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Artist: Various Title: Christiania Selection Label: Iono Music Date: December, 2011 1. I got to - TIME IN MOTION AND FLEXUS 2. Sexofrenic - XSHADE 3. Offbeat Meeting - LIQUID SPACE 4. Red Zone - SONIC SENSE VS TIME IN MOTION 5. Atlantic Spirit - STATIC MOVEMENT VS IMPACT 6. Maximum Overdrive - ACE VENTURA 7. Keep Walking - INFINITY 8. The last Jedi - MOTION DRIVE 9. Cometic - YOTOPIA When you're the king, you run sh*t. Nobody at the ad agency thought this might be a little creepy? Ghetto crown...you know they give away free crowns at Mr. The King up there. King of Christiania That's just the way it is. Iono has long been providing hungry trancers like me with quality progressive for years. Their style is melodic layers and danceable rhythms. Wide open and massive. Which brings me to this release dedicated the ahem...state of Christiania in Copenhagen, Denmark. So let me get this straight. The homeless hopped a fence of an abandoned military facility and claimed dibs. They decided to start a society from scratch on land they didn't own? And the government was ok with this and let it happen? F*ck let me run down to the local YMCA and plant a flag and say that it's now called big titty town and only girls with big titties are allowed. Think they won't come? Well then like Christiania we'll legalize marijuana and the chicks will beat down my door. But no hard drugs you degenerates. Take that sh*t to Philly. Ever been there? What a f*cking cesspool. Go south on Broad St...it's like District 9 at that point. SO now all the hippies, homeless, artists, immigrants, and drug pushers live in the area. Sounds lovely. Of course the most famous part is Pusher Street where the weed trade thrives openly and they have had issues with violence. Go figure. They have their own businesses and even their own flag (album cover...red background and three yellow dots to signify the dots above the three i's. Apparently when they took over there was a lot of red and yellow paint lying around.) If nothing else it is a very interesting story. Sexofrenic- A quick trip to the smartest guy I know (Google) and I discovered that sexophrenic means: "An individual suffering from a sexual disorder involving several naughty personalities with insatiable libidos and absolutely no shame.” What the f*ck just happened? I remember looking up the definition of sexophrenic and then next thing I know my computer is full of porn and the track is on it's fifteenth play. Thank God I wasn't near any water. Yeah, f*ck you Pinnochio, I'm not fallin' for it. Yes, yes...I've heard it a million times...you've got wood. Never gets old. This is a grower. It's got lots of effects and moves along so smoothly you would swear it was in slow motion. Damn if this track doesn't make time stop. Offbeat Meeting- I recently reviewed his Looking Forward EP and thought it was all right. Nothing special. Now this track changes direction very early on and I like it way better than that EP. Very full sounding with lots of echoing sounds and then he gets busy with the 303. Any time you do that you have my undivided attention. Red Zone- Love this track because every space is filled with sound. It slinks around corners with short ethereal melodies that evaporate like steam. I was gonna say smoke, but weed smoke hangs around so long you could get high the day after. Not showy or powerful, just...mellow. Atlantic Spirit- These two may just have the track of the compilation. It's full of echoing sounds, spiritual vocals, and layers that go together like peanut butter and jelly. Cloud busting atmosphere and melodies that cannot help but put a smile on your face. Well done! Oftentimes a young jedi's training is filled with...missteps. Maximum Overdrive- Yoni wields the 303 like he's E-Mantra. And while I liked that bit, I felt the track was a bit unfocused. Stops and starts and too much time with not a lot going on. Keep Walking- "It's time for a commercial break." You really want me to sh*t all over this track don't you? Nikos Karamalakis from Greece seems to have made a good track with effects and lead stabs, but for some reason he put cheesy vocal samples in it. Check the ladies? Ugh. Musically it has some giddy up in its step with twisted bass sounds, but the break is my favorite part with its twinkling sounds and fat pads. Makes up for the gouda. The Last Jedi- "So this is the last of the Jedi." These are not the Happy Meals you're looking for.... Philip Guillaume from Switzerland produced a pretty good album with 2010's In The Dirt and on comps he's had a pretty good track record with me. He makes another track that makes you wonder where the time went. It's a bouncer with good effects and several layers. Good one. Cometic- Israeli duo Tomer Dayan and Yonatan Rimon close things out with a nice underground funker bigger than all outside. The light percussion has a bit of a jiggle and Lord knows I loves me some jiggle "Hi there, my name's Mike, wanna get a cup of coffee?" The melodies soar like they have jetpacks as the track bounces playfully along. Just a smooth way to bring the journey to a close. So another Iono compilation that doesn't disappoint. After the first track I thought it would be like Chinese food. Sure it's filling now, but you know you're gonna be hungry again in 20 minutes. But true to form they continued to make progressive trance with huge breaks and wide open atmospheres. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to get some lunch at my favorite spot. Try the dumplings! Psyshop Beatspace Saikosounds GoaStore Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Freaky Forest Label: Troll N' Roll Records Date: December, 2011 01 - Total - Freaky Forest 2004 (144 BPM) 02 - Trance-Ingvars - All The Answers (146 BPM) 03 - Toxic Anger Syndrome - Trollskogen (149 BPM) 04 - Gubbology - Monster Quest (147 BPM) 05 - Aremakki - Cream Delivery (140 BPM) 06 - Oliveira - Wednesdays (147 BPM) 07 - RotSystem - Uven (146 BPM) 08 - Katastrof - Oiije (144 BPM) 09 - SEKT - Sleten Horunge (163 BPM) 10 - Varanta - Mystical Temple (148 BPM) This is the debut release from this Swedish label with nothing but Swedish artists. The cover is pretty cool. 4 fat trolls with f*cked up hairstyles and huge noses sit around an old Gandalf type while the ghost of Kenny G serenades them in the background. All in nuclear waste green. What the hell did I just walk into? Freaky Forest 2004- What the f*ck is this? Really, what the f*ck? Over 3 minutes of Buddhist chanting with tribal beats before the lead becomes even more twisted than Dee Snider. You don't know who that is do you? Sigh. He was a member of a hard rock band named Twisted Sister that had a flair for the theatric back in the 80s and now he is a goofy parody of himself. Can't believe parents were afraid of this clown. He looks ridiculous. Different time I guess. This undergoes a lot of changes and it has to at over 12 minutes, but it sounds less forest and more experimental to me. If it was made 7 years ago I can cut the guy a break. All the Answers- This leaves me with more questions than answers. When the ritualistic tribal percussion comes in I'm on board though. Hallucinatory synths rise and fall in the firelight like a record being played at the wrong speed. I know this was made by Swedes, but it's random enough to stray into Suomi territory. It's interesting, but at this point it's just a collection of sounds. While I like the funkiness of the guitar riff, it's not what I'm looking for in my forest. Trollskogen- Not to sound like a loud mouth American, but the Swedish language here sounds like something Adam Sandler made up. I realize I probably just offended and entire nation and for that I apologize. What are you laughing at Norway? Have you heard yourselves? More weirdness with bass line changes and goofy laughs. But unlike a lot of normal music that doesn't stay with me, I will be repeating Trollskogen over and over while my wife looks at me like I just smeared poop on the wall. This is weird. Bizarre. Do the "normal" forest creatures look over here and say, "Whoa...don't go over there. Those motherf*ckers are sick." Monster Quest- "The only way out of here is to try one of these doors." Got news for you they all lead to kooky town. It's almost comical, like it's making fun of itself. But damnit I kind of like it. Random sounds pitched up and down, wobbling synths, and a lot of changes which I think is cool. Think of a friend that would put you at ease, but instead he's a schizophrenic. Cream Delivery- "I'm a delivery man and I have some cream for you. Let us f*ck!" No he didn't just sample from Zack and Miri make a porno. It's so corny its awesome! Cool break beat intro and great use of the panning effect as a synth moves from side to side. This is a type