Trance2MoveU

Artist: Eleusyn Title: Phantasm EP Label: Icarus Creations Date: August, 2010 1. Dusk Lights 2. Fractal Strings 3. Gliese I would have totally missed this release if I hadn't been doing a little poking around the internet. Eleusyn are E-mantra (whose album Arcana was one of the greatest goa trance albums I have ever heard) and Reasonandu who I have never heard of. It was released on a label that I thought had only a few releases according to Discogs. Pays to do your homework. This label has had 28 releases. Most I have never had the pleasure to listen to, but a few I (and probably you) have heard of like Synsun's Unstoppable and the Radiance EP by Audialize. Anyway because of E-mantra's involvement I gave it a go. Oh, and that is not a knock on Discogs, as it is user based. Dusk Lights is a spacey psy/goa tune that floats with high reaching melodies and is a great beginning. I would rate it higher, but it seemed like the 6:06 went by entirely too fast. Hmm, I suppose that is a good thing. Fractal Strings is along the same vein with that goa sound and of a higher tempo. The layers are thick here as is the trademark sound that E-mantra brings. You know the one that allows you to lose yourself in whatever realm of your choosing. Super. Gliese seems to have E-mantra all over it. One could easily see that maybe this one had to be cut from his album as it is the same beautiful style. Melodies soar and transport your mind to Not much to say about this release. For the price of a Burger King combo meal you can get some new school goa trance wavs that sound good enough to have been on Arcana. Nothing to lose IMO. Juno Downloads Beatport Mdk

Artist: Artifakt & Poizon Title: Versus Label: Timecode Records Date: May 2010 1 His name is Adrian / Artifakt 2 Tanist / Artifakt 3 Ulfhednar / Artifakt 4 Tsinat / Artifakt 5 Versus / Artifakt and Poizon 6 Coda / Artifakt 7 Lost / Poizon 8 Outside the box / Poizon 9 Disco / Poizon 10 The beast / Poizon "It's time to think outside the box." There are albums that you can listen to once and you get the feel immediately. You understand what it's all about and further listens may only bore you. Then there are albums where you can listen to numerous times and still not catch all the subtleties and nuances. In the scene we love (or tolerate, depending on your point of view) we are inundated with generic unimaginative drivel that you have to wade through to get to the goods. That is not the case with this release. Before I review this album though, let's get you up to speed. Artifakt is Matthew De Nobrega,the head of the South African label Timecode Records that brings it each and every time the release something. Hyper, crazy intense psytrance that suits me just fine. I've liked his music, but sometimes it was too random and crazy for me to digest on a regular basis. Poizon is Adelino Afonso and Mário Rodrigues and have been around since 2002. Really? So says their MySpace page. Anyway, the two team up to bring an album where they showcase their respective talents. First of all let me say that I wish this would have been promoted better. It seemed like all of the energy was put forth in promoting the less than spectacular Principles of Flight endeavors instead of giving this gem the attention it deserves. If you are a fan of Timecode's music, then you know what Artifakt is all about. Well I am here to tell you that this is some of his best work IMO. It's hi-tech, it's random and cinematic. Sometimes abrasive, but also melodic. Remember how you felt when you first heard Talpa's The Art of Being Non? Blown away right? This is right up there. Heavy beats with ominous atmosphere and well placed samples. It makes you want to dance and is also great for home listening. One of the strengths here is the departure from the usual four on the floor madness. Sure you have 4/4 time, but you also have a heavily techno inspired listening experience. Right out of the gate His Name is Adrian sets the tone with symphonic breaks and dark techno rhythms. With a seamless transition, Tanist arrives with its crystal clear sound and wailing leads. The crown jewel has to be the title track that showcases not only the techno side but also the melodic dark chaos that the label is known for. So how are the Poizon solo efforts? More geared toward the darker aspects of psy. Not as melodic, but groovy as hell with a horror movie focus. Definitely effect heavy with great atmosphere. His best for me was Disco with its thumping beat and frenzied attack. I wasn't planning on writing such a complimentary review, but when I continued to listen to this it was unavoidable. This is an outstanding release that unfortunately has flown under most peoples radar. Great sound and constantly evolving surprises at every turn. When you need a break from the hum drum monotony that we are sometimes subjected to, then this shoe fits nicely. Great job! Beatspace Saikosounds Goastore Mdk

