Jon Cocco

This album is awesome! I actually don't remember the last time I enjoyed a downtempo/Chill album so much.

Interesting; he released another album. I was never a fan of the first. But being a unique, dark release it got my attention, though my feelings were mixed. Reviews seem overall stronger for this follow up. Samples http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=7137

Double post. *Grrrr* I pressed submit once I thought!

PSYLENT BUDDHI 1997-2003 Unreleased / Released free by artist in 2008 1. Sonorush 2. Lunar Core 3. Moksha 4. Neura 5. Convergent Images 6. Secrets of The Atom 7. Metalucid 8. Retrocede 9. In The Stream 10. Winter Tickle I'm impressed. I'm curious as to what this artist would pull off today, Goa wise. His music boarders on aggression (more or less dark), yet there are moments so beautiful and rhythmic at times. Other descriptions past this opening beauty range from moody and intense to dark and extremely danceable/groovy. I like this smart, driving, developed, atmospheric, psychedelic, more or less dark and groovy style. The album is like a Goa robot that walks a fine line between darkness and light, symbolically speaking of course. 1. Sonorush is one of the best Goa openings I've ever heard. It's like a provocative Never Ending Story several minute sunrise piece. Magical. I love it. A- 2. Lunar Core is more atmospheric/Goa and driving. The darker edge, vocal samples and tone is excellent; the Goa isn't too up close, giving the song a classic and edgy old school feel. Awesome work. A- 3. Moksha has an intricate, continuously psychedelic trip. I really like this aggressive, intense, catchy, and varied sound and feel. The beeping melody beginning around 2:50 is excellent, and how the drums and numerous other sounds support this driving melody lead. The song finishes its first act around 5:00 and begins collection itself for the next roller coaster hill or higher energy segment. The energy begins not far from 6:30 with exception to the bump at 7:11. This area here builds to one of the best climaxes thanks to an incredible, echoed melody that turns on around 7:40, before going through a series of twists and turns. WOW. The final third of this song is excellent. I'd love to hear more tracks with these huge buildups. It's a PUMP, the words I've used to describe super songs on Tandu - Multimoods. I still don't understand how this artist didn't fill up a main album/release with some of these songs between 1997 and 2003. So far this is a super album. A- 4. Neura is slower than previous tracks, groovy. Great melody (and skipping not over done but present) work. This artist does so much in positive effect without over loading the senses. This reminds me slightly of Tigerhill or Neuro Glider by BotFB in its dark and continuous gripping, hypnotic rhythm. But this completely different. Nice sample by Ralph fienne's Lenny character from one of my favorite films (Strange Days) too. B+ 5. Convergent Images is too very climactic and psychedelic. The synth work is great; I initially confused this song with the following, saying that it was too messy, which it's not IMO. This is a great, full on super Goa dance track. B+ 6. Secrets of The Atom is another song loaded with bubbly, psychedelic sounds. I don't like the swishy sound fx here. Furthermore, this song lacks fluidity, grip, and elegance, in some part due to the overloaded sound effects that either partially mask the song's flow or hide its flaws underneath. Overall certain sounds I find too high pitched here, though there's a handful of cool ideas and work. The part around 5:50 is interesting, following an interlude. The heavy sound effect atmospheric sounds are less present and the take-off energy appears more clear. A new melody lead appears around 7:00 and it's pretty good. The big climax towards the end reminds me of old school Pleiadians to some degree, ultra layered and climactic. The style here is too sloppy for my taste however, but this isn't a bad track. It is very psychedelic. B- 7. Metalucid starts out with a chilling melody. This is a driving Psy number built amongst a icy cold backdrop, atmosphere. I especially like how the artist comes and goes the atmosphere, developing the character of the song throughout. The higher energy development towards the end is a great idea. A more dynamic and infectious Goa melody however never arrives which could have made this ending superb. I really like this post apocalyptic or lost in a dead space station while it's breaking apart type feel. The song captures a sense of despair and never lets off the uncertainty, yet remains catchy though pessimistic until its predictable, albeit solid conclusion: The fate is the same as that which began, lost or stuck or dying or soon to be dying or captured in an inescapable reality. I think the story here is tragic, but I could be wrong. - B+ 8. Retrocede is another Goa/Psy driving nighttime number with an interesting, atmospheric interlude. I like how this artist takes the time to develop his tracks, and the general buildups, as his songs often go somewhere more interesting and satisfying as they progress. The echoed metal sounds around the middle are cool too, an opportunity missed maybe to do something darker with them, changing up the tempo of the song. They're unique nonetheless and are creatively into the mix before the intermission around 5:40. This artist has got to seriously produce an amazing Goa album for our time now. - B+ 9. In The Stream is thoughtful, contemplative, moving, gentle, floating, and emotive. The gradual build up and melody/sound work is excellent. This is one of the most solid Goa/Psy downtempo tracks I've ever heard. A- 10. Winter Tickle is a strong and crisp PSY downtempo number with some interesting, manipulated notes. I prefer other less manipulated melody work, beginning around 7:00. It would have been cool if a slow but driving (ASURA like) beat began here or at 7:42 I feel, but that would have meant changing the flow of the song. Overall a good song. B In conclusion, Psylent Buddi's tracks here would comprise one of the most solid albums (double?_ albums ever released for free or not for free (but this is free). Thank you for sharing this with us. It's excellent. This is like the one great Goa album I missed all these years. And now it's available for the first time in 2008. Really smart package. I want to see what type of arsenal this artist will come up with relative to producing a new track. This smart, creative, and other worldly, complex and driving style deserves to be explored and updated. Favorite tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9. B+ Download below! As copied off the Music Promotion 2008 thread on this album below. All tracks stored on one (or possibly more) of Last.fm's undoubtedly many servers. Links galore: 1. Sonorush 2. Lunar Core 3. Moksha 4. Neura 5. Convergent Images 6. Secrets of The Atom 7. Metalucid 8. Retrocede 9. In The Stream 10. Winter Tickle If the downloads don't work, try visiting the Last.fm album page and download from there. From there you can also preview and stream the tracks to find out whether or not this is worth the time and effort to download.