of forest trance that I'm not used to. It's not dark, but it's odd enough to make you want to keep your distance from these people. I mean really, forest porn? "You want your cream now?" Wednesdays- "I'm sorry we seem to be having some technical difficulties." Who farted? It's a chunky lead with some goa atmosphere in the background. The most musical track yet and it doesn't rest for a second. Not as weird as the other tracks and that percussive hit had me looking all over the house to see who was banging on my door. Not bad. Uven- The weirdness and chaotic randomness is beginning to tire me out. Creature mumblings give way to cyber breakdowns and then it's off to the races again. Only you're going the wrong way dude! That's cool though, it's different. So many twists and turns, it's tough to follow them all. Like I mentioned, you won't be scared in this forest, but you will be pissed off because you can't get out of this b*tch! Oiije- You know what that is? I don't f*cking know either, but to me this is a representation of this track. Monkey, car, window, Darth Vader... Just tack a whole bunch of sh*t together and call it Voltron. Sleten Horunge- You know what this is? It's hyper mosh pit trance. It's Marge Simpson on speed. Metallic and squelchy sounds bubble over a bass line that obeys zero speed limits. Imagine watching a slasher film at double speed. Pretty funny actually. . "A little LSD is all I need." Mystic Temple- This is about as downtempo as it's gonna get. Piano and a hopeful melody? What the f*ck kind of forest is this? When did Yanni get here? A saxophone too? No, no...take your damn sitar and shove it. It's too late. Then the Doors show up with a hammond organ and pound out a gospel tune? When did this become and open mic jam session. Ain't nothin' mystic about this temple. Ok, first off this is not your typical forest compilation. When I think forest I think layers of intense music designed to scare and disorient you. Stories of old to be told where the acid sticks on you like thick carpets of green moss. This is not that. Nope, this is a bunch of phrases strung together that are both quirky and weird. At no time are you afraid of the denizens of this forest. You want to avoid them in the same way you avoid the homeless. Not because they are a threat, but because they make you uncomfortable. It has moments where it's enjoyable, but mostly it's so disjointed that I didn't want to bother with it. So do what I did. I threw 'em a few sheckles and my pastrami on rye and got the hell outta there. Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Koan Title: Circe's Touch Remixes Vol. 1 Label: Section Records Date: December, 2011 1. Circe's Touch (Original) 2. Circe's Touch (Asura Remix) 3. Circe's Touch (Krusseldorf Remix) Koan is a Russian duo who have been at the forefront of chill-out music. Have you been to their Discogs page? Take a look over there and see how many releases they have. Plenty to explore. Which lead me to this digital ep. You get the original of course which is tear jerkingly beautiful and full of emotion. Heavyweight Asura lends a remix and the beauty continues. By far the most interesting was the deep and warm bass heavy version by Krusseldorf. Eerie and delightful at the same time. I was hoping to get most of their albums from their Bandcamp page, but only a few are listed. Had to go to Beatport. Check it out. Beatport

Artist: Logic Bomb Title: The Grid Label: TIP.World Date: December, 2011 1. Checksum 2. Kalibrator 3. Bitter Hitter 4. Sinister Science 5. Sonic Algebra (High Octane Remix) 6. The Grid 7. 4th Dimension 8. Knorrar 9. Frontline MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! I hope everyone had a happy holiday season. I know I did. There is nothing like watching your 2 year old son tear into some wrapping paper to get his gift and then play with his toys for hours. Yeah, I loved Christmas as a kid, but this was 10 times better. But let's not lose sight of the reason for the season. A new Logic Bomb album. Did you like Sonic Algebra? F*ck yeah, damn near only algebra I did like. Has it really been 4 years? Wow. You're old. This is now a duo Johan Krafft and Jonas Pettersson from Sweden who have quite the history in this genre. At it for over a decade, they haven't lost any steam. When most old schoolers come back the results can be, how can I say this politely...disappointing. As I've mentioned before when dealing with this, it is a no win situation for them. Stay true to your roots and people will say you haven't grown or evolved a lick...try something new and you've turned your back on what made you great. And for them to release on TIP Records? Only possibly the greatest label ever in the history of goa trance which I'm sure you could argue. So do they still have it? I mean, Sweden already has beautiful forests, that chef from the muppets, Henrik Lundqvist, hot chicks, the bikini team...No, you know what...f*ck you Logic Bomb. F*ck you. How dare you have so much. Well guess what...they just took it to another level. Checksum- This is a psy-progressive monster that shimmers and shines. Deep beats and warm melodies. It says, here I am...love me. Kalibrator- What began as the smallest snowflake falling from the grey sky soon became the reason your insurance is so high. Ooohhhh...did that just happen? It says no parking during daylight hours dipsh*t. Now however is little Stevie gonna get to badminton practice? The track is full of groove and bursting at the seams with sounds. Steam is picked up as it bumps along, bouncing and bubbling with sharp echoes and thumping percussion. Like a truck that starts slowly, but get the f*ck out of the way when it hits gear 4. Bitter Hitter- "I want you to lie back with the eyeshade on and the headphones...and let the music carry you now." Sparkling synths mask the evil intent as this tumbles forward. Soft tones tap out an outer space melody as the momentum builds. Man it sounds great, who did the mastering Jesus? Once the break hits, these guys prove they haven't lost the goa touch as layers coalesce in a spiraling array. Pretty heavy, hey dude? "Girls back in 45 minutes or Milt cuts your balls off." If you know this movie you're an old f*ck just like me. They don't make 'em like this no more. Sinister Science- Of course they can do full-on. Why would you ask me that? It has nice bass sweeps and a big melody with cool effects so it's not your everyday generic piece of crap. But it's a long track, so did you think they were going to leave it at that? Seriously, you did didn't you? Somehow it morphs into a new direction that takes it's time. So subtle I didn't even realize it. We got storytellers here Marge...storytellers. Not bad at all. Sonic Algebra (high octane remix)- This was my favorite track on their last album so I'm curious to see what they can do to improve on something so good. Ever see one of those supermarket sweeps where you tray and fit as much sh*t into your cart before time runs out? It's like that. Shimmering waves of sound reflect off the ocean and I think I just tripped over a dirty hippie. Fluttering effects, descriptive breaks, and dark melodies provide a gateway into their past lives, as this brings the dark smackdown in a powerful eruption. Bravo gentlemen. The Grid- "I try to picture clusters of information as they move through the computer..where the circuits are like freeways. I kept dreaming of a world I would never see. Then, one day..." Oscillate. Vibrate. Try not to hate. Masturbate. That how it goes? Another full-on track, but they way these guys tell a story it is totally inviting. Not just straight ahead, but taking different approaches with a beautiful melody that is epic in nature. What began as dark transformed into light. And then once you get nice and comfy in your "put everything in its box" snuggie they light that b*tch on fire. With your grandma in it. Poor f*cking dog. I hope he sh*ts on your blanket. 