Artist: Rubix Qube Title: Ulterior Motives Label: Disasterpeace Records Date: April, 2010 1. Intro 2. Smoking Mirror 3. Quick Sand 4. Thorn Elemental 5. Lazers and Vaginas 6. Breaks of Note 7. Ulterior Motives 8. Hold Still You Freak 9. Hank is Coining it 10. Phatkatwet "Believe me...I've been waiting a long time for someone like you to record this moment..." With one of the coolest names in the game Rubix Qube is Kieron Grieve from South Africa. He has released a few tracks on some compilations and they have all been stellar. He is signed to Disasterpeace Records and this album is available as a digital download only. Well, as far as I know, as I checked all the usual shops and it isn't in any of them. This guy creates the type of psytrance I love. Hard, edgy with a dark feel. This is the same route that Xatrik is following and oh look he is also signed to Disasterpeace....watch out Timecode and Nexus Media! After the dark intro, he jumps headlong into the laser crazy Smoking Mirror. Heavy beats and a seriously grumbly bass line greet you and it ain't long before the assault begins. The leads are distorted and strangled as the lasers fly! "Did you feel that?" Quick Sand has an even darker feel to it, sometimes crossing the line into a melodic darkpsy. Awesome. An absolute mover. Thorn Elemental is a crazy journey with all kinds of sounds that he puts together in an intelligent way. There is still plenty of lasers and deep rumbling bass as well. He creates a melancholy high tech feel that is quite enjoyable. Lazers and Vaginas is a short big beat track and it is just that BIG. It doesn't lose any of its atmosphere and makes you nod your head amidst the video game craziness. I love it when artists put different styles in the same album. It shows how talented they can be. "I yearn to find a way to help share the message that drugs open your eyes to life. To see it in the vivid colors that God gave us as a precious gift to his children." Breaks of Note brings the electric guitar riff to the forefront. It is well done, but the bass is the star here as it sure is funky. Shortly the track becomes more recognizable as psytrance. Very groovy. "I don't control minds...I free them." Most awesome sample ever. Ulterior Motives has choir like heavenly voices, a machine gun and twisted leads. Man it sounds like he is stepping on the throat of that lead. The joining of a scary atmosphere and big beats is superbly done. With the greatest track name in the history of music, Hold Still You Freak has the squelchy leads, nice breaks and ominous twinklings that go great together. I felt it could've been even better with a thickening and more insanity. I guess we will have to save that for the remix. Hank is Coining it Lasers. Lots of 'em. Acid. Plenty of it. Great effects during the break keep it fresh. The symphonic bit is clever and further reinforces the horror movie setting. One of my favorites. The last track is a techno house one that really didn't impress. It is of mid tempo with a deep booming kick and a lot of noisy sounds. It's not terrible, it just doesn't fit with the rest of the album. It does get pretty groovy after 4 minutes though. This album is a must have for anyone who would be interested in the South African sound. The beats are heavy and the atmosphere is rich. Kieron does a great job of combining the feeling of being in a horror movie while making you want to dance. The production sounds great with earthquake bass and laser wars. To show that he isn't a one trick pony, he throws the big beat track in there. Similar acts are Xatrik, Hiiyarant, and Frozen Ghost. All are part of this label. This guy has a big future if he continues down this path. Highly recommended! Juno Download Mdk

