Trance2MoveU

Artist: Various Title: Tokyo 5a.m. Label: Wakyo Records Date: April, 2011 1. Menace to sobriety Headroom 2. Airknob Zen Mechanics Vs. Sonic Species 3. Addicted Tristan 4. Glader Dickster 5. Tripping the rift Earthling 6. No more pickles Pan Papason AND DJ Anarkick 7. Addicted to bass Ion and Pause 8. The fun begins Duotekk 9. 2000 years ago (Ion rmx) Pan Papason I've never been to Tokyo, but I do know what a big city is like at 5 am. New York, Philly, Paris...to name a few. I think Tokyo has it's own vibe from what I've read. Maybe it's due to the mixture of the old world with the new. Big on respect, but also know how to party. Maybe it's because Japan is isolated as an island or maybe it's because some of the f*cked up things that go on there. Let's start with the inventions: "For the woman that wants to relive that chest bursting alien experience again and again..." See I like this one. He's gonna be crawling on the floor anyway, might as well put him to good use. Well, until he tries to eat what he sweeps up. Really? You can only get quality sleep when it's on a woman's legs? Riiiiiight. I'm sure all the ladies will flock to wearing something on their head that they wipe their ass with. Then there's what they do to products... What the f*ck are fruits and vegetables doing on my Kit-Kat package? If I wanted fruits and vegetables, I would eat fruits and vegetables. Nothing and I mean nothing says Dorito goodness like a kick in the nuts. How the f*ck are you gonna have diet water? But undoubtedly it's the fashion... The prime minister and his cabinet seem to like casual Fridays. How the hell do you eat in that thing? And you thought that only brunettes could get in on The Grudge fun? Obviously I'm poking fun, but from this outsiders point of view, sh*t seems really strange to me. I don't think I could walk down a Tokyo street without pissing my pants. Different and unique if we are being PC. Point is, that country marches to its own beat and that's pretty cool. Wakyo is based in Japan so it has its ear to the street and knows what those crazy kids like. Compiled by the readily available Pan Papason he attempts to show a thin slice of Tokyo nightlife before the sun comes up. Menace to Sobriety- "You know...I'm in the pharmaceutical business. I might have something that'll...make you feel better." Yes please, because right now I have the beginnings of a migraine. Oh, not those pharmaceuticals? This is Adam Metcalfe who released Artelligent back in 08 which was brilliant. This has a tech feel that blends with how I think a wired city like Tokyo would be underground. But what the hell do I know, I haven't been there. Ask Abasio, he could probably tell you. Not much variation, but what is there is pumping and you can feel it building to a climax. Not bad. Air Knob- Here is a guy that can do psytrance or progressive with good results. Loved his album Holy Cities back in 2008, but this is below his skill level. Straight full-on until the 4 minute mark where it becomes more interesting and full. A revolving synth line is joined by lots of background goodness. The final break is filled with a sense of building that carries it home. Not bad, but not terrific. Addicted- Mr. Cooke has been around for a long time with his music changing styles from Audiodrome in 2000 to Chemishphere later on. This is a purely evolving psytrance tune. Pulsating. Switching. Driving. You name it, it's got it. Bravo sir. Glader- Dick Trevor is another guy that has been in the game for awhile also switching between psy and progressive. He teams up with people a lot, but here he is all by his lonesome. Not much melody, but it has some depth with great effects making the track feel fuller. It's full steam ahead for a good ride especially at the end. Tripping the Rift- Celli Firmi makes it three artists in a row that are far from being unseasoned. His albums Hypernature and Patterns from 2002 have had their share of good moments. The 2nd half is better than the first I thought especially with the very underwater feel of the break. This here be big city music. No more pickles- What? I love pickles. Always ask for extra at the drive thru. It begins like an Electric Universe track did when he made good full-on. Remember that? Remember? I miss him, wonder what he's doing now? Anyway, it really picks up 5 minutes in and maintains it's high pace. The lead is dirty and quick as it maneuvers above the rapid bass line. Good again, but nothing groundbreaking. Addicted To Bass- I wouldn't know these artists if I received their mail by mistake but that shouldn't stop me from enjoying the track right? Of course not, the pure full-on nature of the track does that just fine thank you. The best part was that last bit where it deviates into epic trance territory. I think I just saw Paul Van Dyk. Pass on this, but I think you knew it from the title. Meh. The Fun Begins- Here come the Swedes with a bouncy, arcing melody type of effort. It's full of sunshine which is due to appear any minute now. It sounds like the type of music Bliss used to make before...whatever the hell happened. The melodies twist and become slightly detuned as if to highlight the madness of you being up at 5 a.m. Good use of layering also, a standout here. 2000 years ago(Ion Remix)- Why you gotta bring up the Greeks drinking and hallucinating? They don't all do that...I guess. Not that one. Two things: How is that annoying bastard sticking it to a piece like Katy Perry and aren't his 15 minutes up yet? That would be like me saying all Frenchmen have mustaches and wear berets. What? I've just been told that they do. Wow, learn something new everyday. I hate repetitive samples and the fact that LSD was uttered more than Jihad in Pakistan my mind is already closed. I liked the acid style of the synth but there was too much baggage for it to be taken seriously. All the tracks here are high in bpm's I guess to motivate you to get the hell out of their club. And take your buddy with you who threw up in the corner. What a disgrace, he drinks like a candy-ass. Intense without a lot of melody and sunshine because, well at 5 a.m. there ain't a lot of that. I found this to be a grower. Wasn't that impressed from the outset, but the more I listened to it I caught the fever in what Pan Papason was trying to accomplish. Several tracks are pretty good, but don't hit buy just yet grasshopper. While nowhere near Temple of One goodness, it still held it's own in places. Not.Essential.Whatsoever. Psyshop Beatspace Goastore Mdk

Like Imba before him, he must concentrate all his energies for the upcoming gender reassignment surgery ahead. Best wishes! Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Having Fun Label: Audioload Music Date: February, 2011 1. Down Town - Osher 2. Dust and Colors- Aqualize & Vice 3. Lost Angels - Mental Force 4. Sweeping Up(Basic Remix) - Symphonix 5. Faruki - Double Click & Numb 6. Birds Must Be Heard - Hi Profil 7. Security Risk(Solaris Vibe Remix) - Aerospace 8. Scandonavian(Double Click Remix) - Gaudium 9. Time and Light(Hanzo Remix) - Clufe Do you like having fun? Of course you do, everyone does. I know I do. Had fun today...went to the gym, ran a little bit then spent some quality time with my son in the pool. It was shaping up to be epic...until he blew chunks after eating a piece of orange candy. I mean, I think that's why he did it. Not fun. But to his credit, after it was all over there was no crying just a desire to get back into the pool. So after that I decided it was time to pen a review of a compilation that is about having fun. But to begin, it seems like whoever came up with the cover for this digital release wasn't having any fun. Talk about generic. It's like seeing the word truck on the side of a commercial vehicle. C'mon people. This was released by Audioload music and is the first effort of theirs I am privileged to hear. Every time I read the word load I giggle a little. I'm such a child. Down Town- This is Osher Swissa, one half of Ananda Shake. But forget that cheeseball project, because this is where his strength lay. When he switched to a progressive sound I felt the emotion in his music reach a new level. Check out his album Twilight...not to be confused with the gay vampire pedophiliacs. It is a mid tempo groover that is part growling beast and part drifting storyteller. It bounces along with a practiced ease and was a perfect choice for a quality opener. Dust and Colors- Aqualize is a pair of Greeks and Vice is Martin Daltoft. The former has the distinction of being responsible for the greatest track name of all time "Wet Input." Vice, well he's a virtual mystery to me. But this track is glorious. So full and lush that it takes daydreaming to unreached heights. The break is a thing of beauty that shimmers with every quantum of energy the sun can provide. Complex and brilliant! Lost Angels- Cool thing about compilations is that you get exposed to artists you have never heard of. Discogs tells me that this is the only release from Mental Force and what a way to break your cherry. Another floating piece of yummy. There are echoing synth riffs that just open things up so much. Very enjoyable. Sweeping Up(Basic Remix)- I haven't heard form Benny Risher & Shahar Fahima in a minute and here they are remixing a Symphonix track. The original was strong (surprisingly) and this is sort of a minimalistic eerie groover. Not many melodies, but the ones you do hear are engaging. The part that stands out the most is the female vocal which harkens back to an Enya time. Not bad, but I felt it took too long to get going Not on the level of the previous 3. Faruki- Never heard of these two projects but this is a nice effort. Takes a while to get going, but it flows in the same dreamy summer vibe as the rest of the tracks. The break is fresh and shiny but there isn't a melody to grab hold of so it sounds...lacking. You're on the right track gentlemen. Birds Must Be Heard- "I'm at the bridge. It's evening. Almost no birds can be heard. The water is running without a sound." If you said that there would be a bird sound in this track you must be psychic. I'm a pretty smart guy, you don't have to draw me a picture Mr. Hi Profil. You're missing an e by the way. The sweeping pads are very cavernous sounding with a breathy female sample. Good, but nothing to write home about. Security Risk(Solaris Vibe Remix)- This has some punch to it. The opening sample was interesting and the cascading arpeggios are nice. Never heard of him, but this was a nice bit of quality. Reminded me of one of Nerso's productions. Same drifting style. What I didn't like was the last third where the synths just annoyed me. Maybe it's because I was thrown up on today. Scandonavian (Double Click Remix)- Look at the click getting two tracks on the compilation! And I got news, I liked this better than the original, mainly due to that reverberating synth that carried a very spacious feeling. It's cold. Overall there are just more sounds to keep things interesting. Good stuff but not great. This was an opportunity to take a dull lifeless track and really rebrand it. Didn't happen. Time and Light(Hanzo Remix)- This is called going out with a whimper; weakest track on the album. I don't know if I can blame the remixer here though because I haven't heard the original. Who the f*ck knows what Clufe left them to work with. Still, that's a window of opportunity in my eyes. There is a female vocal that is looped which reminds me of that song where the chick talked her way through it. You know the one I mean...dup dup dada dup dup dada. Anyway this can't compete with most of the other stuff here. Well I had fun. The first 3 or 4 tracks were very enjoyable and I would easily recommend you give them a listen. After that though, it became rather thin. It is for this reason why digital releases are great where you can separate the wheat from the chaff. Beatport Mdk