4th Dimension- Oh f*ck there's a 4th dimension now. I just got a 3D TV, you think Best Buy is gonna take that back? Yeah, me neither. As they like to do they pepper you with effects. The layered melody is like a staircase of sound, so fluid yet stable. It's epic trance massive but with Logic Bomb subtleties that showcase their ability to do it a little bit differently. Ahhh, but what was just so sunny and jovial a few seconds ago just pissed all over your outdoor festival as the dark clouds begin to roll in. Nice work. Very nice. Knorrar- "As usual this recording will decompose one minute after the breaking of the seal." Can anyone use better samples and set the mood better than these guys? Anyone? Me likey the undulating tones plunging me into the darkness. More outer space samples as the moelody kicks a hippie with a 604 tatoo. This is how you do dark goa, smooth and with patience. There's more changing of melodies than you can shake a stick at and just like my son's diaper they keep it dark. Nah, just kidding. He's getting good at the whole potty thing. To maintain the vibe with so many changes is a true talent indeed. This track gang rapes all other tracks in the universe...and then makes them toss its salad. Sorry, been watching way too much Lockup. Frontline- Their melodies are so outer space and the sounds they use are spectacular. This one gurgles, making sure all their ducks are in a row. Fullness, the likes of which haven't been seen since Thanksgiving dinner echo in the form of synths and effects across distant nebulae. Warm and inviting this track goes down easier than your sister when I took her to McDonalds. Really? You don't have 4 bucks for a combo meal? What a journey. The guys have still got it. Layers upon layers with ever changing focus. There is no opportunity to become bored with this. The mood can shift from bright to dark and back again all in the same track. As I mentioned their sound is fluid and very ear filling with great melodies and sample use. Normally I think the guys (or girls...girls can be stupid too) who write promos are on a glue sniffing binge, but they may be on to something here. Best album of the year? Maybe. http://www.psyshop.c.../tip1cd907.html http://www.beatspace...rid/detail.aspx http://www.saikosoun...ase.asp?id=8941 http://www.goastore....roducts_id=4721 Mdk

Artist: Shantifax Title: Delete Automation Label: SarnarSchourt Records Date: December, 2011 01 - Formatio Reticularis (122 BPM) 02 - Hushushush (85 BPM) 03 - One Thing (95 BPM) 04 - Ancient Fields (feat. Irrsinn) (118 BPM) 05 - Desert Trip (feat. Tommy Mirror) (120 BPM) 06 - Aquarius (138 BPM) 07 - Grau N (137 BPM) 08 - Out Is In (90 BPM) Although I wasn't personally a fan of his second album, his debut speaks to me. It's very creative, floating amongst genres like a butterfly. So much so that it is difficult to properly pin down just where it belongs in the electronic music spectrum. Which I'm sure is just the way he wants it. Tracks may begin as a downtempo excursion, but then promptly jump into a more uptempo jaunt, only to return to a slower feel. The percussion really grabs with tablas and changing rhythms. Very imaginative where no track sounds the same as they evolve. There are a lot of twists and turns yet it doesn't sound like disjointed musical phrases thrown together in a patchwork fashion. Just when you think you've wrapped your head around where he's going, BAM...he switches course. He even goes a little dark with Ancient Fields. Lots of didn't see that coming moments. Recommended for those that want something a little different. Free At Ektoplazm

Artist: Various Title: Exploration of Space and Time Label: Dimensional Records Date: December, 2011 CD1: 1. Ekoplex – Close Your Eyes (6:17) 2. Jikooha – Eternal Dreams ( 8:53) 3. Cosmic Silence – Cosmogenesis 2012 (Jikooha Remix) (8:22) 4. PequalNP – Reimann Hypothesis (8:12) 5. Laughing Skull – Dry Bones Vision (8:27) 6. Psychomental – Transmitter (9:10) 7. Enichkin – Easy (7:40) 8. Lexx_Resident – Time Travel (10:31) 9. Crossing Mind – Optronic Circles (8:14) CD2: 1. Enichkin – Blugdayushiv Zyuk (6:50) 2. Ekoplex – Forest Shaman (edit) (6:50) 3. Electrypnose – Where Is The Exit (8:24) 4. Sinhafazatron – Crysys (6:30) 5. Electrypnose – Until You Get There (7:02) 6. Enichkin – Is A (7:07) 7. Lexx_Resident– All The Answers In One Question (9:34) 8. Moodsyne – Synchrotron (7:41) 9. Laughing Skull – Fear & Laugh (8:24) 10. Overdream – Cloud Of Sound (8:03) "I closed my eyes. The moment I did...the whispering became a cloud of sound." Dimensional Records is a Belgian label that released some really good albums such as GoAsia's Dancing With The Blue Spirit, Liquid Flow's Presence, as well as Terrestrial Planet Finder by the Space Elves. This was an ambitious double CD (actually it could be called a 3CD compilation as the chill part of the story was released at a later date to save on shipping costs) that puts several subgenres together. I wanted to write a review, but I'm also feeling a little lazy so I'll write a short blurb about each track. Close Your Eyes- A good head nodding opener in a break beat style. Eternal Dreams- I believe I have just listened to the cheesiest Jikooha track ever. Cosmogenesis (Jikooha Remix)- And now I have heard the 2nd cheesiest Jikooha track. Oof Oof music. Riemann Hypothesis- I hate to say they peaked really early, but this is the track of the compilation. Storming goa trance that obliterates everything. Dry Bones Vision- This is another goa trance track that races across the horizon. Searingly hot. Transmitter- Dark and chunky full of Braincell-esque goodness. Easy- Perhaps if it wasn't so easy he could've made a better track. I'm no artist, but I'm pretty sure you're supposed to finish it before you submit your work. This won't be the last disappointment from this project. Time Travel- This is a tale of two tracks. The lead in the 2nd half is awesome, but it seemed to take forever to get there. Don't give up though. It's worth it. Optronic Circles- Just like E-mantra has a recognizable sound so does this titan of the genre. This track was on his last album Inner Shift, but I'm guessing this is the original version. Wonderful mid-tempo goa trance. On to the second disc and some night time action. Blugdayushiv Zyuk- You got one more time buddy. Forest Shaman (edit)- I'm a fan of his work, but this wasn't one of his best efforts. Not bad, but not great. Where Is The Exit- The sultan of strange concocts a dark and chunky track headed the wrong way down a one way street. Sinful and full of evil thoughts. Crysys- Tastes like filler. Until You Get There- The emperor of eerie (I'll stop) with a less aggressive track yet still unsettling. He's got a knack for atmosphere, always has. Is A- And strike three you're out. Yeah I said it. Maybe his style is supposed to be like this. Bore trance. All The Answers In One Question- Dark and spooky it begins with a twisted minimal vibe and eventually becomes thicker. Not bad. Synchrotron- This is the best non-goa track here. Period. Love the brooding night time stuff that reminds me of what Azax used to be capable of. Holy sh*t this is bad ass. Fear and Laugh- Nitzho kick with twilight? Meh, it had its moments. Cloud of Sound- Annnnnnnnd...we go out with nothing special. Let's see. If I had to sum up this compilation in one sentence...No I know I don't have to, but weren't you listening? I'm lazy. This is a good compilation that offers some quality tracks in the goa and psytrance arena, but would be great if there was more PequalNP, Electrypnose and Moodsyne with significantly less Enichkin. Psyshop Beatspace GoaStore Beatport Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Spectral Circuitry Label: Ektoplazm Date: December, 2011 01 - Xamanist - Restart (140 BPM) 02 - Magic & Witchcraft - Erotic Nightmares (139 BPM) 03 - Ekoplex - Elewa (143 BPM) 04 - ManMadeMan - Technoid Energized (142 BPM) 05 - EvsY - Headbanger’s Wall (145 BPM) 06 - Planewalker - Sine Qua Non (143 BPM) 07 - Rigel - Crying God (145 BPM) 08 - Amygdala - Wintermute (140 BPM) 09 - Sound Field - Technological Terror (Jikkenteki Remix) (138 BPM) 10 - Phobium - No Longer Current (90 BPM) "I am insane...and you're my insanity." This is the 2nd compilation released by the Ektoplazm label, the first being Organic Circuitry back in 2008. You've got your Ekto regulars as well as a few newcomers. Couple things... One, Ektoplazm does a great service for the psychedelic community in releasing tons of free, legal, quality music. I think we can all agree that the scene would surely suffer without his efforts. Second, this is a pretty interesting compilation. There are a multitude of styles which should appeal to many listeners. And I think that's it's strength and weakness. While the tracks were entertaining none of them were outstanding or particularly memorable. Personally I found the first four tracks rather unremarkable and it kind of put me off listening to this compilation. It was mentioned that the album would start with "humble beginnings", but just couldn't get into it, you know? The sound quality however is excellent as usual. Amygdala and Phobium were my favorites. That said, it's still not bad and I'm glad I gave it a listen. Free At Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Scorb Title: Reanimated Vol. 1 EP Label: Trick Music Date: December, 2011 1. Mutoid (Reanimated Rmx) 2. 