Trance2MoveU

Artist: Z-Machine Title: Master Plan EP Label: AllDep Date: September, 2011 1. Memories 2. No Complications (2011 edit) 3. Punjabdelic I try to listen to every release I can and give it the benefit of the doubt. I really do. This is Paul Marks and I guess you would call him an also ran. What do I mean by that? He's released music but you will never catch yourself saying, "Man I cannot wait for the new Z-Machine album" like you would the greats of the genre. Well, unless you're his grandmother. I mean, good for him, he put his music out there and it sounds way better than anything I have ever made, and that takes some stones. But I'm not an artist. He just gets lost in the tidal wave of mediocrity that our little corner of the music world seems to produce. If this is his master plan, well...he better come up with plan B. It is full on to the bone and not very good or engaging full-on. Memories didn't make any, No Complications was full of annoying voices, and Punjabdelic...hell, I can't decide whether or not he's making fun of Indians. So in short, there is nothing about this release that I can recommend. It's just more of the same stuff, and that stuff is going nowhere. F*ck me I gotta make better choices. JunoDownload Mdk

Artist: Shehoor Title: Immolation EP Label: MMD Records Date: July, 2011 1. Immolation 2. Katalepsys If I knew I would have to get a f*cking dictionary before I started listening to this EP maybe I would've thought twice. Nah, these guys make some serious twilight music with crazy leads and tangible atmosphere. This little 2 track EP was released by MMD records in South Africa which, I don't mind telling you kicks ass. Anyway, back to the big words. Know what immolation means? Killing or offering as a sacrifice. After googling Katalepsys all I came up with was some Russian death metal. You dark and brooding motherf*ckers. I wanna go to one of your parties... but first I gotta find a sitter. And I need to be home by 11, you know wifey has work in the morning. Can I catch a ride with you? Immolation- "I know it sounds like suicide." Well no f*cking sh*t Einstein I just read you the definition! Ah, there's the rumbling from under the surface of the barren street. The leads are metallic in nature as they ricochet between laser bursts. When the break arrives it's a delightful dark atmosphere, but the second break is more of a churning synth that jumps right back into the melee. Not bad at all. Katalepsys- Dark like the cloak of the druid walking along the ocean soaked street. Plenty of lasers firing indiscriminately give this one a hell or bust feel. The break has that rumbling quality that a lot of twilight has, like when an earthquake ended. You can still feel the aftershocks and that's when the acid flares will get ya. Full out insanity and intensity from deep in the torture dungeon. So you get some dark and atmospheric twilight music for a very reasonable price. Can't go wrong here. I'd say lighten up but the music is too good. Beatport Mdk

Artist: Tantrix Title: Red EP Label: Blue Hour Sounds Date: June, 2011 1. Tan-Tricks 2. Network 3. Lost In Jesi I'm calling this one in on my cell phone cause I'm out and about doing a lot of errands. Blue Hour Sounds is a label that...hold up a sec. I got a thing I need to take care of... As I was saying, Blue Hour Sounds is a label based in Italy that has released a couple of good compilations (Garden of Delights and Made of Dawn) as well as a series of colored EP's For f*ck's sake, really? Fine. A series consisting of EP's of color. Here are three that I have reviewed: Ianuaria - Orange EP Gido - Indigo EP Gaiana - Blue EP Tantrix are Antonio Catalano & Toby Pearce based in the UK and the British psytrance style is driving, melodic, and hypnotic. It's multi-layered giving depth to the tracks. Tan-Tricks- The first two minutes it sounds like a forest track with the distorted leads echoing off into the night. But then it morphs with a dare I say spooky goa melody that soon gets company. Long metallic sweeps with a bunch of leads gives it some depth. It's driving and the break is pulsating like you're listening through a wall or something. Nothing elaborate, just good, straight forward power psy. Network- "I don't have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad. Everybody's out of work or scared of losing their job. Banks are going bust, shopkeepers keep a gun under the counter, punks are running wild in the street and nobody anywhere seems to know what to do and there's no end to it. We know the air is unfit to breathe, our food is unfit to eat. We sit and watching tv's while some local newscaster tells us that today we had 15 homicides and 63 violent crimes like that's the way it's supposed to be. They're crazy! It's like everything everywhere is going crazy. So we don't go out anymore. We sit in the house and slowly the world we're living in is getting smaller and all we say is "please at least leave us alone in our living room. Let me have my toaster and my tv and my steel belted radials and I won't say anything. Just leave us alone!" Could be the greatest rant ever. Obviously that outburst is from the old movie Network but I'm more familiar with it because the part where he tells us to open the window and say we aren't gonna take it anymore is popular at NHL games. More driving psytrance with a pretty simple bass line. To be honest, the sample is the real star here, and it dominates the entire track. Not as deep as the previous track but a pretty good thumper. Lost In Jesi- "How do I find that place inside of me where I can stop listening to this weird voice and start really listening? How do I find peace of mind?" I knew a girl named Jesi. And believe me when I tell you the last thing I wanted to do was get lost in her. Get shivers just thinking about it. This one has some nice bass sweeps and acid leads. Some real Electric Universe type stuff before he went f*cking insane and released Higher Modes or whatever the f*ck it was called. The leads are the slow, evolving I'm gonna filter the hell out of you style that work well. Good without being remarkable. More good stuff from this label. Straight ahead psytrance that isn't boring but is well produced. Another thing these guys have going for them is the samples. You can understand them and they seem to be perfectly placed. Recommended for those that love that British sound. Beatport JunoDownload Mdk

Artist: Digitalis/Hibernation Title: The Singularity EP Label: Eardream Music Date: June, 2011 1. 1992 - Digitalis 2. Cold Fusion - Digitalis 3. Masonic - Hibernation 4. Singularity - Hibernation This is Seb Taylor with a short 4 track EP. He is the mind behind both of these projects (as well as Kaya Project, Somaton, and Shakta) and one of the pioneers of the genre. Like most of the old schoolers he has switched his style. That can also be said on this release. The first two tracks are more of a progressive trance dub hybrid under the Digitalis moniker. While the final two are of the downtempo variety. 1992- has a nice bounce and a dreamy chiming melody as a synth line unravels. It's a feel good track and makes me think that he looks fondly upon the year 1992. I know I do. Senior year in college, just back from 2 semesters in Europe, and gettin' more tail than I knew what to do with. The song is happy and smile inducing. Cold Fusion- Dubby bass and a James Brown Funky Drummer percussive set. Nice and groovy. This is settle back into your chair with a glass of wine and nod your head music. Round sunglasses beads for a door Black Panther music. He's artful with the twisted bass lead unfurling it like a whip as the guitar chords strum. Cool. *snaps fingers 3 times* Masonic- Weird strings that remind me of what a bad acid trip would feel like. Room spinning kinda stuff with nice piano sounds. Nice. And weird. Don't forget weird. Singularity- Now for the longest track on the EP and also the star in my opinion. It glides with a sinister dubby bass and soulful percussion. Many sounds in a jazzy breakbeat style tickle the ear. I feel like a lounge lizard getting my shuffle on. Awesome track. So there you go. All the tracks were good with the final one being the best. Pretty varied styles for a 4 track EP. But this guy has been making such quality music for so long, that he almost gets blind buy status from me. Still, is it worth $7.26 for 4 wavs? Up to you, but I would just download Singularity and know that I got the best of the bunch. Unless your a completionist. Or a collector. Or maybe money doesn't mean anything you. Do you work for my government? Look, if you've got a moment, I have some ideas I would like to share....Hey! Waitaminute! Where are you going? Come back, I haven't told you my ideas yet! Juno Download Mdk

