Trance2MoveU

My wife and I recently completed a much needed vacation to the western part of Virginia. We rented a cabin near Grayson Highlands State Park. My wife and I are avid hikers so we were looking forward to this. I recently got a new program and this is the first video I made with a soundtrack. I think you will recognize the tune. It has become a favorite of mine Let me know if you like the video and I will be happy to upload more. And make sure you watch it in 480p, it seems much better. Vacation Video Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Pure Planet Vol. 4 Label: Kagdila Records Date: January, 2010 1. Mother Gaia AJNA 2. Terra Incognita GOASIA 3. Cosmogenesis 2012 COSMIC SILENCE 4. Man Who Touch The Sky GOASIA 5. Luna 3 THE GREY GUY 6. Chakral Voyage COSMIC SILENCE 7. Entity THE GREY GUY 8. Aural Extacy LIQUID FLOW 9. De Tevroegkomer LAPSUS Kagdila Records is a psytrance and ambient label from the good old U.S. of A! Not very many of those around, at least to my knowledge. This label has had a prolific output, now on the fourth installment of their popular Pure Planet goa trance compilations. This one is compiled by DJ Chakras (whoever that is) and has quite the impressive tracklist. Pure new school goa all the way. If you look at the rating on Discogs it is insanely high. Is this the best goa trance compilation you have never heard of? Some of the names are up and comers while everyone who listens to this type of music is familiar with Liquid Flow and Goasia. The cover is of an encircled moon with various other shapes. This gives an outer space quality, like this music sometimes tends to emanate. Ajna- "Mother Goa" Oliver Chazard is one of those up and comers I mentioned and starts his track off with a very serene and peaceful setting of jungle sounds nestled deep within a forested paradise. The term Gaia is explained by a woman's voice and it isn't long until the melody creeps to the forefront. The synths twist and turn and provide a sensation of being caressed in a warm, light cocoon. The lady's voice returns briefly, providing a nice break, and it's back to the races! A 303 rips across the ears as he twiddles with the cutoff knob. Not a lot of variation here, but for me, it sits very well and doesn't come off as boring. Sure it is repetitive, but when the melody is this emotional, I don't mind that it goes on and on. Besides at almost eleven minutes, you have to expect some repetition. Great way to open a compilation. Goasia- Terra Incognita I think it is safe to say we are all eagerly awaiting the release of this pair's 2nd album. I think it comes out in May, unless it gets the Astral treatment. Let's hope not. This track is a more simplistic type of goa. I don't mean that in a negative way, just that it is more trancey than your usual Middle Eastern or Arabic type of feel. Think of it as Goa-lite. I don't think the bassline takes a break during the whole track. The melodies are uninspired and this seems like something he had lying around and threw it out there. It's not a bad track, but it is not the type of goa that I really appreciate. I would call this more along the lines of drifting dream trance. Cosmic Silence- Cosmogenesis 2012 Ahh yes, the Mayan calender end date. Will it happen or will it be like the year 2000 that threw the world into an unnecessary panic? Who knows, but maybe Michael Nadj knows. He had a track on the very well received "Twist Dreams" compilation from Suntrip which I loved. This one has the requisite end of the world question samples you would expect but not overdone. The melody snakes around the bassline, and is somewhat catchy, but fails to evolve into something deep. Not bad, but not as intricate as a lot of other new school efforts. The end climax is smooth and I think it saves the track from being an also ran. Goasia- Man Who Touch the Sky This track is much better than his first one on this compilation. There is a feeling of mysticism, which reminds me of a Native American people facing a great danger. Melodies build upon each other in a tight foundation of sound. The small break is dreamy, as if waiting to see who the savior will be. And what he will do. Very rich this one. Great track. The Grey Guy- Luna 3 This is Patrick Cameron who has had a little bit of buzz on these forums. His first track on this disc is phenomenal. Very spacey with the satellite samples. The melodies rise from the Earth, joining others and swirling deep into the upper atmospheres. Sounds bombard the ears in a clever use of panning, some heavy some delicate as a spider's web. Superb! Cosmic Silence- Chakral Voyage This is his 2nd track on the compilation and it seems more dynamic. More of a psytrance goa hybrid, it has more power and seems to contain a fuller sound. The break at 3.5 minutes sets the stage for an unleashing of pure goa melodies. Lots of motion with this one. The climax is great and I like this one much better than his first track on this compilation The Grey Guy- Entity Geez Kagdila, don't you know more than 3 artists who make goa? That aside, we are deep into the meat of this compilation. A watchfulness characterizes the melodies on this one. Watch your back Jack. This reeks of a nighttime, darker goa feel with lots of layers that flow into each other. I like that the sounds balance each other out. I mean you can hear the melody line and then high above in tone are twinkling effects and all this cruises over the low bassline. Very clear and relentless. Great job! Liquid Flow- Aural Extacy Their album Presence was superb and they follow along in the same vein here. Full power all the way, with racing melodies and dreamy atmospherics. Darker in scope the phrase "No rest for the weary" comes to mind. My favorite track on the compilation. Lapsus- De Tevroegkomer I have no idea who this is, but I have heard some of his unreleased material on Electrobel, and it was pretty damn good. We close out the compilation with his first professional release. A whirlwind of melodies hits like a tornado, with scales rising and falling with a little bit of a Nitzo feel. It is not possible to sit still through this one. There is no break, just a blitzkrieg of sound to let you know what hit you. Nice. Well another goa trance compilation in the can and it was a good one. Rich in melody and power the artists did not disappoint. Most of the tracks are great, with a couple of decent ones. Dj Chakras did a fine job and all the tracks sounded great. I know some people think this "second wave of Goa" is inferior and too polished, but not me. I am thoroughly enjoying the vast majority of it with the updated sounds and improved technology allowing the artists to do so much more. The masters cannot be touched, but that doesn't mean I can't love what the guys today are producing. Great compilation and worth being in your collection. Beatspace Saikosounds Mdk