13.5 Hours (Reanimated Rmx) Scorb (Yod Onsen) has always been a bit of a mixed bag for me. Never really got into his early stuff although now when I go back and listen to his first album, I can really appreciate how ahead of his time he was. I love the direction his music has taken lately with releases like Abre Macabre. His music wasn't always that melodic, but instead focused on evolving and twisting textures. Weird sounds and samples...like an alien drive thru safari. Trick Music is celebrating it's 10th release as well as 10 years of Scorby goodness. These two tracks were around before I got into psytrance so I had to go back and listen to what they were all about. Mutoid (Reanimated Rmx)- I didn't have the original but I was able to hear the extended version on his first album. Full of bass sounds, guitar stabs, alien squelches, and cartoon effects. This remix takes what was a rambling track and focuses it with more power. Still twisted but not much added. Not bad. 13.5 Hours (Reanimated Rmx)- The original had a futuristic feel with the dark scratchyness that sounds good today. Totally fits the alien cover. You can't really be scared of something with an eye that big, right? But then you see the way it moves with iit's arachnoid legs and I'm starting to rethink that. There aren't many differences here. Still got the MDMA vocal, the same sounds...If anything it just sounds more...what's the word...polished. So here's my thing. If you're going to remix a track (especially one of your own) it has to be different. Has to. A change in tempo or the addition of effects does not a remix make. So from that standpoint this EP is a total fail. If I wanted to hear the originals, I would listen to the originals. Be that as it may, it shined a light on a couple of tracks that I hadn't given much attention to. And those tracks were pretty good. So if you're debating whether to purchase this ask yourself if you already have these tracks on your hard drive. Cause the differences are slight. Beatport Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Sideform - Web of Life Remixes Label: TesseracT Studio Date: December, 2011 1. Web of Life (Float Remix) 2. Web of Life (Original) 3. Web of Life (Relativ Remix) 4. Web of Life (Flegma Remix) 5. Web of Life (Lyctum Remix) 6. Web of Life (Ovnimoon Remix) NSFW Image Ok maybe that's a little too far. But...you did f*ck up though...right? Do you even know what the word remix means? Galloping bass line or machine gun bass line it's the same.fucking.track. It's disposable...you chew it up and spit it out ready to devour the next clone. I realize that the artists doing the remixing are progressive artists, but show a little backbone and think outside the 4/4 box. The tracks themselves are good progressive tunes (Flegma and Ovnimoon especially so), but it sounds like they just rearranged the order of the patches on their software. That is the definition of samey. And when you string together 6 tracks that all sound the same I'm staking out my position on that clock tower and taking aim. Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic didn't save anybody. Beatport Mdk

Artist: HelixNeubla Title: Trip To Infinity Label: Gliese 581C Date: December, 2011 01 - HelixNebula - Off The Ground (148 BPM) 02 - HelixNebula - Diving In Positive Energy (145 BPM) 03 - HelixNebula - Trip To Infinity (142 BPM) 04 - HelixNebula - Through Space, Through Time... (147 BPM) 05 - HelixNebula - Beyond Boundaries Of Human Imagination (145 BPM) 06 - HelixNebula - Helix Nebula (140 BPM) 07 - HelixNebula - Silicon Galaxy (145 BPM) 08 - HelixNebula - Dancing World (148 BPM) 09 - MentalImage - Mental Spores (115 BPM) "I hardly need to sleep anymore, I feel wonderful! It's like a drug, but a perfectly pure and benign drug!" Coffee. He's talking about coffee. Or ex. Maybe it's, no definitely ex. This is the rush I get when I watch women's tennis. That's not really true. I only watch it for the booty shorts and Serena's boobs. Don't judge me. I'm watching Serena play this chick from Kaz...Kazak...uz beki beki stan and she's ripping this poor chick apart like that pic of the baby obliterating a smurf. Look it up. It wasn't even close. I think she had 4 serves in a row where the chick didn't even make contact. Throw in the fact that if you compare physiques it's like Kate Moss vs. a linebacker and you've got a bona fide disaster movie in the making. Which leads me to one inexorable conclusion. I'm terrified of Serena Williams. HelixNebula is Russian Stanislav Tiptsov and you may be aware of his other project MentalImage (also one that doesn't believe in the use of the space bar). I downloaded this because Basilisk put Goa in the description. This is full on all the way. It's not bad, but I no longer have any patience for this type of music. It's very melodic so he scores points there. Especially at one in the morning. Most of it is competent full on except Silicon Galaxy which is truly an insult to horrible. Bright spot? The final track is a pretty good bit of psy business under his other alias. And holy sh*t did he use the Astral Projection spice sample? Yes he did. Dude. These days it's easy to pick on Astal and Lord knows I've done my fair share, but where the hell is your sample etiquette? This is his take on the Astral classic and it would fit in with the stuff on Ten. Remember what an unholy sacrilege that was? Many a virgin had to be sacrificed to atone for that blasphemy let me tell you. So if you like melodic full on then this is for you. Not for me. I have to build a bomb shelter capable of withstanding a level 5 Serena home invasion. Free at Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Lamat Title: V Label: Morphonic Records Date: December, 2011 1. Predators LAMAT AND HAN SOLO 2. Perfect System (The Legacy) LAMAT 3. Cartell me about it (FFT rmx) LAMAT AND DSP 4. Remastered Controller LAMAT AND HAN SOLO 5. New Technologies LAMAT AND HAN SOLO 6. Mind Control Neuro Transmitor LAMAT AND HAN SOLO 7. The Resistance LAMAT AND ASTROMOVIL 8. Magnetic LAMAT AND INFERENCE Who's ready for some full on? Please? Not even for a twinkie? C'mon everyone, we can do this. Maybe. Lamat is Marcos A. Sánchez from Mexico and I'll tell you that his debut Master Control is still one of my favorite full-on albums. Chock full of melodies and pumping beats it was on my playlist for many months. Then I kinda lost track of what he was doing, but now I want to see if he still brings the heat. On this his fifth album most of the tracks he works with other artists. What I will tell you, is that it is full-on to the bone with tons of sci-fi movie samples. With the exception of the last track they all seem to be in the 145 bpm range which makes it hard to find differences in the tracks. This would've sounded great 6 or so years ago, but now it seems full of cheese. And some samples... "You're gonna have to show me what to do. What's your favorite number? Mine's 69. Would you like me to show you?" It's sh*t like this that makes me cringe. Hearing people say corny things during sex is not what I want to listen to. And I didn't even include the whole sample. F*cking horrible. Know who likes that? Immature high school kids or men that won't grow up. So while everyone matures it seems that Marcos has not and psytrance has passed him by. We've all had that friend who lives in the past doing the stuff we thought was funny back in the day. Only now it's not funny. It's sad. "Oh, the humanity!" Someone tell Marcos that his career just went down over New Jersey. Psyshop Beatspace Goastore Mdk

Artist: Radioactive.Cake Title: Subatomic Disco Label: Glitchy.Tonic.Records. Date: December, 2011 1 Geist (Intro) 2 Hemispherical Conflict (138 BPM) 3 Bending Rodriguez (137 BPM) 4 Dawn (137 BPM) 5 Harsh Softness (138 BPM) 6 Pure Progression (137 BPM) 7 Reality #26 (135 BPM) 8 The Dude Abides (137 BPM) 9 Onionbrain - Desert Song (Radioactive.Cake Remix) (135 BPM) "All I know is that this is different." I like cake. Who doesn't like cake? This is Robert Hundt founder of the label with I believe his 2nd release. So what's he got baking? A heaping teaspoon of darkness that's what. Imagine celebrating a funeral...with cake. There are elements of darkpsy, minimal, forest, progressive, and glitch that will sit in your stomach like a rock. Heavy effects swirl amidst basses that seem impossibly low. He seems skilled at putting sounds together that wouldn't normally gel, but it adds to the creepiness. The atmosphere is thick with with dread as the beats pulsate, leaving sonic waves in their wake. Melodies? Maybe as an afterthought. Go dig up some Vibe Tribe if you're scared. It's super trippy and very well produced sounding great on headphones. Immersing yourself in the music...like trying to dig out of your own grave. There is some filler there and some songs seem to drag on for way too long so it can be heavy to get through. I liked the 2nd half better than the first as I found it deeper with a more storytelling vibe. When you're tired of the same old stuff this is a welcome change of pace. Ever look at something dark and slimy and wonder what the f*ck it is? This is it. Second helping? You bet. Just remember to save room for cake. Free at Ektoplazm! Mdk

