Trance2MoveU

Artist: Nerso Title: Exploration of Infinity Label: TesseracT Studio Date: May, 2011 1. Jungle of sounds (with Iva) 2. Electrify 3. Dune (with Sideform) 4. Synapse 5. Borderland 6. Vertigo (with E-Clip) 7. Crystal 8. Deep blue (with Middle Mode) 9. Quirky If you have been reading my reviews then you know how impressed I have been with TesseracT Studio. This label continues to produce quality progressive trance music with one release after the next. Nerso is the Dragon aka Dragan Matić and he composes some of the most expansive and lush music I have heard in this genre. It's full of effects and beautiful melodies that catapult you deep into the world he is creating. Although he has released lots of stuff, this is his debut album as a solo artist. And what a release it is. Superbly deep and complex with a dark shimmer all over it. This is what happens when progressive crashes headlong into psytrance with an artist that knows how to develop atmosphere. It churns, bubbles, ripples...hell there are even some forest textures that scream across the Scandinavian night. Whether it is the insistent march of the massive opening track Jungle of Sounds or the growling 303 in Dune this disc has it all. Synapse drifts as if it were a roller coaster along the brains pathways and Borderland rumbles across the barren terrain. Burning brightest is the collaboration with E-clip with it's descriptive sounds and thundering rhythms. But really the whole disc is like this. While every track is great listening all the way through is the way to go. Along with E-Clip's Shuma Vertex Ocean, and The Riddler Questions this is the best progressive release I have ever heard. Rich in details and atmosphere Dragan has delivered a modern day masterpiece. If you like progressive trance please support this artist and buy his disc. Phenomenal. Psyshop Beatspace GoaStore Mdk

I love those two. But that would be something that a vote would decide. Mdk

We have best of threads for all music, but what about the ones you heard that were absolutely craptacular? Do they deserve some recognition? I know nobody goes out to buy music that they hate, but maybe stuff you have heard or bought thinking it was good only to discover it was crap. Could also work for movies as well. Just a thought. Mdk

This has me curious. Dark Ambient done well is extremely moving. Mdk

Artist: Xatrik Title: Bust A Move EP Label: Planet B.E.N. Records Date: March, 2011 1. Barcelona 2. Yalla 3. Sketchy Biznizz (Rmx) 4. Red Handed Pt. 2 Oh, hell yes...some new Xatrik? I feel a surge of happiness on the horizon... Yeah, it's monumental. If you love twilight music, and I mean...love it like I do then you know who this is. Xatrik is Greg Hamber from South Africa and he is one of the best at creating highly rhythmic psy with a darkly melodic overtone. His album Inside Information back in 2007 was just bomb after bomb that still sounds fresh. Did you catch the Demarkation Area EP? No? Gimme a sec... "I said get your ass to Beatport and download that sh*t, ho!" Right now it's just your sister, but keep it up and your whole family is gonna get it. Here he delights with a new 4 track EP that I just became aware of. Barcelona- Good gravy on potatoes how does he make that bass line sound so punchy? It's got groove and is a perfect warm up to what is in store? Yalla- "Honestly I listen to that and I'm just like what is this piece of sh*t I'm listening to, do I even know this artist?" Ewwwww,..you got acid in yo eye! Clean that sh*t up man, you look ridiculous. Legs...operating...involuntarily...What's that? It's worse than I feared. He set off the shake your ass alarm. Again. The funk doctor is in and he will see you now. Perfect mixture of groovy tunes with futuristic effects. Damn, that is how you get asses out of seats! Sketchy Biznizz (Rmx)- "Man when are you gonna learn, everything about this business is sketchy!" This is a remix off his Inside Information album. Not to be confused with the remix of the same song on the Psionic Tales Chapter 2 compilation. 3 remixes for one track? Guess he's a perfectionist. The beginning melody is a little...eerie and then he hits you with the acidic goodness. The bass rumbles and shakes a few windows, let me tell ya. Just big beat bad ass. I heard he played this at Ozora...what? We have some video? Roll that sh*t! Red Handed Part 2- Awwwww sh*t! Funky breakbeat with percussive help is here! Nobody lays down aggressive beats like the South Africans, plain and simple. It's just a wall of attitude that shows more confidence with each measure. He throws a lot of techno sounds in your face a la Artifakt. Awesome EP that was just balls to the wall motion. I cannot recommend this highly enough if you enjoy the South African sound. Are you listening Ormion? You should be. And if you don't mind me saying so... I think I'm a little gay for Xatrik right about now. *Squeal!* Beatport Mdk