I just listened to the Liquid Flow track "Second Coming" and I have to say it is even more perfect than when I first had the new listening glow. Awesome feeling in this powerful offering. Mdk

Woah. That is some twisted, melodic insanity. Love it. UAF is kicking some major tail. Mdk

I found this to be boring with no real evolution. It could almost be described as "Ultimae Light." Because sometimes, Aes Dana is just too hard. Mdk

First off thanks for the free music. I enjoy a lot of the compositions, but I have one question. Does anyone else feel this is too loud on the first few tracks? I don't know if it was recorded this way or it is a mastering issue (I don't even know the science behind that, so if I'm off base, please let me know.) As I listen to the tracks they sound distorted or "scratchy." It sounds this way even if I turn it down. Mdk

Antares album - /? Mdk

I voted awesome, but if you're in the mood for a darker goa experience, I just reviewed an EP from Direct Brain Access in the 2009 reviews. It's a free release and a 22 minute track. You will not be sorry. Mdk

Artist: Direct Brain Access Title: Solar Eclipse Label: Qulture Production Date: December 2009 1. Solar Eclipse You know I come across so much music that it is hard to keep track of. Some things I get and listen to for weeks at a time and others I listen to a couple of times and then never take it out again. There are CDs all over the place and one day I will convert my music to digital media as the room is rapidly vanishing. I don't know how I came across this artist, but I do know that I don't have a disc so I must've downloaded it. Looking at the file now, I'm sure I did. After a quick Google, I realize this was a free release and is widely available. Qulture Production is a Russian label born in 2007 that caters to all music electronic. I have no idea who this is, but this is where I got it from. Let me tell you that it is only a one track release. And that is more than enough. This is hyperactive, powerful and melodic goa trance in the high bpm's. 303's scream and tempo changes shift back and forth allowing this 22 minute (yep, that's not a typo!) epic tale to unfold. It wastes no time out of the gate and I'm thinking there is no way that this amount of intensity can be maintained. I stand corrected. What. A. Ride. The cover art is a thing of beauty as well, totally trippy. I highly recommend this track to add to your goa trance collection. If you want a break from the awesome light that Suntrip has provided (fanboy) and are in the mood for a darker sledgehammer to the face, then get to your computer and download this. Mdk

I have to respectfully disagree with the above reviewer's opinion. This was very deep! Rich layers and melancholy pads...felt like I was listening to some Ultimae. It's mostly what I would call Ambient Trance. Very beautiful. This one snuck under the radar and deserves some more attention. Mdk

This sucks. And by sucks I mean is freakin' awesome! Mdk

I smell an Amithaba Buddha 10 track free release update.. Powerful storming goa trance blasters inspired by this incredible find. Pretty sweet! Mdk

I think they are relevant. No question they can evoke some powerful emotions with their melodies and beats. I've read where a lot of people have said this music changed their lives in some fashion. That said, I like how you described the missing band member. That is exactly how I feel. I would put a lot of the downtempo albums in the psy genre over any album by BOC. As I explained not only does their melody work lack evolution but those ridiculous interludes serve what purpose? Just to switch gears? They aren't bad, and I have heard worse music of course, but the Discogs ratings are ridiculously inflated. Like this music was the soundtrack to peoples lives. Maybe it was and they remember a time that was really special. Mdk