Artist: K.U.R.O. Title: Zombie Family EP Label: Date: 2011 1. Hard Zombie 2. Black Zombie 3. Red Zombie I haven't kept up with the latest doings with Takeichirou, but I do know that his goa trance back in the day was pretty intense. His album Revolution in 96 gave us the title track as well as Thunderstorm, two really good bangers. I haven't heard any of the stuff he's done lately, but people have said it was a heavy brand of techno. So out of the blue, Penzoline (thank you sir) leads us to a link of some new material. At least I think it's new material. Hard Zombie- Hmmmm, first track is only 51 seconds, I wonder....HOLY MOTHER OF GOD WHAT THE HELL IS THAT? HIDE THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN THE ZOMBIES ARE LOOSE! Black Zombie- Holy f*ck what the hell was that? I had to change underwear, it scared the crap outta me. Now this...this is more like it. A dark, thumping bombastic beat that is frantic in its pace. Pretty twisted in a cyber mindcrime blade runner type of way. I can see this being played in a biiiig venue. And then people would turn into zombies. Red Zombie- Another goa trance blast that spits up acid like when you got punched in the mouth. Member that? When that guy punched you? Broke your teeth, man you looked terrible. Just sayin'. The acid line is quick and nimble as well as aggressive and dark. It's pretty relentless. Wow, that was...interesting. That's like taking 2 5-hour energies and topping it off with 3 espressos. After 5 Red Bulls. As you can imagine I usually skip the 1st "track" as it holds nothing of value. The second is an aural assault that takes no prisoners with it's delicious dark and intense rhythm Good to see him throw some goa back into the mix. The bass is a little loud, but what are you gonna do? My favorite is the third one as that lead just doesn't quit. It's free so the price is right. Since this is all about zombies, well it just seems fitting to end with a kid touching zombie. So....he's the Red Zombie, right? Psyristor.com I don't know what that is and my computer makes funny little characters. Must be an Asian site. He's Asian, so I guess that would make sense. Still, you would think by now the powers that be could make those characters visible the way they should be seen on my screen. Mdk

Artist: Zybex Title: Alien Resistance EP Label: Ovnimoon Records Date: February, 2011 1. Alien Resistance 2. Transformation of Consciousness 3. Antihuman Zybex is Roberto Tello from Chile, pronounced "chilly" so you know he's cool. I found his album Surreal Energy in 2008 to be an enjoyable twilight menagerie. That and the fact that this was released by Ovnimoon Records made me give it a shot. It is a digital release that contains 3 very psychedelic hallucinations. I have never done LSD or cocaine. Never eaten mushrooms or shot heroin. Don't plan to. But take all the despair and sorrow that you can receive from these drugs and put it in one pill. Swallow it and hang on. Alien Resistance- "Ernest Hemmingway once wrote: The world is a fine place and worth fighting for." It is and it is. I tell you I could listen to Morgan Freeman recite the details of my mortgage and be riveted. This is evil clown laughter with a Christopher Walken nightmare slant. Dark, very dark with loads of effects and a driving beat. Creepy strings scream for help in the bottomless pit this tune seams to inhabit. Think of it as falling down a long, dark hole while being tormented with the eerie all the way. Yeah, that's got it. Not a melodic opus, but not quite darkpsy either. Not bad. Transformation of Consciousness- "What I thought was unreal, now.. for me, seems in some ways to be more real than what I think to be real." Yep, still falling down that hole while the bass line hammers away. It's a soundtrack to every single regret you have, while all the images you would like to forget flicker rapidly in a collage of sorrow. It's groovy and 100% effects driven. My favorite part is the digital farts near the end. Man this really is dark. You've changed man, you've changed. Any second now I expect Pinhead to pop up behind me and put me in that f*cking box. Antihuman- "Mutation...it is the key to our evolution." Mutant. Antihuman. Well, what do you think you're gonna find here? Rumbling bass line with alien scratchings. I love it. It grumbles with juicy sounds and far off terror. If the other tracks were falling down the hole, this is what happened to you when you hit the bottom. Psychedelic on a scale hard to come by, shutting out the light like you were locked in a coffin. Don't let them bury me...I'm not dead yet! Favorite part? A slight tinge of melody at the 5 minute mark. It just keeps changing and evolving, making me feel like I'm in a dark forest and every turn is a new vision. Trip....wait for it...py. For those that like forest trance and darkpsy I would think this would be a good addition to your collection. I'm not fluent in that part of our genre so I would defer to someone who was. It's different than his album, but still very involved. You know how with goa trance today a lot of the music is all sunshine and light? Well, this is the opposite of that. It's full steam ahead and I enjoyed it. An enjoyable hallucination that takes one on a trip to the darker areas of the mind I guess. Beatport Mdk

I found the samples non intrusive. They were in the beginning to set up what he was trying to create and when they appeared in the break they fit right in. Not too loud or dominating the track. Were they long, yeah some of them were I even alluded to it in one of the tracks. Still, it didn't take away from the music for me. Mdk

Artist: Trinodia Title: Human History Label: Underground Alien Factory Date: May, 2011 01. Planet Number 12 (6:53) 02. Human History (7:56) 03. Annunaki (8:10) 04. Wars Of The Gods (8:49) 05. Scientific Mechanism (7:23) 06. Time And Gravity (9:37) 07. Inspired Brains (6:45) I've buried myself in a bunch of old school goa trance for awhile now so I can reacquaint myself with how awesome it was. Every now and then though I poke my head up to see what is going on today. Hmmm... another release from UAF? Interesting. Run by Imba (Psynews personality and Facebook friend) this netlabel has supplied our scene with some fantastic goa trance. You can argue all you want as to whether it should be mastered better, but not me...I'm a lover not a fighter. Besides, it is free and has always been free. Between Neogoa and UAF so much quality goa trance has been given away, we should all have permanent smiles on our faces. Trinodia is Daniel Eldström and this is his 2nd release on UAF. His first release was called Unknown Space and it didn't thrill me. It wasn't bad, but it didn't make me want to take the time to write a review. I was expecting rip roaring goa trance and it just wasn't there. It just...was. Well I'm here to tell you, this is a different situation entirely. My main man Ivan is responsible for the artwork and it suits the contents perfectly. That guy is such a giver. Planet Number 12- "They mean maybe, the unknown planet, but it is also the 10th planet. That they call it Nibiru which means planet of the crossing. And the ancient symbol was the cross. Not from Christian times, but from 6000 years ago. And they say this planet...the 12th member of our solar system has a very large orbit of 3600 years and every 3600 years it comes between Mars and Jupiter, close to us." F*ck, there's 12 planets now? I haven't been in school for awhile, but I'm pretty sure I had this fact memorized. Wow, I was not expecting this. Strong beat and very atmospheric pads reaching deep into space with a sample about the 12th planet starts the track off, and then those pads get chopped up, keeping with the rhythm. More leads trickle in giving the track some backbone and this becomes a lesson in very effective layering. Just beautiful. Human History- "Looking at human history we can't see very far. Because human history is a chaotic thing. Small changes...have big results. Unpredictable in direction. But if we're looking at something that is essentially simple, such as stars and galaxies and things like that then it is possible to look far, far, ahead." Please, you can't tell me this doesn't reek of old school X-dream flavor. I won't hear of it. Layers and more layers with dance friendly melodies? Sign me up. The lead darts this way and that scorching everything it touches as it climbs higher and higher. When undercurrent leads creep in it adds to the mystical atmosphere letting the track breathe. After the break that sample is spoken and the track begins to regenerate on its way to a final climax. Building, just like the masters did. Bravo sir, bravo. Annunaki- Do you know the story of the Annunaki? Weird stuff, let me tell you. With a crystal clear bass line and filtered leads the track starts immediately and it twists like the best roller coaster. Man, he has found his groove with switchhing of synth sounds as this is a pure dance tune. The melody is catchy and an all around good time keeping with the mystical theme. Good stuff. Wars of The Gods- "Long before man warred with man, the Gods battled among themselves. Indeed it was the wars of the Gods that the wars of man began. And the wars of the Gods for control of this Earth had begun on their own planet. It was thus that mankind's first civilization succumbed to a nuclear holocaust. This is fact...not fiction. And it has all been written down a long time ago." The first bits are just your basic run of the mill full on, but of course it doesn't stay that way. Warm synths dance the dance of the deity, and after 3 minutes or so the layers start to pile on. The pads maintain the godlike appearance of heaven as they float high above. He takes a simple almost novice sounding melody and then combines it with another synth and slightly detunes it to give it some color. His transitions are pretty smooth with flawless introduction of new melodies that doesn't sound forced. Very good tune. Scientific Mechanism- "Science doesn't purvey absolute truth. Science is a mechanism. It is a way of trying to improve your knowledge of nature. It is a system for testing your thoughts against the universe, and seeing whether they match. And this works for not just the ordinary aspect of science, but for all of life. I should think people would want to know if what they know is truly what the universe is like." Man he's got some deep samples. And melodies to go with it as this one snakes about in the scale we love so much. Don't press me for which scale that is...I don't know it, but I know it when I hear it. Pure goa, with beautiful layers. I would imagine the sunshine this emits is brighter in space. Another superb track. Time and Gravity- "They are able to manipulate time which is something we have been very much aware of for a couple of decades at NASA is that gravity slows down time. In contrast to what we normally think of is 60 sec, a minute, and so on there is no constant reativel to that except in one place in terms of the gravity. In other words..." Get to the point Poindexter. That's why scientists are usually not good public speakers. Oh wait hold up, he's not done..."blah blah blah" Once the melodies get underway, the leads again layer very well twisting, twisting like that Chubby Checker song. Do you guys even know who that is? Hello, is this thing on? Regardless this has a real old school feel where he just lets the melody line develop and play and that in itself induces the trance. If you didn't follow what I'm saying, it's not because you're stupid. You may be, but really it's because I'm full of sh*t. Inspired Brains- "As computers take over...more and more of the work that human beings shouldn't be doing in the first place...because it doesn't utilize their brain...It bores them to death. There's literally nothing left for human beings to do but the more creative types of endeavors." Like...ummm working the drive thru at the McDonalds? I wonder what the weeding out process is. Really I do. I mean, people they have pictures of the food on the register. You don't have to be able to pronounce or even read. Just push and go. This doesn't really get cracking until the 2 and a half minute mark but it's worth the wait. Trippy leads spiral amongst each other, scraping the low cloud cover. Wow, that lead screeches like I just drop kicked a cat down the stairs. Well, I guess cats don't always land on their feet. No kitties were harmed in this video. See now PETA can't f*ck with me. Again. Another cracker of a track that puts it all together. Wow, that was a super trip. He says that he has been working on this for a year, and it shows. Very danceable, with space defying melodies and beautiful song construction. His technique has improved and this could've been a Cd bought on Saiko. The theme is outer space and the mystical which he follows to a T. I don't know what they did differently, but it sounds really good on the 'ol headphones. Is it a little loud? Maybe, but when the tunes are this good, I want the block to hear me. Ektoplazm...go get it! Mdk