All my friends like this album. The new style is awesome, providing some of the grooviest beats, sounds, and rhythms ever produced in PSY-influenced electronica. The album flows extremely well from beginning to end. This easily made my top 10 list in 2008. I would love more super infectious songs like tracks 3, 7, and 8. There is a part in Electric Animals that is just evocative, filled with passion and emotion - it's amazing! But all of the songs are good. Electrypnose is a great artist and Funked Up is his most innovative and overall most catchy album IMO since Subliminal Melancholies. Hope he produces a strong follow up in this style, basically Funked Up: Pt 2.

Which artists and acts inspired you most? Favorite Psytrance, downtempo, and Goa artists? Was it at all possible in theory to join up with a more financially equipped label via Flights of Infinity to score a wider distribution online? (maybe you and Suntrip should communicate? ) Do you play gigs live? And do you enjoy most about the music you make and the scene? What is the symbolism and/or story (if any) behind your albums?

That's a good way of putting it. This album still impresses me, to this day. I rarely listen to it straight through though. Several tracks at a time, maybe a break every four tracks. It's still one of my favorite albums ever produced in the electronica genre. Filteria 3 release date: March (sometime) 2009.

SOLAR FIELDS - MOVEMENTS ULTIMAE RECORDS 2009 Track list: 1. Sol 2. Circles of Motion 3. Discovering stream 4. Sky Trees 5. The Stones are not too busy 6. Dust 7. Das Bungalow 8. Feelings (album edit) 9. Patterns 10. The Road to Nothingness 11. Breeze Wow! It is about time we get something powerful and quite possibly bar raising in the ambient, downtempo genre(s). Solar Fields up'd the ante and quite a bit with Movements. What unfolds is an album that will likely be talked about for quite some time to come. 1. Sol is a slow and powerful, dreamlike-fantasy opening. The big opening sound around 0.29 is amazing, like a warm wave of euphoric energy splashing my consciousness. It's interesting to see Solar Fields implementing tasty psychedelic influence through sounds of crisp and crunchy wind/zip textures. The song is like a gorgeous adventure through light and space, as if legendary warriors have recently died and are crossing over into a Heaven gate. The song is very atmospheric, and in that sense visual; many listeners will likely form their own story. Whatever the vision or concept, the song has a western sort of influence beginning around halfway through. It never sounds cheesy. The overall song is dreamy and floating, ethereal. Trying to even classify or limit it to any specific environment would be taking away from the songs beauty as a whole. This is a superb opening and track. I am rarely this impressed. A 2. Circles of Motion is strong and mainly beat free ambient super number with few exceptions, the last third roughly beginning at 6:19 until near close. Not only are the layers high in count but flowing, elegant, and surreal. The sounds sooth the mind, nerves. The song begins with a beautiful dream of sound and gradually forms rhythms within supporting sounds, resulting in a swimming, hypnotic effect. As the song representing the dream fades away, the listener slowly awakens to consciousness, or rather another layer of the sub conscious mind. What's wonderful here is that the previous number set the bar pretty high. Often times when an opening number is as strong as Sol, I am disappointed with the following track. However Solar Field's have produced a completely distinct and wonderful follow up filled with heart. The final third is very important; it develops the ever-changing character, progressing the song out of any sense of repetition. There is also an epilogue that concludes this portion of life with peace. This is another beautiful track. A- 3. Discovering stream is an oceanic ambient wave moving through celestial space galaxies for the first three minutes. Soon accompanied by a mesmerizing beat and sound fusion. Guitar and/or violin and various other ethnic instrumentals arrive, increasing the atmospheric world of harmony, rhythm, and depth. A catchy and floating interlude arrives in the middle, the first of two. The song has one to two direction shifts that instigate a fluid evolution. The first is during the beat's welcome followed by the final third, the latter where the listener's senses are nearly overly loaded with a bursting, mesmerizing melody/sound fusion of transcending rhythm and joy. The overall song however, prior to these selected areas develops continuously. How it progresses is excellent. The interlude from 7:54 to 8:12 establish an mysterious sense of floating before a transcending leap to the stars around 8:58. There is an amazing build up from around 8:35 to 8:57. What takes place after this is hands down, one of the most wonderful parts in music that I have ever heard in my life. From 8:58 to 10:00 is a moment of magic so kinesthetic and uplifting, one must truly experience this evocative evolution for him or herself. The superb ending to this otherwise excellent number is like a gorgeous dragon transformed into a beautiful, spiritual and/or more aware, enlightened version of itself. This is a wonderful track with a stunning finish. A 4. Sky Trees has potential to be an album seller I imagine. I didn't perceive where it was going in its first two minutes. The song hums to unknown territory as a crisp droplet effect begins around 1:40. It isn't until the two minute mark that I begin hearing a wonderful tune surrounded in harmonious rhythm. This appears like it could be a influenced by a U2 song (See the people... *lyrics*) but without lyrics of course. Overall the number is filled with warmth and positivity throughout. I just can't help feeling that if another song/act didn't exist, neither would this potentially to some degree. Nonetheless, if I knew it was a clover and/or remix it would most certainly get a lower score. All theories aside, it's excellent. A- 5. The Stones are not too busy begins with a slow and gentle beat followed by an optimistic tune which develops into a world so to speak. Story-wise, I can't tell if a life has ended or some adventure has just begun. The music is stirring to the thinking mind however spiritual and pleasant; I feel determined and encouraged to accomplish something big. Yet at the same time I could enjoy this song sitting still, counting my breaths, just being. The beat picks up to a flute and the supportive layers around these elements elevate the song into greatness as a wonderful beat and tempo change shift the track into an even greater, delectable gear. This is an excellent approach in mixing, sound engineering. The song becomes more gripping as it progresses without climaxing or resorting to uptempo. The I.Q. raises, the mind becomes more intellectual and aware here as opposed to a track that bombards the senses with big special effects and sensation over substance. Yet the vehicle develops strong. I's carefully orchestrated; echoed effects are present around a far more involved and thoughtful creation. Areas where the beat picks up are worth noting, as well as a female, psychedelic sound that could be a subtle Goa and/or influenced tune. It's excellent, and arrests my attention. The sound grows wings, taking the journey even further in its final third with wonderful results. This is a track that gradually evolving to the point of nearly consistently topping itself from beginning to end! Wonderful work! A 6. Dust is a return to strong ambient, at least until around 2:05 where a slow ticking sound and beat emerges. The song is slow, oozing with emotion as it progresses into its