I had a long day of hiking and I needed some slow tunes to relax. I'm listening to their music and this is what I wrote on Discogs... "I can describe this outfit very simply. Minimal repetitive loops strung together by non-sensical interludes over trip-hop beats." Sure, they have some cool melodies, but there is no evolution in any of their tracks. It's the same loop all the way through. They surely know their way around a drum machine, as I find a lot of their beats funky. And the interludes...they don't add anything to the listening experience. Just my .02 Mdk P.s. I don't even know if I should put this in this forum...or maybe into other electronica.

I had a long day of hiking and I needed some slow tunes to relax. I'm listening to their music and this is what I wrote on Discogs... "I can describe this outfit very simply. Minimal repetitive loops strung together by non-sensical interludes over trip-hop beats." Sure, they have some cool melodies, but there is no evolution in any of their tracks. It's the same loop all the way through. They surely know their way around a drum machine, as I find a lot of their beats funky. And the interludes...they don't add anything to the listening experience. Just my .02 Mdk

This was pretty good! Long tracks but lots of changes. I find the ones with the hints of goa in them the best. Great work! Mdk

Sigh...Take two doses of V/A - Ministry of Chaos, V/A - Macao, and Timecode's Retrospective albums and you should be fine. Also, Deliriant and Hypnoxock album were super. Mdk

Artist: Amithaba Buddha Title: Psyramid EP Label: Phototropic Records Date: March, 2008 1. Psyramid 2. Mental Maze So if it seems like I am reviewing a lot of goa trance these days you're right. I have a lot of stuff here and am trying to provide some info for people who might not know about certain projects. Also, when I find something I like, I compliment the artist by 1.) buying their music and 2.) writing a review. Now I don't recall if I bought this release (was it ever for sale?) or I downloaded it, but I thought I would share my views on it. This also allows me to describe how the music makes me feel. I've gone through a lot of Filipe Santos work and this is one of my favorite projects. The "Goa Gate" album was a high energy journey through goa that I adored. This is the EP that came out beforehand on the label he helped create. The cover is beautiful; an ancient pyramid radiating power from its tip amidst a body of water. "Psyramid"- Bouncing bassline that is aggressive as ever. In no time a smooth melody descends from the heavens and then gives way to another, carrying me along on breezes of Jasmine and lilac. The break (short as always) allows enough time to take a quick look around before being thrust back into the dreamy superhighway. The colors are rich and sticky, clinging to me with transparent intent. Carried higher into the glaring sunlight, twisting and turning until I no longer know up from down. Damn you Filipe you have me writing like a stoned out hippie. Super work! "Mental Maze"- Screw you and you need for an intro! Right into the mix with melody layered ontop of melody. All the while keeping the beat churning methodically underneath. The break is pretty limited as he really likes his kick. The leads during the short intermission are less interesting to me on their own, but when presented as a whole, they really work. This type of music keeps me dancing like nobody is watching. Another triumph! So there you have it. This guy knows how to make goa trance that speaks to me. It's intensely melodic, it's relentless and it takes me to that place where I can close my eyes an drift away. I don't know if this is still available, but if it is...get it. You'll be in for a trippy experience. Mdk

Artist: Lost Buddha Title: Ataraxia EP Label: Metaphysic Records Date: October, 2006 1. Ataraxia 2. Southern Oracle This guy is all over the place. Either he needs some schizophrenic meds fast or he just has a lot to offer. Filipe Santos aka Lost Buddha, aka Amithaba Buddha, aka Pandemonium! aka Rama, aka Bit-Head...whew! When I first discovered his music on beatbiz, I was surprised at its power and intensity. He takes rich melodic goa trance and infuses it with adrenaline that moves you. This is his first release I believe. As you can see by his aliases he goes on but the same cannot be said for poor Metaphysic Records that folded soon after the release of the Mindphere album. "Ataraxia"- "If you want a job done right, I have to do it!" This one is steeped in the goa feel and all its reverberating glory. The melodies drip with sunshine shining like a searchlight, once again moving in and out. The break only drops the beat as the mysticism continues. Each lead has its own sound, making it more distinctive as if they are all actors in a play. This is high power that leads to a spiritual high. Superb. "Southern Oracle"- This track was also featured on the GOlden Vibes and the State of Spirit compilations. Once again or maybe I should stay still he wastes no time with long intros. The beat starts immediately followed closely by the melodies that arc skyward in ever widening spirals. Shortly, there are some intricate Nitzho melodies which really get the blood pumping. Just non-stop motion. Love it. What I like about his music is the detail and the melodies of course. Super lush and very complicated arrangements. Or at least it seems complicated to me. Once his tracks get going, there is no stopping until the end. Even his breaks only provide a brief respite. He introduces his melodies and instead of stopping, they seem to flow into the next series which gives his tracks continuity. I believe this is some of the best new school goa made and am glad I have this EP. Highly recommended. I wouldn't even know where to get this now, but he is a member on this forum, so email him and he will tell ya. Mdk