Colorbox Etnica Chi-A.D. Slide Technossomy Game.Set.Match. Mdk

Artist: X-Dream Title: We Created Our Own Happiness Label: Tunnel Records Date: 1997 01. 09'04" Screw [The Truth] 02. 07'45" Do You Believe 03. 08'23" The Second Room(A-Trip) 04. 09'09" Zebra 05. 07'16" Relaxed Vortex 06. 08'06" Our Own Happiness 07. 11'07" Eleven 08. 07'39" Aurorix This is an odd project for me. I barely remember what Trip to Trancesylvania sounded like and I hadn't heard Irritant. So that left me with Radio which...how can I put this politely...wasn't for me. People described it as a perfect album and I just didn't see it. Perfect? A perfect album to nap to. Did the original come with tabs of acid? Not for me as I said, but this album is a whole nother story. Like all groups their sound has evolved (although these days I can't tell you what they sound like today) and they didn't do goa trance forever. They had some good EP releases from like the Brain Forest EP and the last track on the Frog EP and I would like to think that their sound is an acquired taste. Then along comes this beast and it has something that appeals to everyone. Known as the zebra record, it is in my opinion, their highest achievement. Screw(The Truth)- Thunder cracks as effects leave this in a dark place. Howling synths fly overhead like a model plane and it ain't until 2 minutes that we pick up the momentum. It's a slow builder as new sounds come in and add to the thick atmosphere. The little break has so many textures and synths that trying to focus on the whole thing is a treat. Beautiful layers where no one lead dominates, but they all fit together in a chorus of melody. The moody pads and the robotic voice near the end are the cherry on the cake of this progressive goa treat. Superb. Do You Believe?- Yes sir. Yes I do. And the soft melody to begin the track definitely helps. Soothing and calm, but at the same time deliciously clear and evil. It just growls with intent while also floating innocently above. The main lead that all goa heads know and love streaks high above your ears, carefree and shiny. Call it another slow builder and what it builds is tension. We get that goa flavor at 4 minutes but it's not overwhelming. Just enough to keep you in tune. It pulsates, rising and falling, when another lead is twisted like a pretzel. Very spinworthy and mystical. Again not a stomper but more of the thinking mans goa. The Second Room(A-Trip)- Perhaps the most well known X-Dream track. Glitchy effects surround a ringing as the tell tale beginning, but all you need to know is the main melody which curls around the arms and legs as if it were a python. I'm sure it could kill you quickly, but where's the fun in that? It's not heavy, it's light and airy, with a practiced agility, but it has the effect of a bulldozer. Persistent bounce is here as new leads unfurl keeping the feel with the slow twist of the filter cutoff. The break at the end combines "that" melody with some spacey effects to bring it home. Stellar. Zebra- Geez, another 9 minute track? They love to build don't they? This track comes right out and says, "Hey I'm goa, nice to meet ya." The break has a 80's analog Miami Vice feel to it. I dunno, it's just the way I felt. A hypnotic ringing moves up and down above a 303 which sounds interesting. It's very clear and I really like it, but it doesn't have the same...grabbing quality as the other tracks. So instead of working with melody to entrance it went a more circuitous route. Loved it. Related Vortex- "This is a very old song. It's about ganja." Know what a forest in space sounds like? Me neither, but this could be it. It's a downtempo track with a pulsating bass line and a glitch like quality. Very cold and isolating. The sample about ganja comes in with some tribal drums but it didn't really appeal to me. I also felt like this should've predictably been placed at the end. Who knows, maybe that's why they put it here. Our Own Happiness- See, now this is how your supposed to handle a title track. Own it. Another very famous lead bounces about carefree as the track begins to thicken out. Feel it building? You know something great is coming, kinda like when I would drop my breakdancing moves. Yeah, just get out of the way. This is their stormer, with a chip-on-the shoulder attitude. They allow it to deconstruct and then sure as hell build it right back up again. They.Mean.Business. Pure class. Eleven- Do you think they named it this because it is over 11 minutes long? A bubbly 303 takes its sweet time...I mean it's got 11 minutes to sort itself out. As another sound rises and pans across your ears, it takes an almost minimal approach. 5 minutes in and it is as smooth as silk if not a little boring for me. I love how well placed all the sounds are and how fluid it is as it is most definitely a progressive goa track. The goa melody at 9 minutes fits in so well, I wish it could've been a bigger part of the effort. Not my favorite, but I can appreciate it. Aurorix- The foot is definitely back on the gas pedal and with the price of gas these days, this track could never have been made today. The bass sound is super rich and bouncy below the sticky synth sounds. A speedy leads compliments the bass as yet more leads collaborate in a very full meal. The break showcases the leads' pinpoint accuracy as the track changes direction. It's still a bubbly affair though, as it makes its way through the 2nd break. Subliminal, not heavy handed, but of rapid pace. Super stuff, gut I think this should've been where Related Vortex was. I loved this album. Absolutely loved it. Every sound was so shockingly clear that you could focus on each one and that just added to the enjoyment. It's like it was quiet, but I could hear EVERYTHING sharply. Not to mention all the well known melodies and drifting leads that just continued to build throughout the track. Even the tracks that I thought I would dislike were pretty damn good. No stompers per se (maybe the title track), but a definite classic. This was X-Dream at their peak. You should run, not walk and go get this. If you can find it. I just noticed something on the insert photo. Is that...Balky Bartokomous? Psyshop with the Avatar Re-Release Mdk

Quick question...when you say doesn't belong, does that mean you don't think the one you eliminate is as good as the rest or the one you eliminate doesn't make the same music as the rest of the crowd? Mdk