Don't ever stop being creative Oswald. So what if I didn't like it, I'm just one schmuck at a computer. Penzo liked it and I'm sure there are more who did also. You are the artist and you make what every you feel like. When I write a review that may not be so positive, I still have respect for the artist who created it. They built something from nothing and that's pretty impressive. Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Reboot Part 1 Label: Mechanik Records Date: May, 2011 1. Where are the Wires - Lost & Found Vs. Absolum 2. P.S.U. - sHiFt 3. Hardkore (R.E.L. Remix) - Bliss 4. Stoners - Abomination 5. Costume Maniac - Z3ro 6. Focus Pokus (Rmx) - Outer Signal Let's see, who's on the tracklist for this EP? Absolum, Lost & Found, sHiFt, Abomination... Yeah Bert, I see it too. Seems pretty solid, but something just ain't quite right. The phrase too good to be true has bitten all of us at one time or another. Hell, the first thing I reviewed for 2011 had all the makings of a classic, but was naught but smoke and mirrors. You see some great names on the tracklist but Willy Wonka f*cks up your shit. We've all been there. Where Are the Wires- No way these 2 heavyweights of the twilight genre could f* ck this up you say? Wrong. Sure it has power and the screaming leads these 2 are known for, but how come it sounds so empty? It's full steam ahead, but they seemed to have dropped their payload at the last exit. P.S.U.- Ummm....what's happened to you Chris? People Should Understand that you want to make different music. Well ok, but this Popular Sh*t is Unwelcome. I'm just having fun with the title obviously, but this is a far cry from where his bread is buttered. It's a full on gallop that has none of his usual darkness and sounds very UNsHiFt like. Dare I say even a little too commercial for my tastes. Hardkore (R.E.L. Remix)- Yeah I was afraid of this. I haven't heard this song, but Bliss has been on my pay no mind list for awhile now. Stops and starts, goofy samples, video game sounds being pitched up and down...I thought a remix was an attempt to better a previous effort? R.E.L. also delivers the mother of all buildups not once, but twice. Get me the f*ck outta here. Stoners- "Have you heard nothing that I've said?" Well look who woke the hell up. Their last album had snooze button written all over it, but they deliver the power packed gem of the EP here. Big beats and dominating leads but it's the last bit that's working the wrecking ball. Loud, in your face, and nowhere to run. Let's hope this is a portent of things to come. Costume Maniac- "OK, I've got an idea. If we're going to call this guy Batman, lets be consistent. Why bother to figure out what kind of car he is driving. Uh..it's a batcar. On a bat chassis, powered by a bat motor, with top of the line bat springs with an aftermarket bat exhaust that every auto enthusiast between here and Detroit would kill his mother to have." This is Javier Duran who had a great track on Psycho Laboratory II and an average one on Fractal Energy 3. That's ok though because that entire compilation sucked. The more I listened to this, the more I liked it. Pretty groovy with an amusing sample but he maintains the intensity level the whole way through. Good boy Javier. Good boy. Go Batman, it's your birthday.. Focus Pokus (Rmx)- Fabric of Space from 2009 was pretty good and here the duo remix their track from the Ministry of Chaos compilation. Too many drug samples for me and a little too stop and starty as well. But so was the original in parts. There are definitely some groovy parts but I liked the original better. So all in all it's not bad. Maybe I was a little hard on the first two tracks as the only turd in the punchbowl was the R.E.L. remix. The Abomination track was a nice surprise and the Z3ro one was also pleasing. Still, I have heard better from all these artists before and for $12 why don't they just pistol whip me before they take my cash. Beatport Mdk

Artist: Vertex Title: Archipelago EP Label: TesseracT Studio Date: June, 2010 1. Oceanos 2. Archipelago 3. Hungary Dance 4. Oceansphere I like the ocean. Surf, sand, cool breezes...and the bikinis. Man is there anything better than a place where it is expected that women wear minute amounts of clothing. Candy shop...open! But Nikola Kozic and Slobodan Gaćeša really like the ocean. Their debut album aptly titled Ocean was a stellar bit of progressive trance and here they jump right back into the big blue with an EP from super label TesseracT that brings up images of turtles, pristine beaches, and of course: I gots one just like it but in blue... Oceanos- That's not even a word. Reminds me of how we Americans put an "o" at the end of a word and that is the default for Spanish. What have we got here? Deep, rumbling bass and a nice afternoon percussive beat. The lead makes me wish I had a Corona in my hand as the wind blows towards the shore. There's not a lot here, but what they do provide is groovy and relaxing. Archipelago- Hear that ocean? Music, sweet relaxing music. And this is what you might expect it to be. Deep bass, wailing leads with some chopped up synths. It does evoke a beautiful beach scene that I am more than happy to enjoy. Sunshine through and through. Hungary Dance- I'm guessing that this has a Hungarian folk melody in it, but these guys integrate it into the track without any semblance of cheese. More of that big beat goodness and bass that brings it's groove shoes. I don't know what this has to do with the ocean, but f*ck it we're not oceanographers here. There is the sound of the ocean at the end of the track so I guess it still works. Smooth, like when I catch that perfect wave. Ummm...you're doing it wrong. Oceansphere- Starts off one way, but then switches up so fast you don't have time to tie that string bikini you just got. You really have lost weight and look fabulous. You should call me...we could hang out. I mean, I don't want to take you home or nothing, just wanted to you know...hook up. And that's how I felt about this track. A nice little EP that has an ocean theme. The beats are good and the melodies are light for that perfect afternoon. Nothing groundbreaking but a nice enjoyable day at the beach. Beatport Mdk

Don't worry about it Imba. Maybe I'm in the minority or maybe that's just the sound Oswald is going for. Just because I didn't like it doesn't mean it wasn't good. It's free and people should use their own tastes. So for me then, what's the score? Good UAF releases >>>>>> bad releases. You are still the man, as is Oswald. Mdk