Artist: Pandemonium! Title: A Mad Scientists Night EP Label: Metaphysics Records Date: May, 2007 1. A Mad Scientists Night 2. Ali Baba and the 40 Acid Puzzle Wow, a lot has changed since this came out. First of all Pandemonium! if you didn't already know is one of the projects of Filipe Santos. Now he is heavily involved in his acid projects, but when this came out, it was a revelation. This was a free release, (you can still find it here at Ektoplazm.) The label was set up in part by Filipe, but soon folded. "A Mad Scientists Night"- This sound is so full with a lot going on. Sunshine trance this ain't! Acid leads replace one another with swift determination as a 303 screams itself above all else. This track has it all. Evil distorted vibes, you betcha. Groove a plenty? Ditto. It is like a trip down the rabbit hole but instead of helping Alice, I'm kicking her in the face! "Ali Baba and the 40 Acid Puzzle"- The Middle Eastern feel shoots to prominence right from the get go. Screaming leads fire off in a barrage of acidic warfare. The sounds are so lush that it just holds you tight and makes you feel like you are part of the track. The deatails are strong, creating an rich atmosphere but doesn't sacrifice any of it's innate danceability.One melody leaves, no problem a new one takes its place. Stellar! His work here is outstanding and had me ready for more. I liked a lot of his album "Muinomednap!" and there was talk of a 2nd Pandemonium! album, but I guess that got shelved after the....unpleasantness. Nonetheless, we still have this gem and it should be enjoyed to the fullest. Between Lost Buddha, Pandemonium! and Amithaba Buddha there is plenty of good tunes to go around. Mdk