Good God that is disgusting. Hatred for politicians...growing! Mdk

Artist: X-Noize Title: Clockwise Label: HOM-mega Productions Date: November, 2010 1. Good old days (with Techtonic) 2. By any means necessary (Remix) - 3.Turn 3. PTXnoiZe (with PTX) 4. Machines (X-Noize 2010 Remix) - Loud 5. Dymethltryptamine (Remix) - Quantize 6. Losing control (with Guy Salama feat. Tom C.) 7. Deep fried (with Illumination) 8. Clockwise (Live Mix feat. Tom C.) 9. On board (Hipnotix rmx) 10. Rock n' Roll When I take long walks in the woods, I am very fond of saying, "You know what we need? More full on." Music is one of the most powerful forces on Earth. It can be so many things to so many people, but all of them are moving. It can excite you, bring you to the highest of highs or it can make you want to dance until your heart gives out. It can pump you up for a certain task or relax you to the point of being asleep. It is beautiful and violent and passionate with the ability to change futures. But saying we need more full-on is like saying... "Yeah, I see what you're trying to do, I do. But could you possibly make it...I dunno...more gay? Let's start from the beginning shall we? X-Noize are Barak Argaman and Nadav Bonen from the Holy Land and this appears to be their 3rd studio album. They seem to be one of those projects that is intent on making a living with this genre of music and good or bad this usually means they appeal to the more...ahem, commercial side of things. And by commercial I mean lowest common denominator. Their style is a mix of full-on and...well, more full-on. Not the deep, moving and intricate (don't laugh, it could happen) type of music but the stand behind the decks and pump up the crowd flashy light show hopefully soon to work with David Guetta and Akon type stuff. HOM-mega, a once proud label, has fully embraced the abyss of generic full-on and aspire to the Michael Jordan philosophy to coming up with a classic. Take a lot of shots and some are bound to score points. With statements like "leaving many dancers and clubbers breathless" and "dance floor saga" the promo leaves no doubt where this journey is headed. Shall we jump aboard? Good Old Days- "I need you to get me something." You know when I read that they were "circling clockwise from old school goa trance" I must admit that the only thing I thought that they might be circling was the drain. Look at the album cover...tell me it doesn't look like the drain in your shower full of your girlfriends hair. But that's not what is important; it is of course the music. Well they deliver a punishing beat and a slight (heavy on the word slight) goa flavored lead. Sure there are buildups, but this is X-Noize we're talking about here. Were you expecting Arabic scales? If you were, then you were the victim of a snake oil salesman. As far as full-on goes, it's not bad at all especially with the break near the end where it changes course with an epic trance lead. Good show for an opener. By Any Means Necessary (X-Noize Remix)- Hop on the horse cause it's galloping bass line time! They're onto something here as this sounds great with a echoing synth adding to the rhythm. There are some techno influences here along with plenty of washes. It's dirty and gritty with metallic synths and a really nice break with a 303 rising from the depths. Oh no you didn't Yep they did. And they killed it. Great track. PTXnoize- "Ok so now for a quick practical example of grass." Here is a collaboration with another prolific full-on artist PTX who has released some quality tracks, even though his latest Fade Out was a disappointment. It's your typical full-on but it has a deep bottom end that gives it some oomph. Another nice break with floaty pads, funky percussion, and leads crawling to the filtered surface. It's been over 5 minutes so you know a buildup is coming right? Didn't bother me one bit though as this track was a little bit of tasty full-on. Machines (X-Noize 2010 Remix)- "Move your body like machines." I know what you're thinking Captain. While the first 3 tracks were surprisingly good, it only took track 4 for the wheels to come off. Here the duo remix a track by Loud and it comes complete with paint by numbers full-on as well as the above sample repeated several times. Ugh. Hey look at me I'm making psytrance! Dymethyltryptamine (X-Noize Remix)- "What are you looking for?" Just can't let it go can you? While the rest of the scene is playing down the drug part of the scene you guys feel the need to hang your hat on one of the biggest cliche's in the genre. This is a remix of the Quantize track from the Borderline compilation, with darker overtones. Now I have to admit that the sample was pretty cool and I actually liked it. But the rest of the track I liked a little differently. In the same way I like listening to my crying newborn at 3:45 a.m. Losing Control- Some pretty good full-on here, but which of the rocket scientists decided to sing on this? Control has surely been lost which is a shame because it was shaping up to be not disgustingly terrible. Unfortunately, I would liken it to Arnold doing Shakespeare. It might sound good to him, but it comes out like this Deep Fried- "You know I, years ago used to hold the opinion and still do that this thing could've come from outer space. How long have mushrooms been around since they're primary decomposers you would assume they've been around since the get go. You see the miracle of psilocyban is the hallucination." See this one I liked. It had great flow and kept my toe tapping, so I know they can still make good music. There was more of an ominous mood with none of the commercial crap that full-on can be infected with. Besides if it's one thing we know about in the South it's deep fried food. We'll fry anything. Oreos, pickles, twinkies, Coke. Yeah, that's right, we fry Coke down here. Clockwise (Live Mix)- I've lost count as to how many of the tracks here begin with the galloping bass line so let's just say it's all of them. Still, this one is flexing some muscle and a look over your shoulder quality that is appealing. You would think that the cheesy vocals would f*ck it all up, but it didn't. I particularly enjoyed the vocal during the break. It gives the whole thing a broader appeal, an alternative vibe. I like it the way I like fruity mixed drinks...they taste great but I wouldn't let my boys see me drinking it. On Board (Hipnotix Remix)- Another powerful track that builds momentum and has nice melodies that are well structured. So yeah me and Batman are on board. See, here's a video of us at the swing club. What? No we're not gay, we just like to have a good time. Sure it's full-on (where the hell have you been?) but it sounds great. The break is pretty massive as well seeing a huge synth line rise up and finish strongly. Sounds a lot like Xerox & Illumination XI stuff. Rock 'n' Roll- With a grumbling progressive feel and a hearty hi-ho silver we march forward with sizzle. Take a listen, it sounds like bacon in the pan. Groovy as f*ck but the rock and roll music sample just makes me want to turn it off. Then the banging started and I just...ah f*ck it. Couldn't take it. I'm going for a walk in the woods. Hey good lookin', how you doin'? Revolver Live Mix (System Nipel & White Noise Remix)- "You're out of you're f*cking mind!" Mr. Nipel's Deep Into Matter really impressed me, but so did the Atari 5200. What have you done for me lately? The answer to that is not much if you can hear it over the guitar. And the build up. Fill...wait for it...er. Let me tell you when I first got my hands on this I was ready to give it the business. Fresh meat for the sarcastic parade. But I treat this like a guilty pleasure. I won't insult your intelligence and tell you that this is a massive release and it will set a new benchmark for the genre. Of course it won't, it's full on. But it has numerous little twists and turns that make it an enjoyable listen. I would say half of it is pretty good and the other half will test your endurance and patience. If we measure the worst of the genre at Alien Jesus, then this is a lot better. Obviously not essential, but if you're in a cotton candy mood this might give you a cavity. Psyshop Beatspace GoaStore Mdk