No problemo mi amigo. It's what I do. Mdk

Cmon Penzo, you know I thought about turning it down. Even when the volume is lower, it sounds shrill and very tinny to my ears. I would've liked the 1st track too, but the sound was just too bad. Mdk

Artist:Baron Samdi Title:Cursed Bloodline EP Label: Underground Alien Factory Records Date: June, 2011 01. Cursed Bloodlines (8:59) 02. Mississippi (9:10) 03. Ouija Es-Tu La (7:41) Between UAF and Neogoa you should be so full with new school goa trance goodness. They just give and they give...till it hurts. And it obviously hurt because Neogoa is undergoing a transformation. Still, there is plenty to enjoy. So what's this? PharaOm is pulling an Antares and releasing some darker themed goa under a new name? Color me interested. You can get it at Ektoplazm like always and like always, it is FREE. Cursed Bloodlines- Damnit this first track is noisy. Hey people...shut the f*ck up, I'm trying to hear the music. Noisy whistling sounds and I've heard one of those melodies before. There is so much reverb that everything seems to get drowned out. Is this mastered or what? F*ck this, it hurts my ears. Mississippi- With the pipe organ beginning it's like a backwoods Phantom of the Opera. The title is Mississippi and it is dark and haunting. Like I imagine living in Mississippi would be. The hi-hat is too loud for me, but I like the melody. Creepy with some good moments, but again it's TOO F*CKING LOUD. Ouija Es-Tu La- Here are some more dark vibes with a spooky music box and minor key melodies. I think this track relies more on samples for sure but the strings in the middle were creative as the distorted pad moans. The percussion sounded weak though, not in volume (oh hell no!) but in quality. There is a goa"ish" melody near the end, but I wasn't impressed. This is not your grandmother's goa. Hell, I don't think it's goa at all. Dark themed with voodoo samples, moody organs and horror movie child music boxes, but I'll be honest, I can't enjoy any of it because of the way it sounds. Way, way too loud. It comes off as harsh and amateurish. Love your work as PharaOm Oswald, but I can't get into this. I don't know if Keamia f*cked your sh*t up or if it's supposed to sound like this, but it ain't for me. Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Crossing Mind Title: Ultimate Reality EP Label: Underground Alien Factory Records Date: May, 2011 01. Insomniac (9:03) 02. No Way Wrong (9:17) 03. Nova on Night (9:39) 04. Progenic (9:40) 05. Power of Trance (10:16) When I first saw that there was some more Crossing Mind material I decided to celebrate! After a few awkward moments at the police station and some chaffing, I had to home and check it out. But the women's World Cup was on and the US was playing France so I decided to watch. I find the games more exciting than the men (although I watch them also) and they are less prone to act like babies. You would think that some of these guys were on the wrong end of a sniper rifle. Pussy. I immediately cheer against any a-hole that pulls that crap. You don't see that in hockey because if someone did try to pull that crap he would be going home with a few less chicklets if you know what I mean. Jeez, you could drive a truck through that gap! But I digress. Saw the USA game vs. France and it was fun to watch. France has nothing to be ashamed of as they dominated long stretches, they just couldn't finish. And that Necib? She has crazy skills. That got me thinking about how much I enjoyed France and my time there. Great food, history, scenery, women...which brings me to this artist. This is Stéphane Béze a new school goa trance producer from the land of wine and cheese with a follow up to the eye opening The Holographic Paradigm released by DAT Records last year. It's a mix of old and new uptempo and slower stuff, though I can't tell which is new and which is old. Still, thanks to that crazy monkey at UAF Imba for bringing us some more great tunes. P.S. The crazy Monkey says that Power of Trance and Insomniac are the older tunes. Insomniac- This sounds like it coulda been on the album. It's aggressive even though it has a baby's laugh on it. Don't quite get that. Anyway, there is zero rest as he is all in with his multiple leads. Good show sir. No Way Wrong- Don't tell me I'm doin' it wrong...like my speedo? I believe he has shown that he doesn't do much wrong in the way of goa trance and with this track he continues the outer space vibe. The lead is metallic, maybe a little gruff, but that's his style. His tracks are also long, so I know I get caught up in his numerous melody changes and I'm like...where the hell did those 3 minutes go? Pretty good stuff. Nova on Night- This one sounds as if it is more...current. Can't explain it. But what I can explain is the darker, more eerie atmosphere. He's still bringing the layers out to play with running arpeggios and get this...he actually put a break in a track. I know, I couldn't believe it either. It's sunshiney and makes me feel like I'm in the forest on Avatar with all the fluorescent crap everywhere. Another drifting tune that spirals endlessly. Progenic- Ladies and gentlemen we have reached the mid-tempo portion of our program, please unfasten your seatbelts and light em if you got em. Bubbling, drifting, use whatever adjective you want to describe this. Lots a leads with the ability to make your mind just go with it. He's twisting those knobs like an inexperienced teen does with his first girlfriend with much better results. And less slapping. Power of Trance- When he was first "discovered" there was a big folder with a lot of his tunes and this was in said folder. It's more mid-tempo smooth with wailing strings and nimble leads. And don't mistake the slower tempo for not having an edge. This track does what all of his seem to do. And that is switch leads and melodies without effort as they catch you up in his vision. Highly melodic and if you will pardon the pun, entrancing. Like this guy was going to release a tub of sh*t. Not bloody likely. First off, it's free so you should check it out even if you're poor. Like me. Second, if you heard his album and liked it, then you will like this. It's the same drifting style with long synth runs and very little interruption in the trance inducing process. As I mentioned I found myself losing track of time as his melodies just seemed to go on forever. Perhaps we can harness this power for the greater good? No brainer, go get it. Ektoplazm has it fo FREE!!! Mdk