Title: The Sitting Goddess Artist: Various Label: Phototropic Records Date: March, 2009 1. Dhamsuta - The Sitting Goddess (8:51) 2. Radical Distortion - Journey Into Your Mind (8:44) 3. Aerosis - Anazasi (9:50) 4. Amithaba Buddha - Obsidian Stones (8:35) 5. Pandemonium! - 4 Snobs In A Row (7:01) 6. Goalien - Spititual Rising (7:41) 7. Aurari - Instant Transmission (8:21) 8. Astreveta - Graviton (8:59) 9. Zirrex - Infinite Space (9:20) Well, here I am with another Phototropic Records compilation in my hand. That makes 3 for 2009 ("Artificial Sun", "Ya Wichna" and now this) not to even mention the re-releases of Synsun's earlier work. These guys have been busy! I was pleased with the two earlier compilations and am looking forward to this one. It seems like another great track list with a few newbies, but mostly established artists. Wow, even a Zirrex track! This label along with Suntrip, Cronomi, DAT Records, Ezel-Ebed and Ultiva are responsible for keeping the old school spirit alive with outstanding release in the melodic goa trance style. "The Sitting Goddess"- Title track by a pair from Kosovo. Pads and skittering rushes bring the unknown to this track. An ominous goa melody cuts the air like a knife for over 3 and a half minutes. Nothing in your face, just lurking in the background. Waiting to strike. When it hits, you don't know until it is too late. This track is subtle, more slither than sledgehammer. Great opening track. "Journey Into Your Mind"- These guys are on quite the roll. Their album Psychedelic Dreams was super and their compilation work continues to impress. The thudding kick springs a saddened melody as it snakes its way around my mind. Devious, I would call it. The final melody grows out of a short break and this track finishes strong. Great! "Anasazi"- C'mon already, where the hell is this album we have all been waiting for? Aerosis is Bobby Ognyanov & Jeremy Green and they have released several tracks that were received very well. Gurgling sounds give way to rich, textured pads speaking for the ancient Pueblo Peoples. This is a spiritual sledgehammer. All aspects come together for a lush mind warping experience. Leads bounce, pads sing, and the bass grumbles. Superb. "Obsidian Stones"- Filipe is at it again with one of my favorite goa trance projects. He does not disappoint. The Indian mysticism is thick with possibilities. Leads seamlessly meld into each other as the kick thunders underneath. Full power. The 303 screams in defiance and anchors more delicious leads weaving about with razor sharp precision. This is the definition of melodic goa. Outstanding! "4 Snobs In A Row"- This is one of Filipe's other projects. Is that an accordion? Clever. More goa melodies zip about and the track has a phuncky feel to it. Whereas the last track was full steam ahead, this is more bob and weave type stuff. No less entrancing however. The accordion gives the track a European feel which is an odd combination with the goa mystique. Nonetheless, I loved it. "Spiritual Rising"- Boris brings the bubbles and sputterings to go along with the synth kick. The pads speak of Armageddon, but the melodies say the spirits shall rise. There is his penchant for Nitzho in the melodies, but they are full and racy, not silly. It's like looking out over a destroyed city but seeing the possibilities of what may be again. Good track. "Instant Transmission"- Here are newbies emli Robaj, Liridon Uka & Albert Hasani from Kosovo (two of which make up Dhamsuta.) Gentle melodies creep up the spine as other worldly sounds penetrate the ears. The kick is light, but the atmosphere is one of dread and danger. Nice and dark. Different sounds keep the track fresh. This is another one that won't bowl you over, but it does effectively keep things moving. "Graviton"- After a pretty good track on "Artificial Sun" the Kosovo-ites are at it again. This one is a grower. Starts minimally, but the melodies come in with a whisper growing to a growl. A new melody asserts itself during the break and then others pile on. Not great but, pretty good. "Infinite Space"- I don't understand why Zirrex is not put on a pedestal like Hallucinogen or the Pleaidians. His album "Lost In Time" for me is one of the greatest goa masterpieces ever. The track "Hollysterius" is 15 minutes of pure goa deliciousness. He must be some kinda good as that album was re-released this past year. This track is a downtempo goa number. Rushes and pads fill it out as a breakbeat drops underneath. Goa melodies flourish below as a lead combines with others above. It's a sunshine explosion! The track creeps along with a thick washy lead that would be acidic in psytrance. Awesome way to end a compilation! So there you have it. This label should be very proud of what they have done in 2009. All of their compilation work was strong as well as re-releasing some hidden gems of yesteryear. They have a good bunch of artists who know how to make deep and emotional goa trance that I for one will never tire of. They already started 2010 off on the right foot with the very impressive "Goatronika." This disc is highly recommended and I am looking forward to their next offering. Great. Job. Psyshop Goa Store Saikosounds Mdk