Artist: Lyctum Title: Cassiopeia EP Label: Headroom Productions Date: December, 2011 1. Cassiopeia 2. Celebration 3. Digital Culture I'm gonna have to buy this guys album. This is the 3rd EP I've heard from Dejan Jovanovic and like all the others he displays a talent for progressive trance. Well, I suppose it depends on the type of progressive you like, but for me his music is spacious and rippled with depth. As I've mentioned before there is a mystical quality to his productions as if he's having dinner with a deity and instead of writing down what this deity says, he puts it to music. Melodies are grand (as if he were the AP of progressive trance) and the breaks are lush. If there was one drawback maybe it could be that he seems to be married to the galloping bass line, but when the other ingredients are this good that's a minor quip. Recommended. Beatport Mdk

Artist: Wanderlust Title: Two Epoches, Before...and After Label: UAF Date: December, 2011 01 - Greek Kochairi 02 - Gusi-Lebedi 03 - Poltergeist 04 - Shelaho 05 - Whirlwinds 06 - Manager's Syndrome 07 - Tales Of Power 08 - Decameron 09 - Loki I'd be very, very careful who you talk to about that, because the person who wrote that is very dangerous." An Indian Terminator? Where the hell was this version?!? Suck it Arnold...you've been outdone. This is a free release from Imba over at UAF and while he has released a bunch of great stuff this ain't one of them. I like the Middle Eastern or Indian vibe in my goa trance as much as I like chocolate in my peanut butter. But this is reeeeealllly ethnic sounding. Think dude in a turban playing a shanai on the street trying to make a cobra come out of a basket. The leads annoyed the crap out of me just like Indian music does. Simple melodies and very repetitive. It had it's weird moments too. Like the medieval melody in Wirlwind? Interesting. Compared to a lot of stuff out there it sounds very amateurish. By the way... We got this forum up to 300 topics!!!! Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Mindblaster Title: The Collapse EP Label: Pyrethrum Records Date: December, 2011 1. The Fall of Empire 2. Other Worlds 3. Disorder I've neglected the releases from our friend over at Ektoplasm lately so since he performs a vital service for our community I thought I would put a few of his offerings under the microscope. Mindblaster is Ukrainian Andriy Tykhonov and I was quite impressed with this 3 track EP. It's powerful with punchy bass and orchestral touches that are very evident during the breaks. The atmosphere is dark (looking at the track titles will tell you that) and the melodies will have you thinking of warring clans from the dark ages. Some spots were a little sparse and maybe went on a little long, but there is most assuredly talent here. My favorite was Disorder with its swagger had me be-bopping all over the place. Recommended. Free at Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Doruk Title: Astral Colours Label: Ezel-Ebed Records Date: December, 2011 1. Alien In My Room (intro) 2. UFO 3. Astral Colours 4. Space Journey 5. Core Of The Universe 6. No Gravity 7. Astrophysics 8. Eyes Of The Moon 9. You Are Not Perfect Always on board for new goa trance I came across this a bit ago. It's a digital download and oddly enough the only place I could find it was on Beatspace. These are tracks made by Doruk in the years 2005-2008 packaged into a nice space themed album. Alien In My Room (Intro)- We begin with a brief intro that sounds like aliens are doing a sweep of this guys room with some superior sensor technology. Ignoring the semen stained sheets and the leftover hamburger helper left in the corner they come to realize they might not need back up. UFO- "What is that...smell?" 8. 8 times that sample was used. And that's just the whole sample. I'm not counting the times where he just said "what" or "smell". 8 times. I like masturbating, but I don't think I could squeeze out that many knuckle children during one track. Ridiculous. Part flowing goa-lite and part epic trance which was completely overshadowed by the overuse of the above sample. Astral Colours- It seems to have all the ingredients that would make a good goa track, but...it's missing power. Force and anger. That extra kick in the nuts that blows your wig back. If Portamento and Artifact303 are heavy metal than this is Air Supply. Not that that's bad. I can see this being played in an elevator. If it was, it would be the coolest elevator of all time. Space Journey- "Did you ever think what it takes to live as long as I have?" I liked this better. Darker and more twisted with some good layering. Pumping and flowing with a great sample and outer space leads. Very Astral Projection. Back when they made music...and not just promises. Core of the Universe- More ripping space leads that leave an acidic taste in my mouth. It is a track that hypnotizes and constantly twists and turns. Solid No Gravity- With an aggressive bass line he takes no prisoners. Couple that with a nice, searing 303 and you've got all the makings. It's pushing your spacecraft in tight 360 degree revolutions to avoid enemy fire while the stars whizz past. At each brief break it reorganizes and continues it's assault. Astrophysics- Astrophysics? That was me on the first day of class. Not proud of that moment... But he obviously gets it. If there was one track that could be called an Astral Projection clone, it would be this one. And that is not meant as an insult. Analog space leads, thumping kick, dark atmosphere...beautiful. Eyes of the Moon- I'm thinking that this is unfinished due to the short track length. It's more floating and trancey, but no less entertaining. Surely there is more of a story to tell here? You Are Not Perfect- One you get a pass on, but two short...blurbs? That's just a tease. Punishment will follow accordingly. That wasn't me! I didn't do that! I DID NOT DO THAT!!! *drops riding crop and quickly backs out of basement* First the bad. With the intro and the two short tracks at the end you get more of a 6 track EP. Which is why I suppose it is a digital download only. But if that's the case, why offer them at all. Spend the extra time and finish those two to make a proper album. Now for the good. This was great work. Really, it was. I wasn't so sure after the first third, but he saved the knockout blow for the rest of the album. Dark, atmospheric, melodic. The comparisons to Astral canot be helped. I mean, sh*t it's in the title. What more could you want? Thanks to Ezel for intoducing this artist. I know these tracks are old, but here's to hoping that he is working on some new material. Beatspace Mdk

Artist: Synesthetic Title: Into The Vibe EP Label: Spintwist Records Date: December, 2011 1. Klitsch n Chic 2. Into The Vibe 3. Twisker I got a ticket a few days ago for rolling through a stop sign. I'm pretty sure I stopped, but you know we're in a recession so cops gotta write tickets right? Thought for sure he was gonna let me go when he asked about my flawless driving record, but no. Ticket was only 30 bucks, but the court costs and ahem..."processing fee" make it almost $100. Don't you have real crimes to stop? I was less than 2 miles from my house so I was doubly sour. Needless to say I needed some good time music to cheer me up. Synesthetic are Alessandro Pintus and Paulo Lopes and this is their sixth EP. They make the groovy progressive stuff that stirs involuntary dancing. Just what I needed. The first track is rather long at 9 and a half minutes and I just couldn't get into it. But the last two are big beats that are super dance friendly with melody changes that bring some wide smiles. Fun in the sun which conjure up memories of good times past. 6 bucks for 3 tracks is a bit steep so give it a listen to see what you prefer. Beatport Mdk