Artist: Nolax Title: Turning Point Label: Phototropic Records Date: June, 2010 1 Out in the garden 2 Linear Vortex Scaling 3 The chromium fence 4 Lonely Sunday 5 Soul Sucker 6 The crack in space 7 Project Earth 8 Spectral Diversion Where the hell is the review for this? This came out 4 months ago and it baffles me that it hasn't been reviewed yet when goa trance releases are routinely the first to get the treatment. Do you hate it? Did he screw your girlfriend or mom? Well, let's get to the basics. This is Christoph Mitsch a goa trance producer from Vienna, Austria. He released his first album 3 years ago called Persistence which wasn't bad and it recently got a re-mastering. He doesn't produce a lot (or doesn't release a lot) so I always look forward to what he is cooking up next. Out in the Garden- I was a little nervous when I heard a Matrix sample at the outset, but the twinkling sounds and movement soon calmed me. It comes back at a short break, but it fits well. He gets the most out of his melodies as they are long and drawn out. In a great way though. Very nice start. Straight forward with a hint of mysticism. Linear Vortex Scaling- I don't even know what that means. The bassline is an old school rambler as melodies begin to collect. Sounds gurgle, and I get a vision of a shaman on the mountain top. The break has a delightful sample about a man that can get me whatever I need. Not incredibly varied or complex, but very enjoyable. The Chromium Fence- I love this track title, but unfortunately I found this to be the weakest track on the album. There isn't a lot of variation in the melody or the structure of the track. It didn't resonate with me and I usually end up skipping this. Lonely Sunday- Nolax shows good string work again as the track starts with an evolving feeling. They are very rich and when the swirling melody comes in it is bliss. Even though I would like to hear some more varied sounds in his tracks this was still a great listen. Soul Sucker- This track name I am not so crazy about, but I am sure he has his reasons. This is another track with a lengthy introduction, but it really carries the listener to an otherworldly plane with the long, long melodies. The final third of the track has a nice melody that sneaks under the main one, filling the track out. Great stuff. The Crack In Space- I would say this is the most layer heavy track on the disc. It begins with a very cold staccato lead that is from the deepest reaches of space. The break arrives quickly as this mid-tempo number begins to evolve. More melodies combine and it is a head nodding good time. Very deep and thought provoking. Project Earth- More otherworldly feelings germinate from the intro as his synths are delicately laid out. There isn't a kick until almost 3 minutes. As with the last track the floating melodies are to the point, but allow you to see where it will take you. Beautiful. Spectral Diversion- With the final track Christoph twists the mind again with more subtle melodies. I would say that for the first 4 and a half minutes there is little change and allows you to just drift. After a small break he is right back at it. Not complex at all, but a good end to a wonderful ride. What a fabulous trip this has been! I would describe his sound as very old school with long melodies that are suited for escapism. As I mentioned before, he doesn't beat you over the head with tons of melodies, but chokes the life out of the ones he does give you. So in that respect his sound is thinner than some of the other neo-goa artists out there. Yet even with that he manages to charm you with minor key atmosphere and smooth, lush strings and pads. And that atmosphere is deep and compelling. He likes to start his tracks with long intros that set the tone for what you are about to hear. While I sometimes like thicker tracks with more variation in sounds (a minor quibble), he definitely made a more cerebral goa trance album. I would say this album is what you make it. Rather than giving you the answers to the test, he lets you interpret the question, thereby allowing different meanings. I enjoyed it thoroughly and highly recommend it. Goastore Beatspace Mdk

Artist: Abomination Title: Incognito Label: Mind Control Records Date: September, 2010 1. Substance D ABOMINATION 2. Musical Mayhem ABOMINATION VS WINTER DEMON 3. Bad Beat ABOMINATION 4. The policy (Abomination rmx) AZAX SYNDROM VS PAINKILLER 5. Stones ABOMINATION 6. Small Ball ABOMINATION VS R.E.L 7. Incognito ABOMINATION 8. Monitor Access (Abomination rmx) BLISS 9. Puta Cybernetica ABOMINATION This is Saar Davidov & Eyal Gershon from Israel who have a very strong track record in releasing quality, high energy tunes. They tend toward the night time style of full on and they do it well. Their resume is impressive and the two previous albums The Enemy Within and Planet X were great. This is their third album and it is released by Mind Control Records which surprised me a bit as they have a reputation for leaning towards the fluffy, generic full-on type of stuff. It all began to make sense as I listened to Incognito. I'm not going to go through the disc track by track because this is a perfect example of why it isn't necessary. All of the tracks (and I do mean all) are exercises in weak sounds, infuriating multiple build-ups, and cheesy presentation. Where The Enemy Within was full of ominous atmosphere and heavy beats this comes off as light and poppy. Gone are the acid laden leads only to be replaced by boring sounds. When I wasn't being pelted with repetitive, flow stopping build-ups, the leads themselves seemed to drone on. While Planet X wasn't as good as their first release, it was still miles above this. There were some reminders in a couple of tracks of what made Abomination great, but the slide into irrelevance continues. I love powerful, intense, night-time psytrance and I didn't find any of that here. Psyshop Beatspace Goastore Mdk

