Search the Community

Artist: Microcosm Title: Higher Levels Label: Released on Ektoplazm Date: October, 2011 01 - Ultraphoric Spacevibes (142 BPM) 02 - Eternal Circle (143 BPM) 03 - Beautiful Hallucinations (142 BPM) 04 - Ignition (141 BPM) 05 - When We All Come Together (142 BPM) 06 - Ultimatum (145 BPM) 07 - Perpetual Sunrise (144 BPM) 08 - Spacey Kebab (138 BPM) 09 - Destination Paradise (129 BPM) Dessert is good. Everybody likes dessert! You know McCoy was begging for a script where he could haul off and whack a b*tch. Bet he wishes it was Kirk though. Pies, cookies, fruit...somehow the French shoehorned cheese into the dessert cart and now the smooth bottom of dessert has a pimple on it. Old school goa trance is like a twelve layer chocolate cake with zero calories when done well. Pleiadians, Etnica, Transwave, Astral...all classics that never get old. Well make room at the table because here comes Microcosm. The Norwegian duo Fredrik Larsen and Georg Simonsen released and album that has been compared to Transdimensional by Dimension 5. And I fully agree. This was there only album and thanks to a close friend of theirs we are privileged to hear it. It is everything you could want in goa trance. Relentless, melodic, atmosphereic, entrancing, mind numbing. It soars and it growls, floats and dives. There were times I thought this could be D5 and times when I thought I heard a little M-Run and Crossing Mind. Just a marvelous piece of music. 2 bits of bad news. Primarily, Fredrik is no longer of this Earth. No idea how it happened, but let it be known that he was partially responsible for unleashing this old school beast on the masses. It should take it's place right up there with the more well known albums. Second, there is some background noise on the 320 mp3's. It's minor and for home listening it doesn't really sully the quality of this masterpiece. But you can hear it on some tracks. I've never been to a festival or party, but I imagine it wouldn't work on a big set of speakers. But who knows? If you are a fan of goa trance you already know about this. If it managed to slip under your radar, do yourself a favor and get thee to Ektoplazm and own this brilliant work or art. Free at Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Abakus Title: Reworks Volume I & II Label: Modus Recordings Date: August, 2011 Vol. 1 1. California Sunshine 2. Igmatik 3. Night Walker 4. Lux Boutique 5. Under The Stars Pt. 1 Vol. 2 1. Lux Boutique (Greg Hunter Remix) 2. Cruise Control (Bluetech Remix) 3. Beyond the Fields (Jong Remix) 4. Igmatik (Tripswitch Remix) 5. Wasted Feeling (Solar Fields Remix) Good God it is f*cking hot out here. I think I saw the thermometer hit 100 degrees Celsius. This is my wife's plant that I have somehow managed to keep alive for the better part of 5 years. I moved it outside a few weeks ago because it wasn't getting enough sun. Now look at it. Pitiful. I don't claim to be able to speak with animals or plants; hell I can just barely hold it together speaking to people without wanting to punch them in the face. But here's how I imagine it would go if my plant could talk to me. Plant: Jesus F*cking Christ, what the hell are you doing to me!?! You left me out here during a tornado! A Tornado!! Look at my leaves! At least get me some water you uncaring bastard! Me: I just watered you yesterday. Plant: So what motherf*cker, did you just have one drink yesterday? Why'd you move me out here anyway? Look, just take me back inside. It's cooler in there...I can't take this heat. Me: No. Plant: CMONNN!!!!!!! The f*cking ants are eating me alive and you tied me to a stake in the blazing sun like I was Jesus, show a little compassion!! Me: No. Plant: I'll suck your dick.... Me: What did you just say? Plant: I'll...I'll suck...your...dick... Me: How is that even possible? You don't even have a...No! No, you know what...this conversation is over! *closes door* Plant: Cmon, shoot one right in the pot! It'll be the best one you ever had....you limp dicked asshole. "Go ahead George...light it up." Abakus is Russel Davies son of Dave Davies founder of the Kinks. Wow, he took a left turn at his father's music didn't he? Actually he didn't, because daddy makes music with him in the ambient/progressive rock genre. His style is a little all over the place. Equally fluent in downtempo and ambient, he can also craft some electro and progressive type stuff. As a matter of fact he has a side project called Cinnamon Chasers which does exactly that. First album That Much Closer to the Sun was really good and his second wasn't bad either. Prisms (his third) continued his mish mash of styles, but I felt it was his weakest effort. He has a new album called Futurism Pt. 1 that came out this year, but this pair of digital EP's came out first. Reworks Vol. 1 are his own remixes of some of his older tracks and Vol. 2 are done by other artists. You might know some of them. Vol. I The original California Sunshine was a mellow downtempo magic carpet ride where there wasn't a cloud in the sky, but the new one sees the bpm's get raised with an 80's synthpop feel. The chants are still there and the beat is good, so he seemed to do a remix right. Igmatik- Probably my favorite track by Abakus. It had it all. Funk, groove, mystery...just a smooth piece of music. The newer version sports a fatter bass, big beats and funky rhythms. And there's some Miami Vice appeal as well for old bastards like me. Jan Hammer might be upset you stole his keytar, but you know...f*ck him. Nightwalker is another of his smooth, dubby brand of electro tracks that has a real lounge