Artist: Ominus Title: Ominus Label: Koyote Records Date: May, 1997 1. We Mean You No Harm 2. Toxic Brainwaves 3. Tribalistic 4. Hallucinogenic Hyperdrive 5. Acid Tester 6. Shape Shifter 7. Physical Encounter 8. Mindbender Behold! The power of 3! "Now Peter Piper picked peppers but Run rocked rhymes..." R.I.P. JMJ Police officer: "Ok you monkeys, tell us what you know.." Deaf Monkey: "What? Nah, man I didn't hear what happened. I was bumpin the new Kanye..." Blind Monkey: "Does it look like I saw what happened? Don't make me throw poop at you. Insensitive motherf*cker." Dumb Monkey: "No hablo ingles..." Police Officer: Of course you don't. Why would you, you're a monkey. I think somebody got to these guys. I could go on, but you get my point. Ominus consists of Dara Lee, Marcello Bonifacii & Miranda Silvergren or more simply Encens + Miranda. Just saying Marcello's full name made me feel Italian. Unfortunately, Scorcese didn't see it that way and my part in Goodfellas was left on the cutting room floor. Aside from that, what you have here is 2 powerful forces joining together to create something on the same level as chocolate and peanut butter. They only put out this one album, but man what an album it was. Run by Dara before it folded, this label put out some of the best goa trance of the era. We Mean You No Harm- "This is a great moment for mankind. This is our chance to...finally communicate with a...non-human intelligence. You can't meet it with hostility...with guns." Are you f*cking kidding me? My dad said when you talk to someone always look them in the eyes. I..I can't even find the eyes on this thing and all I see are levels of teeth. Ummm, so yes you can. If Hollywood has taught us anything, it shows us that you can. How did that plan work out in Mars Attacks? District 9? Not so well. Tough to have a sit down with something that wants to eat you. On a local level that's why bears and salmon broke off peace talks. As soon as the words "We mean you no harm" are uttered you can bet someone just got eaten. This track has a very different structure which begins with a galloping gait, building, and then changes to a 4 on the floor stomper. Twice. Awesome work to keep the track interesting. The lead shimmers brightly like a star, streaming this way and that casting light where once there was only shadow. The break undulates, ripples, whatever you want to call it before it goes full-on again and sounds so thick. The ending melody shines so brightly it's like I'm wielding a +4 flame sword. Believe this was on repeat many times during the review. Believe dat. Toxic Brainwaves- "At the edge of our culture people are starting to view drugs as information. You take a particular combination of chemicals to create a particular response in your brain and your nervous system." Great sample that I don't think I have heard anywhere else. Even back then, hit you with the drug sample, but don't beat you over the head with it. Sure the samples are there, but they add to the track, they don't define it. More twirling leads that rise and dive while layering quite nicely. While also being very melodic this one is quite the dancer as well. My favorite is the break where pads drift like smoke on the wind as metallic percussion bounces of hard surfaces. Great stuff. Tribalistic- This is so rich and moving with synths that crawl from the dark and make you nervous to look over your shoulder. Syrupy bass with twirling melodies that layer give this track a lot of depth. The short tribal break is like nothing I have heard. Tribal yet alien at the same time. Like 12 Monkeys it makes me think the aliens have visited this planet long ago. Another quality track. Hallucinogenic Hyperdrive- Time slows down to a crawl as an alien creature huffs in the darkness. Soon the bass line erupts with a growling synth as arpeggios flutter not so high above. The shimmering soon arrives and once again I feel like spinning. Another quality break with juicy bass and a roaring synth clawing it's way to the top. The melody stacking in the final third was very impressive. Acid Tester- "The drug taking has begun." Think about that...an acid tester. I'm thinking there would be a line of hippies out the door. Great melodies that continue to force involuntary twirling that go from guttural to twinkly. Spoiler alert...another great break with the acid bubbling to the surface. I used to not like this one as much, but the more I listen to it, the more I can appreciate its building and evolution. Shape Shifter- Probably the most psychedelic and abstract track here. It's less melodic and more...industrial. The break creates a nice mood while piles of effects are sprinkled everywhere. It sounds more mechanical with a techno leaning and it's my least favorite. Still, that's like saying you only had sex with your hot girlfriend once instead of twice in the same evening. Still gettin' some nookie. Physical Encounter- "I am always impressed by physical encounters with people I have previously met virtually." You know who says that? People looking to get laid on the intarwebz. With a pulsating bass sound a glassy pad wavers and this proceeds at a slower but not slow speed. Sultry sweeps beckon your attention. Are you turned on? How bout now? Now? It bounces amid mission control samples and rocket ship take offs, and it isn't until the end that some melodies break the surface. Think of it as a progressive goa track that brings the heat in the final 3rd. Mindbender- "The smoke from the sacred pipe mixed with my breath will rise and spread throughout the universe." What do you people have against a downtempo track? Alas, not to be found here as the bass races and a frenetic melody staggers like a mental patient. The break has a chunky snare beat that is basically a rest stop for the next furious melody. And the end piledrives its point home. Super. Put this up there with all the other classics of the genre. Probably one of the most underrated albums around. It has it all thought. Well, except the usually obligatory downtempo track. Great groove, spiraling melodies, and atmospheric breaks. Well thought out and a pleasure to listen to. Mdk

I snuck a review in before the world is going to end. MFG New Kind of World... Mdk

Artist: MFG Title: New Kind of World Label: Phonokol Date: 1997 01. 07'15" Electric Bubbles 02. 07'53" When We Dream 03. 08'11" Experience 04. 06'51" Alien's Land 05. 08'25" The Waking Mind 06. 08'51" We Are The Machines 07. 08'03" Born Into A New Life 08. 07'40" Peaceful Relaxation 09. 09'31" New Kind Of World I figured I would try and get this one in before the world came to an end. Ever see the movie cars? Of course you have. It was made by Disney-Pixar which has brainwashed more people than Scientology and Radical Islam combined. My kid loves it. Loves it. I'm not joking when I tell you I have watched that thing over 100 times. He mutters lines from that movie that make him sound like a diminutive Rain Man spiraling off into the corner. Anyway you have "The King" who has been the gold standard of racing for quite awhile and this perennial 2nd place a**hole trying to become number one and finally stop living in the King's shadow. Astral Projection was the measuring stick for melodic goa trance back in the day. Some would argue that they perfected the genre. The analogy above is how I picture MFG. Well, probably with a lot less a**hole and I'm not saying that they tried to maim or kill Astral in an automobile accident, but I'm also not...not saying it. You would have to ask them. MFG or Message From God are Aharon Segal and Guy Zukrel and this was their second album that continued their melodic style of storytelling goa trance. Phonokol is responsible for this before they became the full-on sh*tshow they are now. Wow, I typed MFG so much you would think I was a Chinese restaurant trying to avoid the health inspector. The put out an album back in 2006 but since then have found religion so who knows if they will produce any more music. Electric Bubbles- Used to hate this song. Absolutely hate it. When you think your getting a thick juicy steak and someone slips you some chicken, you're gonna be a little pissed off. While it isn't a melodic stormer, it is a crunchy, fairly psychedelic tune. It's Cronomi Records type stuff before they did it. Lots of effects and hallucinogenic pads that drip. They sound like what I think an acid trip would be like. While walking through a bunch of funhouse mirrors. The break is really spacey and expansive with bleeps and whirs. "One of these things is not the same..." When We Dream- Nice spiraling melodies are the hallmark here, as they dance with the agility of a cat. Some of the leads scrape the cloud ceiling screeching with intent. Very sunshine centric, with melodies that just keep continue to evolve. The break is a thin slice of heaven. Classic. Experience- More screaming effects that come from the stars. It's very deep and lush with lots going on. Scratchy and crunchy sounds dominate until the first melody line appears after 2 minutes. But instead of just riding the bringing the melodies (which it does pretty well), it brings way more to the table. Bubbling bass, percussion, and a hodgepodge of effects that all add up to a great track. Better than great. Alien's Land- One of my favorite tracks they have ever done. This would be the 2nd melodic sledgehammer they put on the album. More effects, a staccato lead, and what I call the jacket zipper. Hell, we've all done that! The layering gets fast and furious with panning of the melody and it becomes a sticky, acidic mess. C'est vraiement delicioux! The Waking Mind- The melody here is on a rampage as it switches sounds. I like how there are layers but it's not drenched in reverb so you can hear each individual piece of the puzzle. It's so crystal clear, it's like having your very own tour guide. Instead of just going a zillion miles an hour it has bunches of twists and turns to really make it a very full effort. Nice. We Are the Machines- More back in the day goa tastiness! Gurgling synths usher in sparking leads and a real shiny bass. The leads keep changing without missing a beat as this is the definition of a smashing track. So full of power and melody and never becomes boring with even more surprises than the last one. Such an awesome track. Born Into a New Life- "Tomorrow at sunrise, you will be born again...into a new life." Sweeps and popping leads give this one a very earthy feel that doesn't forget to pack the groove lunchbox. Old school all the way with growling synths that demand twirling. Layers without being overbearing and the way it meanders is just trippy. With more gurgling effects they take the atmosphere to that next level, but it's the final melody that really gets the blood pumping. Peaceful Relaxation- "You are feeling very sleepy. Very relaxed. As your body calmly drifts...deeper and deeper into a state of peaceful relaxation." Mmmmm....not quite. This ain't the downtempo track you're looking for. It shines brightly with sparkling pads and insistent melodies. More twirling required. The lead just keeps turning over and over and I get caught in the glare. It has it all and most importantly it is entrancing. New Kind of World- In this episode, MFG decide not to offer you a true downtempo track. Or one at all. The percussion sounds like someone banging on empty buckets...and who let Raja Ram play his flute? To close it out they delivered a full-on Nitzo kick. And they still rocked it. Melodic and stand-offish with furious arpeggios that are lighter than air in an uplifting sense. Ok, so what was that? Let me check the score on my bedpost...*cracks knuckles* Yeah, that adds up to an album of ass kicking quality. No question. Old school all the way with melodies out the ying yang. It was deep and had lots of interesting segues in a lot of the tracks. Never once was it a straight forward full on stomper even though it had some good movement in its own right. Classic that if you have the opportunity to buy you should sell a kidney for. Well, not your own, but uh...grandparents are on the way out, right? Settle down Matlock or I'll have them take your fruit cup away. Mdk