Artist: Lost & Found Title: Decoder Label: 3D Vision Date: June, 2011 1. Futurising 2. Chasing Radium 3. Disconnected 4. In Kontrol 5. Surface To air 6. Advance 7. Decoder 8. Perc5 9. Cutting Edge Science rmx 10. Division Sometimes you have to take a step back for a fresh perspective. I got this awhile ago and after repeated listens I just wasn't...I dunno, getting it. Which really bothered me because all of his compilation efforts hit me right away. There is no question that this was one of the most anticipated releases on my radar. Gerhard Olivier from South Africa has long been dropping bomb after bomb of twilight madness with awesome leads and devastating power and insanity. He's one of those artists that make you stand up and take notice. It's not like it's a calculus problem, but I just didn't get it. That got me thinking that as smart as I think I am, there's a whole bunch of crap I don't get. Wow you're lying straight as a board in different places. I do that to. Know what it's called? A nap. So then this led to Turn your head 360 degrees then I'll be impressed doofus. Then this somehow led to this. Oh for f*cks sake. Who the f*ck wears these? If I wanted my feet to be slimy and smell bad I would step in dogsh*t. Waaaahhh, Mommy and Daddy didn't hug me enough! I demand attention! Why on Earth would you do that to yourself? Congratulations, your only means of gainful employment is a carnival freak show. So because I love the music that this artist produces I decided to rededicate my time and give this album the attention that it deserves. Futurising- It's metallic sounding and begins with a gurgling of effects. And boy do those make the track! A hard driving bass line gives the track its foundation and it takes a very cyber-style theme that is prevalent throughout the whole album. With this one he doesn't come out and pummel you straight away, but builds his story. The acid comes over you in a wave that really gets the juices flowing. Didn't care for the repeated sample "compressing and equalizing" and the small buildup, but that's just what it was...small. Ok, not his usual style, but let's see where he's going with this. Chasing Radium- "Wow, it's already kicking in." More Matrix style computer themes create the mood and the metallic sounds tumble down. It's cold and very science fiction with banging leads climbing and getting louder. The break descends under a loud alarm as momentum is gained. It's a little more aggressive than the opener, but not as powerful or dark as his compilation stuff. The finale is balls out good so there are flashes of what makes his tracks great. Disconnected- This is more like it. The acid deluge was missing. The power is back and with a vengeance. Screaming leads fire like an M-16 and it's just an all out assault. No build ups or break downs, just get the f*ck out of the way. Let's see...yeah this looks like a good parking spot. In Kontrol- He spelled Control with a K so you know this is gonna be edgy. Sure it's a joke, but Gerhard ain't playin' around. A bass lead takes control and with this b*itch you go where it wants you to go. Lots of high tech futuristic sounds, but it's the leads that are the eye catcher if you will. Lasers and acid combine to make quite the toxic sandwich and the break brings a small measure of eerie silence. Ready for round 2? Young Kevin Bacon...that's a paddlin'. Surface To Air- "What makes you an exception?" Could be my rapier like wit. Mr Ex-Gen stops by to lend a hand and it's actually more like a fist. Twisted leads and metallic shenanigans are knockin' out a few of your chicklets. High energy and very intense. And just like the last two tracks it remembered where it's dancing shoes were. The break allows it to gather itself and change direction. But the important thing is that that direction is a major ass kicking. Lego on Lego crime...Can't we all just get along? Advance- Britons talk funny and the opening sample is exhibit A. Don't get offended if you're British, it's the Queen's honest truth. Now excuse me whilst I run up the apples and pears to fix me boat. More chaotic leads Gerhard is known for along with more of a nod towards darker techno. You know, I'm afraid I can't do that Hal type sh*t. He's got another break that drops the volume level as electronics hum and oscillate. Hated it. But then he drops a funky breakbeat and now I'm a happy panda. Very different indeed. Decoder- Love the opening bit of computer dynamics, as this one grows into a hackers dream. Loads of computer sounds as well as crafty leads and a dark overtone. The effects are great as it gets torn down and then built right back up. Gotta listen to this one several times as there is a lot you could miss the first go round. Enjoyed it. Perc5- Not gonna say much about this one because there really wasn't much to say. This is as close as Gerhard could come to filler I think. Nothing special about it. What? You want more? Ok... No Gerhard! No! Stay away from Nutek. Cutting Edge Science- Azax? Really? He started making really dark stuff and then went on to dominate twilight music with some awesome compositions. Hagi Gat anyone? I even liked Evolution but lately he's gotten a little too close to the likes of Bliss and well what did you think was gonna happen? Well this is more of the same watered down full-on complete with SUN Project guitar. It has it's moments but not enough of them to hold a candle to the other tracks. What happened to you Regev? Division- Lots going on here. What started off as just another run of the mill psytrance track continued to build, gaining more power and taking a few turns. Not a big fan of the buildup at the end, but if you've read my reviews I never like buildups. So take it with a grain of salt. I would say the biggest gripe I have with this track is that it doesn't sound like something that Lost & Found would make. End is pretty cool though. It really is one big hi-tech digital cyber tale that is unfolded in 10 parts. You can tell he still has that something that makes his tracks so powerful and moody. Dark and atmospheric yes, but even though I thought this CD was good, I can't help but feel a little disappointed. His compilation work is usually so epic that it stands out. While some of that was here, there were also a few that had me questioning whether it was him or not behind the decks. I would recommend it as even not at his best he is still miles above a lot of the stuff out there. Psyshop Beatspace Goastore Mdk

Yep, this would be good. Look forward to hearing it. Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Mahamaya 5 Years Label: IT Records Date: June, 2009 1. Voice of the desert - Asura 2. Predictions - Eddie Silverton 3. Arab Star - Warp Technique 4. Urban Haze - Side Liner 5. Fruit from paradise - Goasia 6. The road of the dunes - Elea 7. Caucasus - Cygna 8. Green grass spirit - Kanc Cover, Zero Cult 9. Acid Dub Head - Direct Connection 10. Dream made teller - Zen Garden So...is this music that they play at a Swiss restaurant? I'm seeing patrons in fine evening wear dining to the sounds of Yanni as another bottle of chardonnay is popped. The promo is a little vague and to be honest, if it is...you know what, I don't give a sh*t. I saw the track list and thought this would be a nice compilation of chilled vibes. I've never listened to anything IT Records has released (and there ain't that much out there) but everyone deserves a chance. It was mastered by someone at Ultimae so you should expect excellent sound quality. Voice of the Desert- Charles has been doing his thing for a long time. Did ya catch his latest album 360? You should have because it was phenomenal. This is a slow exotic piece that puts you on a camel in the desert in a caravan. Tribal drums and an Indian vocal join massive pads for a mystical vibe that is a nice intro. Predictions- I have no idea what the lyric is, but it has this shuffling gait that I'm falling for. Impossible to place this in a genre box and that's good. I guess you could call it a foreign language pop song if you really needed a label. Mid tempo with a nice punch to it. I'm gettin all Bollywood up in here. Arab Star- "Distinguished guests. Brothers and sisters. Ladies and gentlemen. Friends and...enemies." Almost 11 minutes and it ain't even the longest track here! It has lots of electronic effects that whoosh and twist but once the beat drops it tickles the back of your throat. Nice bass with crunchy leads and holy sh*t we are deep in the Middle East. At-ti-tude! The synths bubble and percolate and that bass..yessir, you stepped in some funk. In the end it is a long tour of desert winds, camels, and sitting on pillows with royalty. F*cking awesome. Stinson approved! Urban Haze- This is Nick Miamis with a kick you in the nuts break beat track. It's got a chip on it's shoulder and dares you to knock it off. Another middle east vibe with an electronic twist. Very Crystal Method with a surprisingly emotional piano infused break. Beautiful and sad at the same time. But then it's back to business with more soul in your hole. Superb. You know I don't think this guy gets the credit he deserves. Fruit From Paradise- This is what is known as a curve ball. Known for their goa trance these guys deliver something else. More desert melancholy with an Indian vocal and soft plucked strings. Outer space twinkling comes in at the end and this really is something different. But then again, that's what they do isn't it? The Road of the Dunes- See that belly dancer over there? I shall make her my bride! Wonderful percussion and flute work join plucked strings and Lord forgive me but it sounds a little like Take a Picture by Filter. That nice easy going shuffle that makes you smile and puts you in a good mood. Just all...Middle Easty. This pair has made their living off the Kumharas Ibiza series. Oooh, gives me a new idea for a TV show... Toddlers and Turbans! No! No apple juice until you get on that runway and shake what ya momma gave ya! Caucasus- Mario Sammut from Malta gives us his...Malta? Really, Malta? Good for you dude. He just released his debut Opus Eva this summer and if it sounds anything like this gem I must own it. This is a moving opus to the Middle East, full of magic and wonder. Flutes loaded with melancholy drip emotion on exotic carpets of a palatial estate. Snake charmers, devoted followers of an ancient religion...they are all here. In peace. Green Grass Spirit- Israeli Emil Ilyayev and Kanc Cover of Goasia want to introduce you to the spirit of the green grass. Goa sunbeams explode from the implanted seed as mysterious pads arc across a cloudless sky. A break that stirs the spirit sees a slow beat and nice tabla work. Soft and delicate with rich textures, this track is a wonderful chillout experience. Acid Dub Head (Live Session)- This is a slow plodding, with the damned marching off to eternal happiness as a dubby bass hums and a flute sings with lament. For 5 minutes. That's a long walk but the break arrives with some industrial glitchyness that sees their lives flash before their eyes. But let's be clear...12 minutes of mindless droning is only appealing to heroin addicts. And minimal lovers. Dream Made Teller (Live Session)- Another 10 minute track that is the stuff of mindless cult worship. Fanatical vocal sounds (notice I did not say vocals) as the brainwashed masses twist and sway over the percussive loop. And it just keeps going...perfect to entrance the listener just before they sacrifice him. So if you disregard the final two tracks on this compilation you have an outstanding journey into Indian and Middle Eastern culture. The melodies are beautiful and mystifying at the same time. Several styles are represented well and since taste in music is subjective I'm sure even the last two tracks have their place. They just didn't measure up to the rest for me. I would highly recommend this release for those interested in a trek across the desert in a caravan moving at a slow pace. Psyshop Beatspace GoaStore Mdk