Artist: D.N.I. Title: Dancefloor Medication Label: Ultravision Records Date: August, 2010 1. Ultraforce (vs Brain Hunters, Nature Disaster) 2. Kill Zone (vs Brainwash) 3. Corruption 4. War of leads (vs Nature Disaster) 5. Sequence 6. Space Trip rmx 7. Interceptor 8. The Gravity 9. Dancefloor Medication V2 (feat Zinx) I don't normally like to post negative reviews because no matter what I say, the artist has devoted a lot of time and effort into making music. They could crap on a disc and sell it to me and it would still be better than what I have produced. It just seemed better to rely on the old saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say..." I came to the realization however that this is for reviews of all types. Nowhere on this forum does it say only post positive things. If I'm going to spend my hard earned cash on a luxury item like a CD, I want to enjoy it to the fullest. Just like everyone here. Ultravision is headed by this Brazilian artist, Adolfo Usier Leite and this is what intrigued me to give it a go. The Brazilian style is up tempo, aggressive, and dripping in night time acidity. I enjoyed the Ultravision compilations so this seemed like a good bet. Unfortunately what is in the disc is psytrance that I don't enjoy. By that I mean loads of stops and starts, corny samples that make it unlistenable, and then the worst killer of all. Buildups. So many freakin' buildups that it is beyond annoying. I can tolerate one or two, but anymore than that and I just shut off. What disappointed me most is that yes the acidity is there and it can be groovy in spots. In fact there is some very groovy sequences in every track. It's easy to hear his talent in building a very rhythmic feel and I believe there is loads of potential. The breakbeats in some of his tracks are very welcome. Sadly with all the starts and stops no momentum can be built. Everything that he has created comes to a screeching halt. Add in the incessant buildups and this comes off as a very weak South African Wannabe. I suppose the clue should've been the promo text on Psyshop at the end when it mentions all the acts he has performed with. The majority of which have done this sound better than he has. I won't give up on this label as I think they can raise the bar, but I hope if D.N.I. comes out with a 2nd album, it will be an evolution in track structure that doesn't include all that glow-stick commercial crap. Psyshop GoaStore Beatspace Mdk

MattMan that pic in your sig is entrancing! Mdk

Artist: Amithaba Buddha Title: Myself In The Mirror Label: Phototropic Records Date: August, 2010 1 The Ritual Begins (Intro) 2 Ankh 3 Dancing with the winds 4 Psychic Curse 5 Trip to Kuros 6 Eye can see you (Original mix) 7 Regain Control 8 Myself in the mirror 9 The Alpha and The Omega 10 Exhumed 11 A blessing journey The man of 1,000 aliases Filipe Santos is back with his 2nd release under the Amithaba Buddha moniker. Just to keep score here are some of his other projects: Acid Storm Beast303 Bit-Head Knight Of The Light Lost Buddha Pandemonium! Projekt Khoff-U Räma I think it's great that he has all these different names so that he can separate the different styles of music he creates. And if you visit this site frequently (as most of you who are reading this do) then you will never miss a new release from him. Whether you like him or hate him there is no denying his talent as a music producer. His goa trance is powerful and uber-melodic with layer upon layer of goodness. Goa Gate (his debut album under the Amithaba Buddha name) was absolutely great. As a lover of goa trance I was eagerly anticipating the release and couldn't wait to get my hands on it. It was released by Phototropic Records and they just keep on going with great release after release. The cover has a Buddha on it with very appealing colors. The Ritual Begins- A breakbeat intro with chopped up chants and middle eastern melodies. This sets the stage for what is about to come. Ankh- Dancing leads with numerous layers seamlessly weaving their way around each other. This begins where Goa Gate left off. The break allows a new lead to dominate and 303 madness ensues. I love the middle eastern melodies. Bliss. Dancing With The Winds- This seems to be lighter fare without the craziness, but delicious nonetheless. His signature lead sound is represented here as well, twisting and turning. Pretty darn good. Psychic Curse- I love the reverb and how each sound finds its way into the mix. Nothing abrupt, just smooth transitions. The lead has some Nitzho qualities reminiscent of his Rama project and that isn't a bad thing. Just more melodic leads stacked upon each other with a mystical feeling. He balances the highs and lows really well. Awesome. Trip To Kuros- This track was released awhile ago but fits in here very well. The lead creeps in and that melody gets company and gives that goa vibe I love. Good key change that lasts only seconds. The way he builds melodies and then allows one layer to smoothly replace another is quite impressive. Near the end the 303 reminds me of Colorbox which I think would be a compliment. What a toe-tapper! Eye Can See You (Original mix)- A mix of this was on last year's brilliant Artificial Sun compilation. Layers upon layers greet the ears right up to the short lived break. Again he does that small key change in the melody (which is welcome) and even more layers are added to the mix. He sure knows his way around a 303. This is just what I want in my goa trance. Regain Control- I love the way the lead continues through the break as stabs uphold the atmospheric feeling. A new lead joins and is then thickened, sending us on our way. Quality, just quality. Myself In The Mirror- This track has the same leads that have been heard before, but with more of a nod towards psy. The break is beautiful with plenty of reverb and a soft instrument creating a heavenly feeling. The 303 is still active lest you think he became Alien Project. More layers fill out the track making it quite the mover. The Alpha and the Omega- This track makes me feel like I am in the Himalayas contemplating the meaning of the universe. The track growls with a bass sound as twisted melodies shake above me. More Nitzho style is present here and is just flows well. The melodies have a scrambling quality always trying to reach higher. Another great track mixing goa trance and Nitzhonot. Exhumed- This seems to be a slower track maybe more mid-tempo. Still complete with extensive layering and slight key change. Little sounds that peek in from behind the melodies really fatten this up. Great atmosphere maker. Pure goa. A Blessing Journey- As we come to the end of this journey, this track seems to be keenly aware of the situation. Not aggressive nor Arabic key scary, just resolved to let the sun set on another inspiring day. Melodies in place as if to say job well done. Great ending. Freakin' Outstanding. It just drips with goa sensations. If you liked Goa Gate then you will love this. It is more of the same stacking of beautiful layers of melody while never losing that goa vibe. I kept waiting for that one track to be a letdown, but it never came. It is mystical and worthy of being labeled some of the best new school goa out there. When people talk of the masters of today's goa, he should be right up there with Filteria, E-mantra, Radical Distortion, and Liquid Flow. The sounds are magical and I cannot get enough of this. You get over 1 hour and 15 minutes of spiraling melodies which cannot be beat. Some might say "This is just Goa Gate part II." To which I would say....exactly P.S. Thank you Phototropic for releasing this. If you have anymore of the Buddha lying around to make another album, I will be first in line. Goastore Beatspace Psyshop Mdk