Your review was...um..not kind. Mdk

Title: Elixir of Life Artist: Various Label: Ezel-Ebed Records Date: January, 2010 1. Erk Duasy' YAN ETKI 2. We've Been Contacted PROJECT COSMONAUT 3. One Step HYPNOTIC SIGNAL 4. Galactic Singers BONEVA 5. God Of Light GOALIEN FEAT. AGNETON 6. Resurecting The Dead TRAVMA 7. Eclepsia GAZZUAR 8. Red Planet NEPHILIM VS RUDRAKSHA 9. Faran ZED REACTOR Ezel-Ebed Records is proud to be Turkey's first psychedelic label and well they should be. The label is run by Travma and they have quite the stable of artists. Some I have heard of, but most are unknown. They released the outstanding "Alternative Colours last year." So how do they follow up? Let's start with that beautiful cover. The colors are inviting, and the text speaks of old worlds. The bottle containing the elusive elixir is in the center. "Erk Duasi"- Yan Ekti starts his track off with a melancholy pad before a quick bassline enters. The journey underneath the pyramid begins. The melodies dance on booted feet as soft pads guide them farther down the stairwell. More melodies with different sounds seek to relax the listener as the light begins to fade. This is a track that is not a smash but a subtle trip through the mind. I had to listen to it several times before I got it. I am glad that I did. "We've Been Contacted"- Project Cosmonaut is Eli Yarkoni and this is is 3rd track released. A dark melody erupts right at the outset and is quickly joined by one of a higher tonality. Then another until it is just a thick soup of hallucination. The layers threaten to suffocate, but only caress. The kick is gentle allowing the leads to soar. Several mini-breaks help me refocus on what is happening all around me. Beautiful! "One Step"- Russians Alexandr Makushev & Dmitriy Rusov had an absolute cracker of a track on "Goatronika" called "Cosmic Sphere." This one starts with a rampaging bassline and the all too familiar giant leap for mankind sample. The pace is quicker and the melodies are thick with the promise of what may be. Whatever was sleeping seems to have been awakened. Alien effects from the movie Pitch Black add to the cosmic appeal as new melodies join the fray. The break arrives with some percussion and a wailing lead. It's not long until I'm hurtling past stars at ludicrous speed as more melodies combine with a groovy key change. These guys have IT. It's tangible and I cannot wait for their album. Stupendous! "Galactic Singers"- You know there is an osteoporosis drug in the US advertised as Boneva and it supposedly helps with bone loss. Probably not what this artist was going for. Melodies take hold around a nitzo kick as they envelop me, hot to the touch. A soft pad promises that everything will be alright, but dirty, sticky leads beg to differ. I catch my breath at the break and look to see where I am. The Nitzho element is evident as it combines with the goa feel to carry me away yet again. The distorted sample at the next break is unintelligible, but the artist is having fun with the kick. The final part of the track is a nice ride into whatever star they are taking me into. Great track. "God of Light (Golden Path Remix)"- Everything about this track title screams sunshine. Agneton needs not introduction, but Goalien is Boris Huskic from Serbia and he has been rather busy releasing several tracks on compilations and appearing on Elias's album "Horizon In Your Head." Alien rushes hint of a species that has visited our planet before. The Nitzo kick is again present with an intense bassline. Arpeggios swirl above me with frenzied speed then collide into a slower tempo fury. Everything comes to a halt with a BOOM! as pads resurrect the ominous atmosphere. This track is more Nithonot than goa in my opinion, but it still works very well. These guys remove any cheesiness that might be associated with Nitzhonot. Great track. "Resurrecting the Dead"- Label manager Travma gives us a track that starts with a bassline and a crash. A chopped up melody germinates slowly amidst a soft beat until we are in full blown Nitzho mode. Melodies combine in an explosion of light as they twirl ever higher through the clouds. The layers are added to each other to acheive a fuller, richer sound with magical results. Good job Travma....now about your album... "Eclepsia"- Sounds like a disease. Yeah if the disease was kick ass! What I noticed about this track was the melodies. Odd to say, but they are so in your face on this one. The beat is your generic 4/4 but this guy pulls it off. There is a key change which gives the track a friendly feel. There isn't a lot of variation in this one, but again that is ok. It was an enjoyable listen. "Red Planet"- I have no idea wo these cats are. The track starts with bubbling effects as the tension builds. The melodies start off strong, but then seem to get kind of lost. The track plods along with much of the same with only slight changes. It's not a bad track, but not great either. "Faran"- Zed Reactor is George Antonopoulos and this might be the last goa or Nitzo type track we hear for the guy. According to Discogs, he now makes industrial music. An evil horror movie type sample of a dying soul starts us out. This is on the darker side of our scene with a bassline that sits out front and doesn't change at all. Melodies are scarce, but the dark atmosphere is there. It's just that without melodies, there isn't anything to focus on or to carry the tune. And that sample...is that from the movie Aladdin? Are they taking the piss? Anyway, I suppose they wanted to end the compilation with a different type of goa. I wouldn't of done it, but I'm just some guy with a computer that listens to music. So there you have it. This compilation started off like gangbusters and hit its stride right in the middle. After the Travma track though, it started to go downhill. I get what the label is trying to do and that is introduce various types of music that fit into the Goa Trance and Nitzhonot genre. You can't be sunshine all the time, right. All in all, I would recommend this compilation as some of the tracks are brilliant. So for those of you keeping score, this label has had 2 releases and both of them were excellent. "Alternative Colours" was better, but hey, it's tough to follow that beast. Saikosounds Beatspace Psyshop Mdk