Artist: Zyce & Flegma Title: 8 Cell Label: TesseracT Studio Date: April, 2011 1 Snapshot 2 Fallen Idols 3 Puls (rmx) (Feat. Spinnley Lainey) 4 Fun Gun 5 Reanimation 6 Pusher 7 Orison 8 Dum Spiro, Spero 9 Submersion My kitchen floors were filthy. Just filthy. You know with a kid it's a f*cking obstacle course. Toys all over the place and dropped food that's been there for who knows how long. Not to mention I have a large dog that drools more than, well...this guy. "Mmmmm....gummy Venus De Milo..." So back to the floors, I waxed them with pledge. Ever do that? Sparkling and shiny clean. There is one downside though... but that f*cking shine...that shine. You could eat off it, I'm telling ya. So here we go with a release by the awesome TesseracT Studio label that has been kicking ass and taking names in the progressive genre. Zyce & Flegma are Nikola Kozić and Dalibor Delic from Serbia who have been some of the busiest bees you will ever see. They both do progressive trance in the multi-layered fashion and are also Ectima who has two releases to its credit. Some progressive is just beat oriented and forget about the melodies. Not these guys. If you like your progressive with loads of layers and a beat that is pumping, then this is for you. Hard to get photos of these two as they are pretty reclusive, but our crack team of paparazzi was able to get this image of the duo performing at the Levi Leibowitz batmitzvah last week. good work team. Snapshot- "The good news Terrance is that I'll ok you to full duty." I'm sure Terrance appreciates that. The world has gotten itself into a big old mess and he's got bills to pay. This is the smooth progressive vibes that I've come to expect from these two artists. Crystal clear sounds and sparkling melodies that take their time. They intertwine very well sparkling with their filtered Sunday best. The break is fleece soft as the track bounces along. Oh dear, I think this will go down nicely. Nicely indeed. Fallen Idol- More of that sleek sound with deep bass sweeps, whooshes and shimmering melodies. This is more subdued and why wouldn't it be? Can't shoot your load early on a 10 minute track. So think of it as marinating. Yeah I know you want to cook it now you hungry bastard, but think of how good the flavor will be if you have patience. And your patience will be rewarded as they bring the heartfelt melodies to make you smile. It is a long churner that floats along with sunshine as your co-pilot. Yummy. Puls (RMX)- Did Raja barge in on another recording session demanding he play the flute on this track? He's always doing that. The synths echo and sparkle like chrome in the sunshine as the flute gets the chopping block treatment. Very lush and detailed. I liked this one a lot. It had a peace about it. Fun Gun- 1st 4 minutes 2nd minutes waaaaaaay better. More interesting leads and a nice break. Reanimation- Have you heard machine gun bass before? Me too, and I grow weary of tracks being built around it. Slowly evolving stuff is fine in spurts but can get boring when they are grouped together. You know how you get that generic full-on and everyone wets their pants because it's become so paint by numbers? Well this is the progressive edition. It's not bad because with echoing synths and effects it's still nice to listen to. Just not one of the stronger efforts. Pusher- It takes almost 3 minutes for this one to hold any interest. It's not that it's terrible, but they have raised the bar so f*cking high that you can't always score hat tricks. That's when the break comes in and we've established that they are very good at it. The bass line is very simple and they employ the echoing style that I really like. The next cool part is the 2nd break complete with thunderstorm effects. So, aside from the 2 breaks...meh. Orison- Echoing synths...is there anything sweeter? It creates such a lush atmosphere and that is exactly what you get. Scrambled vocal samples punctuate a huge distorted melody as other twinkling sounds find their place. It's a drifter and another nice feather in their cap. Dum Spiro, Spero- "This room is green. I wanna go back to the blue room." Whoa, whoa! Back up..he's about to throw feces. I dunno what the title means, but it's got some bubbly bass and twinkling synths. The beat rumbles gently at the break and I love that little detail. Is it the most detailed I have ever heard from these two? Is it the greatest track ever? No, I think we can all agree this is "Hey Macarena"! But it does have good groove and builds momentum. The sample gives it some nice character. Submersion- Now this is a closer. This is how you do it. Dreamy pads and spiraling melodies leaving traces of their presence as they float across the sky. It's a breakbeat track that gets in your soul. Piano, guitar, tender percussion. I know men don't cry, but this was so beautiful it made Mr. T cry. Don't believe me? He's a little choked up so he can't get it out. But he pities the fool. There are some really good tracks here. And some average ones. As I mentioned the style is floaty melodies with loads of echoing synths that add depth. But here is also a prime example of becoming a one trick pony. Don't get me wrong...this is how I like my progressive, but sometimes I felt that some of the tracks could've used more elaboration. Hitting that machine gun bass line while effects rattle off is great, but there were a few too many tracks that did that. As a result there are parts of the album that sounded very samey. That said, even the most mediocre progressive is miles above generic full-on and this wasn't that mediocre. These two Serbs have loads of talent and they showed it here. Most of the songs were good and even the weaker ones weren't that bad. Recommended. GoaStore Beatspace Psyshop Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Dub Mates Meeting Label: Gliese 581C Date: July, 2011 1. Delicious Insects - Water Drops On Engineer Suites (80 BPM) 2. Psyolopher - Dubby Tubby (75 BPM) 3. Maitre Soda - Massive Exode (90 BPM) 4. Hello Mellow - Yggdrasil (70 BPM) 5. Tara Putra - Dubland Mountains (80 BPM) 6. Zoltan Sultan - Koran (Remix) (105 BPM) 7. Leoboris - Intuition (70 BPM) 8. Globular - Seeker (87 BPM) 9. MentalImage - Dub From Depths Of The Universe (80 BPM) 10. Fingerprint - Kingstoned (82 BPM) 11. Paraz1t - Organ (70 BPM) Holy sh*t free time. I actually have a few moments of free time. If you didn't know, my wife and I welcomed a beautiful baby girl into our family recently. Don't know how many of you actually have children, but they're not lying when they say it's a full time job. Those little people can't do anything on their own. Eat, poop, sleep; and not a whole lot of the latter. Did you know a newborn horse can walk in a few hours after birth? Before I start wishing I was a horse, how do the equines do with remote controls? Must be a b*tch to type with a hoof. Guess 8 or 9 months until the baby can walk ain't so bad. So the fact that I have free time to pen this review...hold up...what the f*ck was that? Damn it, now the other one is awake. 2 years old, you would think he could make his own breakfast. C'mon Dante, how hard is it to throw Cheerios on the floor and wipe maple syrup in your hair. Be right back. If you didn't know or are a f*cking moron this is a compilation with dubby goodness. What, no I won't apologize, it says it right on the cover. It's full of artists I wouldn't know if I printed their driver's licenses out on my computer. But, it's downtempo style could be just what I need after days without much sleep. Water Drops On Engineer Suites- With slow soaring melodies and a reggae vibe the track does everything but throw you on the beach. It's pretty thick with nature effects as it floats by on warm breezes and sunshine. Very bubbly as it goes through transitions. I felt it went on a little long, but it was still pretty good. Dubby Tubby- Towelie? What the f*ck are you doing here? What's that? No, no thank you I don't do that. Well...I guess one hit won't hurt. Just sitting at the beach while the reggae band plays. Next thing you know I'm on stage in my wife's clothes with a bunch of Rastafarians. Slow and hallucinatory with echoing effects, this short track with it's brass riff fits right in with the cover. I have no idea what's going on. Massive Exode- Did he just say magic leaf? Any more subtle and there would be a two bong minimum. More reggae stylings with real world instruments and the party just don't stop. It just moves along very slowly. With a few bags of Cheetohs and Funions. And a pizza. Not a whole lot here, but it continues with the theme. Yggdrasil- Now this is my favorite. Massive strings with a forest feel as a modulated lead creeps out from its space. Full of sunshine melody that moves at a snail's pace. Any slower and it would be playing in reverse but the groove is righteous. I could creep to this. Dubland Mountains- Very floaty with a slow beat, this one combines a rastafarian sample with an outer space vibe. Solid without a lot of flash. Don't judge me. Koran Remix- If you have ever heard a loop for a hip-hop track this is it. Tablas, a funky beat, and a poetry slam feel to it that makes me feel like a city hipster doofus. A foreign language sample adds culture and somehow I stepped into a Bollywood movie. Short, but well received. Intuition- Change a few letters around and the name of this artist is an unpopular mouthwash. Nothing to do with the track of course, but I'm full of useless information. Ask anyone. And f*ck you, I'm tired. Another short and slow number that crawls along with an interesting percussive feel. It's nod your head good that sparkles through the smoky haze. Nice. Seeker- Man that is some wobbly sh*t! Who's on bass, Bootsy Collins? It gets thicker with a groovy drum set and throaty leads. If you like this type of dub, then this is right up your alley. It's all here highs and lows. The chopped up samples layer nicely with the melodies. Good work. Dub From the Depths of the Universe- "Everyday I'm shufflin'!" "That's not in the playbook, but it should be." - Michael Vick before all the dog raping. The lead is a twisted bit of breathiness and the bass isn't earth shaking, but more of the pinpoint variety. It churns with strings, piano, and more synthetic leads. Nice mixture of a lot of sounds with a bunch of twists. Great stuff! Kingstoned- Easily the darkest track on the compilation it is more suited to a thunderstorm than a sunrise. Soft and sad melodies don't seem to belong here, but it was pretty good so no harm done. This is what's known as getting pulled over by a cop when you've been smoking all night and he says you were driving 45 miles an hour and then 10 mph on the same road. For two miles. And why can't I find my license? Organ- Interesting one this last track. It's got a little bit of an industrial feel...think Depeche Mode Construction Time Again. It's still slow and dubby, but I could've seen this track as an interlude on one of their albums. See dat? Dat's you after listening to this. Dubby beats and melodies will have you trying to peer through the smoke with this laid back bit of downtempo. Most of the tracks are good and they are all in the same style. And before someone says that I'm reading too much into the whole "high" thing THERE IS A MARIJUANA LEAF ON THE COVER. So get some sour cream and onion chips with some dip, man, some beef jerky, some peanut butter. Get some Häagen-Dazs ice cream bars, a whole lot, make sure chocolate, gotta have chocolate, man. Some popcorn, red popcorn, graham crackers, graham crackers with marshmallows, the little marshmallows and little chocolate bars and we can make s'mores, man. Also, celery, grape jelly, Cap'n Crunch with the little Crunch berries, pizzas. We need two big pizzas, man, everything on 'em, with water, whole lotta water, and Funyons. Ektoplazm Mdk