Artist: Southwild Title: Granular EP Label: Ektoplasm Date: July, 2010 01. Constructive Destruction 02. Fonkey Monkey 03. Darthavaddah 04. Sloppy Floppy Hmmm...that reindeer looks familiar. Written, produced and mastered at Trailer Park Studios...Artist name is Southwild...Aha! Southpark! This is a side project of one of the members of the Rastaliens which shows off his twilight side. I thought the Rastaliens were already twilight psytrance? This is a free look presented on the Ekto site. Which you should definitely check out if you haven't seen it. Twisted alien sounds scramble over a thumping bass line in "Constructive Destruction." Not a lot of melody, but a good way to show us what is under the hood. The cutesy track titles continue with "Fonkey Monkey." Right off the bat a goa melody is the intro, but it quickly gets lost in some meandering. It comes back and sounds pretty good with effects whizzing past your ears. Not great, but not bad. Darthavaddah? Really? Well, it's the music that counts and this bass line is really good. Reminds me of Hoodwink's stuff. Good effects, bass, and rhythm without any melodies. Good track. "Weird, huh?" - Nah, just groovy as hell. My favorite track here. Personally I like the Rastaliens stuff better, but this isn't bad at all. It really does sound similar to Hoodwink's output. The sounds are very clear so production seems to be top-notch. The tracks themselves are all high energy and he really does a great job with the bass lines. Definitely worth a check, and remember it is free. Ektoplasm Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Family Tree Label: Eardream Music Date: September, 2010 01. Tor.ma - Purple Magic 02. Austero - Bettie Page 03. Nako - 3 Corazones 04. Ish Dub & Juan Cano - Good Bye South Africa 05. Naualli - Uma (Ode To The Unborn) Another Ektoplazm free release from Eardream Music is out with their 2nd release and it is a 5 track downtempo compilation that is mastered by Tim Schuldt. He does a lot of mastering for artists I have heard of, so I think this EP will have his skill if nothing else. But there is a lot else. A lot of goodness. If I had to sum this up in a phrase it would be "man this has everything!" "Purple Magic" by Tor.Ma begins with a breakbeat rhythm and twinkly sounds over a dancing bass. Reverberating piano stabs and other weird sounds are there and this has a smooth, chill feel to it. Nice start. Odd name for this track but Austero brings a funkiness with scrambling bass sounds and piano riffs that is very catchy. The guitar strums and electric piano sounds are pretty cool too. 3 Corazones, wait shouldn't it be tres corazones? This is a nice dubby piece with a fat hip-hop feel and wobbly bass. The break is nice as well. If you're not bouncing to this, your neck is broke. I'm guessing they were in South Africa for the World Cup. Waaaaay laid back reggae feel here, as the dub bass warms the soul. Feels like I should have a beer while I'm on the beach watching the sunset. Yeah it's almost 7 minutes of the same thing, but I really want to be on a beach right now. Another lounging type with acoustic guitars, sparkling leads and a smooth string. This is by Nauali and he brings a strong snare to his dub. Very rhythmic indeed, my favorite here. This was a nice effort. Great, sunny relaxing vibes with sounds for all. You've got jazz, dub, reggae, downtempo...just like the promo says. This one is worth the effort and like all Ektoplazm releases it is free. Good work!! Mdk

