V/A - Digital Performers

[DeathPosture]

V/A – Digital Performers

 

 

Artist: Various

Title: Digital Performers

Format: CD (jewel case)

Label: Exposure Productions (Greece)

Cat. #: EXPOCD 002

Distribution: ZMA label group

Date: January 2005

 

Track listing:

 

01. 07’55” Altöm – All Of That

02. 07’54” Orion – Speaker Speaker

03. 08’21” Wizzy Noise – Opus Drive

04. 07’31” Logic Bomb - Deuchland

05. 07’51” Dino Psaras vs. Deedrah - Hellraiser

06. 07’20” Astrix - Oranda

07. 09’18” Silicon Sound feat. Jaïa - Passengers

08. 06’33” Alien Project – Alien Technology

09. 08’03” Space Cat – H2O

10. 06’22” Synthetic – Mind Splinter

 

Review:

 

Digital performance...

 

The first release from Greek label Exposure Productions - the compilation All Systems Go - was a positive surprise for me when it was released last year. Musically there were some very nice tracks on it, and I was really impressed with the amount of big, well-established names that Detox had convinced to appear on his compilation. Back then he promised another impressive list of big names to appear on this second release – and with the exception of Astral Projection he has kept his promise… Again the tracklist is very impressive, and with mastering by Space Cat I am pretty sure there is some nice stuff to be found here… Let’s find out…

 

Let me take you thru the tracks…

 

#01: Altöm - All Of That [140BPM]

“Strange word like 'psychedelic,' you know - drugs, the whole bit, you know-- 'freak-out music' and all of that” First up is Alexis Cornet & Thomas Dubreuil from France with a very melodic piece, similar in style to their two albums on Neurobiotic Records… This is light and fluffy morning trance… Well-polished and with the old-school Paul McCartney quote as a funny ice-breaker… The melodies run deep here, and I’m inclined to sound the cheddar-alarm at times, but luckily Altöm’s groovy production prevents me from that… Decent track!

 

#02: Orion - Speaker Speaker [145BPM]

Next up is old timer Jean Borelli from Denmark kicking up some dust… I’m no full-on buff, but this is the kind of full-on I like the best – with driving, building tension… And with enough digital farts, electronic burps and psychedelia to keep me interested… The break-down is good and I’m sure it’ll work wonders on the dance-floor… Ok track!

 

#03: Wizzy Noise - Opus Drive [142BPM]

Micky & Uriel from Greece have also been digital performers on the scene for quite a while, and naturally they appear on this compilation with a very sweet track indeed… The plot thickens now and this track has the effervescent sweet ZMA-flavour… Groovy, building, funky night-time trance… The heavily vocoded voice-samples are übercool and adds to the overall phat electro-vibe this track has… Fucking awesome track!

 

#04: Logic Bomb - Deuchland [145BPM]

“Coloured particles. Colours running down like waterfalls..” Watch Detox pull out another ace… Jonas & Johan a.k.a. Logic Bomb are from Ørebro, Sweden and I consider them a vital part of the evolution of psychedelic trance during the last five years with their unmistakeable style… This is just what you’d expect – highly complex, rich, multilayered psychedelic trance – with swedisch spelling errors!?… Loads of twisted FX on top a stomping bassline… The break with the Shponglesque voice-sample is just what the doctor ordered! Brilliant track!

 

#05: Dino Psaras vs Deedrah - Hellraiser [145BPM]

And I’ll be damned if Detox doesn’t pull out another couple of old-schoolers from his psychedelic tophat… This time it’s Ibiza-freaks Dino & Dado… Dino Psaras has been in the game for at least ten years – and the same is true for Frederic Holyszewski… To be honest, I haven’t been particularly impressed with most of the stuff these guys have released individually lately… Too formulated for my taste... But it’s like something wonderful happens when they combine their strengths… This track is actually pretty good… Its full-on but with a distinct slightly darker edge… Yeah, this is guaranteed to raise hell on the trancefloors this summer… Nice track!

 

#06: Astrix - Oranda [142BPM]

Avi Shmailov’s neo full-on is among the top exports of Israel – his popularity is huge and so is the crossover appeal into cheesier territory… Personally I kinda enjoyed the debut album Eye To Eye but since then I’ve sought more challenging music to satisfy my needs… So this is my first encounter with the Astrix sound for a while – and I gotta hand it to the guy – he’s no stranger to the well-tested full-on formula… This is 100% fast-paced, joyous, full-on flavoured bubble-gum trance… Highly melodic and energetic – and quite catchy despite the skin-deep hollowness… Decent track!

 

#07: Silicon Sound feat. Jaïa - Passengers [142BPM]

Ahh… I thoroughly enjoyed the Silicon Sound (Johannes Reigner) track on the last Exposure compilation All Systems Go… And now he’s working with another French full-on master – Jaïa (Yannis Kamarinos)... Both are among my fav’e French artists, so my expectations for this track are high… Sadly they are not really met until halfway too the track… The first half is a little too fluffy, but luckily the direction changes into more deep morning trance for the second half of the track… Pretty good track...

 

#08: Alien Project - Alien Technology [145BPM]

Up next is another neo full-on advocate – Mr. Ari Linker who’s been a steady TIP.World regular for the last couple of years… As with his track on All Systems Go, I’m not particularly impressed… Well, it’s well-produced and immensely happy – and I’m sure this suit the neo-crossover-glowstick-waving crowd, but I just can’t to get fully into it… It’s mainstream, light, fluffy full-on… Like a lollipop really – it’s good for the first couple of minutes, but then the flavour starts to annoy you… Full-on anno 2005! Lots of people like it – I don’t!