Superb track of course, but why so quiet? Mdk

Artist: Hypnoxock Title: Acid Return Remixes EP Label: None Date: Pretty damn recently 1. Traffic (Xock Acid Remix) 2004 06:58 2. Time Out (Chapapote Remix) 2011 08:00 3. Future Xock (Cosmic Remix 2011) 08:26 4. Hypnoxock feat. Green Beats - And There Was Calm! - 2011 02:18 There are a lot of opinions about social media but you cannot argue that it has connected the world like never before. Conversations between people separated by thousands of miles happen instantaneously. Sure, people share too much...like I don't think I need to know what your dog just threw up or what you are doing this very second. But I am thankful that due to sites like Facebook I can find out about stuff like this. I like these guys music so I friended them and now I'm privy to what they are cooking up. Hypnoxock are Victor Solsona and Pedro Quijada and are bringing psytrance back to where it needs to be. Their debut album Synthetic Resurrection in 2009 was outstanding and I recently reviewed their Tales of the Mind EP right here. They do intense, melodic psytrance as well as some groovy as sh*t progressive. This is a free digital release on bandcamp that I urge you to check out. Good music. For FREE. Where is the confusion? Traffic (Xock Acid Remix) 2004- The project started 9 nine years ago? Right out of the gate they drop a heavy beat and a growling synth threatening to erupt. Like that Icelandic volcano a few months back. What was it's name? adkdfwel&slfksafhasjelei? You try and spell it. Computer effects crackle and oscillate amidst some 303 chicanery. Goa vacation gentlemen? Because this has all the hallmarks of some dark goa flavor. It's funky, it evolves and breathes a healthy exhale of fire. Blistering. Time Out (Chapapote Remix) 2011- Cyber undulation and stuttering samples are just the beginning as it gains power and momentum all while easily fitting in with some of the latest neogoa releases. Here they go with that 303 again, bubbling up like black gold. Texas Tea. The break is a place for a new lead to spring forth as effects set the table. Layers sprout up as that 303 forces it's way to the front of the line giving this track a strong backbone. Yessir, these guys are on to something. Future Xock (Cosmic Remix 2011)- To remix a track that was already bad ass takes some chutzpah. Put another feather in yo cap like a Pimp named Slickback cause this is some outer space sh*t right here. Cosmic leads twist around the windpipe with a goa stranglehold. Love the break with it's forlorn oboe sound. Short, but effective making me feel like I'm high in space looking down at the Earth. Is it better than the original? I dunno, but I do know that I liked it. And Then There Was Calm- What the? They do downtempo also? Lord help me, this is a delicious little slice of tribal drums and eerie atmosphere. The bass bubbles as solar winds pass overhead. Why so f*cking short? This had serious potential and I do hope the next EP is a pure downtempo effort. There you have it. 4 tracks that show you how psytrance should be. I do want to say that when I downloaded it, there was an extra track that wasn't listed on the page so I didn't include it in the review. It's intelligent full-on that is layered and deep with a groovy 357 in its coat pocket. These guys continue to impress and it has me heading over to Beatport to check out their latest release, Logic Evolution. Cheers for the free EP gentlemen. FREE DOWNLOAD. Thatta boy...come and get it! Mdk

I think the best full on these days is the British and the South African sound. It's driving, melodic, and full of atmosphere. Sans cheese. Here are some links to reviews of good full-on: Arecibo Chronicles Vol. 1 Fractal Energy 4 Tryambaka - Replenishing Roots Kut-N-Paste - Relapse Wizack Twizack - IV Rubix Qube - Saturate EP Midnight Storm Vol. 4 - Acid Rain Ianauria- The Orange EP Tales of Heads Digital Talk - Audio Extremists Just a few... Mdk