second third. Past 3:30 however, the beat is removed where the song was more emotionally stirring. Ambient tones emerge and dissolve into a weightless, albeit mobile backdrop. The song's intriguing, however a bit dry in its final act and I'm not a big fan of the industrial, up-and-down wind sound that appears quite relevant here for some reason. This is a sound I'd imagine hearing more in a slow and melancholy, rare Nine Inch Nails ambient track like Warm Place rather than what I adore from Solar Fields. Nonetheless, the song is solid, though I find it the least arresting number here so far, past the middle third at least. The first two parts have a sad and hopeless and/or contemplative atmosphere that presents still life rather well, however sad in this approach. The song realistically adds emotional variety to the album by giving it a ray of sadness to an often bursting world of exploration, dreams come true and more. I would have enjoyed it more if the tone in its middle section lasted longer, as that's the best part and the conclusion here's a bit dry. Otherwise, this is an interesting, good, possibly great track. B+ 7. Das Bungalow is another ambient influenced downtempo track. The beat and various other background elements are completely unique from previous tracks. The number takes off with an excellent downtempo, evolution at around 2:40. A short interlude is followed by a change up in beat, rhythm. It's great; the accentuating drum work crossing over into the 4th minute is strong. Solar Fields once again establishing a thickly warm and flowing rhythm; a melody lead comes into view from around 4:36 to 5:25. This part is wonderful, powerful and floating. The last 1:20 are pretty much an atmospheric interlude. It seems that the group cared to end each song not abrupt, but with a peaceful resolve. Such ideas are great for home, personal listening. It follows one building albeit one direction building path. I would sooner compare this to Solar Field's also beautiful Confusion Illusion Remix from Opus Iridium's downtempo side: CD2. This is another strong track, and arguably the most uplifting one here. A- 8. Feelings (album edit) is a contemplative and growing, emotive ambient influenced downtempo number. It's quite sad, though hopeful, musically floating and arresting. This is one of the more euphoric songs on the album. It flows one however strong direction, telling a story that could be of redemption, love, peace, understanding, and forgiveness. It's beautiful and quite moving, inspirational sounding from start to finish. This deserves to be as part of a score in a great film. It has a huge heart filled with warm loving energy, an appreciation for life and the beyond. A 9. Patterns is the shortest track here, at just under five minutes. It follows up the previous score nicely, adding a beat at around 2:40. This track could have easily been an evolution, continuation from the previous number, tweaked and separated to give the album an additional, solid number. Or not. It actually sounds quite different from the previous track and this would likely destroy the romantic sound prior due to its more aggressive to then soft approach. Patterns reminds me of Dust in the sense it comes down for landing just as soon as it gets going. I would have really liked if this song developed its initial two thirds more, once the beat got going, as opposed to shifting to ambient so soon, and ending soon after. Nonetheless, it's an interesting, catchy number. It just feels a bit squeezed, packed into this nearly 80 minute album; it's as if the artist didn't have enough room to lengthen it, thus it remained a summarized version of greatness, that could have been marvelous. A- 10. The Road to Nothingness is a wonderful return to epic and lush, ambient influenced downtempo trance. The speed is calm, filled with a gentle melody and beat. The sound drifts reflecting angel's wind and fantasy gates, a reflection of the atmospheric approach and soundscapes explored as more of the song opens up like a body filled with a life to explore. The track could provide an eerie backdrop, score to a serious Tim Burton film. Moreover, the number is relaxing; it has a really nice sound. The atmosphere and ambient pull my consciousness deep into this moving world of ghosts, traces of fading memories. Excellent track. A 11. Breeze sounds exactly that, a breeze, with an opening, streaming porthole of life pouring through it. A subtle tune drifts in the background until stepping into the light at around 2:18, a moment of beauty. Another positive sound brews beneath the surface as if the sun is is about to shine through the cloudy sky. At around 4:26 the speed picks up; the beat takes off, slowly. The sound becomes more present, satisfying. Soon after, at around 5:16 an even stronger musical element arrives, furthering the beauty, lifting the essential ingredients to even fresher, more weightless heights. Never does the song stray off path or into uncertain territory. It develops, acquiring a soft, female sound that compliments the the colorful island of sound. The aura softens from around 7:05 until it's close at 8:32, landing elegantly an unforgettable journey. This is a beautiful closing track. A In conclusion, Movements is the passion project that many fans of the ambient and downtempo/CHILL genre have been waiting for. I have so many downtempo albums; so many I like. Yet so few I consider excellent, not just good or great but really up there as superb. The first two Shpongle albums more or less and very few others. Add Movements to that short list. The tracks here are wonderful to listen to at nighttime, and/or undistracted accept for maybe inner thoughts, complimented by the music. I was never enamored by previous Solar Field albums to this degree. I came close to purchasing Leaving Home and 2007's Earthshine in the past. Leaving Home I found too lacking in downtempo while Earthshine seemed light on the ambient influence in order to compensate its cool, mainly uptempo approach. Movements fuses both ambient and downtempo together in a way that has finally captivated my senses, and it will surely impress the majority of downtempo listeners out there. There are ambient tracks, real ambient songs here without beats, though such ambient is often connected to wonderful downtempo tracks that they evolve into. My only complaint resides in Dust and Patterns, two songs that appear to end a little too soon after they showcase their most present feelings; yet they compliment the creative ambient closing's that Solar Fields has prepared for each track. Patterns appears just short of its full potential, though both Dust and Patterns are well done, like solid bonus tracks sprinkled amongst a masterpiece. All in all, Movements would have won best 2008 downtempo album, bar none, if it released then. 2009 may be young. Movements sets the bar high. It's as if Solar Fields had an epiphany, an aware realization and/or vision, and decided to go all out. Movements is ambitious, provocative, ethereal, and absorbing from start to finish. It is one of the best albums I have ever heard -- in any genre. Thank you Solar Fields for choosing heart and substance over ego/money (selling out) and for going all out, taking chances. Anything (and occurrence) is possible after all. The result is an album that many will finally consider a real masterpiece. Favorite tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. A Samples / Order here: Saikosounds: http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=7737 Psyshop: http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/inr/inr1cd035.html It's also available on Amazon MP3 for less. But this is worth the whole package in zero-compressed quality.