component. Like it could've been played in a smoky jazz club. Gone is the quiet funk of the original with another nod to a more synth riff based type of track. Noisier, synthier, and more anger by Jan Hammer. "I don't care...Black people can do a lot of things, but even they cannot make the keytar cool." Lux Boutique was a soft ambient track with glitchy tendencies. Mellow for sure. Well, he electro synthed the crap out of the remix with enough autotune that makes Kanye blush. It's happy and reminds me of Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani and generic rapper. Under the Stars Part 1 was from an Ep of the same name and it was a dreamy type of ambient floating with a trance background. Like all the tracks before in this first volume it seems shinier with a heavier electro influence. If you told me it was an instrumental by the Thompson Twins or Erasure I wouldn't slap the taste out of your momma's mouth. "What did the five fingers say to the face?" Vol. II Lux Boutique (Greg Hunter Remix)- Slowest. Track. Ever. This is music heroin addicts use to overdose. Where the world is flying by, but your perception is in super slo mo. Arizona State University takes its admittance qualifications seriously, believing it's never to young to start preparing. Cruise Control (Bluetech Remix)- Never heard the original. Another slow (not suicidal) dubby tune that combines the warm beach vibe with sun shinning through icicles without melting them. It's got some wobble and seems to freeze time. Let's just say that if I still got high, you would be able to find me by the trail of empty Dorito bags. Beyond The Fields (Jong Remix)- Another track that I haven't heard, but this is a smooth and happy electro tune. Sunny and warm it goes down like an afternoon at the beach. Floaty and comforting. Igmatik- Brennan. Nick Brennan. Responsible for the most epic of the remixes on this series of Reworks, it has huge scope. Layers of running synths fly you to outer space as deep dubby bass rumbles on the bottom end. Massively soothing it's like when my kid releases the string of balloons he was holding. There is no crying...you just watch it go. Bee Yoo Tee Full. "We'll uh...we'll just tell your mother she got kidnapped by some Mexicans." "Dad, that's racist." "It is? Shaddup...want some ice cream?" Wasted Feeling (Solar Fields Remix)- Not to be outdone Mr. Magnus gives you a 10 minute track that combines the boredom of staring at a wall with the excitement of wasting time. Sorry Magnus, you have the midas touch, but would it kill you to give me something to focus on? As it stands, you have given me the soundtrack to me coming out of the bathroom. So that's what you get with these two Reworks. A mixed bag really, but there is plenty of variety so points scored. Most of the tracks are good with the Tripswitch remix being spectacular. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to ah...water the plants. One plant in particular is gonna get so f*cking wet... Beatport - Reworks Vol. I Beatport - Reworks Vol. II Mdk

Artist: Hinkstep Title: Sunrise From The Treetops Label: Omnitropic Date: October, 2011 1 - Sunrise From The Treetops (126 BPM; 9/4) 2 - Moonwalk On Mushroom Street (80 BPM) 3 - Dreamland Dub (120 BPM; 6/4) 4 - Medusa (67.2 BPM) 5 - Aldrig Mer (130 BPM; 6/4) 6 - So Beautiful So Strange (75 BPM) 7 - Sleep Again (120 BPM) Good God Beyonce is hot. Oh, are we on? I'm always on the hunt for great music and boy did I stumble onto a winner here. Are you bored with 4/4 music? Would you love to hear an artist stretch some boundaries without making the music unlistenable? How about spending an evening alone with Sasha Fierce? Yeah me too. But I can help with two of those. Hinkstep is Jonas Tegenfeldt from Sweden and he fucking knocks it out of the park with his debut. It's brimming with excellent musicianship bringing psychedelia together with spiritual and tribal elements. When was the last time you heard a trombone in psychedelic music that didn't seem out of place? I'll tell you...never. Uncountable gentle melodies take you over the mountaintop in a slow glide, never rushing. Vast as a Montana sky it sometimes reminds me of the path taken by Kitaro on the Silk Road with more ethnic variables. I cannot choose a favorite because they are all awesome tracks. I even liked the cheesy vocal in So Beautiful when he got all auto tuney. This is a stairway to heaven created by the sun's ultimate warmth perfect for relaxing or embarking on a journey of self discovery. And it's free. Spectacularly epic. Ektoplazm Mdk

Artist: Various Title: The Moon Remixes EP Label: TesseracT Studio Date: October, 2011 1. The Moon (Hardy Veles Remix) 2. The Moon (Flegma & Nerso Remix) Back in 2004 Goran exploded onto the scene with the epic and groundbreaking The Art of Being Non. Lately he has been funking sh*t up with his Riddler project in a progressive manner, but I hear a new Talpa album is in the works. Always good news as his first album was so truly different than anything heard at the time. Orchestral, psychedelic...you name it. His 2nd album... All right, that's a little on the harsh side, but calling it a disappointment wouldn't be an understatement. So I guess he's making contacts with the right people because he's giving you a taste by releasing this 2 track EP on one of the best progressive trance labels out there. The Moon is from his first album and I'll be honest, I felt it was one of his weakest tracks. The singing got on my nerves and I couldn't get past it. But that's why they make remixes. And he got two very fine projects for the job. Hardy