Artist: Midimal Title: The Pursuit of Happiness Label: Echoes Records Date: June, 2011 1. The Deepest Thing 2. Larger Than Life 3. How The Mind Works 4. From Zero To Hero 5. Jaron 6. In Between 7. Bitbox 8. Sweet September (Midimal rmx) - Vibrasphere 9. The Pursuit Of Happiness 10. Become 3 Ahh, the pursuit of happiness. One of the tenets on which my country was founded has long been a goal of the masses. Some think it's money and while having money makes life easier I think it was a great philosopher who said, "Mo Money, Mo Problems." Of course he is also responsible for such gems as "I treat you right, you talk slick, I beat you right" and "I wanna bitch that like to play celo, and craps." Just sayin' read up before you search for pearls of wisdom in his works. Hell, I don't need massive amounts of cash, just enough to live comfortably, travel, and provide for my offspring. Not to be confused with the tearjerker of a movie starring Will Smith this is Christian Merkis with his 2nd release. The first was titled In Search of Water so he obviously is looking for things. His tracks are the deep, lush progressive that I am so fond of. Which is kinda weird because his name is one letter away from minimal. The cover is great with a guy (I assume that's him) looking for happiness. Nothing to do with him though, did you read the promo text on Psyshop? What generic drivel that I am sure has been used on many other albums. I bet whoever wrote it didn't even listen to the album. Don't make me break out the Ed Lover C'mon Son gif. Cause I'll do it. The Deepest Thing- "Everyday...every breath is an opportunity to express the deepest thing in our heart. It is important when we're involved in some sort of spirituality. That we not become simply a consumer item. It's very very healthy for all of us, myself included..." All right stop. Just stop hippie. This reminds me of every conversation that revolved around the bong in the middle of your drum circle. Grand plans that don't make it past a bag of Cheetohs at 3 in the morning. Did you know that I discovered a cure for cancer? Yeah, but I don't remember it. But ask me if I remember the trip to I-Hop and the chocolate chip pancake that smiled at me. His whipped cream smile knew what I was talkin' about. Larger Than Life- Smooth. Groovy. This is how it's supposed to be. A galloping lead with the deep drone of the bass. It's constant as washes fly beneath the female voice. Total drifting piece of work that is epic. How The Mind Works- "The complex structure of the mind is the subject. The mind is what the brain does. The mind is a system of organs of computation. It's key idea can be captured in a sentence." How about this sentence..."Your sample is too f*cking long and kills the flow." Stop it. After the two minute mark he does and this is another drifting piece of music. That is until the glitchy, techno beat takes over and it is pretty inventive and well placed. Not bad if you can get paced the first bit. From Zero To Hero- What are we, in the forest? What's with the birds? While I'm at it, why are you whispering? IF you don't like machine gun bass lines, this isn't for you. But give it time. It becomes fuller at 4 minutes when there is more than just effects and he is clever like a fox. He builds his track, slowly reeling you in like a like Chris Hansen does pedophiles. By the time the break happens, it's dripping with emotion. A nice long break, it ends with a positive melody and man it's cool. Good show old boy! Jaron- "Tunes can act as a bridge between cultures when language fails us." This was a nice progressive tune which even included a solo string in the middle. My favorite line from the sample would have to be,"It's not how many notes you have, but what you do with them." Which is a lie every girl tells you about penis size. The melody after the string is a nice shimmering piece of sunshine that really opens up. Score another one for you sir. In Between- Do you get it? He put this in between the trance tracks. And the title is called in between. Pffft...Take another hit hippie. A soft piano melody unwinds and gently flows between sadness and hopefulness. As a piano player this appeals to me as it is really beautiful. Sounded great. Bitbox- He seems to like long openings. Not intros, but it takes a while to get things going. Here he fulfills his almost name as this is leaning towards minimal. Galloping bass line and very little evolution. It grows, but into what? Just kinda churned along. Wake me when it's over. Meh. Sweet September (Midimal rmx)- See what I mean? Almost 2 and a half minutes before the beat kicks in. I'm not sayin' it's a problem...I'm just sayin'. Hi-hat at almost 4 minutes. Break at 5. Bring that old guy back, this is boring the crap outta me. The Pursuit of Happiness- The lead is quiet at first, but you can hear it searching out its target. Definitely a bounce to things here with an eerie feel. He does a lot with a little to make the track seem fuller. Marinating in the mantra? Coulda done without the hippie bullsh*t, but the groove is pretty tight...and I'm in a forgiving mood. The key change is very sweet and did you see that dance move I pulled off? No? Shame...I don't think I can do it again. Become 3- Downtempo closer that puts one deep in thought and becomes a little break beaty. I like the part at 6 minutes where the beat drops out and adds the piano. I think he could've done more with this, as it sounds deeper and tells a better story without that beat. Just my opinion. So there you go. For me the stars of the album were How the Mind Works and the piano interlude In Between. The tracks after that almost took on a simpler quality. As previously mentioned, his style is very deep and he likes to build his track, sometimes with really good results. I don't think it was as good as his debut, but by no means was it bad. Progressive trance that carries you away never is. But, as per usual, some tracks were more intricate and interesting than others. Good listen. Psyshop Beatspace GoaStore Mdk