Oh wow, sounds aggressive and tasty! Baaa! It's just a cover. And I think it looks pretty cool. Btw did you not hear those samples? The music sounds great!

This is easily one of the best "free" albums out there. It would be great even if it was selling. Roughly two hours of psychedelic and edgy Goa/Psytrance with exception to the ethereal introduction that could have been amazing if it evolved into a lengthier track. But I still like it... a lot, a treasure to listen to, very positive and surreal! Sonorush, Lunar Core, Moksha, and In The Stream are my top favorites here. Followed by Neuro and Metalucid and/or Retrocede. The only track I don't care for is Secrets Of The Atom with all its swishy sounds taking place; I find it too busy and messy for my preference. Otherwise I love the atmosphere on this album, the occasional dark and edgy style, and how the songs generally evolve. Moksha and Convergent Images are the two super dance songs here IMO. This artist should seriously consider producing a new Goa album for our time now as RA did.

Cool. Checking this out (below). The only song I ever heard by this artist was Dzog Chen before seeing this thread, the artist's myspace page. Hopefully he will produce a wonderful Goa album for a label, possibly Suntrip to release. http://www.myspace.com/astrancer

KUDOS for taking the time to produce a consistently GREAT album!

OOOD - FOURTHOUGHT 2008 PHAR PSYDE RECORDS *Updated* JAN 14 - 2009 Track list 1. Watchers In The Sky (9:08) 2. Warm Slinky (10:17) 3. Attitude Engine (9:50) 4. Hornrider (Red Bourbon Mix) (9:45) 5. Durka Durka (8:04) 6. Slang Thang (8:33) 7. Apollo, Son Of Rifa (9:00) 8. Starseeker (Crystal Skies '08 Mix) (8:37) 9. Gawn Sarf (5:30) This is a great release. And I like it more than Free Range so far, an album by general consensus considered one of the best Psytrance releases from 2007. Although I felt that Free Range could have had less interludes to get in the way of the music, that's not a problem here, yet the fun intros are back. So how is OOOD - Fourthought? A full track-per-track review ensues... 1. Watchers In The Sky begins with a gentle and mystical, mysterious sound. The song is surprisingly unique, artistic, and catchy. I first noticed its distinct sound, streams of melodies, ambient. Such aspects compliment the tasty sound and beat. But as the song progresses, it develops these elements; the song evolves. The voice samples are good too. The melody/sound and atmospheric is great, transporting the listener to an almost surreal, fantasy world and time. As the song continues, I feel like this vehicle is approaching a more dynamic and energetic world. But the song never loses its floating edge. I wasn't expecting a song this kinesthetic, let alone for an introductory one by OOOD. It's interesting, enjoyable and at this speed. I really like the fantasy sound, and how the rhythm gains strength as it moves forward, never jumping into uptempo, a smart decision by the artists. This is a cool and intriguing opening. B+ 2. Warm Slinky is that brand of start up recipe, though the album is gradually moving towards a more danceable, groovy path. Several minutes into the opening appears Goa influenced melodies as the bass line changes keys to enhance the growing rhythm. I like the sound throughout. It's groovy and emotive, never cheesy; the song is filled with solid ingredients for thought. I feel like these artists realized that they could elicit more passion themselves, when working with OTT and various other artists, as well as drawing up a more aware model in some ways for this follow up. The euphoric melody/sound work along with the medium driving beat stands out. These elements are catchy; the song gets better, more developed and infectious as it progresses. The subtle Goa influence and various other sound/beat work compliment the softer elements. Great track. B+ 3. Attitude Engine begins with a humorous sample. That "it's better to...", well I don't want to spoil it. The beat appears stronger here than on previous tracks. The song and album both seem to be building towards a more danceable atmosphere. By the 2-3 minute area, a really catchy, groovy beat and sound breaks out. Numerous creative effects take off around the funky rhythm. A guitar is introduced, never overpowering the cool atmosphere. The vehicle progresses, becoming more energetic into the third and fourth minute. A string of layers release to compensate for a wonderful evolution, interlude. This part is impressive, unpredictable, elegant, and elevating. What follows roughly 5-6 minutes inward is a great, change up in beat and sound as the song evolves. The last two minutes seem to retrace itself rather than create fresh hills and dynamics. But this is s small nitpick, observation as the overall song is memorable. I only wish the song kept me more captivated into its final 1-2 minutes. Overall, another great track. B+ 4. Hornrider (Red Bourbon Mix) begins with another short voice sample, followed by an unexpectedly cool and pleasing sound on the sense. While every track is so different from the one before it, I'm starting to notice a strikingly attractive consistently; the songs combine strong and groovy beats, bass lines, music and sounds great for dancing along with thought, feeling; the tracks are often warm and dynamic. They're fun to listen to both on and off dancing. This track is arguably the most friendly dance number here so far. Yet the artists manage to create a beat free interlude that suspends the vivid animations before clashing the senses with a returning beat/sound mixed into an even stronger, evolving path. Soon after this interlude appears some of the best melody/sound work I have ever heard by OOOD. Wow. This song just takes off across the skies. Returning is key changes, but not like before. These are different, and catchy too. New sounds develop and layers of ambient flood the golden scenery. Suddenly it's gone, replaced by fresh, alien sounds. A tuba and what appears to be organic instruments and a voice arrives. Strings