Veles is Goran Grubic and he makes quite the psychedelic monster. It incorporates the vocal with rumbly bass giving the whole thing a very mystical feel. Not progressive in the least, but psytrance with a dark edge. Flegma & Nerso should need no introduction as makers of some of the most detailed and melodic progressive trance today. Their version is a long one with percussive clicking and alien footsteps. Effects whiz past the ear as sounds echo deep into the night. The vocal that I didn't like on the the original is still there, but the way it is framed here amidst the effects and eerie melodies gives the whole track a ritualistic vibe. Nice little EP he's got here. It's more psytrance with some progressive leanings, but it worked very well. See, this is how remixes are supposed to be. Take a track and make it different while still holding onto some of the original flair. Nice work. http://www.beatport.com/release/the-moon-remixes/818975 Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Wide Open Label: Echoes Records Date: October, 2011 1. Wide Open - Sphera 2. Level 70 - Gaudium 3. Mental Isolation - Aqualize 4. RTL Kids - Sphera & Rocky 5. Kelman Gates (Double Click Remix) - Easy Riders 6. Dimethyltryptamine (Loud Remix) - Quantize 7. Back & Forth - S-range & Major 7 8. Being Realized (Mute Remix) - Sphera 9. Night Shift - Egorythmia Echoes Records from Israel presents a who's who in progressive trance on this compilation. I'm familiar with the work of all these guys so right off the bat the bar is set pretty high. Wide Open- This is Liran Elkayam and Rami Shalom and it's a shot in the dark, but I imagine they are from the Holy Land. And it is my opinion that a little divine inspiration didn't hurt with this monster. You could not have picked a better name for this track. *shakes head* Impossible. Oscillating synths wash over you in waves like you were standing under a waterfall and a tumbling synthline stays the course for almost the entire 10 minutes. Strings shimmer, but it's the break where the magic happens. Huge pads waver and get louder as a melody to weep for drenches you in ecstasy. I've been excited before, but but this is Kate Upton doing the cat daddy for me excited. Unbelieveably massive. The track, not her rack. Well, both I guess. Level 70- Andreas Wennersköld released his new album Session of Progression that is in my pile of stuff to get to. He brought his daddy's drum kit with him and the beat hits harder than an open ice body check. The break brings an evolving synth and he sticks with it on the exit. There is an unquestionable swagger which is cemented with his use of the 303 as it barks with dominance. Let's see, yep...file this one in the psy-gressive cabinet. Good one. Mental Isolation- Vladislav Koumpatidis & Koinis Anastasios continue the more aggressive style and the break is once again the star. Smooth pads and a rolling synth line gets filtered and then continues. The only bad was that cheesetastic sample out of the break. RTL Kids- Sphera teams up with Roy Tilbor and decides a little house groove is the way to go. At 10 and a half minutes you'll want to telephone someone to let them know where you are. Like the synth at around 4 minutes, it's floaty and something you can grab a hold of. I don't know who the RTL kids are, (Roy Tilbor loves kids...might want to alert the authorities) but I like 'em already. Yessir! Hmmm...perhaps the phase "something you can grab a hold of" shouldn't be used with Roy Tilbor Loves Kids. Dimethyltryptamine (Loud Remix)- "Heavy doses of dimethyltryptamine" will affect your web slinging. Chunky with spiraling descents will have the dance floor jumping I'm sure. The sample is a f*cking infomercial for LSD and he does some sample manipulation that just comes off as annoying to these ears. I'm sure if I was on LSD things would be different, but since I'm not...I bid you good day sir! Oh you...I can't stay away from your chock full of nuts beats and you mother f*cking dimension sample. Kelman Gates (Double Click Remix)- "Listen to me! Whatever door...you opened in my brain, I want you to shut it! Now!!!" Ah Kevin Bacon in Stir of Echoes...very underrated movie. When asked for a comment about Footloose being remade Kevin replied, "They just keep f*cking that chicken don't they?" This trio packs a groove lunch with them and it's got fatl beats, shimmering synths, and a chip on its shoulder. Powerful track to be sure. Lovely. Back & Forth- People make a big deal abouta S-range, but I never got the appeal. Sue me, that's taste for ya. They got a nice soft kick working here with washes and synths that rise and fall. But I have to hand it to 'em, the way they fall into the break is satin smooth. The break itself was nice and it sets up with a nice close. Not bad gentlemen. Being Realized (MUTe Remix)- The effects in this one are great, as they fill the space perfectly. Bubbling goa-like sounds put me in trance heaven, but you had to know that a guy that was part of Shidapu was gonna know how to bring it. Long one, but it changes enough that it never gets stale. The break at 3 and a half is a sublime peace of melody, that gets you high. I felt they ran out of gas near the end, but this one is still awesome. Night Shift- The closer packs a futuristic feel with some hella good atmosphere. But that's what this guy does. You gotta let people do what they do. This chick dry humps a fish. And she's good at it. You do you boo. You do you. Unlike the other tracks this one has a darker quality. Synths rip and echo into the night and I just feel like the main character is up to no good. No witnesses, that's the rule. Great way to end. Very good compilation for those that love melodic progressive with a little more edge. Recommended. Audiojelly Juno Download Beatport Mdk