Artist: The Riddler Title: Fille de la Soie EP Label: TesseracT Studio Date: November, 2010 1. Fille de la Soie 2. Cherry On The Apple Tree Because I am so impressed with his current production I picked up Goran's 1st EP. Released by the ever impressive TesseracT Studio this is a short 2 track view into his funky house self. God, The Art of Being Non seems so long ago, it's hard to believe it was done by the same guy. Whereas that was characterized by being unique I would've never thought he would do the same thing in the progressive house genre. He uses big bass and fat beats to go along with melodies that are a little...off. Deliciously unexpected. Fille de la soie- More house madness with The Riddler! Agile leads tap out a melody as the soft strings slide in the background. The bass is a deep wobbly thing, while the whole tune is bright and fun but not without a hint of darkness. Leaves me with the feeling, "Man, you shouldnta done that." Whatever that is. I tell you what I shouldnta done...eat that last piece of pizza. Damn...I'm eating myself out of a pants size. He tinkles the ivory and even manages to make a piano sound funky. You got skillz...yep that's right, with a z. Cherry On The Apple Tree- This one is more hopeful with it's oscillating strings and positive vibe. Big beats continue with some funk guitar and piano. It's a smooth ride like catching that perfect wave when all your friends were looking. High pitched leads dance around the sun with shimmering brightness as it brings everything full circle. Good, enjoyable vibe. I don't know what you did to become this good at making music in the genre; whether you made a deal with the devil or whether you have always had this funky spirit, but all I can say is keep doing it. Your music causes involuntary dancing that is infectious. Great stuff. Beatport Mdk

Artist: Tripswitch Title: Strange Parallels Label: Section Records Date: January, 2011 So....I don't know how you feel about a remix album. Sometimes they can be great if the mixes showcase different styles and expand on a track's central idea. I think we all know a particular album where the wheels came off and may go down in history as the worst remix album of all time. I won't mention any names, but they are called A. Projection. Nah, too obvious...how about Astral P? At least that album had different tracks on it. What you get here is 9 remixes of one track and thankfully the actual track in its original form. The pitfall of course would be if all the remixes sound similar. I know very few tracks that I would like to hear nine times in a row, I don't care how great it is. The only quibble I would have with the setup is that the original is at the end. I would've preferred it in the beginning so I could compare more readily. Minor, really. This is available from Beatport and you should really check their new layout. It's quite keen and even labels the tracks by what genre it is. They even do a little review on the side to let you know what you're gonna get. If they start getting funny, I might have to find another hobby. Nick Brennan's put out some great music including his first album Circuit Breaker in 2005 and Geometry last year(the album Strange Parallels originates from reviewed here). So you've got some house, trance, dubstep...this could get interesting. Strange Parallels (Purple vs Tim Healey Re-Rub)- Re-rub? Sounds dirty. Count me in. These house producers have made a saucy little track that takes some of the good from the original and puts it on...wait for it...house arrest. God, that was bad. The joke, not the track. The track is good with it's squirmy bass and groovy quality. There are uplifting, smiley emoticon touches and it's a nice way to get started. Strange Parallels (Shiloh Remix)- Another progressive house jaunt, this one takes the guitar part of the original as the base and builds around that. Love it. Afternoon sunshine and friendship bring melodies that bounce above the percussive knocking. The break is a warm sensation of cloud surfing with a moderate breeze. A new melody takes you home whether you want to go or not. Well done Shiloh. Whoever you are. Strange Parallels (Aurtas Remix)- This was Section Records first signing a young Japanese producer whose interpretation is smooth like a baby's bottom. Electric bass with emotional strings that also uses the guitar bit from the original. The bass in combination with that guitar packs a great punch and is a good afternoon ride. Nice job. Strange Parallels (Codemonkey Remix)- "Have you ever seen a star supernova? I have. I saw a star explode and send out the building blocks of the universe." This is apparently Nick delivering a dubstep remix. That's great because I don't even know what dubstep means. It's got deep wraparound bass like a dub tune, but I don't know where the step comes in. It's a drifting piece and it takes you away on cosmic winds. Slow and steady with beautiful moving images. Great job. Now I'm gonna have to start listening to more dubstep. Motherf*cker. Strange Parallels (Koan Remix)- Russian act Koan brings the tribal contigent (well, at least a little bit) into play with a very shiny lead and a breakbeat. And as is his style, he's got the layers in his corner with a very synth pop feel. A different melody comes out of nowhere and it's Erasure vs. Depeche Mode up in here. It really sparkles and holds down the groove for almost 10 minutes. The break near the end undulates in a great mixture of original synth sounds. 80's who woulda thunk it? I'm breakin out my new do. Respect! Strange Parallels (Indidginus Simulacrum Remix)- Indiginus from South Africa blows my mind with that melody right in the beginning. And yes sir, it is haunting and funky at the same time. He drops the chopped up synth in epic trance style and I believe we took a turn into the euphoric side of things. The first melody returns with the original piano melody sounding great. Loved it as well. Strange Parallels (ODT Remix)- A 303? Here? Yessir, these guys drop it and like you would expect it is filthy. Super groovy and yep...I'm dancing like noone is watching. Just having some of my homies over. What? It's not gay! The air conditioner broke and we got all hot and sweaty so we took our shirts off. I don't see the problem...Dustin! Dustin, can you hand me some of that baby oil? The other lead is metallic but plays nice with the 303. But let's face it...the 303 f*cking rules. When the break comes it's a panned electro experience and this is the first I'm hearing of the original. The final bit brings an icy pad hovering above the 303 and man am I glad I stepped in this. Strange Parallels (Original Edit)- This is what I wrote when I reviewed his Geometry album: "Cool percussion work again with a tribal feel. The soft piano melody is joined with some seriously liquid effects. When the guitar comes in I have to admit it is very pretty with a lot less cheese than the last track. The tone is a little more dark and a slight bit hopeful, just the way I like it. This is a very pretty song." I know right, pre criminal record Lindsay? 13 bucks for 10 versions of the same song? Well let me tell you...it's worth it. While most are in the progressive, house, trance genre, the standout's to me are the dubstep from Nick and Koan's take. Can't forget about the ODT 303 that's for sure. The remixes were actually remixes and not just re hashes of the original. Once you hear a song 10 times in a row it tends to stick with you. The original was very beautiful and the other artists did a great job of putting their own twist on it. I really liked it. Beatport Mdk