Artist: Talpa Title: The Path Label: Sundance Records Date: December, 2011 1. J 2. The Path 3. You 4. Distraction 5. Lenjivac feat. Merlin 6. Instinct 7. Hidden Smile 8. Shall we dance 9. An accident in Talpania 10. Away Serbian goblin Goran Juric who, if you have been listening to psytrance, would know has been around a while. Lately he's taken his flair for the dramatic into the funky ass wriggling progressive arena under the Riddler project, but before that he was all about the symphonic and set the world (hmmm, we're kinda small for a world, perhaps a neighborhood?) on it's ear with his blistering debut The Art of Being Non. After a hiccup with his second effort he's back with his third release and there is quite the buzz about it. J- I'm guessing he titled this track for his girlfriend. We've all done some stupid sh*t to impress a girl, but the difference here is Goran actually has some talent so he doesn't come off looking like a doofus. This is some very bright and happy intro music. Remember that SouthPark episode where all the cute forest creatures come out? This is them in a woodland orchestra performing a downtempo piece...right before they get all satanic. I mean, you know it ain't gonna stay like that right? "Well....hello there." The Path- Part Riddler Part Talpa he kicks it off with an eerie psychedelic stormer. Told you those animals were gonna get crazy. Levels of synth licks and melodies skip over each other sometimes playfully, sometimes angry like a bipolar girlfriend. "It's not you...it's me. I just don't think we should see each other. Ok you're right...it's you. You're f*cking crazy." One of my favorites. Hits in all the right places. You- This one travels close to the same path with a very goblinesque synth that speaks of creatures in the dark you can't see. The piano twinkles over the bass line and this puppy breathes with some scary intent. I love that the bass line isn't a one noter, but rather more complex. He's a fan of that oscillating synth as well as mixing different textures together. Not bad. Distraction- There go those damn woodland critters pounding out the funeral march on a kiddie piano. Right before they turn your insides out. Sadistic f*ckers. Spooky with an eerie groove just like the previous two tracks and we see a slight return to the winding synths from The Art of Being Non. Pretty good, but it doesn't separate itself from the previous two tracks. Lenjivac- The same vibe is in place here...eerie but not scary. Like a midget troll. Yeah he's scary, but it's not like you're gonna wet your pants over a midget. Back to the story it's more Tim Burton creepy yet endearing at the same time. Just the combination of the pads and delicate synths make this a meal. There are lots of little sounds to discover here, and the break beat is a special treat. Instinct- Jungle sounds start you off, but it isn't long until the sinister vibe returns. But for me this was the weakest track on the album. Very vanilla. Now when I hear the jungle sounds I just skip it. Hidden Smile- I guess he's trying to conserve sounds, because the bass is the exact same as the last track. Must be a shortage. Hell even the rhythm is the same. But the difference is the complexity. Left of center melodies that increase the tension and heighten the groove. He hits the spooky vibe and then some uplifting positivity with twisting and winding leads. Sounded good. Shall We Dance- The Riddler is back with his groovy self and the stacking of melodies begins. Tasty! Lots of changes to keep the mind fully involved with a wicked carnival atmosphere. What I like here is that it is seamless...when he hits with a new lead it flows and doesn't sound like separate tracks. Another good one. Yes we shall An Accident in Talpania- Soft melodies and light percussion make you believe that you've arrived at your destination. But while the melodies can be uplifting it is a wolf in sheep's clothing. The clouds begin to darken and the wolf shows its teeth. Power and evil swagger push to the front making this one of my favorites also. Away- The final track is a downtempo one. Sure you followed the Path, but where are you? Who knows, but the ambient destination gets all...what's the word...Ultimae on you. Light melodies and scratchy sounds float above the pads and it's an eerie end to magical trip. I mentioned him earlier, but this is a soundtrack to every Tim Burton movie ever made. That guy takes what is normally benign and puts his freaky twist on it and a whole new avenue of eerie opens up. Remember the original Alice in Wonderland? Probably not children, but it was cute and harmless. Tim Burton Version? "Here kitty....nice kitty..." Willy Wonka? The original was a recluse who ran a chocolate factory, but Tim's vision had me wondering whether he was going to eat the kids. Hmmm...note to self. Great idea for a horror movie. No, a real horror movie. Not that p*ssy PG-13 crap. R baby. Maybe NC-17. Definitely NC-17 if I can convince Megan Fox to do it. Wait, Lindsay's a f*cking mess. She'd do it. Yeah baby! Anyway.... Point is, with the exception of the nauseatingly sweet intro this is a train to spooky town. Like when you sit next to the guy on the train who...just ain't quite right. It's groovy in a lot of places and strikes with a Dickensian roundhouse kick. The layers are nice and he follows the theme throughout the whole album. It seems like a return to the style of his first album that showcased his brilliance. So yeah, I enjoyed the crap out of it. That said, I suppose you could look at the other side of the coin and say it's too samey without much difference between the tracks. It's not going to knock you out with it's power, but that is not it's intention. Very good, but not great. I guess all the Talpa bunnies inflated the Discogs score, but who knows. Nonetheless I can recommend it without question as it's different than a lot of stuff out there. Hell the fact that there ain't one buildup is enough for me. Nice work Goran. Psyshop Beatspace GoaStore Mdk

Artist: Maharishi Title: Sense of a Feather Label: Ouim.net & Space Baby Records Date: December, 2011 01 - Bhuvana (Intro) (105 BPM) 02 - Shadowland (feat. Extatic) (80 BPM) 03 - Liquid Trip (105 BPM) 04 - Satori (Punarjanma) (115 BPM) 05 - Maharani Deva (90 BPM) 06 - Angelic Tears (96 BPM) 07 - Call Of The Ancients (95 BPM) 08 - Satori II (Gourishankar) (110 BPM) 09 - Balance On The Edge (The Eagle Feather) (98 BPM) 10 - Satori III (Anapurna - Nirvana) (96 BPM) I don't think this is the guy. I mean it could be, but he seems more the type to be confused by the intricacies of a push button phone than mastering his pirated copy of Cubase. Remember the boy maharishi in Indiana Jones Temple of Doom? Don't think it was him either. Digging into this rusty filing cabinet that is my brain (give me a break, maid doesn't come till Tuesday...yeah you'll wanna not step in that) I can recall that littly guy was a mean SOB who came to a gruesome end. So...ghosts have trouble with software. Believe me I know, every spook from the Ghost Whisperer has been dropping demos on my desk. Do I look like Mars or Anoebis? No deal! Well, unless I can get a crack at 1990's JLH. Sure her football shaped pimento olive head couldn't seem to stay upright, but miracles were worked with that push up bra. Oooof! You know what? Scratch that. Any chick that has already purchased her own engagement ring is way more maintenence than I want to take on. Get with her and all of a sudden after sex it's 72 questions about what I'm thinking and why I can't understand her anger that I didn't remember our 2 and a half week anniversary. Newsflash honey, I was blinded by your sweater puppies and now if it's not too much to ask I'd like for you to turn into a pizza. Those five minutes of energy ain't gonna regenerate itself. What were we talking about? Oh, excuse me I do sometimes tend to ramble. This is Borislav Lazarov who was kind enough to give us this album for free. The tracks originate from 2005-2011, kinda like a compilation of his work. Bhuvana (Intro)- Birds, crickets, sloshing water...I feel like I'm in a psychiatrist's office and he's gonna ask me about my mother. Then the bass line rolls in and at first it doesn't seem to fit. After the beat kicks in with some soft melodies I'm thinking maybe this forest isn't all Disney, but maybe a little Sleepy Hollow. Not the gay one, the Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci "do you think me wicked" one. Shadowland- Webster knows the score! It's breakbeat goodness at a slow gangsta pace that lulls you right into your hypnotic cocoon. That ethnic guitar fits perfectly into the mix. Liquid Trip- Progressive leanings with a very long pad that pitches up and down. Nothing really happens and I think that's what drones you into a trip, but it's like when I would get high with my friends. Is everyone as f*cked up as me? This is how I'm supposed to feel...right? Why are you staring at me? "Dude, you are really f*cked up." Satori (Punarjanma)- Wailing sounds and skittering effects make it seem like you're walking down a dimly light corridor. It's got some percussion that's not too heavy, but full of motion. Very dreamlike with rapid fire guitar notes so I'm liking it, but I think it went on too long. 11 minutes. I coulda banged JLH twice in that amount of time. Maharani Deva- We are treated to more dark pads and a space vibe. Plodding along with peculiar percussion it's another track that lends itself to dreaming. Eerie for sure with the pianos playing against the liquid bass. Nice. Angelic Tears- See this is where he shines for me. A breakbeat with eerie melodies that wouldn't be out of