Artist: Shakta Title: Silicon Trip Label: Dragonfly Records Date: 1997 1. The Neuromancer 2. Lepton Head Part III 3. Silicon Trip 4. Ion Tribe 5. Spiritual Beings In Physical Bodies 6. Temporal Shift 7. Shakti-Shakta 8. Innerpolarity 9. Loopmutant 10. Earthrise Well, what do you know? Another Dragonfly Records release. Shakta is Seb Taylor and he has as many aliases as Filipe Santos. These days he is more concerned with his downtempo and world projects Hibernation and Kaya Project. Made in the golden year of 1997 this is another album that will go down in the annals of goa trance as something really special. These are tracks full of twirling melodies and high paced goa intensity. The cover is an accurate description of what you will discover inside. I imagine that is what an acid trip looks like. The same guy who did the cover of the UX album also did this one: Buggy G. Riphead. Surely that cannot be his real name. Can it? The Neuromancer- The brevity of this track always bothered me. It is an awesome intro, but why so short? Bubbling computer noises give way to a speedy melody that you can't hope to catch up to. The acid following is as tasty as ever, and this is shaping up to be quite the stomper. But you know why it can't? Because it is too f*cking short! Still 5 minutes of this is very appealing and I love the way the melody slides ever so gently into the break, gradually growing in volume. Talk about whetting the appetite! Lepton Head Part III- "What'd you just call me?" "Lepton." "What the hell's that?" "You wouldn't understand." "Wait wait wait a minute...speak slowly then." "Ok...a Lepton is a z particle." "So." "Do you know what protons and electrons are?" "Yeah." "Ok...what are they?" "They're those teeny tiny things that atoms are made out of." "Well Leptons are even smaller." Oh, man what a sample, so full of wonder. Still, the kid needs a spanking. How bout I make you a little bit smaller? The melody everyone knows is the classic synth line at almost three minutes and it is impossible not to twirl to that. The bass line is a simple one note played but is the framework for the goa to unfurl. It's a quick mover, and it is that signature melody that makes people get up. It twists around and around and returns near the end. Masterful. Silicon Trip- "Don't go mystical or paranoid on me now. Not now! That computer thinks...but we're the ones in control." Another great sample. A beautiful synth is filtered up and down above a booming kick and soon the acid kicks in. Space like effects warble as another lead shines. The main synth is a radioactive element that the control rods can't handle. Need.More.Water. It swirls like the pooling of the acid that it is. Dark acidic goa at it's finest. Oh you are sinister Seb. Truly sinister. Ion Tribe- At first this one wasn't a favorite of mine, but once I dug around and gave it numerous opportunities, it grew on me like mold spores. It begins with radioactive bubbling and a clunky percussive element. It is a little slower, but it flowers with tangible acidic bass sounds and a great 303. Where's my hazmat suit? Is this acid trance or goa? I think it's acidic goa because I'm leaving little green footprints wherever I walk. Spiritual Beings In Physical Bodies- "Of the memory that exists between worlds, the seen and the unseen, the physical and the spiritual. And that we are spiritual beings in physical bodies." "There's your problem ma'am. Hippies. Once they get into the walls it's really hard to get 'em out." Too deep for me, but this track has garnered a lot of attention. Not my favorite. Over two minutes until anything interesting pops up, but when it does, it is pretty impressive. The lead is pinpoint accurate and screams above a floating arpeggio. The break allows the lead to continue screaming, but I wasn't moved as much as by some others. Meh, tastes differ. Still pretty good. Temporal Shift- Twinkles, bubbling, and minor key atmosphere...sweet. The bass rips as wires clang with electricity. Very fast, and complete with growling synths that increase the tension. Let the layering begin! And it does, complete with juicy effects. This is right up there with the Lepton Head III melody. Super wicked and extremely danceable. I love the way it ends with all the parts fading out in turn. Shakti-Shakta- Ah the jungle. Home of spiders the size of your head and any number of things that want to eat you. You can have it. This has the sound of a tribal mid tempo jaunt as the lead unfurls and gives way to another sneaky sneaky synth trying to work it's way in. It's got some nice bounce to it and when another goa melody saunters in it truly is the land of sunshine. The break brings the percussion back and a regrowth occurs. Pretty good and I liked it the more I listened to it. Innerpolarity- Did you get enough rest? Ready to go? Good, because Seb wastes like...zero time. High speed acid licks and then that delicious 303 weaves its magic. And magic it is, as it is joined by a ripping lead and pad. Set the groove to 11. Sticky acid sprays in concentrated bursts as the power continues. It's just a 4 on the floor goa assault that screams quality. Loopmutant- 2 and a half minutes in the melody starts to scrape the detritus from its boot as it sizzles over a sine wave bass. Good old fashioned bob your head music, that's what this is. Elaborate melodies? Were you not listening to the other tracks? He did that already. Here he just wants to wind you down and get you into that groove. Pretty bad ass. Earthshine- Yeah, sometimes I like to wind down with a cold beer and then I break out the sitar. Pluck a few notes...ah, no. No I don't. This is a dubby type of piece with a very ethnic vibe to it. The sitar is plucking mournfully away as spoken samples are heard. Too many for me. The light electric melodies a tasty though. If it's desired purpose was to relax me, mission accomplished. Well, that is until the tempo gets jacked up. WTF, Seb? I woulda been happy just coming down off my thick goa high, but you gotta jump start me again like a dead battery. It's not that long, so no harm done. Another classic from a bygone era. It's fast paced (mostly) and full of swirling goa melodies. Obviously if you get your hands on this, consider yourself very fortunate. SaikoSounds Mdk

Artist: UX Title: Ultimate Experience Label: Dragonfly Records Date: 1997 1. U.X. Part I 2. Life Support Technology 3. Chameleon (Pixelmorph Mix) 4. Mind Over Gravity 5. Dominion 6. Alien Earth Activity 7. Pure Intellect 8. Master of the Universe 9. Chrysalis 10. U.X. Part II I've been listening to a lot of goa trance produced in this millennium, but have decided to take a break from that and go back to the roots of it all. 1997 was apparently the banner year for goa trance's popularity depending on who you ask. As previously mentioned I missed that era so I have to experience it through the music. Fine by me because if you love this music like I do, it never gets old. UX is Kris Kylven & Pete Martin and this was the only album they released. He also did some stuff under the Syb Unity Nettwerk moniker which was full of the same melodic craziness. You can find the review of the Space Puppy EP here. His style is dark, intense, even chaotic at times while never losing the outer space melodic touch. I never get tired of this release and when I see the cover with the silver spheres I know that I am in for the Ultimate Experience. U.X. Part I- This is a short intro that let's you know the spaceship has landed. The cauldron bubbles with menacing strings and thudding percussion. Don't turn your back on this monster as it crawls from the darkness... Life Support Technology- It begins with a slight breakbeat before the bass line scrambles below another bass sound. Alien effects climb the walls leaving juicy, wet trails behind as the lead snakes its way through the cave. The wailing guitar was unexpected, but not unpleasant as it brings a bass key change. This track is in perpetual motion as there are bass drum runs and new sounds creep into earshot. It opens the window to the frenzied chaos you will find in this album. Chameleon (Pixelmorph Mix)- With nary a breath, UX jumps right into the fray. It sounds like this could be part two of the song you just heard and I think it should be labelled such. His signature sound is well represented here and the layers pile up like a stack of cold cuts. He twists that lead for all it is worth. The break is an outer space moment before he bounces his melody back in there. While I still like it, it isn't one of the premier tracks on the album. Mind Over Gravity- "From the outer reaches of space....to the inner reaches of the mind." The aliens are crawling all over the ship's hull searching for a way in. Sure, the shields are holding...but for how long? This track seems a little slower but still maintains his deep cold feeling. The synths sound the same, but that level of evil seems to work for them. The bass line slinks around as layers grow near it. The intensity builds as more noise shrieks from all sides. Not a stomper, but a dark side trip into the unknown that breathes. Oh yes, it's alive. And it's coming... Dominion- "Your thoughts will be with me...always." One of the more famous tracks, it bubbles and undulates like the tentacle of some giant octopus as the layers accumulate, then recede. Scratchy sounds give it a slimy, mud-soaked quality as it rages on. These guys are working the filter cutoff knob while ominous pads float above. There is a tempo change and it allows the track to grow in another direction. Still acid soaked when it hits another break to get back to its original pace. It just keeps coming, and won't stay down. Alien Earth Activity- "Please analyze and activate." Mid tempo vibe with a crushing metal guitar that evokes memories of KMFDM. Dark and rhythmic with an attitude. This is how guitar should be worked into goa trance. It still percolates as the goa melody shimmers above with thick layers. Catch that key change? Of course you did. It was flawless and flows right in time. This melts faces, people. After 5 or so minutes it devolves to rise from the ashes. Despair and darkness reign as the dark things want to get out. You look for an exit, but there isn't one. Awesome. Pure Intellect- "The power of pure intellect." This begins simple enough but is a definite grower. The eerieness increases as does the lead count. Powerful through and through this is a true stomper. Outer space driven and sparkling with alien intensity, this track is relentless. Dark and brooding with a mow them all down mindset. The break near the end hints of some brief respite, but only slightly as it pushes the hammer down to the end. Standout. Masters of the Universe- "I will become master of the universe." Perhaps the most famous of all UX tracks, this is the creme de la creme. His signature lead with horror movie wailing in the background as this creeps ever so slowly from the dark. Up and down as you turn corner after corner it's all the same. No way out. This is certainly a horror movie soundtrack with its twisted and heavily modulated screaming leads. Chrysalis- "Extra terrestrial unknown source." Now this one is a slow bouncer, but don't mistake its speed for docility. A creeper with a guitar chord strummed in the background gives way to a smooth break with melancholic strings. As it twists and turns it opens into a brief window of hope. Very brief as it continues to drag you down. I'm afraid that is the end of you. U.X. Part II- I love the outro as I can see the way the movie would play out. Your ship would slowly float away in the cold of space as the evil that consumed the crew claimed yet another victim. Obviously I have a vivid and somewhat warped imagination. This album has nothing to do with zombies, but so what? This is one of the best goa trance albums ever made in my opinion. It is dark and pulsating, with evil melodies and delicious layers. It's a shame that only one album was made, but at least we have that to enjoy. I wouldn't begin to know where to find this but I'm sure it would cost a lot of money. Still, this cannot come more highly recommended. I linked to Saiko, but who knows if they will ever get another copy. Saiko Sounds Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Reefer Madness Label: TIP.Records Date: November, 2003 1 Dickster – Dizzy Drops 9:43 2 Bamboo Forest – Parallel 8:30 3 Orion – Activity 7:47 4 Sybarite – Mint Condition 8:22 5 Pixel vs. Wrecked Machines – Help The Situation 7:34 6 Aphid Moon vs. Lucas – OK People 10:06 7 TCD – We Can Still Make A Change 7:19 8 E-Jekt – Afrikan Nightmare 7:58 9 Logic Bomb – Hazy Mazy Cave 7:08 I'm going back into the vault here. 2003 seems like an eternity ago but due to the phenomenal track record of Lucas on compilations like Tales of Heads and God Save The Machine I decided to complete the Lucas hat trick with his first compilation effort. He used to mangage the legendary Flying Rhino records back in the day. I had never heard this before but with a pretty attractive tracklist I was intrigued. PKS reviewed this on Discogs 6 years ago, but I thought I would give it a fresh coat of paint. What makes the tracks Lucas selects for compilations so awesome is that they are heavily psychedelic with great atmosphere and pumping sound. Not the dreary cut and paste boredom that a lot of full-on suffers from. Dizzy Drops- "I feel dizzy..." Ever play dizzy bat? We used to do it before Ultimate Frisbee games. It's where 2 players chug a beer and then with a bat standing on the ground, put their heads on the handle and spin around 10 times. Then you race to the finish line some 10 yards away. Most don't make it...well, at least not in a straight line. Baseball players do it without beer, but it was more fun to watch with the hooch. Don't get too close... This is Dick Trevor with the opening track of almost 10 minutes. If you are unfamiliar with his style, go check out God Save the Machine. You won't be sorry. The beginning sounds like alien communications traveling across the stars. Very spacey with a galloping straight forward bass line. What makes it appealing is the effects. It's not until after 3 minutes that a lead appears, but it works perfectly with the groove. The break is ominously dark with cold pads and bubbling synths. Pretty good track, but I think it would've been better if it was shorter. Still, great way to start. Paralell- It's 2003 up in here so this is when Bamboo Forest was really good. The effect sounds are deep and undulate like a wave, crashing at different points. The lead has it's origins in the goa sound accompanied by some chopped up strings. Miss some ethnic chants? Don't worry they're here. Thankfully they aren't overdone. The goa melody returns for the end and man it is nice. I didn't think it was as powerful as the first track, but it was still very good. 2 for 2 people... Activity- Jean Borelli has been doing his thing for a long time. Sure he doesn't bring it like he did, but he still belts a cracker out every now and then. Outer space and alien effects complete with lasers and the crawling of some monstrous beast start it off as an acid line streaks across the sky. The layers begin to pile up and there isn't an inch of wasted space. The break was expansive and dark, but didn't stay long enough for me. But the atmosphere of the track was palpable, really thick. I liked it. A lot. Mint Condition- "What was I doing? What was the meaning of this trip?" I had some comics from the Marvel when I was a kid, but when you're a kid you're stupid. I didn't know anything about saving them or keeping them in "mint condition." So you know what my brother and I did? We thought it would be cool to put tracing paper over the cover and trace the image to maybe learn how to draw. Idiots. Totally f*cked up #10. Dr. Doom looked like sh*t. This is Lucas and some guy named Rick Featherstone. He's been around a long time that's for sure. This is the definition of an effects driven track. Bass line gallops on as dark sounds cascade all around you. Bubbling, echoing, and forest like deliciousness. He teases with slight peeks of melody, but alas that track on the sequencer stays dark until almost 7 minutes! These guys are like Hitchcock! Even without melody, I thought it was a really intense and atmospheric trip. Loved it. Help The Situation- "You can do whatever you want to...there are so many options...that's what life is about." No kidding. I wanted a sandwich for lunch today...and you know what? I f*cking had a sandwich. I'm sorry, I lied. I was too lazy to fix it so I had nothing. But hey, that's an option. Right? Somebody left their Electribe on for this track. Wait, they didn't have those back then. The bass line does its running thing as percussion echoes along the track. Samples sound throughout this thing, but it is minimal and rather...nah, it's really boring. There is only one way to help this situation and I think it's best we never speak of this track again. Ok People- "Ok people look sharp, we're gonna run this simulation one more time. Remember if we overshoot, there ain't no comin' back." Well Lucas is back with some pre Global Culture Aphid Moon. So that's good, right? Not so fast buddy. Let's not forget that the minimal revolution just recently finished spreading its dark seed back in 2003. So what you have is a bass line and what I call noisy effects that don't really contribute to the feeling of the track. Basically it's let the track run and we will pepper some sounds over it. And don't forget the LSD sample that's in there. But back in 2003 that was a lot cooler. Better than the last one, but that's like saying getting peed on is better than someone dropping a deuce on you. We Can Still Make A Change- "We can still make it out of here. Come with me. We can have everything you ever wanted. Nothing.Ever.Changes." If the gentleman is referring to nosedive the compilation is taking, well you can always make the change. To another compilation! HA! Zing! This is a teamup of rather terrible artists (IMO...jeez, don't get so testy!) and it sounds just like you think it would sound. The bass line left running on the sequencer and mediocre full sounds play over top of it. The whole way through. The best part was the sample. Does TCD stand for Terrible Crap on Display? I think they knew, because they made only one track. African Nightmare- ZZZZzzzzz.......wake me up when someone bumps the sequencer. The DMT sample today just sounds tired and cliche but back then it might've been fresher. I think that Africa has gone through enough in the past several hundred years that adding this isn't helping. Slavery, constant civil war, poverty, famine...they don't need any help from this track. Hazy Mazy Cave- Yeah, I like some Logic Bomb goodness as much as the next guy, but this....well, let's just say this is not their proudest moment. Everyone played Mario Brothers back in the day, but why artists think it's a good idea to make a track that piggybacks off stuff like this is beyond me. I can sum this track up in but one word...cheese. Wow, that went downhill at ludicrous speed. Give 'em a break though, it was only 2003 so the artists were finding their groove. The first 4 were nice, but after that, welcome to craptown. Kinda cool to see the evolution of Lucas as he was laying the foundation for his future comps. Holy f*ck Psyshop actually has it! Saiko Sounds Goa Store too?!? What else are you guys hoarding? Mdk

