. I highly recommend it if you like your music melodic, groovy, and varied. Good job! Psyshop Beatspace Goastore Mdk

I cannot decide whether you are serious or not. Mdk

Artist: Peyo Title: Green EP Label: Blue Hour Sounds Date: February, 2011 1. Feet Response 2. The Cleaner Blue Hour Sounds has been releasing a bunch of EP's based on the color spectrum. Obviously this is the green one and since I have reviewed almost all of the other ones there is no reason to make an enemy of Peyo and ignore him. I have no idea who he is or what his mental state is. What if I didn't review it and he felt slighted? What if he doesn't like my review and gets mad. Look I don't need that kind of pressure. Feet Response- Well, well, well...what do we have here? This is dark and...foresty. Lots of twinkling effects and bubbling. Kinda like if you, and I'm not saying you, but the collective you, were stirring a witches caldron. Echoing synths ripple over the deep bass line. If there was a soundtrack to walking in a Swedish forest this would do nicely. The Cleaner- The title sounds so dark. But when you think about it, Florence from the Jeffersons was a cleaner. Sure, not a very good one, but the point is she was supposed to clean. But this has nothing to do with being a household technician (if you didn't see that episode that joke is wasted). There are lots of bass sweeps and digital quirkery afoot. It also has this bizarre sounding plucked instrument which I don't really care for. Well, that was disappointing. I liked the first track and thought we would be on the road to creepy forest town, but we just detoured into weird and annoying ville. There weren't many melodies to speak of, but at least Feet Response had some cool atmosphere. The best thing about this EP was the very pretty green. Although I liked the first track it won't make my top 10. Still, two tracks is hardly enough to see what this artist has in him, so I shall reserve judgement until I hear more. This EP though, not for me. Beatport Mdk

Artist: Iron Lotus Title: Architect of Impact EP Label: MMD Reocrds Date: May, 2011 1. Architect of Impact 2. Sacrifix 3. Nocturno Militant 4. Chaotic Supremacy Do you think that today's psytrance is getting a little...I dunno...stale? Well wake up mother f*cker because I have just the remedy! South African psytrance continues to be the gold standard for me in our little corner of the music world. It's super high energy, groovy and melodic whilst keeping a healthy distance from the gruyere. Labels like Timecode, Nexus Media and MMD supply me with a healthy dose of that which makes my ass move. This is Dani Filth (it cannot be confirmed if that is his real name...and by that I mean I looked for a minute or two on the interwebz and then got bored) and I don't think this is what he had in mind when he chose the name of the project. Architect of Impact- "Turn our wolrd into Hell's playground." Aggressive and intense, this is some wild stuff. Leads fire everywhere and there is no cover to be had. Yeah, punch a horse in the face good. Acid is flung around like angry monkey poo. Look at him...he is daring you to stick him with that needle again. Don't do it dude. Don't do it...unless you're looking for a sh*t sandwich. It's crazy insane in the Frozen Ghost mold and has a Talpa like break that speaks of secret societies. Great way to open! Sacrafix- "It's important that we talk to you...do you recognize this creature?" More heavy beats churning like the fires in hell and it ain't long before that monkey is back. Damn monkey holds a grudge. It continues down the dark path with horror samples, but stays far from being played out. Powerful to say the least. If Iron Lotus is a sprinter than the little white girl is your grandma's psytrance Move B*tch, get out the way! Nocturno Militant- "I'm having these dreams. I'm scared." Release the mother f*cking Kraken. The beast is loose and it's hell bent on destruction. Super groovy with growing intensity right until a break with an evil sample that tells a frightened young lady she has...and I quote...nothing to worry about. Riiiiiiiiiight. The next break has eerie supernatural choirs and then an explosion of acid. There is a buildup, but it's short and well done. Love the pace and I think this one is my favorite. Chaotic Supremacy- Man this is good. Good like Six Flags good. Where the f*ck is my old n****? *puts finger to ear to receive communicae* What's that? Oh...I did? When did I..? Oh....yikes. I'm being told that I need to apologize for my use of the n-word and that I meant no disrespect. What? F*ck, well you tell Al Sharpton to kiss my ass, fat wavy haired mother f*cker.... *puts finger to ear again* *Sighs and reads in a monotone robotic voice* I am truly sorry for offending fat wavy haired mother f*ckers and in no way, shape or form mean to demean their weight or waviness of their hair. I am striving to better myself and be a good example blah, blah, blah. Bottom line, you cannot go wrong with this EP. Not possible. It is intensely melodic, hyper groovy, and a welcome edition to anyone's twilight music collection. Beatport Juno Download Mdk

Artist: The Riddler Title: Behind The Curtain EP Label: TesseracT Studio Date: July, 2011 1. Behind the Curtain 2. Confession 3. Stinky Boy The Riddler is Goran Juric who at one time was Talpa. Well, I suppose he still is Talpa, but he has reinvented himself as the funky progressive house master. Whereas his psytrance stuff was thematic and cinematic, his new music gets the asses wigglin' and the girlies a gigglin'. He released an album called (Questions check it out if you like to see Katy Perry's boobs in slow motion and why wouldn't you.) that pretty much answered any I might have had about the state of his music. He also has 4 EP's to his credit reviews of which can be found here and here. I have loved everything he has thrown my way so it goes without saying I cannot wait to see what is behind the curtain. Behind the Curtain- Goran picks up where he left off bringing a fat bass groove to the table. He's got his now signature eerie sounds and effects that compliment the beat so well. Excuse me whilst I...ahem...get low. Holy crap, did you see that? Did you f*cking see that? It's like to pigs fighting under a pillow case! Nice percussive elements pepper the track making for a nice intro. Keep it going sir! Confession- Chopped up strings form the melody line and then he gets claptastic with the beat. Then with a nice little nod towards the beaches of goa, a new synth dances like nobody's watching. It sounds great with just the right amount of echo giving it depth. The large strings give it an ominous tone and the whole thing has an underground feel. What happens after dark at the nursing home stays at the nursing home. Stinky Boy- Clunky. Didn't think I would ever describe a beat like this, but with the hi-hats I feel like busting out with a YMCA chant. Sure enough he's back with a funky bass groove. It's like King Midas up in here. The way he twists those synths he takes the funkmeter up to 11. Ain't seen that much poppin' and lockin' since Rerun in What's Happening. It's a short track, but he squeezes the most out of it to provide a nice house experience. It's really shuffletastic! Another winner. This guy has the goods and if you enjoy funky music that makes you want to shake a tailfeather, then climb aboard. Recommended. Psyshop Mdk