let loose over a Jazz influenced interlude. It's not long before the vehicle lifts off into a short, bursting build/climax. This is a strong part! The build up in sound is great; it's imaginative and very danceable. Voice bits skip to the humming layers as ambient tunes return along with what appears to be a tuba, Jazz influence and more. Excellent work! A- 5. Durka Durka (8:04) begins with... farting? Hmmm.. Okay (half smiling). This introductory voice sample includes a group farting session that will be really liked and disliked by many people for some time to come. That said, the intro here is random, humorous, and ends soon after it begins, though I wish it ended a bit sooner. Suddenly the song lifts off! No more silly sounds, although OOOD has proven that they haven't lost their playful energy. The driving, danceable music, sound and rhythm build is arresting. I love the atmosphere. The echoed cricket sounds are great. The voice samples are cool. Another observation is that the overall album appears to be getting stronger as it progresses, not just more dance friendly, but more psychedelic as well. Thankfully the silly farting ended in the first minute or I would have probably not enjoyed the track as much. Throughout Durka Durka, the artists let loose a tribal trance influenced high energy dance number, filled with fire and spirit. While not what I consider spectacular, the song is great from after its first minute until its breath taking finish. B+ 6. Slang Thang is an unexpectedly driving, dark Psytrance number. Wow. This proves that OOOD has a talent as well for producing great dark Psytrance. These guys better be careful though. If they play with fire they're going to attract the anarchists. A darkly lit and driving rhythm ignites, develops towards an interlude and takes off again. This is a song to fly down the highway while listening and/or dancing at nighttime to. Towards the middle third forward, OOOD pushes the intensity bar, producing what may be the most fiercely intense and exciting Psytrance number I've heard all year. I love the take off moments, the crazy/skipping voices; the climactic elements are superb. Unfortunately, the vehicle loses some power towards its last two minutes as if the artists weren't quite sure where to take it and that's my only problem with the song, as it could have ended sooner and with a bang as opposed to a drawn out moment. Moreover, the song would have been amazing if it topped itself in its final moments. Overall, great track. But the climax moments, the second and third quarter of this song is amazing! B+ 7. Apollo, Son Of Rifa is an impressively layered and intricate, infectious stormer. This one ups the ante, and may even be more satisfying and strong, ending included than the previous number. The concept slightly reminds me of Jikkenteki's dynamic and intricate style. Yet this has OOOD written all over it. The number appears to continuously evolve and get more elaborate and flavorful, psychedelic as it progresses. Awesome work. A- 8. Starseeker (Crystal Skies '08 Mix) begins with a really upbeat sample, talking about a fantasy world of sorts within a tree. The melody work wastes no time making a strong impression as the atmosphere fills the environment with attractive textures. There is a shuffling sound that's quite catchy. Many psy sounds emerge as the vehicle moves forward. Where is the big hook though? I wonder. The Goa melody sounds cool; my favorite part is the second third into the track when a subtle female voice vanishes soon after it appears. I'm not quite sure the instrument, piano possibly, but it's catchy. The beat is removed for a pleasant albeit short, ambient driven interlude. The beat returns as if jogging with running pauses in its tracks. Strange, echoed voice work compliment a strong and infectious Goa-esque melody. It's great, especially to the more aggressive and driving progression. The combination of electronica music and multi genre influence here is fun. This is a good if not great track. B+ 9. Gawn Sarf is a Chill/downtempo track. It's interesting, catchy. The slower tempo compliments the multi genre influenced Psytrance album. I initially thought this song was pretty good but my attention locked both at and past the Goa melody arrival. Filled with what appears to be psychedelic Pop, Jazz, Funk, Trance, and even a live Piano and more, the song is like a living, breathing orchestra playing across the stars. This is a creative and solid closing number to a great album. B+ In conclusion, if you liked Free Range, you'll most certainly like Fourthought. Both albums are strong, dynamic, and fun, and it will be interesting to see which one people favor more. Production is excellent. And the package is just as, if not even more dynamic and fun than ever before. There was one song that stood out to me so much on Free Range, that being Eye Of The Beholder (With OTT). With Fourthought, the greatness of their best work seems to have infected the entire album, as I have difficulty selecting top favorites. I'm really pleased with the album. OOOD's melody/sound work appears to have matured, improved in some ways since previous releases, but it hasn't lost its edge or sense of wit and humor. The artists thankfully avoided the in-between track interludes that for me, grew tired quick and got in the way of the music tracks on Free Range. That said, both Free Range and Fourthought compliment each other. But I like this one more; I find more great, excellent tracks. In short, not one song here comes close to average. Fourthought is one of the best Psytrance albums of 2008. I don't quite know how OOOD managed to produce and release an album this strong within a year from their previous album that was praised by so many people as a best album of 2007 but they managed to pull it off. Favorite tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. B+ Samples http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/phr/phr1cd004.html http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=7523