Fixed! Mdk

Artist: Midiskibis Title: Twilight Troubadour Label: Freudian Slip Records Date: March, 2011 1. Pistol Star (130 BPM) 2. Nightly Passages (130 BPM) 3. Searching For Pnakotic Manuscripts (120 BPM) 4. Metsa Suojelee Sua (126 BPM) 5. Haruspex (125 BPM) 6. Miasma (95 BPM) 7. Slow Mutants (125 BPM) Every now and then something comes along that changes the game. Before the toilet, you had to crap in a hole in the ground. Saw a program on Current TV about the toilet crisis in India and they don't even bother with the hole. They just sh*t on the ground and walk away. I know, must be like a f*cking minefield over there. With the invention of air travel we can now visit any part of the globe. If you're tired of the hassle of flushing and wiping you can go to India and sh*t on the ground. Also if you wanted lots of people dead it used to be such a hassle to have to kill them by hand. Now with aircraft you get more bang for your buck and a window seat. Ever see old pics of people huddled around the radio? What the f*ck was that about? Like I want to sit next to Grandma Rose and her...ahem, flatulence issue. Isn't there a volume knob on that thing? Just turn it up why do I gotta sit next to Grandma? it's like a machine gun over here! The internet of course has transformed communication and information gathering not to mention delivering porn on demand. Now gratification is instant with the click of a mouse. Little longer if you're using the keyboard. What the f*ck, you again? She told me she was 13...I MEAN 18!!! Yeah, 18. Really Jim Bakker, I'm supposed to buy that she's your f*cking secretary? With cell phones nowadays it's just a computer in your hand that can turn the lights on in your home, take a photo of you in drag, or you can send a sexy image to the wrong person with the touch of a button. Oops, sorry reverend! That pic of my junk was meant for Jessica. See ya in church next Sunday! Jessica's gonna be there right? Right? Did you tell her I called? But those are the obvious ones. I'm talking about change for the people! Thanks to Viagra 85 year old men can impregnate women 1/3 of their age without embarrassment Yessir, opened the door to a whole world of f*cked up relationships and pedophilia. Thank you drug companies! We used to be able to ship grandpa off to a substandard nursing home, but now I have to worry if he's mackin on my niece. Whew, we really need to read the fine print on Obamacare. They patented a device that is installed under the hood of your car that can tell you (with a high reliability factor) whether what you just plowed into was a person. A person. Thank God this came to market because who's got time to look through the CLEAR windshield. Newsflash Matlock, if you're mowing people down like it's Grand Theft Auto get off the f*cking sidewalk. "Gotta get to the pharmacy...only one blue pill left!" The Snuggie wow, a blanket with sleeves. Where the hell was Da Vinci on that one? you know they have a model available for the family dog? Are you f*cking kidding me? That's what the fur is for. If you're dumb enough to get one for your pet, how is it possible you haven't walked into oncoming traffic? Don't worry they have an app for that. One of my faves was a patent was awarded to a guy that came up with the idea of a dog toy that could me made of wood or wood composites. A f*cking stick, the guy got a patent for a stick. Hear that? That's the sound of every tree on the planet lawyering up for the inevitable copyright infringement suit. Obviously one cannot equate these revolutionary inventions with sweaty I don't need a shower are you gonna finish that burrito why get a job hippie music. But in times when psytrance has gotten a little stale I give you Midiskibis. Sami Pekkarinen is from Finland home of reindeer, good Vodka, and some crazy ass music. Pistol Star- What sounds like a bunch of noise quickly develops into a Front 242 techno stomper. But with loads of psychedelia and none of that annoying scream vocal. Metallic sounds morph and twist as eerie melodies prance playfully above the solid bass line. There is a lot going on here and it changes frequently so pay attention. Driving beat with monster thump and thick twisted synth runs. Super beginning. Nightly Passages- This has a night time feel with warped and wailing pads as a chunky bass line grumbles. Did I take 3 or 4 tabs? Ooh, this is the good part hold up, love the way those synths dance. Did you see those birds or am I having a vision? Another track that constantly evolves with new sounds and directions. The leads sound dirty and wet, and when is that a bad thing? I don't care what you're talking about. It's a good churner with an ominous vibe that remains interesting all the way through. Searching For Pnakotic Manuscripts- I file this in the what the f*ck department. I mean, how are you supposed to describe the first two minutes of this track? Filtered analog synths hobble along in a Charlie Chaplin gait. Holy sh*t did I just write that? What the hell am I on about? Top hats and tails until it descends into some type of 90's techno breakbeat funk explosion with howling winds. Odd little melodies peer out from their place of safety and on the surface sounds like it's all over the place. Dig deeper my friends, as it will involve you. It surrounds you with bass sounds and wraparound leads. Thick and heavy but brilliant. Again it has a lot going on and gets better on repeated listens. Metsa Suojelee Sua- I know a little Finnish...Moi, mita jatka? I think that means Hi, how are you? but for all I know it could mean can I lick your balls. My friend from Finland had a sick sense of humor. Those Fins, they're pretty crazy. A bubbling lead flows rapidly over some slow attack sweeps creating a dark ambient beginning. For the first time I'm at a loss for words. This thing is all over the place, sounds seem to be placed randomly, synths wobble...what the hell is going on here? Haruspex- Controlled entropy. That's a good way to put it. Out of this disorder rises a rumbling bass line that is strangely groovy. Dark with razor sharp synths steep in layers but a hopeful melody attempts to surface. Alien skitterings frequent this track and there is a certain forest feel to it. I found myself listening to this numerous times in a row because there was no way I could take it all in with one listen. Miasma- With a space like ambient beginning a huge bass drop sets things in motion. Industrial percussion and echoing effects make this a spooky something something. Ever see Blade Runner? It would work there. Chock full of layers high and low it saunters at a sinister pace. Near the end it picks up a snare and now it has attitude as synths get chopped up. Reminds me of some old NIN stuff. Slow Mutants- Ooh, this undulates with power. The creature is waking type stuff. Oh snap he broke out his soul train side. I've always said we need more cowbell in psytrance! Deep, deep bass and sweeps just keep coming at you in waves. He does great work creating an eerie vibe with the pads and twinkling chimes. So many good effects, I just love this track. So firm...so fully packed. Look at that suave motherf*cker. This ain't your grandma's 4/4 psytrance. There are so many layers in this release that it begs further study. Psychedelic to it's core it combines techno and trance with lush atmospheres. It's highly original and was a joy to discover. I usually stay away from anything labelled with Suomi as I find it quite crazy, but this is something you should hear. This guy may very well be an alien and good or bad...he has just made contact. Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Arkanoydz Title: Type One Label: Sonic Dragon Records Date: June, 2007 1. Arkanoydz & Etnica - The Train Song 11:14 2. Space Care 7:52 3. Intuition 7:34 4. Full Mona 7:05 5. Evidence 7:16 6. The Deliverance 6:50 7. Arkanoydz & Etnica - Totemism (RFC Mix) 6:50 8. One Parsec 7:18 9. Tanith 7:58 That's right, the ball has been dropped on this one. BTW, outside of dick in a box, this was one of the funniest skits on recent Saturday Night Live. Anyway. All I hear is talk of how the old masters come back and change their style with terrible results. Here we have Mr. Etnica/Pleiadians/Crop Circles Andrea Rizzo joining forces with Giotto Bini and Young Kim for a psytrance album. Where's the review? I figured there would be something since that guy was such an integral part of our favorite music. Nothing. Here I come to save the day! The Train Song- "How can I explain? At first we thought it was a game. That we knew...what they were all about." Careful, careful! You almost stepped in my drool. Right off the bat the first track is a team up with Etnica and it's over 11 minutes! It's got some tribal feelings that make me want to twist, but it also has the layered synth work that we all love. The break shows fine detail and patience and you had me with the long sweep. The new melody has Etnica written all over it and I had to check the calendar to make sure it wasn't 97. This one has it all. Melody, atmosphere, and a nice groove. A fantabulous opening track! Space Care- "In the final decade of the 21st century men and women in rocket ships landed on the moon." Ummm, didn't we do that last century? Wow, how do you top that first track? By jumping right into a full-on bass line? Yeah, I guess you could try to go that way. But unlike the majority of that style, this has interesting melodies and track structure. This is a faster pace with a give and take type flow. The final bit is where it shines as thick analog synths echo wildly and while not a goa track, it shows that you can take the man out of goa, but you can't take the goa out of the man. Not as massive as the first, but still quite good. Intuition- "Just feel...use your intuition." The soft electric piano throws me a Vangelis curve ball as effects whiz around this thing and they do it again. Not goa trance, but they flirt with it. C'mon, just make another goa album. It's pretty full-on based with a break that has a massive pad and emotive break. Jesus, they just can't help themselves as the next melody has it's feet firmly planted in the Indian coast. Stop teasing me! I'm telling Mom! "Mrs. Williams do you have any Totino's Pizza Rolls...Omigod! I'm so sorry!" *slams door and runs downstairs to basement* Dude, your mom is f*cking hot. Sounds like a few more sleepovers this year. Another good one. Full Mona- I'd like to give your mom the full mona, if you know what I'm sayin'! Hi-five! No? A nice bouncing track this one. Effects and little melodies sparkle with a space feel as the layering begins. I like the way the track smoothly melts into the next part. Yeah it's full-on, but the way they do it, it doesn't feel like every other artist out there. The melodies are delicate, but dominate...it feels like your ice skating on spider webs. One sound leaves and the next enters without sounding obtrusive. Good track. Evidence- "One...Mathematics is the language of nature. Two...everything around us can be represented and understood with number. Three..if you graph the numbers of any system patterns emerge. Therefore, there are patterns everywhere in nature." Four, quit trying to get me to learn something new. Every time I put something in the ol' brain bucket, it pushes something out. I forgot how to tie my shoes yesterday. When I first hear the beat and the cowboy guitar riff, I'm thinking this is the track where they fully sell out to crap. But no, they don't. Full-on bass line? Sure, but they change the key and actually make it groovy. Then have the audacity to add a racing melody. Bastards. Not great, but good. The Deliverance- "I sense that you are restless now, but be patient. The deliverance is at hand." Squeal like a pig boy! Not Ned Beatty's finest moment on film, but give him credit...how many actors today would agree to anal hillbilly man rape? Yeah, this has nothing to do with this track. The opening melody is like a caged beast just waiting to be freed. But these guys keep it in there, singing off key to it, poking it with a stick. They, uh... they aren't actually singing. That was a metaphor. There is some slight nods towards the goa flavor, but quit being a bitch about it already. Reminds me of a girl I knew that had great boobs and flirted with me constantly. Casual touches became more pronounced, smiles and looks with her eyes. Thought my nuts were going to explode. Eventually I hit that but she enjoyed the teasing. Wow, that took a turn didn't it? Track was ok, nothing spectacular. Totenism Rfc Mix- Oooh, me likey! The first couple of minutes, meh, but be patient. You heard the guy in the last track...the time of deliverance yadda yadda yadda. Layers start to fire and they tease some more. If you're not gonna use that thing, just delete the preset! I like that it's not just straight ahead, but has little twists. Great to dance to no question. Something chemical involved. The break is full of goodness too. Pretty good. One Parsec- More full-on beats and bass lines but I like the melody work so I'm happy. Now this is just cruel. You cannot tell me that you don't miss goa trance. You can't. It's all over this album. That's like a fat guy saying, "nah, I'll just have a salad." Yeah, a salad with a cheeseburger on it. You've got several cool space samples and even a breakbeat that gives rise to a fat analog sound. Very nice people. Tanith- Ok, who let the aliens in? They're all over the place. Mission control is on the horn...so I don't have time to clean up this mess. The structure is of course full-on based, but new sounds are added to give it life. Melodies creep in, but unfortunately we have the first and only buildup. Thankfully it is very short. And you just couldn't let one track go without showing me your goa boobs, could you? You have to be careful, not everyone is as nice as me. Some might try and take that goa from you. Andrea shows that he's still got it and you would think that he missed the old days of goa trance. At the end of the day it's a full-on album, but not disgustingly so. It's got all the components, but as I mentioned they explore all the nook and crannies like it was an English muffin. There are numerous twists and turns which keep it interesting. Remember that this is 4 years old...practically a lifetime in our music. Also, if you keep teasing me with goa trance sounds and riffs I'll be expecting an album. I'll still respect you if you release a new goa trance album. In fact, I'll love you even more. Psyshop Beatspace GoaStore SaikoSounds 10 bucks? What the hell are you waiting for? Put down the bong for 4 seconds and order this. Mdk