Artist: Wiz of Oz Title: Emerald City Acid Party EP Label: Acid Chemical Plant Records Date: October, 2011 1. Fuck that mainstream shit and start banging your head 2. Acid Snowflakes 3. Alice in Technoland "To the living...let now the dead...come alive." So I came across this in the Label section and since it was from Acid Chemical I felt I should give it a look. Then I saw the name. Oswald Pfeiffer. None other than PharaOm, aka Baron Samdi and now...Wiz of Oz. Makes sense doesn't it? Filipe has 43 aliases and if you're gonna release something under his label might as well do it under a different name. While I was less than impressed with the Baron's effort the stuff from PharaOm always left me with a smile. This is supposedly acid trance and if you pressed me I couldn't tell you what the f*ck that means. Got some goa sounds and it seems more raw than the ultra melodic goa we hear these days. The first track is the best with a slow saunter that has some major attitude. The bubbling 303 is a hallmark of this sound and you get over 7 minutes of it. Really entrancing with a break that you can almost feel curl around you. Couple that with the greatest track title ever and it's really win win. I also love the title of the second track as you can just picture it. It starts out with that 303 growl that snaps at you like a dog while a small percussive element knocks in the background. Not bad, but could've used a little more bubbling, a little more meat on the bone. The final track is the fastest and also the shortest. It seems like this was a sketchpad with a few ideas, but unfinished. First off this is free so check it out, there is nothing to lose. 2nd, if this is the definition of acid trance, then I like it. As I mentioned it is less layered and intricate than goa, but still has some of those elements. More groove oriented. The first track was tops for me as it had it all. The rest...I could take them or leave them. Good stuff Oswald, I would be interested in hearing more stuff like the first track from you. http://acprecords.ba...y-acid-party-ep Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Forensic Science Label: Iono Music Date: October, 2011 1. Perception - Mindwave and Sphera 2. Black Light - Time in Motion 3. Spin it - Ritmo and Egorythmia 4. Sub System - Pop Art 5. White Tunnel - Egorythmia Vs. Ace Ventura 6. Science - Nerso 7. De Ja Voodo People - Ritree 8. Doing his magic (Static Movement rmx) - MUTe 9. Flying Circus - Phaxe Ain't love grand? I said grand, not grand piano. Jesus, learn to say no. The most powerful force on the planet. It can make the pain go away and can make good times great. It's just a feeling that I hope everyone gets to experience in their lives. I'm lucky enough to have found my soul mate and together as she embarks on her career we will hopefully share many years together. But I also love some other things. Sure, not in the same way, but it's still love. Love hockey fights Night night. Love porn. Oh yeah, you dirty little whore... But like all of you, I also love music. Our corner of the world is a hotspot for creativity mostly free of the commercial toilet. Between goa trance, twilight, downtempo and progressive trance my plate is overflowing with succulent dishes. Iono music is the king of the hill when it comes to progressive. They've had more releases that I have hairs on my head and most of what I've heard has been quality. Melodic and atmospheric storytelling with stellar production is how I would describe what they do. Compiled by Egorythmia it's a who's who in the genre that further reinforces Iono Music's dominance in the genre. Perception- This is Anton Maiko (Mindwave) and Liran Elkayam and Rami Shalom (Sphera) to open things up. And what a great job they do. It's all sunshine and smiles with great weather and great friends. Bouncy with several changes to pique interest. Leads galore and layers aplenty should satisfy the discerning progressive listener. The break rises like the phoenix and attracts a soft vocal. Dare I say a perfect start? Yes I do. Black Light- This Danish (Mmmmm...Danish) trio had two EP's this year that cemented their status as kings of the hill in this genre. Great bounce, great melody, and long on atmosphere. The effects fill this thing up as it picks up the pace and fills out. There is no wasted space as it's all very complex with lots of things coming together. The wavering melody over the breakbeat is a nice touch and this is a tasty danish indeed! More please. Spin It- Two titans collide in another massive effort. The deep bass rumble has me fully invested and the break in the beginning reminds me of some old Front 242 Headhunter sh*t. Effects ricochet and echo everywhere as this undergoes tempo changes but never loses its appeal. The searing pads wobble as leads as it grinds it out with a popcorn arpeggio. Man this is delicious. Sub System- Written by Klopfgeister but the artist was Indra? What's going on here? First I've ever heard from this project. It's got a good beat with some synths that oscillate and some that whizz past you like you're in the middle of a Nascar track. Echoes, echoes, and more lovely echoes. The surprise treat is the breakbeat so you don't go home without a little funk. Good stuff. White Tunnel- Sunshine right in your eyes with sparkling synths that rain down in countless waves doesn't even have me worrying about the 11 minute track length. Oscillations