Superb, at times magical, stunning; this is one of the best Goa albums. I keep forgetting how much I enjoy this album until I hear it again. INFINITE DREAM (!!) SPHERIC KONCEPT (!!) MOON INFLUENCE (!!!!!) MYSTICAL APPEARANCE IN GOA (!!!!!). WOW. 9/10 easily.

V/A - Fahrenheit Project 2 2001 Ultimae Track listing: 01. Robert Rich : Somnium intro ... N/A 02. Solar Fields : Electric Fluid ... B 03. Vibrasphere : San Pedro ... A- 04. Khetzal : Glaciales Lacrimae ... A- 05. Nuclear Ramjet : Folding Time ... B+ 06. Aes Dana : Summerlands ... A- 07. Chi-ad : When The Effect Came ... B+ 08. Hol Baumann : Benares ... A- 09. Cell : Keun Yung ... B 10. Mystical Sun : Waters Of Life ... B 11. Robert Rich : Somnium ... N/A Great compilation. I didn't know Khetzal made music downtempo/Goa Chill in 2001 let alone made music V/A - Apsara. This is great stuff. I've seen the Fahrenheit compilations over the years but payed little attention to them, as I stuck to the Ultimae friendly artists that I most enjoyed like Aes Dana and Asura via their main albums. Until someone mentioned when discussing Hol Baumann in a 2008 thread Hol's song Benares was originally on this 2001 compilation. In conclusion, Fahrenheit Project Part Two is one of the most solid downtempo compilations out there includes songs by Solar Fields, Vibrasphere, Khetzal, Aes Dana, Chi-ad, Hol Baumann, etc. Need I say more? This is a great compilation. I'm surprised I'm buying and hearing this for the first time now, but better late than never. And btw the Chi-a.d. track sounds like an Indian Eastern downtempo song in part New Age and Goa influenced and in another part slight funk/techno edge via Crystal Method and Chemical Brothers. It's excellent! And that's right before one of my favorite downtempo tracks ever! This is a fantastic compilation. If the others were this strong, I'd buy them too. Favorite tracks: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. B+ Samples won my attention: http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=2345 Unfortunately the album was unavailable to buy. Fortunatley, Ultimae is smart enough to put a handful of their albums on Amazon MP3 so I decided to order it in great quality below for $8.99. http://www.amazon.com/Fahrenheit-Project-P...5002&sr=8-1