Artist: Max Pollyul Title: Concentrate Remixes EP Label: Digital Diamonds Date: September, 2010 01. Concentrate (ADHD Mammal Footwork Remix) 02. Concentrate (Excizen Remix) 03. Concentrate (Max Pollyul Remix) 04. Concentrate (Psycho Cowboys Remix) Ektoplasm is an awesome info, free distribution, free music download hangar on the web that is an invaluable resource. I have been reviewing some things lately, but now that I am running out of dough, (and this site is full of quality music) I am concentrating on releases from Basilisk's site. Besides, he told me to keep them coming. Kinda cool, because I will attempt to review some tunes that I wouldn't normally listen to. Like this release. It is Digital Diamonds 17th release. Never heard of this guy or his track "Concentrate" that is getting the remix treatment. The first track is a techno-house number with a deep, wet kick that shuffles along. Has a good beat with a drug sample. Normally I wouldn't think much of it, but it the sound quality is nice and it kept my toe tapping. The Excizen remix is along the same lines with an underwater feel. I'm getting the feeling that the house remixes are more about beat than melody. Still, this has an underground goodness that I can appreciate. That bass sound is sweet. Max gives his own track the business here, and it has the boom hiss sound that all people who don't listen to electronic dance music make fun of. Not me though, because this is groovy. His use of percussion adds to the beat complexity and makes it more enjoyable. But like the other tracks, it really doesn't go anywhere, just bounces along. Same type of rhythm with the cutoff knob being fiddled with. The bass is deep which gives a lounge feel. Whether you love or hate house music, this makes you nod your head. Still, without melody lines it seems a little empty. Not bad I suppose. First off, I am more into the melodic and layer rich music of Goa and progressive trance and also the acid insanity of the South Africans. This will not be confused for that type of music. But it isn't supposed to be. That being said, this was like a nice vacation into groove. Every now and then it is refreshing to step out of one's comfort zone and while this really isn't my cup of tea, it was enjoyable nonetheless. Give it a go... Ektoplazm link Mdk

Artist: Flegma & Nerso Title: Shader EP Label: Prog On Syndicate Date: September, 2010 This team (Dalibor Delić & Dragan Matić) is the end all and be all of melodic, spacious progressive trance. Most of their tracks are stories that unfold before your ears. Catch their album Opposite? You should have, nothing short of fantastic. This ep is brought to you by a label that I am not too familiar with. Doesn't matter, it is a blind buy for me. And they continue right where they left off. Shader is beautifully melodic and smooth with all the pieces fitting together in a nice package. The percussion work on Decoy was a nice surprise and the track as a whole had a slower more mellow BPM. Smooth like a drink on a hot day. As long as this duo continues to produce music of this quality, I will continue to spend money I don't have. Beatport Mdk

Artist: Protonica Title: Refresh EP Label: Iono Music Date: September, 2010 1. Northern Storm 2. Refresh I think I like reviewing EP's. They're like a quick fix for a drug addict. It won't satisfy the appetite for long, but it is a lot easier to write a review that's for sure. Anyway for those that have read my reviews you know that I am an Iono Music fanboy. 9.8 times out of 10 they release some super quality progressive trance that is full of atmosphere, effects and melody. Just the way I like it. Protonica is Piet Kaempfer & Ralf Dietze from the fatherland of Germany and have released a number of very good tracks as well as an album that I hope to review at some point. First track is a freakin beast that clocks in at almost 12 minutes! The beat is driving and there is that deep reverb that creates open space. The beat drops out at around 3 minutes and another takes its place, almost like a different track. Sounds reverberate thru space and small melodies make their presence felt. At almost 7 minutes the 2nd break comes and it is more vast than the first one. The beginning melody returns and is eventually joined by another. This ends up being a deeply meditative piece that you really have to put your time in to enjoy fully. A 12 minute track is a lot to ask of even my goa trance sensibilities. If I am going to invest my time in this lengthy effort there has to be more of a reward. Good, but underwhelming. The title track has a galloping gait with reverb heavy sounds creating the framework. The melody snakes its way forward with subtlety. The break comes and adds to the cavernous feeling this track brings. Wide open with millions of possibilities. This track is just smooth as new melodies creep to the forefront and seem like they just belong. I found this track to be richer and more engaging than the previous one. Great job. Count me still on the Iono Music train. Their artists consistently build tracks with great attention to detail and atmosphere. They place you right into the tune, making it seem like it surrounds you. I love that. Such wide open space that is a dreamer's paradise. It seems like $2.50 is a lot for a track (and if you have to choose one, choose the 2nd one) but this is worth the price. Beatport