pump with vigorous life over a solid bass line as sounds echo for what seems like miles. There is a break of course and with it comes the obligatory change in tempo. But the rich atmosphere continues as it churns like a violent sea only to change back to it's orignal path but with a 303 whip session. Massively deep and drifting stuff. It's like me feet didn't touch the ground. Science- With perhaps the progressive album of the year with Exploration of Infinity, he continues his progressive beatdowns with a lush and atmospheric stalker of a track. Juicy bass stabs and long winding pads make this drip with an eerie feel. The break is a thing of beauty while creatures slither from the dark. Who knew science was so sinister sounding? Hit the books kids, this science f*cking rules. De Ja Voodoo People- "Let this be a reminder to you all that this organization will not tolerate failure." Those movies were awesome. Well, Goldmember reeked of trying to hard, but you could do worse than staring at Beyonce for two hours. The Ritmo and Suntree combo has been gold each track I've heard so...you know, big things. And them wielding a 303 is a big thing as this gets all progressive goa on you. Sunshine and ocean breezes. I didn't really care for the middle where they broke it all down...kinda killed any momentum. And it took forever for them to reclaim it so while good, I feel they made a mess of things in the middle. Doing His Magic (Static Movement Remix)- Hold up...am I getting this Janet or...Jenny Craig Janet? Magic? Like the push up bra? That's not magic. That's blatant fraud. And it's deadly because if I take you home on the assumption I'm hookin' up with Janet and discover I'm stuck with Michael I'm liable to throw you out a window. One of Iono's newer artists, Shahar Shtrikman gives a MUTe track from the On/Off album the business. Lots of effects in this and it feels fuller than the original. The original had that really angry darkpsy drumming that was intrusive and this is melody heavy. Much more enjoyable to listen to in my opinion. Good remix. Flying Circus- Kevin Josefsen had 3 EP releases this year with mixed results as far as I was concerned. I have always liked his compilation work however. This is a bubbly sunny afternoon at the beach where you can reflect on the good times of the day gone by. It has some breathy moments that Ibiza things up a bit if you know what I mean, but the beat is good and this is nice light fare. If you have read my reviews on Iono Music releases then you can probably tell I am a huge fan. But it's releases like this that continues to show why they are the leader when it comes to progressive trance. Layers, atmosphere, melody...it's all here. Light and airy to deeply dark and sinister. Not one bad track in the bunch and numerous stellar ones. Get it. http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/inm/inm1cd051.html http://www.beatspace.com/6712/Iono+Music/Various/Forensic+Science/detail.aspx http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display_release.asp?id=8903 (Holy sh*t 10 bucks? 10 bucks? What the f*ck are you waiting for?) http://www.goastore.ch/compilation-forensic-science.html Mdk

Artist: Paraklang Title: Liquid Jungle Label: None Date: October, 2011 01 - 4 Drops Away (147 BPM) 02 - Particular Mutation (147 BPM) 03 - Second Mind Disaster (146 BPM) 04 - Fast Slide (149 BPM) That is the coolest cover ever. It's a tongue right? A tongue from the Matrix maybe. Volker Wiesmann from the Fatherland is releasing his debut EP . The style is forest/darkpsy/twilight according to the promo. Pretty accurate too. 4 Drops Away- "There's pressure in here." It's bubbly and has the touch of cold machinery all over it. When it gets all glitchy with the hollowed out bass I'm all ears. The break is like a nest of electronic critters swarming hungrily over what was once human. Pretty visceral stuff. A little more variation would've been nice on a track that is over 9 minutes, but it's not bad at all. Particular Motion- This reminds me of some of the stuff from Wild Things Records. Full steam ahead with loads of effects, but not much melody to speak of. But he takes a turn here with a chopped up melody that suits the dark computer style. Can I get a little help with the sample from some of our German speaking folk? It's crazy. Second Mind Disaster- "It is a tradition in American life to respect young people." Since when? With all the old f*cks in congress? This has the familiar scratchy sound you hear in a lot of darkpsy. Squirty sounds litter this thing as it undergoes numerous changes. Fast Slide- More glitchy style with crunchy sounds and effects. It began to pick up steam at the 6 minute mark and reminds me of the sound you get when you blow through a straw. I liked his use of effects and his dark tone. Unfortunately is came off as a little thin. 8 and 9 minute tracks are great if you're telling a story, but they need to be filled in a bit. The computer/android vibe was cool and maybe he just needs a few pads to give it some depth. A memorable melody or two wouldn't hurt either. But what you can easily tell here is that he has talent. The sound is awesome and full on liquid so his mastering is spot on. I hope he releases some more stuff as I would be interested in seeing how he evolves. Thanks for the free music! http://www.ektoplazm.com/2011/paraklang-liquid-jungle Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Hunab Ku Label: Tzolkin Records. Productions. Who the f*ck knows. Date: October, 2011 1. Red Hour - Xatrik 2. Mind Disastour - A-Mush 3. Destroy the objective - Frozen Ghost