place on a hip-hop album. It's dark and menacing and makes me want to do bad things to good people. Well, not me. But this guy... Call of the Ancients- That screechy lead took a filter bath at two and a half minutes and I...just...love it! You can't have a call to the ancients without a, you know...call. And there is one. I see a woman twirling (naked of course) in the center of the tribe like the film was sped up. Lightning quick synth riffs have me looking skyward and this is a race to the end. Not my favorite, but it definitely involves you. Satori II (Gourishankar)- Probably the most layered track here, it is full of dark melodies and futuristic effects. He uses that machine gun style again as the breakbeat bounces along. Very good track. Balance On the Edge (Eagle Feather)- Everything comes together on this one. Mid tempo rhythms and frantic synth races join a well placed sample to give it a spiritual feel. Also well layered thickening things up. Satori III (Anapurna - Nirvana)- With the final track at over 10 minutes, it could go either way. The beginning is a soft intro for about a minute or so, and then it gets hit with the funk stick for a dirty breakbeat. More layers and more melancholy, with piano slams like Depeche Mode. Super. The beat was so strong and the synths so involving I didn't even mind the long Indian sample. Very airy and floaty. I hope to hear more from this individual. He had some great breakbeats and synth work as his music leans towards the dark side. The fact that it's free is just icing on the cake. Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Chronos Title: Space Sweets & Logical Beats EP Label: Soundmute Recordings Date: December, 2011 1. Free Falling 2. Space Cake Nikita Klimenko is back with a short 2 track EP. Those of you well versed in the downtempo arena are no doubt already familiar with the work of this project. I thought it was just Nick, but Discogs tells me that he now has a partner. Of course whoever entered this EP gave credit to three guys that sound like they head up a Mexican law firm. Steps to the Great Knowledge from 2007 was quite good and their collaboration with C.J. Catalizer on Quid Est Veritas was even better. Their new album Ispirational Power is out now so it's on my list. What? He just released a two part album this year? Prolific somebody isn't he? One thing I noticed is that the cover is the same as Inspirational Power, just a different color. So I guess these are two that didn't make the cut. If they were on the album, I would've felt pretty stupid paying for tracks that are on an album I plan to buy anyway. Free Falling- Is a high speed outer space track with synth arpeggios flying over fast percussive tappings. When the kick arrives things seem to slow down as we land in a green lush forest that is wet with dew. Melodic and relaxing even with the rapid tempo. Space Cake- When you distort a vocal sample in that manner, you cannot help but feel that we are in a futuristic cyber world. Love it. A world where new technology meets old world spiritualism. Effects all find their place behind the melody lines and fit together seamlessly as the dubby bass pounds away. There's a lot to listen to in a Shpongle type of way. Enjoyable, but almost all of his music is. Layers and melody with oodles of atmosphere. Really can't wait to listen to more tunes by him. Beatport Mdk

Artist: Bell Size Park Title: Escape From Planet X EP Label: Dimensional Records Date: December, 2011 1. Escape From Planet X 2. Reptillianz 3. Lost In Time Belgian indy label Dimensional Records is nipple deep in goa trance with re-releases of several discs as well as a couple of compilations of their own. So along comes this name from the past with a short 3 track EP with tracks from his upcoming album. I don't really know much about Shlomy and his music, but in their short lifespan, this label has yet to produce a turd. So I thought I would check it out. The first track has a swirling lead that gets the heavy filtered treatment creating an image of a dragon kite dancing amidst a blue sky. Reptillianz is an evolving twisting meander complete with breakbeat and goa flavor. The track that stands out to me is Lost In Time. It's a downtempo piece with a high bpm. Know what I'm talking about? Surprisingly it grew on me with it's big pads and raindrop synths. It was interesting and I enjoyed listening to it, but it didn't set the house on fire. IF I had to give it a number...3.75/5 Beatport Mdk

Artist: Atati Title: The Full Spectrum EP's - Yellow Label: Blue Hour Sounds Date: December, 2011 1. Bana Moyi 2. Fluorospherical Pressure 3. The Molecula of Sacred Water Italian label Blue Hour Sounds is a relatively new player with a handful of comps and artist releases. Ianuaria's Beware of the Fish was a baseball bat to the head surprise forest release that I didn't see coming. So they focus on the details, and as the devil says... I've been snatching up their colorful artist EP's because I'm compulsive, but also because they are pretty damn good. But like potato chips, you can't eat just one so I am fully invested in expanding my girth with these differently hued little nuggets. They're an Italian label, so calling them drug dealers might be offensive, but they know how to hook somebody. Look at the pretty colors! Look at them!!! Bana Moyi- With a nice descriptive long intro full of electric throat clearing he explores some futuristic Blade Runner territory. A tone rings consistently in the background giving it pace and this has the feel of a sterile environment not unlike that of Gattaca. Huh...two science fiction films mentioned in one track. If you called this downtempo space goa, I wouldn't punch you in the face and take your lunch money. Superb atmospheric track that almost churns for 10 minutes. Fluorospherical Pressure- Twisted pads join some electronic synthery in a faster pace. It's midtempo with varying textures...some flutes, computer twiddlings, and the like with the same dark feel. It reeks of old school sound complete with a tribal like sample. The Molecula of Sacred Water- Water is the most precious resource we have on this planet so ya damn right it's sacred. With another 2 minute intro he's back with a beat bigger than the sandwich I just had for lunch. Stings are strummed, pads float ethereally through the sky and the beat just drops the hammer. Squiggles, blips and blops, and computer effects give this a lush, layered experience. At the break the skittering and jumbled effects really hit home as the melody unwinds. Very good. This is a great mix of big beat, psy, and of course downtempo. Intricate and layered providing a very involving listening experience. Keep making music this good and I'll continue to collect your colored narcotics. Beatport Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Dancing In The Dark Label: Push Records Date: December, 2011 1. Dancing in the dark - Tube 2. Golden Axe - Super Evil 3. I Robot - Anomalia 4. Human Race - Crazy Tone 5. No Name - Exaile 6. Rize - Metal Wizard 7. Razzes from hell - Tube Vs. Anomalia 8. Nothing can stop us - Iliuchina 9. Standby4action - Sidhartha Vs. Alienn 10. Brilliant Colours - Magneto From the label that brought you the eagerly anticipated Tube remixes (no it wasn't) comes their 3rd release Dancing In The Dark. Plenty of names of which I am less familiar, but as a twilight music enthusiast I am drawn to any track that Alienn participates. I have a feeling I know what I am in for, but that is why I do this. I take the bullet...so you don't have to. snikety snik! Dancing In The Dark- "It's a dark, dangerous world." Work it Courtney...use what yo momma gave you. There was a very famous video on MTV (back when that meant something) for Bruce Springsteen song of the same title that featured a pre-friends Courtney Cox dancing with Bruce on stage. Ironically it was in a way that only a white girl in the eighties could shake it and is exactly how you dance to dubstep today. Wait...that's not true. Nobody knows how to dance to dubstep. Which is convenient because he starts this with some awesome mechanical dubstep with the choir pad on high. Soon enough he gets to the 4/4 and that beat is a stomping one. And everything was going well until the buildup, but thankfully it was brief. He's really going the SynSun/old Talpa cinematic route as this really becomes a noisy track. You can't say it doesn't have a little bit of everything. Golden Axe- I ripped their track on the Digital Breed EP for being everything that could be wrong with psy, but this...Hide the kids because they made a rocking good tune with a nod towards 80's heavy metal and the classical stylings of Yngwie Malmsteen. Is it psytrance? Maybe, but if music is supposed to elicit emotions then this makes me want to bang my head and rock out with