You should check out this guy Cybernetika...he's kind of a douche for making me wait for psy polka, but he did a track called Plasmoid that was delightful. Also maybe these would work: Eleusyn- Phantasm EP Direct Brain Access - Solar Eclipse FREE Beast303- Controlled EP Psychowave Sky Technology Liquid Jungle Mdk

Artist: The Riddler Title: Not So Funny EP Label: TesseracT Studio Date: June, 2011 1. Geroj 2. Maybe 3. Not So Funny TesseracT Studio is second only to Iono for producing really groovy and melodic progressive trance, but it's a very close second as they have been on quite the roll. The Riddler is Goran Juric from Serbia, but before that he was known to all as Talpa. Psytrance's golden boy back in 2004 he released The Art of Being Non and the bar was raised very high. After making us wait for 4 years, he promptly followed that up with the flavorless and ultra disappointing When The Somberness Becomes a Game. I thought it was over for him, but like all great artists he reinvented himself and became The Riddler. Questions was released earlier this year and like Stella he got his groove back with infectious and crazy ass wiggling music (review here). This is a little 3 track EP that continues the trend. What's with the face on the cover? Did they catch you on the crapper? Geroj- I think this means "shake that ass" in Serbian because that's what is gonna happen. Funky house beat with ear ripping bass that drips attitude. The shimmering synths cascade down like a summer's rain adding to the funk parade. The break has a sample that sounds like Russian, but I don't know. It's robotic and with the piano interlude very original and...eerie. It's a nasty groove perfect for doing nasty things. American public schools everyone! Maybe- More of the same housey style with agile synths that stick and move like a muy thai fighter. It's more of a growler with an aggressive angry edge. Funky pianos work well with the bass and it feels like angry dirty dancing. Oh yeah? You like that? You dirty animal, you want it harder don't you? How bout some of this? Oops. Not So Funny- Synths echo like a crow cawing over the forest and another dark and sinister melody whispers over all. The bass is dragged like a cavegirl, right by the hair. This one is more of a deep groove that while still makes you want to move, it's darker with less friendly melodies. Sleek and stealthy which still brings the heat. Goran you cheeky monkey! Hats off to you sir for continuing to deliver some of the funkiest sh*t from a white boy since K.C. and the Sunshine Band. Not only does it have groove, but very unique synths and style. He keeps his times short to get maximum effect. This is get your ass on the floor type tunes that cannot miss. Beatport Mdk