feat. Selective Hearing 4. Salvia Divinorum - System Sequence 5. Addiction - X-Avenger Vs. Z-Cat 6. Funk You - Stereopanic 7. Altered State - Cntl Z3ta 8. El Senor Mino - Ignition 9. Bafana (Live mix) - Sytomic Pffft. Mayans. What the hell do they know? If they're so smart how come they went extinct like the dinosaurs? All that's left are those f*cking ruins in Mexico. And we know what kind of living hell that is. Why would you trust a race that built their civilization in such humidity? Center of the Universe? C'mon. I would like to think if they were that enlightened the center of the universe would be a little easier to get to. End of the world in 2012 you say? Whatever. Make Diddy put out a good record, then I'll be impressed. I think the rule is if you can't get your arms around it, you take it back to its stall. Nonetheless, Hunab Ku means center of the Universe in Mayan speak and that's the title of this compilation. Tzolkin is a label with 3 releases to its credit and they rock it in full twilight style. Guess what their first compilation was called? Tzolkin. I know, I know. All jokes aside (whatever) that was pretty damn good so it is with confidence that I put this on and give it a go. Also, FYI it is dedicated to one of the compilers Pirzink who apparently has been taken from this world too soon. Thought that was a nice gesture. So I hope he is reading this from heaven (whatever your definition may be) and gets a chuckle out of it. Red Hour- Is there anyone that is more consistent in high quality twilight than Greg Hamber from South Africa? This guy delivers more than Dominoes and has been in the game for a long time now. His style is fast, cyber intensive, and extremely dance friendly. This is no exception. 50 caliber acid blasts fire at will and as the assault grows the track becomes a whirlwhind of power. Oh yeah...it's got some teeth. Mind Disastour- "The security in this office park is a joke. Last year I came to work with my spud gun in a duffel bag. I sat at my desk all day with a rifle that shoots potatoes at 60 lbs per square inch." Well what the hell are you waiting for brotha? French Fry party!!!! This is another acid heavy beat down that is rhythmic as f*ck. Pure acid deluge over a rambling bass line. Some may say that it lacks any depth, but if I wanted depth I would jump in a pool. I just want some kick ass twilight psytrance and this was on point. Destroy The Object- "This missle crisis was the last straw. We almost blew ourselves up. Now we invited you here in good faith...to sort this thing out." Barry, now normally I love your music. I do. Sin For Dinner? Edible Techniques? Out of the Mouth (which you gave away)? Hell, the Bonestorm track is the most awesome of tracks in the history of awesome. Brilliant. Your style is sample laden hyper stuff with good grooves, but this one was a little too much for me. Always 100 miles an hour, this one hits like a mack truck and is really...loud. Abrasive, and I mean more so than normal. Maybe I'm getting older or I need to put the big girl panties on, but this one hurt my head. Salvia Divinorum- "This is one of the most interesting new psychedelics in the world. This is Salvia Divinorum, and it is definitely one of the plants that will shape the next few decades of the millenium." I reviewed his free EP A.R.G. from Ektoplazm and he seems like an up and coming twilight act. Reminds me of Xatrik to be honest. Acid lines flying all over the place with a nice groove and well placed samples. He went to the twilight cookbook and nailed it. Addiction- "Not everyone can control the addiction....but you can try." Here is a pair of artists that are new to me, like when I had my first child and had to install the child seat. I don't see the problem...look at him...so happy. Those are some nice pads you got workin' there, but something about that sample is tugging at me. Think of it like my Spidey Sense, only I call it my crap detector. Sure, at the outset all is calm with furious acid on display and you would probably be thinking, this ain't so bad. But the sample begins to dominate and the buildups begin. Trouble afoot my friends Funk You- "You can play in the water without getting wet!" Oh that it were true! 8 bit video game sounds give way to the rapid fire bass line and the obligitory acid force feeding. And you are just gonna take it. It's massive and groovy at the same time and there is even a sample that tells you it's funky. Samples never lie. Ever. When the metallic synths get involved all bets are off. Even the buildup was super intense. Just a bull in a china shop that says f*ck China. What? Oh no, no, no...I wasn't talking about you...I meant another China. Altered State- Another unknown act that has some nice acid work, but it didn't stay with me. Not bad, but when you compare it with some of the others here it just doesn't hold up. El Senor Mino- "You just, you know...go in there, like nothing's changed, you hang out, you make a buy, walk out, easy as that." Only 5 minutes? And two of that was probably cursing. The brothers Varela from Portugal know a thing or two about this twilight business. João (aka Zinx) recently released a very blistering EP Rampage that I enjoyed. Another project that has a nice mastery of the acid works and the boogie shoes to go with it. Crunchy and fast paced, just the way I like it. Strap yourself in and hang on. In the South we call that goin' hoggin'! Fafana (Live Mix)- Another unknown to close this bit of business and it doesn't seem to fit. This is a lot fluffier with friendly melodies. How the f*ck did this make it on there? Like a ray of sunshine that escaped the darkness. Or how my plot to kill the Golden child failed. You sonofab*tch! You've won this round. Like their 1st release it was pretty good. Pumping twilight style with a couple of monster tracks peppered among the other very good ones. Nothing was terrible and if you love your acid plentiful, then open wide and say ahhhhh! http://www.psyshop.c.../tzo1cd003.html http://www.beatspace...bku/detail.aspx http://www.goastore....roducts_id=4607 Mdk