my c*ck out. I Robot- A Transformers sample? What are you 12? Hold up, let me check... *Muzak sample plays Girl From Ipanema* Ok, you're not 12. So there is no excuse. Buildups, stupid samples...I was wrong about Super Evil. This is what's wrong with psytrance. Human Race- "You could end up wiping out the whole human race." Can we start with this track? So the guitar is going to be a featured instrument on these tracks? Build ups too I suppose? More stops and starts than my father typing on the keyboard. Excuse me a sec... watch that gif for over 9 minutes and you'll understand what we're dealing with. It's like dry heaving when there's nothing left to come up. Just painful. No Name- I threw dirt on the coffin of this project long ago and while it wasn't as craptacular as the previous abomination, they proved that 6 feet of dirt is tough to get through. Rise- Metal Wizard? Commence guitars in 3..2..1..yep just a c*nt hair over 2 minutes. But Mike...is there gonna be some build ups to nowhere, stops and starts, and maybe some stupid vampire sample? She figured it out and she's an idiot who wouldn't know if she was on fire. This is getting excruciating. Razes From Hell- So there is a deep voice speaking menacingly under the music, probably intending to be powerful and scary, but alas it accomplishes neither. Uninteresting synth runs with of course some guitar plucking out a melody (the bright spot for me) and what would a track be on this disc if it didn't have a build up. It gets really loud at the end. Proves that electronic music can be just as effective as metal to piss your parents off. Nothing Can Stop- God, this music makes my head hurt. Three excedrin in and I don't know how much more I can take. But this I like. Metal meets psy in a twilight power grab that uses symphonic elements and some good guitar licks. Reminds me a little of FLA...minus the goofy buildups they would never use. Standby 4 Action- "Standby for action." Finally two projects you might be able to hang your hat on. Nuno is like the Godfather of twilight and Alienn continues to kick ass and chew bubble gum. And right now they're all out of gum. A torrent of lasers and acid give you shower like Jennifer Beals in Flashdance. Relentless. A break? Not until 5 and a half minutes. Great track that would've been perfect without the small build ups. How did this make it on the comp? Talk about being in the wrong room. It's like I walked into the ladies room and some big dyke screams, "Hey! You with the tree trunk....get the f*ck outta here!" Refreshing. Brilliant Colours- Magneto recently released his debut Scope which was some more twilight goodness. He's very liberal with the acid giving you more than you need. It's very high tech, with pulsating rhythms and an aggressive attitude. Too many short build ups for me though, and the some of the lead sounds were too abrasive to be enjoyed. You know the kind that teeter on the generic side? Still miles above the middle of this mess though. Wow what a sh*t sandwich that was. The first and last two tracks were the winners for me. Seriously, if you would have told me that Super Evil would have one of the best tracks here, I would've laughed in your face. Think about that and let that be your measuring stick. I don't tell people what to like and what to buy, that's your own decision. But if you buy this know that you are encouraging labels and artists to make more of this crap. Psyshop Beatspace SaikoSounds Goastore Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Remix-ed Part 01 EP Label: Dropland Recordings Date: December, 2011 1. Damage (Concept Remix) 2. Physical Matters (Sinful Reactions Remix) 3. You Go Banzai (Z3ro Remix) Dropland Recordings is a Spanish label that has been making some noise lately. The two Malfunktion EP's with tracks selected by Mr. Smashed were well worth my time brimming with high energy and powerful twilight music. This EP is comprised of three tracks by him that were given the remix treatment by some heavy hitters in the genre. Damage (Concept Remix)- "Remote controlled creatures. Brains powered by atomic energy." The original was on the Synthetic Alchemy compilation and Arnaud takes an already great track and puts his spin on it. After albums like Paranormal he quickly became one of my favorite artists in the genre. When you stumble upon a good twilight track you can just feel it. The sounds, the bass, the vibe...It's another acid laced beatdown that won't disappoint. Physical Matters (Sinful Reactions Remix)- Sinful Reactions are the Pereira brothers from Portugal and they tackle this awesome track from the Another Dimension compilation. We're really splitting hairs here because this is another acidic firestorm with powerfall beats and a relentless attitude. Just like the original. So I guess some might say, why do we need it? Some might. But they're probably also the ones who ask do we really need more dancing midgets? To which I reply: You bet your f*cking sweet ass we do. You Go Banzai (Z3ro Remix)- "There is no substitute for reading the text of the course and the workbook. Even after you've already done the lesson." Never heard the original but this is Javier Duran from Mexico and his track on Psycho Laboratory slayed all so you know...high hopes. Because I haven't heard the original I can't tell you if this is radically different but what I can tell you is that we've got more of the same bombastic leads and big beats. A little more stopy starty than I would've liked, but worthy of your attention for sure. There have been some good twilight EP's floating around and this is one of them. Are they close to the original? Maybe. Probably. I dunno, but if you like acid firing like shrapnel from a grenade then you cannot go wrong with this. Beatport Mdk

Artist: Schizoid Bears Title: Bearsky Dreams EP Label: Forest Freaks Date: December, 2011 Nothing is more terrifying than seeing the dark side of something that always gave you comfort. What can I say, Santa loves the hoe, hoe, hoes! shortly after this pic was taken they found parts of little timmy in the freezer of the neighbor across the street who always waved to you on his way to work. "Now where dat Barbie b*tch at?" So the Freaks are at it again with a release from C. Monster and P. Tale. Two Lithuanians who love the dark side and first name initials. It's a 4 track EP that makes you think what really goes on in the deep woods where there are no prying human eyes. Love the cover with the psychedelic colors and the slighly out of focus bears watching in the background. Back on Action- Sounds like the bears have had enough with these f*cking hikers sh*tting in their woods. Hear that weird evil cry? That's them. Great effects and twinkling sounds create a rich atmosphere. But that is only added to with the clicking and bubbling as someone sings in an attempt not to be scared. It's not powerful but rather suggestive. Ooohhh...look what you diiiiiiiiid. Now you made him angry. Planeta Pliuk- Something about Russian that makes samples spooky. Unless you're Russian I guess. For all I know he said, "How bout some scrambled eggs for breakfast?" But for me it's very cold war get the hell outta here type stuff. Holy sh*t did you just forest goa me? I think you did, Ursa Major. So this is what bears do in the woods when nobody is lookin'. Twisted forest sounds with intertwining melodies. Pumping all the way through as you get lost in the woods. Easy to get turned around isn't it? Waggish Night- I love layered forest tracks and this is the tail that wags the dog. Or bear, in this case. Typical forest sounds with eerie pads and bouncing leads are on the menu and it does.not.stop. A very deep and involving track. Sick and Tired- "I'm sick and tired of hearing about all of the radicals." More of the punishing style with juicy and bubbling effects and unlike a lot of the darkpsy or forest this has more than one melody running concurrently. So the bears are sick and tired of you starting fires in their woods. Sick and tired of the sh*tty food selection in your pick a nick baskets. But mostly they are sick and tired of your extreme couponing. "Take that bush league sh*t to Food Lion, p*ssy. Dis Kroger, n*gga!" I hope they release more stuff and refine their sound. Some of the tracks were a little light in places and could use a little more oomph. Sounds odd to say, but I hope they take this in a darker, horror movie direction because it almost writes itself. Like a psychotic serial killer bunny named Kottontale that...ah, you get the picture. Using the cuddly teddy bear as a theme could prompt some truly psychotic images. Psychedelic....I meant psychedelic. It's free so I urge you to check it out. "That was nice, right? Just like we rehearsed. You need me to do it again? Cuase I got no problem with that." Ektoplazm Mdk