Artist: Perfect Blind Title: Three Spires Label: Omnitropic Date: February, 2011 1. Ethernion II (92 BPM) 2. Nimbus Cloud (99 BPM) 3. Shrouding (108 BPM) 4. Exosphere (108 BPM) 5. Train Of Thoughts (2009 Mix) (108 BPM) 6. Passing Nebulae (113 BPM) 7. Coming Home (85 BPM) 8. The Three Spires (72 BPM) This is Igor Ceranic and if you have been reading my reviews, you should know who he is. Hailing from Zagreb, he is the mind behind the Deimos project and seemingly masters every release under the sun. Having released a few EPs under the Perfect Blind name this is his debut. It actually came out before his Ep Surfacing. Some reviews require a track by track commentary, but not this one. I can sum it up in one sentence, really. Holy sh*t this was good. This release was all about the cosmic downtempo, perfect for getting carried away. There are numerous layers to get lost in. It's not sleepy ambient, but rather dreaming while wide awake music because you don't want to miss anything. There are visions of colorful nebulae, undiscovered planets, and heavenly views from a large bay window on the spacecraft. It would start slowly and then gather all its parts and ride it like a surfer does a wave. Only then would it slowly deconstruct leaving the listener with a moving experience. Layers of synths provide deep stretches of meditation. Every sound is crystal clear, no matter how much stuff he puts in there. Half the fun on repeated listens is following each of the sounds and seeing where they go. The final track is only 2 minutes, but I can literally feel like I was hovering under a star ship as the sun peeked from the other side of a planet. Amazing. Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Turlitava Label: Neogoa Date: September, 2011 Shutup! I know it said 8-27-11 release date, but it ain't out yet! Damn, always in my bizness! 01 - NeiRula - Dream Echoes 02 - Uth - Ethereal Dream 03 - Mindphoria - The Picture 04 - Terra Nine - Breathe (Instrumental Version) 05 - Astropilot - Yasmin (2011 Rework) 06 - Astropilot - Scirocco (2011 Rework) 07 - Kliment vs. Anjela - The Last Call 08 - Lemonchill - Mantra (Erot Remix) 09 - Unusual Cosmic Process - Legend I know what you're thinking. What the hell is he doing here, isn't he dead? Everyone knows he's not. As a matter of fact he lives two towns over from me. Sells insurance now. Still manages to spit a few tracks and release them under a different name so all of you don't find him. Fame is a b*tch, he'll tell ya that. Ok maybe he is dead, but so is Neogoa. The netlabel has closed it's (virtual)doors but like Tupac it seems they can still release some stuff from the dead. Good for us too, because this is one of the best downtempo albums I have ever heard. Compiled by forum regular Anub1s and mastered by Igor Čeranić (who else? I caught him in my kitchen the other day and was putting the finishing touches on my dishwasher) you get a very nice mixture of styles in this release. Turlitava is a traditional mixture of vegetables on Balkans and it is reflected here in the compilation's diversity. When Richpa sent it to me it had numerous photos of the beautiful Vir coast that sit well with the music. He did it so you could make your own CD case with artwork for those long drives you've been meaning to take. Your girlfriend has been asking to go so now you have no excuse. Dream Echoes- This is Yulia Levchenko from the Ukraine with an awesome opening track. So...what's a pretty girl like you doing in a place like this? What? No, no don't sweat it. I'll just wait right over here. Here? Farther? No,no,no...you don't need that mace, I'll go, I'll go.. Soft pads caress the soul as the sun begins to wake from its slumber. Thunderous tribal drums herald the first rays of sunshine and I couldn't be more relaxed if you gave me an ambien sandwich Ethereal Dream- Well hello Alex Lytvyn. Long time no hear. Last I heard from you was your absolutely brilliant Distinct Instincts EP. He continues to dominate with such a detailed and organic track. Warm pads and numerous clicking effects outline an ethereal female vocal from the heavens. Synths undulate as layers get deeper with quick panning sounds that surround my ears. Soft melodies burn with glaring sunshine in a delightful experience. The Picture- Wow this is big. The music portrays such a large scope with strings reaching the horizon in a melancholic melody. I can almost feel the ebb and flow of the tide at the shore. A melody heralds the breakbeat and we have entered nod your head territory. I don't know that that chick is saying, but it adds to the smoothness. Thick, thick, thick. Twisting synths, ringing tones, and so many layers of goodness make this a wonderful track. Breathe- Did we just take a turn into remake town? Uh...no. No we didn't. This is Mike Westcot from New Zealand and he's a classically trained violinist that likes to make psychedelic music. No sh*t? Here he has massive strings and a rolling bass line. The kind which gets stuck in your throat as some plucked strings compose a melody. Wavering synth lines go up and down in an analog dream. Dreamy violin echoes can be heard and this is a soundtrack for a flight through space. Yasmin(2011 Rework)- He likes the vocal chants doesn't he? Good for him, because his music is lush and he does it right. Rising synths as a slow melody finds its way. I love the way the mood can change on a dime. What was originally a downtempo piece switches to a rumbler as the pace increases. Flutes, chants, and a happy ending. NO WAIT, not that type of happy ending. Please be 18, please be 18... Scirocco (2011 Rework)- Why the f*ck would you name your track after a Volkswagon? Oh, OH! That Scirocco. Ok, I get it. Himalayan winds rustle chimes during the final moments of the sun while a monk leads his order in prayer. Unexpectedly a massive kick has me rejoicing. What the f*ck am I at a revival? Swept up in its glory...hey, why am I swaying like that? Hard to type while you're dancing let me tell you. Melodic chimes slide right into the groove as a synth begins its march. There is a palpable old school feel to this and as the wind continues to blow and the sun sets, I am fulfilled. Awesome. The Last Call- With a long bass sweep and some shimmering synths we are underway. It's mystical and vision inducing as the glitch crackles. A dubby bass joins a highly synthesized vocal bringing me higher to consciousness. Did you think you weren't gonna get any flutes? Sucker, it's all in here. When the tempo increases and the chopped up vocal sound arrives one cannot help but feel the Shpongle love in the air. The leads layer at the end and what the f*ck...there I go swaying again. C'mon, whose with me?!? Mantra (Erot Remix)- My timing is all off. This would be the first Lemonchill track I have ever heard and Erot remixes it. That's life for ya. The pads and slow pace give a spacious vibe to it, and I can see the setting on the cover. Ethereal voices can be heard off in the distance as the break arrives and man is it descriptive. Soft, plucked synth sounds add more depth as the intensity begins to rise. Not bad at all. Legend- "The window is still open. We find something in a week, or two weeks...it could reverse the spread. I can still fix it. Ground zero, this is my site. We talked about this. I'm not gonna let this happen." I just reviewed his Weightlessness EP recently and if I recall he loves the long track. Synths shimmer as a high pitched melody taps itself out over a grungy bass sound. Drum snippets have been peeking out throughout the track but just enough to build a framework. The sample is from the movie I Am Legend and fits snugly in place. Let's never forget where Will Smith came from though. Important to know your roots, my brother. Just when you think it's gonna fade into the sunset, the bass line gets all aggro on you and the beat picks up. Clever sir. I hope that Neogoa rises from the ashes like the Phoenix because they have released so much quality music. Richpa works very hard to bring this to the masses and he deserves every accolade he gets. Good for you my brother. I would say this is the crown jewel of your work. Super descriptive and passionate tracks are the order of the day and it was a joy to listen to. Not a single piece of filler to be found and definitely has to be in the running for the downtempo compilation of the year. Coming Soon Mdk