Title: Artificial Sun Artist: Various Label: Phototropic Records Date: June, 2009 1. Antares - Prophecy (10:26) 2. Amithaba Buddha - Eye Can See You (Bright Remix) (6:28) 3. Zolphinia - Elixier (8:24) 4. LandScape ObServer - Dream Flow Controls (7:13) 5. ArmagedDance - Temple of Maya (8:41) 6. Goasia - Parasomnia (8:10) 7. Party Droids - Biogenesis Blaster (6:50) 8. Astreveta - Matter Magna (10:21) 9. Psydiver - Voyage to Ohmega (7:33) This is my 3rd review of Phototropic Records who is one of the driving forces in the resurgence of goa trance. Based in Austria they have released several quality compilations (including this one) as well as artist albums such as "Goa Gate" by Amithaba Buddha and "Utopia" by Zolphinia. Whereas Suntrip has a stable of proven thoroughbreds prolific in this genre, Phototropic seems to come up with quite a few new acts. Starting with the cover, it is another colorful and beautiful image with sunshine hues in the shape of a flower. Really gets you in the mood to hear some intricate music. Prophecy- Simon Felix has released a few tracks professionially, but has composed many more. Check out his page at Electrobel. There is some awesome stuff there. Which brings me to this track to open things and it is one of my favorite new school releases. This has a hint of mystery and Egyptian royalty as you stare across the desert. The bass scrambles forth as strings provide the backbone. The leads are cat quick and twisted just right. Melodies swarm the senses overlapping in a ballet of blissfull awareness. This is a perfect example of a track that grips the mind and takes you to far off places without a lot of changes. Out-fucking-standing. Eye Can See You (Bright mix)- Sure Filipe is currently involved in his acid projects as well as the 8-Bit stuff, but he always manages to keep the old school flame burning. His "Goa Gate" album continues to see heavy rotation by me. But this is the project that appeals to me most. This could've been on his album. The bass is aggressive, but pales in comparison to the power of the leads. They are agile, adapting to the bass changes without a thought. The strings provide solar winds on which to soar as new melodies are introduced. True goa feel, through and through. Superb. "Elixier"- Zolphinia is Tiago Braga who has also released a few things, his best track being "Land of Gods" on his album and Golden Vibes III. Bubbling synths clamor over a kick as tribal percussion sets itself in. The melodies ease in and they are stealthy, as they don't hit you over the head. I imagine another desert scene where the king looks out upon his subjects surveying all that he has come to acquire. Not a bad track, but nowhere near the equal of the previous two. "Dream Flow Controls" Landscape Observer is Kirill Yumatov from Moscow and I first heard of him on the Resonant Earth site. More eerie beginnings as the synth rolls into a glass like lead. The undercurrent is that something wicked this way comes. The break brings a simple melody as the previous lead returns, but I am not a fan of that sound. And then it comes back again. Choose another preset! There isn't too much going on. Good, but not great. "Temple of Maya"- Artur is at it again as synths and creatures unknown scurry from the forest with some percussion sounds. This definitely has a darker element. Melodies morph into each other with wispy strings. The break at four minutes allows me to see where the path has taken me. Fluttering butterflies on gossamer wings draw me deeper into the forest. An abrasive lead takes control, but it isn't long before it disappears from whence it came. The final bubbling lead is delicious! While not as powerful, it does the job creating a delicious atmosphere. "Parasomnia"- Goasia are Balint Tihamer & Vladislav Radulovic and we are all eagerly awaiting their new album. A speedy bassline and soft pads give way to rolling melodies. Smooth transitions here, as new leads are added putting my mind in the clouds. I'm flying on eagle's wings getting closer and closer to the brilliant orb in the sky. Totally different that the last track in that this is all light. Fantastic track. "Biogenesis Blaster" Party Droids is Filipe and Agneton and this is their only track. But wow! You can hear Filipe's influence straight away. Massive in scope with the signature melodies from Agneton. It sounds similar to the Amithaba Buddha track on this same compilation, but whay do you expect. Wide open pads with a flanger like quality, as the lead jumps about as if on hot coals. I love the Nitzhonot touch, very goa without becoming a cheesefest. This just drips with the Middle East vibe, and makes me nod my head with approval. So detailed with melodies all over the place. Awesome! "Matter Magna"- Astreveta are Veton Avdiu, Liridon Uka & Albert Hasani from Kosovo. Good to see something from that area. This track grows slowly as a garbled radio message tries to warn us. Two and a half minutes in the melodies arrive as a 303 growls underneath. The break at 4'20" (coincidence?) brings back the radio message along with a forlorn lead. As the beat slows down, the synths become fatter and more commanding. I felt that this track went on to long and could've incorporated more melodies. That said, still a pretty good track. "Voyage To Ohmega"- Slower in tempo with a wicked swagger. The melodies are out front and are a force to be reckoned with. They evolve and maintain that sense of other worldliness. Climbing higher and higher, they twist into the stratosphere. New sounds join the old creating quite the mixture. If this went on for 30 minutes I wouldn't complain. I will be keeping an eye on this Russian. Awesome! And again Phototropic Records comes through with a smash! This is as good as "Goatronika." Like the promo said, this will go from light to dark sounding goa trance. The melodies are warm and supernatural. There isn't one bad track on this disc. I highly recommend this piece of aural art, you will not be disappointed. Psyshop Beatspace Saikosounds Mdk