Artist: Various Title: Voices of the Trees Label: Forest Freaks Date: October, 2011 01 - Gioll - Lost Senses (150 BPM) 02 - DoHm - Lost Engineers (152 BPM) 03 - Kaos - Amok (150 BPM) 04 - Cenotes - Smektachius (148 BPM) 05 - Distorted Goblin - Psychodrama (150 BPM) 06 - Therange Freak - Creepy Shumadi (150 BPM) 07 - Whrikk - Frying Saucer (151 BPM) 08 - Red - Rock & Roll 21 Century (148 BPM) Free darkpsy and forest compilation anyone? Lost Senses- "You have finally lost your senses." Who you tellin'? This is pumping forest psychedelia with the super fast bass line and nice acid lines that fit well with the scratchy forest sounds. There is a nice melody that floats in at 2 and a half minutes but it only stays briefly. The best way to lure someone into a trap I say. It's not too heavy and is more accessible for those like myself who are reluctant to cross over to the dark side. You know so I'm standing at the edge of the forest, and the sun is going down and my f*cking dog ran in there. Do I go after him? Lost Engineers- Senses, engineers...of course everybody's getting f*cking lost it's a dark forest! This guy from Lithuania is one of my favorite forest trance producing guys. His tracks are spooky and motherf*cker I got turned around in this dark forest and can't find my way out. Damn dog. The woods creak and crack like a bowl of Rice Krispies and it all makes sense now. You twisted motherf*ckers...where's my dog? The opening strings are horror movie ready and the trees feel...alive. I see eyes everywhere...red, unblinking orbs. What was that sound? Amok- Those twisted sprites are mocking me now with portamento smiles. More scratchy leads run amok as they lead me deeper into the dark forest. The temperature drops as effects fly by my head. In the distance I hear a lone wolf cry. This is pretty twisted. Smektachius- Made up word? Possibly. When my son sees stickers that are identical he calls them dupakips (aka duplicates.) Flutes? Surely there must be somebody friendly here, mean people don't play flutes. Right? Bubbling forest sounds make me fell...uneasy. Spiraling effects and sick laughter have me looking over my shoulder. Oh, thank God it's Ronald....McDonald? What the f*ck happened to you? Don't...try...the...McRib. It's...people!!!! This was a great forest track. Great I tell you. Psychodrama- "What would you think if I told you that you, me, everyone came from outer space? Weird though it sounds, it's true. We're all aliens." Exhibit A What.The.F*ck? Bubbling, squeaks, pumping bass line...it's all here. At this point I'm pretty numb, having seen so many disturbing images. Creatures of dark origin circle with teeth bared, saliva dripping from their gaping maws. I just...I just want to find my dog and go home. Creepy Shumadi- Oh f*ck what's that clicking noise? Is the Predator here too? I love the use of the eerie chopped up synths, definitely chilling. There is a music sample that is used for twisted purposes but the reverb is so heavy that I can't make it out. It kinda becomes a wall of sound and takes away the evil pleasure of this track. Otherwise it woulda been a masterpiece. Frying Saucer- Fully under the sway of the forest, scratchy synths have their way. Don't know which way is up or down and just accept the next new horror thrust in front of me. Effects are spit out and twirled about as the aliens set their phasers to ridiculous Oh sh*t...Taco Bell...kicking in... To me this just comes off as incoherent noise over a bass line. Rock & Roll 21 Century- And in the totally unexpected what the f*ck department comes the final track. Sure, Homer Simpson is awesome and been used by loads of people. But...stay with me here. It had all the makings of a pretty good and groovy forest thumper. And then I discover that the forest swallowed the Marshal Tucker Band. How they got in there, I don't know. But they were still singing about what some woman did to him. Let it go dude. You're a zombie now anyway. Every now and then I need a little forest. The bubbling sound and dark atmospheres offer a nice balance with the melodic goa and twilight sounds I usually listen to. This was a pretty good comp, with the standouts being DoHm, Cenotes, TheRange Freak, and Gioll. Thanks to Ektoplazm it costs you nothing to enjoy. http://www.ektoplazm.com/2011/voices-of-the-trees Mdk