Artist: Psychowave Title: Sunshine Reborn EP Label: Neogoa Date: May, 2011 1. Supernova 2. Sunshine Reborn 3. Tranceship to the Sun 4. Dancem Macacos, Dancem 5. Innertrip Ivan Richpa is the hardest working man in the goa trance business. Yeah I dropped the new school because it has been going on for a while now. His site Neogoa is really setting itself up as the one stop shop for all things goa. You've got info on labels and artists, reviews, and now several releases under his belt. This is their latest release, Natan Bueno from Brazil. Man I've always wanted to go there. Brazil is known for four things: 4.) The Christ the Redeemer Statue overlooking the city. 3.) I suppose they have a pretty good soccer team. 2.) Carnivale 1.) But let's be honest...all that other stuff is really of secondary importance Richpa scored a major get in Tim Schuldt for the mastering and I'm quite sure he didn't do it for free. The artwork is again beautiful prepared by Ivan himself. Back to Natan, he released an EP in 2010 called Dance 4 Mountains that I never heard, but you can hear some of it here. Supernova- The track begins with a booming and a long sweep as delicate synths skitter above the kick in a nice arpeggio. But it's the growling 303 that begins to assert itself and is the story here. It runs up and down as another lead sparkles. I also like the bass line too with its quick pace. When a wavering sound enters it reminds me of some of the tribal stuff from long ago as it slides easily into the break. The 303 returns and puts its stamp on the track in no uncertain terms. Powerful and intense while at the same time being descriptive. Loved it. Sunshine Reborn- This is a grower. It starts off slowly and picks up intensity as the layers get added. The synths scream as they hurtle towards the sun. Right when you thought the spaceship was going to crash, it averts disaster. Strings give it an airy feel and then a new lead dances in the sunshine. The break is short as another synth flows up and down. The 303 is subtle, but I like that he didn't hit you over the head with it. It's not that loud and that forces you to focus on it. Good technique. At the end it all comes together and sounds quite massive. Tranceship To The Sun- From the rapid and muted bass line to the sparkly leads there is quite a bit going on here. The tone is stand offish as new synths bounce off the suns rays with less intensity, but an equal amount of creativity. It slowly twists and turns as it captures the mind. This isn't a stormer, but it's still got some bite. More of a track to listen to while enjoying oneself on the beach. Dancem Macacos, Dancem- After a lengthy Portugese sample, it's full steam ahead. The lead reminds me of my time rollin deep with Snoop blasting in the deck. It floats high above the clouds and seems like it's raining down in shimmering waves. 303's twirl in the background to give the track some goa cred. Pretty good track. Westside, homie! WTF? I don't think gangsters shop at American Eagle sweetcheeks. Innertrip- He ends with a more deep trancey number. The pads are big and the 303's have a nice change in key that float in the background. Sweet. Think of it as goa lite. Pure escapism, put the headphones on and drift. Nothing spectacular, but nice nonetheless. So another quality EP release from Neogoa. It's not the sledgehammer to the face power type music, but more hypnotic with simple melodies. It sounded great, so once again Tim did his job well. Melodic, clear, and even had a bit of a darker edge to balance out it's sunshine. My favorite would be the first one as it just dripped with growly goodness. Once again this is a free release that I was happy to hear. Coming soon...tomorrow I think. Samples Mdk

Posted image is quality! A lot of people don't like them, but I think they are misunderstood! Mdk