Artist: Deimos Title: Ruptured EP Label: Diggarama Date: April, 2010 1. Ruptured (144 BPM) 2. Chest Pain (152 BPM) 3. Drifter (150 BPM) *Sung to Metallica's classic song* Master! Master! Master! Now...I don't think he is any of these. Although you could make an argument for Yoda due to his dominance in mastering releases. Don't believe me? Here's a list: Sky Technology & Nova Fractal – Versus Javi – The Aural Exciter Nova Fractal – Main Sequence Star Sky Technology – Next Visions PsiloCybian – Funny Farm Uth – Distant Instincts Mammal Footwork – Wallop Remixes VA - Pantheon VA - Future Architecture VA - Dimensional Gateway Croatian Igor Čeranić seems to be everywhere be it as Deimos or Perfect Blind. His style is also all over the map going from downtempo to progressive and now thanks to this EP, psybreaks. Ruptured- The synths attack and then recede as the breakbeat pushes on. The guitar (at least that's what it sounded like) reminds me of The Crystal Method. Back when they were good. Vegas was an awesome album. There is more guitar dominating at times and somewhere SUN Project is smiling. After a nice break, it gears up and gathers momentum for a blistering finale. Chest Pain- More breakbeats and undulating synths. This one stands out for its sample and lush break. Ha, stands out...there are only three tracks dude. It gets loud and becomes a wall of sound intent on overtaking all in its path. Drifter- It's a punishing breakbeat not unlike what you would hear in some Drum n Bass. The synths oscillate always being in continual motion. It's very cold and metallic sounding. There's not a lot of variation as it drones on. Hell it sounds like the previous track. In your face and pretty damn loud too. I liked it, bu not my favorite EP. Let me explain. There is nothing wrong with the sound. Sounds crystal clear. My problem is that there isn't a lot of room for tracks to grow when they are married to this beat all the way through. As I mentioned it drones on, not in a boring way, but in a heavy on the ear way. They all have similar song structures with the breakbeat starting out and then the synths adding up and growing into a cacophony near then end. Every now and then I would like this, but more than that and I grow weary. There aren't any nuances or twists and turns to challenge the mind. Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Mammal Footwork Title: Wallop Remixes EP Label: Diggarama Date: December, 2010 1. Wallop (Deimos Remix) (128 BPM) 2. Wallop (Yashpal vs PsiloCybian Remix) (128 BPM) 3. Wallop (Odium Remix) (128 BPM) 4. Wallop (Sumea Natami Remix) (130 BPM) This is a 4-track EP that contains remixes of a tune by Mammal Footwork, aka Psilocybian. He had a good EP called Funny Farm and his album Wry Figments was also quite entertaining. I've never heard the original so for me this is like 4 new tracks. Hopefully. Wallop (Deimos Remix)- It's a slow progressive bouncer with washes in the Iono music style. Effects begin to pile up and the track gets thicker. Everything is smooth...the intro of leads, the way they fade out...really cohesive. He layers well as the track floats on rays of sunshine and never sounds too heavy. Awesome progressive. Wallop (Yashpal vs PsiloCybian Remix)- Oh the echoes! Computer whirrings and humming algorithms pop as a razor sharp lead sparkles. The break is juicy as bass sounds roll and synths flicker and new leads join the party. So very deep and dance friendly. Hell it almost...almost flirts with some goa flavor. So good I think I saw Jesus. Yep, there he is. Wallop (Odium Remix)- Washes, slow deep attack synths, and a straight forward groove. The funk sir...this track reeks of it. Lots of layers to keep you company for this piece of lush progressive trance. I'm gettin' down, I don't give a f*ck who is in my way. Watch out now! Wallop (Sumea Natami Remix)- With floating synths over a churning kick and bass this one is more subdued. Kinda like the end of a party. Been dancing all night so all you can do now is sway. Man I don't know what the original sounded like, but these guys crafted 3 progressive trance bombs and one closer. Rich and lush with beats to match. It sounded great and will definitely be on my playlist for a while. Even though it's the same song, they sound nothing alike. Get this if progressive is your thing, you shan't be disappointed. Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Izmar Title: Inception EP Label: Diggarama Date: November, 2006 1. Foxhole (7:04) 2. Shelter (4:58) 3. The Grave Digger's Song (5:49) I came across this when I discovered more releases by Perfect Blind. I know I'm late with the Three Spires review, but I got a lot going on. Keep it together man it's coming. Diggarama is a netlabel that seems to like electro and techno type stuff. They like Ekto offer all of their releases for free. Foxhole- It begins with the gentle plucking of a mandolin in a sweet middle eastern melody as the electric piano chimes gently in the background. Maybe it's Greek. Hell, I don't know, but it goes down like a cold drink on a hot summer afternoon. Then all of a sudden a funky breakbeat drops in and I feel like I need to grab the mic and spit a few bars. But since nobody wants that how bout we just let the music play? It's chill and smooth with a great sunshine bridge. The electric guitar is soft like a spiders web and just as delicate. If there was ever sit on the beach and watch the waves music this is it. Shelter- Like a black man at a klan rally, this does not belong. How the hell did this overhyped vocal song get in here? And if you think it's not overhyped...and I quote: "we could very easily call it "the goal of the EP"... a masterpiece that REALY doesn't need any introduction or text info at all. Ambiental & fluid; with a beautiful female vocal giving this track a final extravagant touch. This is the song for a good morning... For the day that's right before you.. After just opening your eyes in the dawn, you could look out the window and just about say: "You are a mistery to me…" Numerous spelling errors aside, this reminds me of a lounge act that can only partially fill the house. All a matter of taste of course, but it doesn't belong on this EP. I skip over this every time. Exception- Super happy funtime sunshine! Nod your head delicious with chopped up synths and electric piano vibes. Gimme that microphone! I'm spittin'! "When I was young I used to hang with the 7th graders, little bad motherf*cker playing space invaders, Fucking with the girls in the 4th grade, either feelin on their butts or pullin on their braids. Walking with the schoolhouse bully By doin that, I had a lot of pull G, Cheatin on tests, makin a mess, cussing like a sailor at recess" Ok, I can't take credit for that verse. It's Ice Cube back when he rapped instead of directing kiddie movies. Anyway, that's what that beat does to me. So a nice little 3 track EP that has 2 good tracks. If it were a test that would mean a 67% so technically it would be a D in school. As in you dumb motherf*cker. But the other 2 are so good, that I think you throw track two out and grade on the curve. Nobody got that one right. Archive.org Mdk