Artist: Ultravoice & Azax Syndrom Title: Keep it Real EP Label: Com.Pact Records Date: October, 2011 1. Keep if Real 2011 2. Up & Away 3. Mechanical Mayhem Fine. I'll do it. And now for the review that nobody was waiting for. Well, that's not exactly true. When this appeared on my radar my reaction can best be summed up by this picture: Oh I was salivating... Like most of you, I knew to avoid this like the steaming pile of refuse it is. However, it occurred to me that some visitors might not be as educated as we on the status of the genre and in particular to it's players. Let's try to dissect this without getting to close because this sh*t can spread like herpes. Also, I feel this has gone on long enough. As much as I want to rip it, It's time for an intervention. Beginning with the cover. *Sigh* I like boobies. Love 'em actually. But I'm also an adult that doesn't need to see images objectifying women to arouse my interest of to get me to purchase something. I'm married so I get to see a great pair of boobs for free. You know who needs this? These guys. So either you're catering to a portion of the population that has never kissed a girl or been on a date or...you are that population. 2nd, keep it real. What exactly are you keeping real? Here is a short list of artists that have used that as a title to their tracks. Lost Boyz MC Ren Jay-Z 504 Boyz Jonas Brothers...what the f*ck? Ok, throw that one out. Know your comfort zone... Thirdly and most important is the music. My psy addiction began with early Ultravoice stuff. Everything was new and shiny, The Star Alliance brimmed with full-on power. And Azax? Regev, you will always be a hall of famer for tracks like Hagi Gat, The Covenant, Big Mystery, War of the Worlds...But like the cover I have outgrown you. Somewhere along the way you guys decided to go the commercial route and appeal to the least common denominator. That's cool, you gotta do what you gotta do if you want to make a living with this music. I tried to like this. I did. Even as a guilty pleasure. Sure there are several parts in the tracks that are groovy and cool, but they are torn asunder by the colossal amount of cheese, build ups, annoying samples, and cliche tricks that plague this genre. So yes, I tried. Man did I try. But I also believe in redemption and second chances. You can turn this around, but you have to take the first step. Go back to the lab and listen to your old tracks. Rediscover what made them great and build on it. Please don't take my criticism as elitist as I'm an ordinary guy that just loves psytrance. Ultimately the music is what matters and this is why it hurts to see once proud artists wallow in the abyss. This isn't music...it's a cry for help. http://www.beatport....-it-real/817566 8 bucks for 3 tracks? Oh...you were serious....ouch. Mdk

Artist: Tryon Title: Cube Sequence EP Label: Hypergate Records Date: October, 2011 1. Awareness Test 2. Frequency People 3. Deep Space This is a cautionary tale. Of not being happy with what you have, but being unhappy with what you don't. Based on a true story. The names have remained the same because he is the f*cknut that did it. Elmo Pereira had it all. Fame, with appearances on the late night talk shows. Fortune Women. But as is the case with a lot of stars who rocket to the top and burn so brightly he became addicted to the perks of the lifestyle. The fall began while he was shooting a product shot for Red Bull when tragedy struck. He was burned on over 70% of his body spending 7 months in the intensive care unit. Once released he became a virtual hermit, sinking into a deep dark depression. To take his mind off his troubles he traveled to Ireland for an extended vacation. Unfortunately his wealth allowed him to crawl inside a bottle in an endless menagerie of pubs and backroom bars where the drink choice was only limited by his imagination. But alcohol was merely a gateway drug. Soon his recreational drug use became habit forming. Coke, heroin, prescription drugs to numb the pain and finally...meth. Immediately rumors began to circulate to producers and he was quickly dropped from his successful television show. His agent stopped fielding his calls and soon he took up with a bad crowd. His downward spiral continued with the release of his latest books. The fanbase scattered like dust in the wind and sales were dismal. For the final humiliation he was caught on camera performing favors for drugs. With no where to go and nobody to turn to, he sought relief in the warm embrace of death. After not being seen for many months, Elmo released an album that garnered critical acclaim in 2009 called The Twilight Solution. Psytrance seemed tailor made for his high strung personality and the music he made had the masses dancing. After favorable appearances on compilations, Elmo has since gotten his life together with professional and personal success. This EP is his latest effort to quell the demons that have haunted his past. Awareness Test- "This is an awareness test." All hands on deck cause this is a rumbly motherf*cker. The leads rip as thick lasers strafe the target. I'm sorry did he drip a little acid on you? Tide will get that sh*t out. He's got the layers and a build up that actually builds tension. How novel. Good job sir. Frequency People- "Well how can people relax under the tensions of modern life?" More blow jobs obviously. Sounds heavy with a cyber twist. It's more of a underground sound, with churning rhythms. After the break, the lead starts to do its thing and the acid is let loose. It hits its stride near the end and becomes a pretty good track. Kind of a wall threatening to topple on you. Deep Space- Acid rollercoaster. Strap yourself in and try not to lose your cookies. That lead dances like a stripper I saw who told me she was only doing this to pay for medical school. Well, far be it from me to get in the way of science and education. The end is an array of sticky leads and bright lights which make it one of the best tracks for me. I love the shiny lights! Hypergate Records is on quite the roll. Massive release after massive release with quality night time sounds. I liked Sidhartha as an artist and I like him as head of this label. The Portuguese sound is intact and as potent as ever. While not as intense and blistering as the Alienn EP One, it is still a good bet to get the body moving. http://www.beatport....sequence/819924 Mdk