Mdk

Thank you for the support my fellow American. Mdk

I fully agree with you. Awesome stuff. Mdk

Artist: Various Title: La Boum Vol. 2 Label: Blue Tunes Recordings Date: February, 2011 1. NOK - Breaking Point (Vice remix) 2. Double Click - Tribal Waves 3. Symphonix - Orange (Interactive Noise remix) 4. DJ Fabio - That Voice 5. Ritmo - De Festa 6. Symphonix - Freq Box (Audiomatic remix) 7. NOK - Tricolore (Rocky remix) 8. Feuerhake - Wanna Be Free 9. Alon Brilant - Antiloop To me Blue Tunes will forever be the younger brother to Iono music. Not because they are related or anything like that, but because Iono releases bomb after bomb and Blue Tunes...doesn't. They seem like a stripped down version that is more beat oriented. With TesseracT Studios pushing strongly to become a solid number 2, I fear that Blue Tunes will get lost in the shuffle. This is the 2nd release in the La Boum series or as I like to call it...Return of the Afro. It was compiled by veteran NOK so I'm assuming he knows what he's doing on this digital release. The first installment had some good moments but sh*t the bed as the compilation went on. Breaking Point (Vice Remix)- Discogs says this project was Chris Limburg, but his name is crossed out. Soooo...either the project is no more or they murdered that guy. No idea who this is now, but he starts the compilation off with a gem. Bouncy beat with a thick atmosphere. Very large pads and it gives me the feel of smoke wafting down a long, dark corridor. Very nice. Chopped synths with great effects brings this one to a close. Sounds promising... Tribal Waves- Clever name with a groove to match aaaaaaaand that's about it. I just listened to it 3 times and couldn't tell you one thing about it. Orange Interactive (Interactive Noise Remix)- I don't think I have heard a single track by Hugo before this and well, I still haven't as he is remixing a Symphonix track. Here he brings a very deep bass line and some glitchy effects keeping the vibe simple. It sounds great as everything is pretty clear, and it's building to something. I like the twinkling percussive sounds and the uttered "Orange" but it leaves me wanting. Not bad, but a little empty. That Voice- "I can't believe it's not butter!" Probably not the same guy, but if it is good for him for having his hand in a lot of pies. House through and through with a pillowy soft kick. Not a lot of stray sounds to keep your head into it, so I guess he went for the uncluttered approach. The beat is so heavy I can't help but tilting my head in time like those guys on SNL. Where have I heard this before...oh yeah, everywhere. Pass. de Festa- Dubi was responsible for two of the best progressive albums of recent memory in my opinion with Disharmonic Silence and Archive 9. Sounds pretty massive with the banging and very thick pads. The banging sounds like a Xerox track, just can't remember which. Plenty of washes (and by plenty I mean a sh*tload) and sounds to keep you interested. He's workin the reverb right through the break as the synths get sliced. There is another break that is quite similar to the first, but he keeps his vibe going. And...he pulls the hat trick with a third short break. Pretty good track. If he knocked off 2 minutes I think it would be even better. Freq Box (Audiomatic Remix)- This is Benjamin Halfmann from the Fatherland who released an album called Weekend Society this year, so he's a busy somebody. Track has some balls, with eerie effects over a simple bass line. Groove is on high as the break just seeps in. Nice. Floating synths dance an argeggio as a distorted lead flirts with a new bass line. Pretty epic before it starts from scratch, but you know...he can rebuild it. And he does, maintaining the atmosphere all the way. Good job. Tricolore (Rocky Remix)- Wow, he is looking old. Sure the roids didn't help.... But not that Rocky...I would imagine his track would sound more like a throwing a bag of kittens into a woodchipper. This is Roy Tilbor with another house beat to get the party started. I'm lookin for exits when I hear "We're in Heaven" because that tells me we are actually in hell. God this blows as he throws every cliche in the book at you. Cornball sample, unimaginative arpeggios...I'm 7 minutes in and wish I had a time machine. Wanna Be Free- "Y...M..C-A!" That's what I hear in my mind with this beat. Purely house, but wait until the female vocal arrives. I feel like I should be in a club that caters to the transgendered. Hey, check that (guy? girl?) out over there... is he/she vogueing? Sometimes I like the house thing, but this was uber simple and generic. Nothing appealing at all. Man this turd lost it's shine really quickly. Antiloop- Anyone else see the humor in this being called "Antiloop" when it is exactly the opposite? The break near 4 and a half minutes (yes, and the wait was agonizing) gave a little bit of freshness to an otherwise limp-dicked effort. This is Suntree whos album Inside was spectacular. Leads me to believe that lots and lots of narcotics were used in the making of this crap. I think I will sing a song I would rather hear... "Pass the dutchie pon de left hand side..." Me too Joe, I don't know what the f*ck happened. Man this was Ambien at the click of a mouse. Sooooo boring. The tracks just loop for far too long and my mind wandered in almost every effort. Even when there was some variation it wasn't particularly exciting. Too often I began to wonder if there was laundry to do. Perhaps this was not meant to compete with the melodic progressive trance offerings and if so then, well it won't. People got bored with minimal because it was so f*cking minimal. That's how I felt here. Most of the tracks were supermodel thin and just as empty. Most definitely a download by track rather than a full album purchase. It makes me think this was a digital release because Blue Tunes knew it kinda blew and didn't want to waste money putting out a CD. I can't confirm that of course. If you are interested in songs that don't suck balls, try 1, 5, and 6. JunoDownload Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Erta Ale Label: Cronomi Records Date: March, 2011 1 Snufkin Is Gone / NK47 2 Nervous Machine / Subra 3 An Expert On Humans / PortaMento 4 Kapala (Feat. DJ Inada) / M-Run 5 Holocron / Lapsus 6 Goat Man / M-Run 7 Synthesized Not Yet / GoaMech 8 Perihelion / E-Mantra 9 We Are Nothing But Dust / New Born I want to discuss the word bad. It has a few meanings depending on your context. Let's begin with some bad motherf*ckers that took out the trash. Warning: gross image Really Pakistan, you had no idea he was there? 18 foot walls, a million dollar home (truthfully it didn't look like it, but who the hell knows what a million bucks buys in Pakistan. I think we all know what it won't buy.) and no windows? No alarm bells going off? Which means either you were complicit or incompetent. Either way, why are we giving you billions of dollars? Did you think Trump was building a summer home? Oh, Matt LeBlanc...it's too bad that sums up your career. Who did you blow to get on Friends? Good God this was bad. Yeah I watched it...the wife was at work and the kid was napping...Still I feel dumber for having done so. Christ it was like I was caught in the middle of a 1980's Cure video with all the brooding and faux goth imagery and the "you don't understand how I feel" teenage problems. Just because your boyfriend left you doesn't mean you have to sink into a 4 month depression. Everyone gets dumped, get over it. And you're telling me this hooker didn't know king of the unibrow Jacob was a werewolf? Or that Edward is gay? Yes he is, the only other people that glow like that are pregnant. When Jacob said "This wasn't a choice I was born like this" I almost fell over. Twilight is using gay metaphors now? And doesn't this dude own a shirt? I know this was made for teenage girls, but every scene he is in he's showing off his abs like he was The Situation from Jersey Shore. I should've checked my penis at the door. What was I talking about? Right, bad. This was made by Cronomi Records and as you can tell by the overwhelmingly positive reviews it went over quite well. Run by Michael Anenburg these guys specialize in the psychedelic side of goa and leave the sunshine to Suntrip. Freshly Cut Tomato, People Walk Funny, and Artha's Influencing Dreams is more their cup of tea. It was compiled by DJ Inada and mastered by Mr. Oood. I for one liked the cover, as it shows a really mean looking deity floating in space. And that's the type of music you'll find inside. Snufkin Is Gone- "Oh God...so alone." With a Phantom of the Opera beginning and an eerie harmonica melody I feel like I stepped into the mind of a western cowboy serial killer. But that's just me, I have really weird dreams. The beat is funky at the start as the strings do their minor key thing, but eventually it picks up. It's an oddball, for sure but it's also rich in atmosphere. Not really goa, but I liked it. A lot. Nervous Machine- "The nervous system is a complex network of nerve cells and nerve fibers placed throughout the body." Good to see the owner of the label sneaking in a track on the compilation! I'm just messin' with ya f*cknuts. It's punchy with leads barking flowing with an old school sound. The break has some chopped strings and expands a little on the sample. When it starts flying again the leads wobble and become more aggressive. Love the melody at the end. Pretty good stuff. An Expert On Humans- "Now open your mouth and let's have a look at that brain. No-no-no-no not that mouth." Delightful bubbling bass sounds and whirring computer effects make this a spooky trip down an evil forest. It builds slowly but when that guttural bass sound creeps in and I do mean creeps, we are dining with the old school family. Hail to the 303! Good God I think he woke up the Pleiadians! So dark and delicious he just keeps pummeling you with it. And just as it was taking you to the edge the break arrives and it drops out. Soon though we are thrust into the belly of the beast and it is so hungry. Awesome track. Kapala- "Why are all these guys using funny voices in their psychedelic music? Put echo on it. To sound more mystical? More spiritual? Do I sound mystical or spiritual to you?" More cyber darkness with metallic clanging as sounds wail with regret. The beat is very bouncy if slower than the previous track. The leads layer and it is impossible not to move to this. It gets deconstructed and then builds itself back stronger yet. Acid lines scream and I think someone got X-Dream back together. Powerful and dark with an attitude this could be the greatest goa track ever made. That makes two sensational tracks in a row. Wanna go for the hat trick? Holocron- "You will take us to the Holocron!" I'm sorry Lapsus, I know you've made a few good tracks, and I'm gonna let you finish, but Jesus would have to log on to your software for you to top that previous masterpiece. But hold up a minute...he's got some racy acid himself. It scrapes the skin providing some excitement, but the climax is the best bit. That's when it is at its most aggressive and wonderfully chaotic. Somebody take this guy to the Holocron already. Whatever the hell that is. Goat Man- "The Black Goat." Why it gotta be black? No it's not. Sit down Webster. C'mon...am I the only one? I could've posted the tool from Narnia, but...he's a tool from Narnia. And Jim Breuer is funny. Is M-Run going to top himself? Alien and evil sounds skitter from the darkness and BAM! We are up on some old Colorbox sh*t! That bass line is nimble and the leads start stacking giving a nice thick mosaic. And like Colorbox did, this is a really groovy track. Twisted synths twirl all over this thing and it keeps going like that bunny who I refuse to say the name of because the little f*cker charges so much for batteries and for God's sake could a company for once just make a wind up toy so I don't have to spend another $15 on batteries or maybe I'll just read him a book, but I can't right now cause he prefers to play with fridge magnets. What? Oh yeah, this track kicks ass. Synthesized Not Yet- "I think it's time to express your...philosophy on drug use as it relates to artistic endeavors." A quick bass line and a series of sky clearing pads start us off and it's not long before a synth races to the front. I love the pace and the echoes of 303's as layers begin to add up. It's just pure melodic bliss right into the break and that awesome sample. The leads continue to twirl, reforming and taking other shapes. Lovely. Stunning. I can't believe this is happening. When does this artist album come out? Here take my credit card...we'll sort out the details later. Perihelion- As if we weren't on the verge of perfection, we continue with the king of new school. Layers, gurgling bass sounds, and far reaching melodies. One synth melts into another with such smoothness that it's hard to believe. It's like trying to eat a warm chocolate chip cookie without getting any on your hand. Ain't happening. And just as delicious. The break sneaks up without warning and I found myself saying, "Where'd the beat go?" This is perfect twirling music and it lets you lose yourself in the dream of your choosing. I don't know how much more of this I can take. If the New Born track is of the same quality, we have something epic on our hands. We Are Nothing But Dust- Check out that bass line! Go on son, and hit us with that old school sound. It's like a suede condom, it just feels right. Got your James Brown on? Know you're right. Oh snap, here come the layers and it's a last track groove fest. F*ck a downtempo track. It's a melodic tour de force that puts a smile on my face. What a way to end. Juicy and groovy. I don't expect you to read all of "dat" Fantasia, not because it's too long, but because I don't think you can read. I believe this is the Temple of One of goa trance. Every track was excellent and most of them were f*cking superior. It was full of long evolving melodies and wonderful atmospheres. This was hands down the best new school compilation I have ever heard. It sounded great so a tip of the cap to the artists and Colin. Congratulations Cronomi, you have a legend on your hands. You have set the standard for all in the new school universe to strive for. So in closing this was a bad motherf*cker and it was too bad it couldn't go on for another hour. But hey, two out of three ain't...well, you know. Psyshop Beatspace Saiko Sounds Goa Store Mdk