Hol Baumann - Human Ultimae Records February 2008 Tracklist 1. Hours 2. Breathe 3. Radio Bombay 4. Benares (Vârânaçî Edit) 5. Endless Park 6. [Human] 7. One Step Behind 8. We Are Analogue 9. A Forgotten Ritual 10. Tiny Hidden Track I hadn't heard the few tracks released before either. So this album was new to me too. Furthermore, I just became aware of this album in January, 09 after reading through the "BEST OF 2008" thread. I like it. I'm not in love with the whole thing but this downtempo style and sound is refreshing and tasty on more than a couple occasions. Actually, I don't waste my money on stuff I don't consider good/great anymore with a failing economy. This is one of only four or five 2008 downtempo albums I bought. For more, read on. 1. Hours I initially enjoyed, and the idea of the Christmas-bell notes playing around the bass line and key changes; the bell notes I find a bit too focused and wear off on my senses early on during repeat listens to some degree. The song is ultimately simple and a bit too tame for my personal taste but not bad. The sound is unique and will be further explored to stronger degrees on tracks to come. A decent to fairly good opening. The sound is unique, though I'm not impressed yet. B- 2. Breathe is one of the only songs with ethnic vocals; they come across more like sound samples than singing. The violen compliments the stronger beat, along with a more masculine, melodic sound that rises in high notes and then back down. It's catchy! I love the speed and the beat, music throughout. A psychedelic cool and twisted sound effect takes place from 3:37 to 3:40 and wow, sound elements like this are great ways to make the song more psychedelic at times. It's a tiny detail but appreciated. The song never falls off into questionable territory but seems to reprise its confidence, thus refreshing my enjoyment from start to finish. The returning beat around 4:49 is smart too, without voice samples, the song breathes in its driving, though never spectacular or gorgeous direction. Cool track. B 3. Radio Bombay is the second and possibly final number with ethnic vocals. I love the organic sounding instruments and sounds combined with the beat and bass line element. The fresh returning of the music with strong key changes around 2:55 after a breathing interlude is excellent, gripping. I like how the song becomes more powerful, developed as it progresses, never losing its soul to an uptempo or even mid tempo speed. Great direction and work throughout! B+ 4. Benares (Vârânaçî Edit) is excellent, fantastic. Here these artists prove that they can match virtually any top artist in the downtempo genre, but in their ethnic influenced musical style. The song is more animated, dynamic and a bit more aggressive here too. The song is filled with a strong and infectious musical sound combined with some of the best tribal influence and melody arrangement that I have ever heard in the downtempo genre. I highly recommend Hol Baumann to further pursue creating more stand out songs with greater energy like this one. Unlike the lacking in zest opening, this less progressive, more developed nature retains its beauty and strength throughout. This is easily my favorite track on the album. I'm completely sold on the melody/beat work. It would be awesome if these artist(s) produced more super songs like this one. I love it. Wonderful track! A 5. Endless Park is an interesting, gradually developing piece. But it's so short, thus remaining a bit forgettable or at least noted for what could have been so much more. That said, for what this is, three minutes of unique and musical greatness. The song is slow, carefully articulated and passionately produced. I suppose it could have been longer and blossomed into something really superb; I enjoy it the way this is as well. It's interesting. The song continues to evolve and soon ends, thus producing shorter length less memorable to me and some others seem to agree. Interesting work, great while it lasts. I just feel like more could have been done to extend the greatness here. B+ 6. [ Human ] is great. I love how the new agey, ambient influenced downtempo number builds up to the tribal combination beginning aruond 1:53. It's great! Followed by an interlude for only around twenty seconds in the third minute, the catchy tribal downtempo trance returns. Various musical notes and sounds compliment the unique style and sound. I really like this. B+ 7. One Step Behind has bell sounds around far more melody/sound development than the opening. I prefer this one. It's more emotive, the beat on the chime is great and various other melodies distribute attention to more areas of an attractive world of moving, developing sound. The ambient notes enhance its feelings too. Smooth, enjoyable track. B+ 8. We are analog is a dreamy psy and ambient influenced score over a slow, chillingly gentle beat. Coupled with a moment of peace, a beat free interlude, I really like the softer sound present throughout this track. As the beat returns with more energy around 4:16 it elevates song, enhances the gentle waters with a more sensual current. Good track! B 9. A forgotten ritual is a more traveling, melancholic beat with strong tunes present over an atmospheric backdrop. A solid track to end the album on. B In conclusion, I love the tribal beats, influences on this album. I generally love the music and style and relieved to see that the creator(s) kept the style downtempo influenced. I'd love to hear more songs that further develop and explore the energy and greatness of tracks like Bénarès (Vârânaçî edit), Endless Park, Human for starters, as those are very enjoyable and fun to listen to. I also enjoy softer, more ambient influenced downtempo tracks, such as We are analog. Overall this is a great Chill album and one of the best 2008 downtempo albums. Favorite tracks: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. B+ Samples (It's also available on MP3 via Amazon) http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=7097

Pleiadian tracks: Aclyone and Asterope UX - Masters of the Universe (for sure). Filteria has a handful of tracks that may emphasize the chaos, intensity, high octane energy, buildup, end of the world. My guess is anyones. - Sky Input album: Operation Pulse, etc - Heliopolis album: Rotate To Vibrate, etc I think people often think of crazy when it comes to the end of the world. But I have no idea what I'll appreciate listening to (or not, music wise) under intense situations, i.e: global warming, etc. The world won't end; life goes on. There currently appears to be an exponentially growing degree of world tension. It's just a matter of time I imagine until something big happens that shakes many people out of their self aborted shells. I recently read a big article talking about how New York City, the subways will be flooded in the near (potentially next 10 years) future as sea levels rise to compensate for global warming. Again, I have no idea what I'll be listening to, but Psy music often puts me in a more fearless state so I'll likely be listening to Psy music. Now I know that wasn't Lemmi's original question; it just got me thinking. That's all.

Yes. Happy New Years everybody. Rino, nice overview. Alright it's getting that time; the Best of 2008 thread is now up in the sub-forum at the top of the General Section. I recently came across an album called Hol Baumann - Human which is pretty impressive for downtempo. Check it out. Btw you can get it for less on amazon MP3. Hol Baumann - Human http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=7097

Classic Process (Hale-Bop) is excellent. I didn't realize how how well done it was until I let some time go by and listened to it again. Especially while driving at nighttime; it really sets the mood. I'd say it's one of the best non-remixed tracks here along with Pentagon. Unfortunately I never heard the original Antonomasia. So I can't compare it to the remix, though based on the remix here I'd probably enjoy the original. Of the more known remixes, I'd take Lunar Civilization (Pleiadians rmx) over Full Mental Jackpot (Etnica rmx II) without question. Both the original and the remix here of Lunar Civilization are strong, rare gems in Psytrance.

I'd give I.F.O. Maia, Aclyone, Elektra, and Asterope above and beyond Targeta, Merope, and Celeano. But I enjoy all tracks on I.F.O., including Celeano, though I favor it the least. The F.O.L. album should have been included in the poll IMO. Naturally, I voted I.F.O.