Album: Ya Wichna Artist: Various Label: Phototropic Records Date: May, 2009 01. Imba - Tales from Outer Space (Intro) (1:10) 02. CoaGoa - Eternal Sunrise (7:02) 03. Arronax - Forest of Twilight (8:23) 04. SETI project - Stoned Henge (8:25) 05. Primal Source - Cosmic Anaconda (7:26) 06. E-Mantra - Trans Neptunian objects (7:56) 07. Jikooha - Underground Spirit (7:01) 08. Agneton - Fermi Paradox (6:51) 09. Goalogy - UFO over Moscow (5:42) 10. ArmagedDance - Another Reality (10:00) Here I am again reviewing another Phototropic Records new school goa compilation. Goatroinka was awesome and I have been meaning to get to this for some time. It isn't available at the usual suspects (Psyshop, Sailo, Beatspace...)as this is a CD-r. Don't let that deter you though. It was mastered by Digitoxin (quite well I must say) and compiled by our friend Imba. The cover art is by CoaGoa (who did a beautiful job and has a track here). That's called getting full use of your talent. Phototropic continues to keep the scene alive with their quality offerings and I am happy about that. The promo is that the listener will be treated to shades of light and dark on which I can agree. The first track is an intro which I usually skip (sorry Imba). Eternal Sunshine- CoaGoa is Aleksandar Popovic and apparently this is one of his first works. Not a bad job starting out! The track begins with a gurgling bass as soft strings whisper in the background. The lead sound didn't do much for me until one sneaks in around 3 minutes. There isn't much evolution to this track as it felt slightly empty. He released an Ep later on which had a more polished sound, so he seems to be moving in the right direction. Forest of Twilight- Whiporwhills herald a bassline as synths echo in the background making me feel as though I am deep in the forest. There is a spacious tack to this one as the spirtual sounds multiply. He makes good use of ancillary noises to create atmosphere. The flow is smooth as sounds dive in and out and melodies change. Not as full as some, but not empty either. A little more dark in feel as it becomes more eerie with multiple listens. Great track. Stoned Henge- Cute. Paul Yelland released "Tribal Trance" on the UAF label which was decent. This track is more subdued and laid back. The melodies are not as in your face as some, nor as pristine. The child's voice seems kind of silly and this track didn't move me. I would say this one was the weakest on the compilation. Cosmic Anaconda- This is Dan Vlad Petrea from Romania. I love the eerie ambient beginning; it brings an air of mysticism. Gets going after 2 and a half minutes. Drum roll at 6 minutes or so was a little forced. Still an awesome goa track. Trans Neptunian Objects - What can be said about E-mantra? His album on Suntrip was an absolute smash and really raised the bar in my opinion. He starts with a dark ambient opening with a wailing soul. You can hear it bubbling, churning, trying to break free. The sound is very similar to his album. One melody enters just as another leaves so there is some overlap seamlessly weaving a rich tapestry. AWESOME!!! Underground Spirit- I think I was in the minority when it came to Jikooha's album "Revolution Spaceship" as I really liked it. His track "Bay Hall Magic" is just pure bliss. A Goa riff at the start which fattens up when a sticky lead joins in. The twinkles make the melodies seem heavenly. The whole track is arresting, as melodies shift but the backbone stays the same. WONDERFULL!!! Fermi Paradox - No idea what that means and I am too lazy to google. That is super lazy. But what we have here is the master of Nitzhonot! Gurgles and whiporwills give this track a forest feel. The Nitzhonot melodies arrive shortly thereafter and do not stop. Spacey effects combined with clever breaks keep the momentum flowing. Great tune! UFO Over Moscow- This is the shortest track on compilation. In the beginning you have tribal voices in the background as tune rises. After a short break the melodies appear and dance nimbly over a simple bassline. As they combine I find myself smiling. There is a key change near the end, but I don't feel it was necessary. I wonder why he named the track so. Good track nonetheless. Another Reality- This is Artur Mataryan from Russia who has had several net releases. Another track that doesn't waste any time. The base is loud and swirling effects are all around. One minute in the goa melodies fly all fighting for dominance. The break is short, not allowing the listener to catch your breath, before the thumping kick returns. A track that is 10 minutes long cannot be short on ideas and this one isn't. Halfway through a new set of melodies weaves its way into the subconscious. There is so much going on it doesn't allow for boredom, but isn't overpowering either. Nice job! So what can be said? Phototropic has done it again. While not as polished or professional as "Goatronika" it was a great compilation. The standout track for me was the E-mantra effort, but let's be honest, that guy is just really good. I can easily recommend this disc as the goa trance revival continues full steam ahead. Neptune Wave Mdk