Artist: Wizack Twizack Title: IV Label: Ovnimoon Records Date: April, 2011 1. Lejon 2. Monolog Dialog 3. Roetter 4. Free Transform 5. Active Galaxy 6. 2 Braincells 7. Crystal Castle (with Virtual Light) 8. Nute Gunray (with Virtual Light) 9. Osirus 10. Paralyzed (with Nevarakka) Tommy. Hey, Tommy. Tommy! Can you shut it off for like, 5 minutes, I'm doing your intro. Jeez. Listening to Tommy Axelsson's music can sometimes elicit pretty frightening images. He is one of the rare breed of artist that can either drop deep into the black void of darkpsy or deliver melodic unease with his brand of twilight. This is his 4th album simply titled IV. I think Beyonce titled her album something similar so perhaps a collaboration is in the works. RnB psy? Meh, probably wouldn't work. While you may argue who is the bigger diva, there is no question Tommy knows how to craft a track. Dark and melodic forest music is his name and fear and detail is his game. Lejon- "But methamphetamine in particular got my interest and concerned me...it blows away anything else that's out there." Ever see meth mouth? Absolutely nasty. Stay off drugs kids. The first track is a mid-tempo bouncer with a galloping bass line and effects sprayed from all sides. Kinda like an upbeat Atrium Carceri. Sounds swirl in this dark forest as leads rip and howl in the darkness. He never gives you too much to start, but enough to let you know you took a wrong turn. Dark and pretty deep with a scary edge as the only melody appears at the end. Took me a while to get it, but I'm on board. Monolog Dialog- "I don't know...who am I?" More evil effects as the tide rises and the gurgling begins. He hits you with an eerie melody and it feels like Satan is laughing at you. The sample is hurried speech (Swedish?) and comes across as freaky. Another bouncer that goes by too quickly with rich detail. I like how he directs leads into pools of effects so as not to make it a totally dark experience. I'm saying there might be a light at the end of the tunnel...but it might also be an oncoming train. Roetter- With a quick cliff notes description of psytrance via the vocoder we are off. But you can't see much because the forest is so f*cking thick. Green and dripping with phosphorescence maybe you could grab hold of that melody to lead you out of here. It will only get you so far though because the canopy is very, very dense. Modulated sounds ripple as creatures bellow from the cover of darkness. Spooky, you twisted bastard. Free Transform- Acid wobbles and minor key leads twist you around. Feel that? That's the fetid breath of the troll as he plies his seductive dance. Oh God. I think I threw up in my mouth. More effects the creep you out as you fall down a hole...well, more accurately you were pushed. Synths wash over you like slime as the search for an escape continues. Hallucinatory layers finish out the track. Nice combination of forest and goa vibe. Active Galaxy- This one comes out heavier with just as many foresty nightmares. Frenzied with swirling acidic washes and bubbling darkness, he brings the thump and remember, you were pushed down this hole. The melody storms out and is blazing hot to the touch, but for me the effects were the star of the show. They're everywhere and give the feeling of being surrounded. 2 1/2 Braincells- "Just forget it" "Aw c'mon, it was probably just a hallucination." "This...is no hallucination." You better believe that sh*t. So much goes into this to make it just that. Fat analog bass sounds meander in the opening and synth screams pepper the ears as effects bubble yet again. Distorted acid leads bounce and metallic weirdness echo in the darkness. I swear I can see people's faces melting as leads go in directions I know I didn't see coming. Like tuning a radio with lots of static, but it's not annoying. Just frightening. This is what I feel like as Tommy tells his story. Crystal Castle- "Soon you'll be one..of..us." He builds the nightmare with eerie samples, spooky leads, and otherworldly effects. He changes leads so often but still maintains his vibe. Very detailed even if it is one of the most full on of the tracks. Distorted, modulated, moaning, screaming synths combine in a very effective tune. Nute Gunray- Nute Gunray, is that like the B-movie hero of this tale? You know...."Alien hordes threaten to overrun planet Earth. We need a hero. Starring...Nate Gunray!" Sure it's full on, but with his effects and where he places them, I don't care. No space is wasted as it is filled with sound, and damn if he doesn't drop a 303 in there. Washes and a running bass line keep this in twilight territory as synths shimmer in the moonlight. Very full track with a sinister goa vibe. Now that would be something I would like to see Tommy do, combine forest and goa for a full album. Osirus- This was the only track I didn't like. As per usual it was effects based, but didn't seem to have a focus. Dark themed but it just didn't appeal to me. It's ok, dude...they can't all be home runs. Paralyzed- Last track and he finishes with a bang. Full on laced with some horror movie type effects. Lasers and acid take their place and bring this to stormer level. It's full steam ahead with no looking back as the synth riff pummels the listener. Really good, like EU used to do before aliens kidnapped him and began releasing sh*t under his name. Easily the most full power track on the disc. It took me a while to get into this one. It begins slower than his usual tempo, but once you get into it you won't be disappointed. Anybody who likes his brand of dark/twilight/forest sound will recognize the scary detail invested in this. This isn't an album that hits you right away. It took many listens and then when I was giving it a go before the sun came up it fell into place. If you're looking for something to dance to, go elsewhere. I'm not saying it's not groovy, but it's the storytelling and lush atmosphere you should be clinging to. Also, in that same vein, it's not a storming wall of sound where you're blown away as he really paid attention to the details. He put a pair of headphones on the cover for f*cks sake. What does that tell you? Tells me that he doesn't give 2 craps if you dance to this, he wants you to hear it on headphones. Different, still dark and rich, but still capable of giving you aural nightmares. Hallucinatory goodness, I would say. Psyshop Beatspace GoaStore Mdk

I didn't see that coming. I still haven't heard this compilation. Mdk

Artist: Phaxe Title: Train Boogie EP Label: Iboga Records Date: May, 2011 1. Train Boogie 2. Lucky Number Thrown in my virtual basket based on his past performances on compilations, this EP has been on my hard drive for a couple of weeks. Seems like every label is going the digital route as the model for selling music has changed. What the f*ck took you so long? Certain artists release music that I must have on CD and then there are others where I would like to pick and choose. This is Kevin Josefsen who has appeared on a bunch of compilations lately. His style is drifting progressive trance in the Flegma and Nerso style with grand melodies, shiny pads, and a full, lush sound. Released by Iboga, they have fully embraced the digital market so I hope they do well. Train Boogie- "In my mind. Always on my mind." This is not a very complex progressive house track and it doesn't offer much. Short on melodies and kinda just plods forward. I really didn't like the uber-housey "Turn the world around" sample. Very thin with no surprises, what the hell happened? How are you going to make your title track this uninspiring? Lucky Number- Seems like his lucky number is 2 as in the 2nd track is waaaay better than the first. Even with the opening house beat, this is more the style I'm accustomed to from him. It bounces and shines like the cover with bright shimmering pads and soft, warm synths. Smooth break also that sees the introduction of a new lead. Good groove and melody that is very danceable. Nice stuff. Ep's seem to be a great boon to labels. I understand that the cost going into marketing, manufacturing, and printing a CD can get pricey. If you release it digitally the cost surely goes down. They get the profit of an couple track EP (which maybe the artist was just hanging on to) and the consumer gets to choose which one they like. Win, win. No question the 2nd track was easily the choice for me, but I got them both so I could review it for others. I'm such a giver. Beatport Mdk