Eat Static - Back To Earth 2008 Tracklist 1 Tuned Mass Damper (5:56) 2 Pharaoh (5:38) 3 Lo-Ride Sloucher (6:39) 4 Flippity Flippity (5:23) 5 Epoch Calypso (5:58) 6 Holy Stone (8:10) 7 Pearl Of Wisdom (7:09) 8 Up Periscope (8:08) 9 Dune Rider (6:40) 10 Valley Of The Moon (7:02) 11 The Wreckage (6:56) I agree with much of what Abasio said. The Pharaoh track is interesting; it's gripping, great! Overall I found their previous De-Classified album more satisfying, fun to listen to. It would be awesome if they produced an album with a grander feel, with more tracks on the level of Pharaoh. This album makes the same mistake that the Juno Reactor - God's and Monsters album made earlier on in the year. It tries to be too many things all at once; it tries to have a track for almost everyone into Electronica. In doing so, I only like several tracks. However by general consensus, most people seem to agree that Pharaoh is great. So I hope their next album is amazing. Because this isn't a bad album but it's not up to Abduction and De-Classified either. While some tracks are pretty good, others don't sound like Eat Static's general style, but an ethnic influenced Shpongle to some degree. This group must include more super songs if they want to grab more buyers, especially in this world wide economy recession (call it what you want to) that we're in right now. That said, this isn't a bad release. There's some good/great work on it. Hopefully the next album is more grand and edgy (intense, adventurous, and comes out further ahead than this decent to fairly good release). Favorite tracks: 2, 3, 7, 8 B- Samples http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=7402

Trance 1;Ra;9th;Suntrip Records 2;Jikkenteki;Flights Of Infinity;Par-2 Productions 3;Crop Circles;Tetrahedron;DAT Records 4;VA;Sundrops;Suntrip Records 5;VA;Opus Iridium (Disk 1);Suntrip Records Chill 1;Hol Baumann;Human;Ultimae Records 2;Distant System;Spiral Empire;Celestial Dragon 3;Ott;Skylon;Twisted Records 4;VA;Opus Iridium (Disk 2);Suntrip Records 5;Entheogenic;Flight of the Urubus;Universal Symbiosis Records Honorable Psytrance mentions 6. O.O.O.D.;Fourthought;Phar Psyde Records 7. Electrypnose;Funked Up;Digital Psionics 8. Amithaba Buddha;Goa Gate;Phototropic Records 9. Cybernetica;Nanospheric;Unreleased 10. Talpa;When the somberness becomes a game;Sundance Records These threads are great. I become aware of other great stuff I missed. :drama: The new OOOD - Fourthought album is really worth checking out. See my full review here, towards the bottom of page 1. http://www.psynews.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=54100 The new Electrypnose - Funked Up is great(!), and my favorite album by the artist since Subliminal Melancholies. Tasty recommendation! http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=7541 Hol Baumann - Human is really worth checking out too in downtempo. Thanks for the recommendations! Samples below http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=7097 BEST 2008 GOA/PSY ALBUM IMHO RA - 9TH Samples = http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=7266

I just found out about this today. For psychedelic ambient it sure is interesting. I'm generally more a beat kind of guy with appreciation of ambient moments, tracks (Aes Dana, Asura, Distant Systems). But I can see how one can get lost deeply into a world like this one. Good quality samples http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=7135

This is a capturing release, with a strong track variety, from ambient to down/mid-tempo and more. This album deserves the high volume of comments, praise, though not all of the comments here are reviews. I can actually say, many months later and after hearing this album around a dozen-plus times that this is easily one of the best albums of 2008. Furthermore I like it better than previous Aes Dana albums. Though I want to add that certain parts are very emotive which is awesome, such as the first 2:40 in Astromech Starport I'd love to hear stronger, emotive elements invested, further developed into the track as the beat picks up at times. That said, the atmosphere and attention to not just melody/sound work but beat and bass line as well is impressive. The artist keeps things interesting throughout. However I do feel that certain songs, such as Astropolis and Light Echoes could have done more to maintain a tighter grip on my consciousness as these songs progress. Fortunately the artist creates some great, stand out numbers on Equidistant, Gravitational Vortices, Outer Rim, and even the short 3:33 ambient gem Cloud Nebula. I love the first two or so minutes on Astromech Starport. The beat is great too, and the song as it progresses. On the other hand, Outer Rim starts strong, gains strength as the song progresses via uptempo speed. Outer Rim has many great; however the song gets somewhat repetitive past the 5-6 minute area. Those into Asura and space/ambient mid-tempo and Chill Solar Fields meets Asura in concept (though in a completely new style) will likely enjoy Distant System - Spiral Empire very much. Is it possible that this album was released in 2007 and didn't appear on various online sites until the beginning of 2008? My inside flip via CD cover says 2007.

CALIFORNIA SUNSHINE - NASHA PHONOKOL RECORDS 1998 Track listing: 01. 10'28" Other Line - A 02. 08'05" Last Feeling - B+ 03. 08'09" Never Stop - B+ 04. 08'51" X-Wave - B+ 05. 07'13" Jajo - A- 06. 07'41" Tokyo Underground - B+ 07. 07'27" Red Line - A- 08. 07'47" Born Again - A 09. 08'27" Rain - B+ / A- I love the artist's style and sound on this album. I completely agree with those who've given this high scores and praise. The sound is heavenly, very ethereal, floating, emotive, gripping and surreal and/or hypnotic at times. I love that. Only track I personally don't care for (but I'm not saying it's average or below) is X-Wave, though the Radio-esque effects are cool. I find it too repetitive regardless of it's cool, echoing melody that many people seem to like. But it's still a cool, atmospheric track and all other songs I like/love. This is a super album regardless and the best album by California Sunshine to date. I will be amazed if this artist breaks out with a wonderful, new Psy/Goa album some day over the coming years. Anything is possible. Other Line and Born Again are unquestionably my highest favorites here. I love these two tracks. But all of them are strong, none are below good. This is IMO CS's best release of them all. Awesome cover too! But that's a cool bonus. Nasha is a classic. Favorite tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 A-