Artist: Yotopia Title: Dark Terminal EP Label: Echoes Records Date: August, 2010 1. Dark Terminal 2. Dark Terminal (Andrea Bertolini mix) 3. Dark Terminal (Fusi & Johnson remix) Yotopia is Yonatan (Yoni) Rimon & Tomer Dayan and they had a strong showing on their 2nd album Connect The Dots. They have also appeared on a lot of compilations usually with quality results. This EP is released by Echoes records and it has a housey feel to it. It is composed of the original track and 2 remixes. The first track is a mid tempo groove with a crystal clear kick. Fluttering string sounds and delicate tones surround the ears. The mood is eerie and I get the feeling I am on my own. The rhythm is nice. Nothing groundbreaking, but a good romp nonetheless. First remix and I am surprised that with a name like Andrea this is a dude. Guess that is a popular name in Italy. He seems to have been in the game for quite some time residing in the house arena. This is progressive trance track with some house undertones and it isn't dramatically different from the original. That frustrates me as I don't really want to hear a clone of the original. This is Thomas Johanson & Fabio Fusco and they have made the rounds on numerous compilations. This definitely has a house feel with an annoying piano note that runs through the track. It's a short staccato sound so it isn't so terrible...that is until they start playing with effects to stretch it out and manipulate it. I can pass on this So what is inside is a pretty good progressive trance track and then some house remixes that don't come close to the originals goodness. Definitely short on variety and there really wasn't anything in the remixes to make this interesting. I would say that unless you are a house junkie then you can pass on this. Beatport Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Galactic Synthetic Label: Ektoplasm Date: August, 2010 01 - Guinea Pigs - Have A Nice Flight (Wizack Twizack Remix) (150 BPM) 02 - Wizack Twizack - Expanding (145 BPM) 03 - Guinea Pigs - Damage Check (Tsabeat Remix) (149 BPM) 04 - Tsabeat & Wizack Twizack - Kipodim (148 BPM) 05 - Progress - TransNRoll (148 BPM) 06 - Guinea Pigs & Tsabeat - Cant Find A Name (150 BPM) 07 - Wizack Twizack - Tingel Tangel TDC (Progress Remix) (148 BPM) 08 - Tsabeat - Like Summer Breeze (146 BPM) Ektoplasm is a netlabel run by DJ Basilisk and is the shining example of what this psy community of ours needs. HisWebsite is a treasure trove of information including lists, profiles of acts, not to mention a tremendous archive of free music. Let's face it, the internet is a big place and you can get free music anywhere, but I challenge you to find the quality and diversity that you will discover here. This release aims to bridge the sometimes huge chasm between darkpsy and full-on. The cover is a beautiful representation of the cockpit of a spacecraft with a view of 2 impossibly close planets. A cockpit of an electronic musician. The first track is a Wizack Twizack remix of the Guinea Pig's "Have a Nice Flight." I have never heard the original, but I enjoyed this very much. Especially the sample where the pilot talks about what guns the crew is carrying lest you think it's a good idea to start trouble. There is a lotof sounds in this high energy romp and I had it on repeat for awhile. Tommy Axelsson from Sweden is at it again with "Expanding ." His music has been straddling the darkpsy/nighttime psytrance line since day one and continues to do so. If you think of a great track as like a story this one has so many chapters a replay is almost required. Melodies shift, breaks change focus, man this track is all over the place. Delicious. Elad Weinberg (Tsabeat) remixes another Guinea Pigs track which is less melodic than the previous 2. The break near the end is creative, but I didn't think this was that spectacular. Wizack Vs. Tsabeat. 2 men enter, one man leave! Actually both got to leave, but the listener is the clear winner here. Melodies swirl around each other like a DNA helix with seamless ease. Dark atmosphere with smooth melodies. Oh yeah, this is a keeper. Based out of NYC Progress is Yuriy Vaskevich and if you read his Discogs page he dabbles in a little bit of everything. Here he squeezes a lead for all it's worth. Strangled might be a better word. I like his type of sonic manipulation, even if the track is limited in its direction. "Can't Find a Name" seemed more full-on than dark without much direction. Still any track that has a Fast Times at Ridgemont High sample gets the nod in my book. Mr. Vaskevich gives Tommy's track the remix business and it has an eerie forest like feel. Weird sounds going up and down all above a thumping beat. I like how the sounds combine with each other. Good track. Tsabeat closes it out with a darkpsy bassline rumbling below a brief afternoon sun. Not much melody here, but it is a driving track. The bass quivers like it's afraid of something. Cool effect. I liked it, but thought it could use a little more punch. So there you have it. A pretty good compilation that has its gems and its filler. I think if there is to be an ambassador in charge of "bridging the gap" between darkpsy and full-on it would most assuredly be Wizack Twizack. His tracks are consistently the most creative with a lot of twists and turns. I recommend this for his stuff alone, but need I remind you that this is free. Nothing to lose. Ektoplasm Free Release! Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Growling Acoustics Label: Spectral Records Date: July, 2010 1. Omnimac MENOG 2. Project Genesis CONCEPT 3. Brainalizer AUDIALIZE VS BRAIN HUNTERS 4. White Noise SHUUMAT 5. That Sound MENOG VS SHIFT 6. Smells like sin spirit SINFUL REACTIONS 7. We will fly rmx KHOPAT 8. Recover AUDIALIZE VS SHUUMAT 9. Shoot the messenger BRETHREN When I first saw the title of this disc, I thought this was something that GMS was involved in and was about to steer clear. Then I read the tracklist. Some pretty heavy hitters in there. Spectral Records has been bringing it for awhile now and they always manage to keep it psy when it seems that a lot of other labels have lost their way. Their music is harder with the focus on the beat and making you move. The melody is ever present and is awash in..well, washes and acid laden leads. Whereas a lot of the more commercial psy is full of tired buildups and predictable 8 bar refrains, this label steers clear of that nonsense and just hits you smack in the face. Along with the South African labels, I feel this one is a label that delivers. And this effort is no exception. All that I described in the above paragraph is here in spades. True to form there is plenty of acid to go around and heavy beats to get asses out of chairs. The samples are clever and add to the tracks instead of dominating it. Well, if you ignore the first tune by Menog. Loved the track but jeez, talk about killing the flow. Concept's "Project Genesis" steals the show with its relentless hammering away at your brain. Good to see a track from this artist again. Audialize and Brain Hunters bring the heat with an acid ridden beast. Very powerful. Shuumat who put this together continues with the aggressive style and bouncy rhythm. Good mover. Shift can do no wrong in my eyes, so this was a track I couldn't wait to hear. Strangled leads, massive beats and a sonic wall of sound at the end is a reward. Sinful Reactions is on the cusp of some really nice tracks, but as of yet haven't really gotten there yet. With "Smells Like Sin Spirit" they are definitely heading in the right direction. I know it's their take on the Nirvana classic, but it's not the cheesefest it could've been. Raw, powerful, if not very imaginative. I haven't been that impressed with Khopat in the past as I thought he had a lot of unrealized potential. "We Will Fly (rmx)" is him delivering a wonderful track. All the sounds come together to work perfectly with that heavy beat. "Recover" is a non-stop assault on your ears and is what I have been waiting for from Audialize. Brethren closes the compilation with a grumbling, evolving track that combines atmosphere and movement. So what you get is a compilation of very powerful tracks that will get dancefloor results. Not a lot of variation and the artists are not composing complex masterpieces. But in a scene where quality music is at a premium, this does a great job and comes recommended. Psyshop Beatspace Goastore Mdk