Artist: Beat Bizarre Title: Lewd Label: Iboga Records Date: 2001 1. Pony Sauce 2. Monochrome 3. Brain Drain (Rmx) 4. Deep Pitch 5. The New Breed 6. Error 7. Funk Fluid To quote Discogs user Fox_on_the_rox from December 2010 about this album: "Awesome." Wow. That is f*cking fantastic. Could you be a bit more descriptive? Too difficult, ok how about less? Even Samuel L. Jackson is bored and that guy gets excited over the smallest tasks. "I'M GOING TO GET A CUP OF MOTHER F*CKIN' COFFEE!" "NOW I'M GONNA PUT SOME SUGAR IN THE MOTHER F*CKER!" "AIN'T THAT A B*TCH...I FORGOT THE CREAMER!" I've been writing reviews long enough to know that everyone has their own style. Some people write a lot and some use pictures. Actually, I'm the only one I know who uses pictures and...well, some people hate it and some love it. Point is, who am I to tell someone how to write a review? That being said, "Awesome" just doesn't seem to cut it. Too vague. But Mike, how can "Awesome" be vague? I think this is awesome But I like big boobs. To a gay guy he might think that is less awesome. Based on that theory, I am assuming that Fox_on_the_rox likes minimal music or too many melodies send him into an epileptic seizure the likes of which Michael J. Fox hasn't seen. Beat Bizarre are René Gundel Nielsen & Martin Spanner Zimmermann and this was their first album waaaaay back in 2001. So this was made at least 10 years ago. If it's quality music it doesn't really matter how old it is. Look at the Beatles. Hell, look at I.F.O. First let me say that I don't really care for minimal. I find it rather boring, but when it's done well I can appreciate its atmosphere. Like some reviewers have said this isn't supposed to be the melodic tour de force. When it came out the minimal style was in so those hoping for layers of melody will come away from this disappointed. I knew what this was going in and to me it is exactly what I thought it would be. Long pieces of monotony punctuated by dark themed effects mostly devoid of melody. I just read that back again and...ouch. But I'm sure the artists weren't striving to create stacks of melody as that scene ended. What is here is great production where every sound is very clear. My problem with it (besides the lack of melody) is that it goes on entirely too long. 3, 4, maybe five minutes I could take, but 9 and 10 minutes of just effects over the same bass line is snoozetown. But again, this wasn't made for me. The Brain Drain Remix seemed a little more punchy, but it still was weak by today's standards. So I suppose this review is for the newbies to the scene. If you like melodic music than steer clear of this. If you like minimal then this is some of the best I have heard. It's dark and spooky pulsating music and sounds very good. I can easily appreciate it on repeated listens. Is that clear enough? Awesome. Beatspace Out of stock at Psyshop and Saikosounds. Mdk

Artist: Cybernetika Title: The Scythe of Orion Label: None Date: 2010 1. Lost Technology 2. Impossible Mirage 3. Tyrannis 4. Transmitter 5. Cryostasis 6. Molecular Probe 7. Calling Mercurio Here is another guy not signed to a label that has boatloads of talent. I don't think it's because he can't get a deal, more because he seems to make music for the love of it. Ideally that's how it should be, but we gotta eat in this world so most artists want to get paid for their work. This is Lars Goossens and he has released an absolute sh*tload of material. Quality stuff that crosses genre boarders. Paralysis from 2005 Promo #1 from 2006 Neural Network Expansion from 2007 Nanospheric from 2008 Atropos from 2010 Here is a link to his site where you can get these albums. The guy is like a Rolex...you can set your watch by him that he will release something each year. Like goa trance? He's done that. How bout some Dark-Psy? Oh yeah, got it covered. Psy-drumNBass? Nailed it. It's 2011 so I guess he might try some polka for his next release. One more thing...it's all for free. Costs you nothing. It's not like this is some guy on a Casio uploading stuff to the intarwebz, hell no this is quality production. Whatever genre he decides to tackle, he conquers with deep atmosphere and striking clarity. Which brings us to his latest release distributed by our great friend at Ektoplazm. Lost Technology- "First there was darkness. Then came the Strangers. They were a race as old as time itself. They had mastered the ultimate technology." Oh, I love me some Dark City. Computers hum and blue LED's blink with frenzied abandon as the boosters kick in. The metallic cold of pure steel gleams in the non-light deepening the sense of isolation. This drips with atmosphere and builds slowly with eerie space effects playing off the synth line. It grumbles and trudges forward with reckless abandon. 6 and a half minutes in and the first break appears. Totally wide open and far reaching with stars so far away you can never reach them. The main synth returns as does the alien feel of its touch. We are witnessing something...disturbingly unfamiliar. So good that the track flew by, and at almost 14 minutes don't think that is easy to do. What an opening! Impossible Mirage- Mix the cold of deep space with a thunderously rumbling bass line and acidic goa melodies and you have this track. It bubbles with alien life from a far away forest and grapples with technology superior to anything we have ever dreamed. Mournful synth pads wail as a goa melody soars overhead. It gives a little, but not too much, allowing itself a moment to reorganize. An echoing melody chimes in bringing that low bass with it and the layering begins. Another triumph! Tyrannis- The corridors are dark and cold with fog drifting slowly down their length. Another rumbling bass line with effects that speak of ghosts past. A synth line fades in as a laser cannon erupts and it is full steam ahead. When the break comes metallic clankings ripple and stabs echo with evil intent. This is dark like the movie Event Horizon and the 2nd mini break brings distorted strings that further contribute to the ghost story vibe. Frightening. Transmitter- As if receiving radio signals from deep space the computer tabulates the information and begins its analysis. The tighter bass line is decidedly alien and the effects are just haunting. This may be a communicay we don't want to receive. The lead is a low pitched darkpsy staple but it moves with the quickness of a cat. The break brings a delightful melody that perhaps builds a bridge between the two alien life forms as it echoes off the stars. Powerful and atmospheric to the bone. Wonderful. Cryostasis- More humming machinery to keep the passengers of the spaceflight alive and well. Right off the bat there is something different about this track with its snare and rock beat sensibility. More techno influence than trance possibly. Make no mistake we are still amongst the stars as the bass wobbles below the melancholy strings. The lead here has a goa flare to go along with the effects but the breakbeat steals the show as he shows his funky side. There were some synths that had a detuned falling effect that didn't thrill me but as a whole the package was very imaginative. Molecular Probe- Let's face it, nobody wants to be probed. See? That's gotta hurt going back in. More effect driven psytrance with a great attention to detail. It's dark and bouncy with alien sounds floating high overhead. The bass line switches as pads wash over everything. The goa melody here is kick ass! and the break is full of tension. Are they really going to stick that...you know...down there? The next few minutes sound like they are deciding if anal probing can teach them anything further. The end melody is so outer space and tasty and it comes full circle with the goa flavor. So this had some good ol psy, goa, and darkpsy rolled into a pretty rocking bundle. Calling Mercurio- This is a slow churning bit of metallic industrial cyber technology. The leads rip, with lots of reverb and delay, moving with speed over the slow beat. Crawling like Brundlefly at the end of the movie. The guitars don't ruin it at all and remind me a lot of Reptilian by NIN. The break oozes otherworldliness, bubbling to an eerie conclusion. The bass meanders this way and that like the S/H Hold on my old DX27 and the guitars come back to guide you. Pretty f*cking massive. What an awesome ride this was. There is a heavy science fiction vibe here that was flawless. Too many times it can be campy with annoying samples and cliche structure, but his atmosphere was very lush and he maintained it through the entire album. The sound was crystal clear and that definitely helped. His use of effects reminded me of every sci-fi movie I have ever seen with awesome visuals. It's dark and it's a moody masterpiece. Easily one of the best psytrance releases of 2010. Get it free at Ektoplazm Mdk