Artist: Mukti Title: Amida EP Label: Ektoplazm Date: November, 2010 1. Entoptic Reverie (148 BPM) 2. Jazz Mutant (146 BPM) 3. Upon A Star (152 BPM) 4. Monoblock (150 BPM) 5. Amida (148 BPM) Hmmm...what's this? He's from the US? USA! USA! USA! My country is rapidly circling the drain it seems, so any good news is welcome. Lost the women's World Cup, dollar ain't worth sh*t, and we seem to like to war with the brown peoples. Enter Darren Harper with his 2nd EP release. He combines forest trance with stripped down ambient droning. Entoptic Reverie- The first minute or so is a decision. A decision whether or not to enter the dark forest as delicious sounds hover in the air. The atmosphere is wet with forest unease as the bass line shreds. Did you hear that? I thought I heard a...I don't know. Oh, look...a trail. Well I'll just follow that and see where it goes. Man it gets dark here early. The final melody scrapes above the bass line and maybe, just maybe...everything will be all right. Picturesque with a very descriptive atmosphere. Jazz Mutant- The minute echoing sounds give this track some real depth. This is how the hell did I get lost in the forest music. Spooky. The beat is nod your head good as the sticky forest slime starts cascading down the massive tree trunks. During the break I see little creatures hopping from branch to branch...hey! Did he...did he just give me the finger? As I'm walking (albeit more slowly now) I look back and notice the trail I just came in on has disappeared. What the f*ck? The forest knows...and it is loving it. If you're wondering where the jazz is, there is a hopeful saxophone blaring over dripping water at the end. Bizarre. Upon A Star- No intro here as the forest crackles with life. Black birds fly overhead and acid bubbles out of bog holes. The effects are the star here, creating such vivid imagery. They layer and this track feels deep as it just rains down with...dread. It's not heavy, but a perfect mix of fear and storytelling. Crackling energy. Hear that break? Su-fu*king-perb. I felt like I could hear every insect. That, uh...was an insect. Right? Monoblock- More cyber style darkness and a racing bass line snakes out of nowhere. The effects just percolate screaming and humming with an industrial force. No melodies. Just effects over the bass line. And me crapping my pants. Amida- What the hell did you do? Why...why the f*ck is he still talking? The subject of the Amida Buddha is interesting, but a sample over 3 minutes at the beginning of a track? At least it wasn't a flow killer. After that it's full steam ahead as the effects get louder and the forest gets darker. The break at 8 minutes sees the beat drop out as digital wind rustles the leaves. What you thought was a break continues as the trail out of the forest suddenly appears. Was it all a dream? I don't know anything about hosting parties. No idea what music is perfect for what time. Leave that to the professionals. But what I do know is lush atmospheric music and that is what this is in spades. You can tell the guy is fluent in ambient as he sets the stage for fear so well. It's like he's writing a horror movie soundtrack. Then when the forest sounds and effects jump in it is a wonderful ride for the hallucinatory. Dark and lo-fi (like da promo says) without being overwhelming. This is great music to get wrapped up in and let cascade all over you. So do it...get taken. Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Brujo's Bowl Title: 900 Label: Glitchy.Tonic.Records Date: June, 2011 1. 900 (135 BPM) 2. Sub Minimal Message (135 BPM) 3. Reality Edit (128 BPM) 4. Train Of Thought (135 BPM) This is Saxon Higgs with another free gift. Actually it's his debut. I reviewed his other EP right here. He throws glitch, downtempo dub, and some of the fattest bass you've ever heard in a pot and brews up some goodness. The promo says psystep but I still don't know what the f*ck that is so I didn't mention it. 900- "How long have you been here? 900 years? That's a very long time." Deep, deep bass that can wobble some speakers. It changes from mid-tempo to breakbeat but make no mistake it is a minimal experience. Some other bass sounds and the odd sample, but after that...*cricket* And unfortunately this is the cream of the crop. Sub Minimal Message- "This might actually cause people to wake up." Hahahahahah!!!! Really? With the word minimal in the title and over 11 minutes? This track has a medium speed with more of his grumbling bass. I'm really running out of adjectives to describe it, but deep it is. And if you like bass and can focus on it for 11 minutes then man this is for you. You're gonna love it. Not me. I had to get a band aid because I cut my head on my desk when I nodded off. Reality Edit- Sparkling synths pluck above more sub bass and this is minimal all the way. That moderate pace makes it seem like it goes on forever. Ugh. The break in the middle is interesting but this track feels like slow motion and at almost 10 minutes...don't be driving when listening to this. Train of Thought- Not meaning to be literal, but I can imagine myself in a grand train station as the echoes thunder forth. Man that bass is deep and wobbly! It rumbles minimally until a pleasant breakbeat and then squeezes out low digital noises with a far away melody floating above. Real after party type relaxing stuff. I know this was his debut, but the other EP has a different and IMHO a more entertaining style. For the minimalists this will go down like hot tea on a cold day, but for me it was too boring. The long track times didn't help. He has a real talent for dub and breakbeats which is very evident even on this EP. Even though I will pass on this I will continue to follow him because he has shown that he can craft a great track. Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Disia Title: Disorder EP Label: GS Concept Records Date: November, 2009 1. Inconstancy (115 BPM) 2. Slow Way To Chasm (100 BPM) 3. Phone Knot (110 BPM) This is a debut EP from Dennis Popov that combines glitch with slow downtempo grooves. Only 15 minutes? I've sat on the toilet longer than that. Hey f*ck you Leo, ever eaten at Taco Bell? Be that as it may, don't sleep on this. It's a haunting 3 track EP that has loads of descriptive layers and samples. Eerie piano melodies and twinkling synths that remind me of a horror movie centered around children. You know, innocence, but surprise! Not really innocent. Inconstancy is very short with aggressive snares and those twinkling sounds I was talking about. Slow Way To Chasm is really depressing with samples from a chick that sounds like she wants to end it all. Add in the piano, warm pads, and glitch and it's very beautiful. Phone Knot gets glitchy with the phone and sports a funky breakbeat. My favorite here. Well, there you go...it's like listening to the soundtrack of Silent Hill. Spooky with great effects. As always it's free at Ekto so go nuts. Ektoplazm Mdk

Wow, this really turned into a great discussion and educated me about something I knew nothing about. Thanks to all involved. Here I just thought Pusherstreet was a cool sounding name. As far as "fleshing it out" a bit...didn't sad Rupert Murdoch, hiding under a desk and repetitive Ralph do that? I think I made it perfectly clear in print and picture that IMHO it was boring . That was the vibe I got. It's never personal, and I'm not here to attack the artist. Just writing a review explaining how the music made me feel and trying to entertain. Thanks to Raz and Liam for their comments and the information about the genesis of your name. Very informative. Mdk