I had to bump this. Listening to it 2 years later, it still has that flow and that richness that doesn't get boring to my ears. Even the vocals don't perturb me and I usually hate that crap. Awesome. Mdk

Number one, who cares if anybody gives a crap about it, I don't think you make music for people's approval. Two, nobody doubts your talent and for me, I have liked almost everything you have done. So count me as one who would be interested to hear more. Mdk

Let's see if it has all the stereotypes of "psychedelic" music. UFO? Check. Alien Head? Check. Multiple appendages on God-like figure? Yep. Single all seeing eye? Oh yeah. Stringing together 2 words that don't belong together? You bet. I haven't heard any of it, but when you try this hard it usually ends in disappointment. C'mon, Olli, you should know better than this. GMS needs a cowbell around his neck to warn of his approach.

Just gave their latest a listen and it has a lot to offer. Remixes with a bit of everything. D'n'B, rock, and of course dub. My favorite was the Harmonia (Neon Stereo Mix). An electro trance track that was super delicate. Delicious. Mdk

Just saw this. You are so welcome. That track still rocks in today's scene. I think it was from 2004 so I guess technically it is new school. Mdk

Wait...so we now have to wait through this EP and then another 2 EP's and then the album will be released? Holy crap! See you in 2012...maybe. Mdk

So nice. I love those 303's! Perhaps an album by you cannot be far behind? Mdk

Yeah I don't care where it is from (although credit should always be given) is sounds great. And nice bringing out the Johnny Carson. Wow. Mdk