 

#09: Space Cat - H2O [145BPM]

Avi Algranati a.k.a. Space Cat from Israel used to be awesome, but to a nostalgic trancer like myself I feel like he’s lost some of his golden touch as over the years… But it’s not all bad… At least this isn’t overly formulated neo full-on as the last three tracks here were… This is very well produced experimental full-on with the distinct Space Cat sound... Guitars usually piss me off, but in this track I can cope – and the odd-ball climax part is pretty cool… Decent track!

 

#10: Synthetic - Mind Splinter [140BPM]

The last track is also by Frederic Holyszewski, this time under his darker Synthetic moniker… Yes, much better now… Razor-sharp cuts and murky, introvert pads helps add to the darker atmosphere put forth by Dado here… The techy electro-bits are very well-fitting! Oh yes, how refreshing it is to hear some good, anti-cheesy night-trance from this guy… Good job putting this track at the end of this compilation… Sweet!

 

Right, let’s settle the score… Unfortunately there are fillers on this album – as you can tell I’m not a big fan of neo full-on, but even I can appreciate the value of most of the tracks here… There are three very good tracks and a couple of pretty good tracks here… The rest is decent, but should definitely please fans of modern full-on… Luckily tastes differ and diversity rules!

 

So to conclude: Again Detox manages to release a full-on compilation filled with above average quality music… Well done! Again I’m looking forward to the next compilation… The anti-cheddar crowd might want to listen before purchase, but the general dancefloor posse will love with compilation endlessly… Enjoy!

 

Favourites: 2, 3(!!), 4(!!), 5, 10(!)

 

DeathPosture

 

External links:

Exposure Productions: http://www.exposure-productions.net (Under construction)

Psyshop: http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/exp/exp1cd002.html

Saiko Sounds: http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=4629

Ajuca Productions: http://www.ajucaproductions.co.uk/cgi-bin/...asp?LR=EXPOCD02

Cisco: http://www.cisco-records.co.jp/cgi/title/t...tail_123907.php

[Basilisk]

Above average full-on, better than the rest for sure.

 

Wizzy Noise drops a huge bomb on this one!! I love how the last big rush is such a Blue Monday sort of vibe...

[pr0fane]

Artist: Various

Title: Digital Performers

Label: Exposure Productions

Format: CD

Released: January 2005

Cover: http://217.160.138.169/pic_b/exp1cd002_b.jpg

 

 

Review:

 

The greek label Exposure Productions started up last year with a "All Systems Go", a compilation that had a very impressive list of artists considering it was a debut, and also received a good deal of positive feedback. The label opens 2005 with a new compilation in the same league; "Digital Performers", containing some of the same acts from the first compilation like Logic Bomb, Orion and Silicon Sound, and a lot of other big names in full on circuits like Dado (both as Deedrah and Synthetic), Wizzy Noise, Astrix and Altöm.

 

So, everything is in place to one hell of a full on compilation – but can the impressive roster of artists live up to the expectations?

 

 

01. Altom – All Of That

First up is the French duo Altöm, with their crystal-clear groovy full on. Not much has changed since their 2nd album "Groove Control", although "All Of That" is perhaps slightly more melodic, and though it feels pretty fast-paced, it's "only" running at 140 BPM. Good opener – proves, that of all the bigger full on acts, Altöm is probably one of the funkiest.

 

02. Orion – Speaker Speaker

Danish trancelegend Jean Borelli is present with "Speaker Speaker". After some somewhat disappointing albums, both on his own and together with Alien Project, he really kicked ass with his track on Neurobiotics "Neurology", and this is up there as well. Full on, but yet with his own distinct sound and atmosphere. Uplifting and psychedelic with a slight progressive touch.

 

03. Wizzy Noise – Opus Drive

Greeces biggest act on the scene after the millennium, Wizzy Noise, delivers a huge bomb in "Opus Drive". Hard-hitting full on with Wizzy Noises well-known techy influences, yet extremely uplifting and melodic. The first real highlight on the compilation.

 

04. Logic Bomb - Deuchland

"Deuchland" (what the hell does that mean? ) is from the Swedish Logic Bombs, and like always from them, it’s multi-layered, highly psychedelic and with loads of weird effects on top. The style hasn’t changed much since their last album "Unlimited", but the formula is still working, and no one has succeeded in copying their sound yet. Typical Logic Bomb track.

 

05. Dino Psaras Versus Deedrah - Hellraiser

Up next is a collaboration between Dino and Deedrah, two names who needs no introduction. "Hellraiser" seems like a very suitable track for the track, and you can definitely hear both artists influences; the rough, hard-hitting production of Dino and the more polished work of Deedrah. Dancefloor material for sure.

 

06. Astrix - Oranda

"Oranda" is from the Israeli wonder Astrix, who in less than a few years developed into probably one of the most popular acts on the scene, and if one, he was probably one of the most important factors in the new wave of Israeli full on. "Oranda" is more or less your typical Astrix-track: very melodic and catchy, and while it perhaps isn’t his best work ever, I prefer it over much of the stuff on his newest album.

 

07. Silicon Sound Featuring Jaia - Passengers

"Passengers" is interesting French collaboration between the full on act Silicon Sound, and one of my all-time favourite morning acts, Jaïa. Jaïa hasn’t released much new stuff the last few years, but is set to release a highly anticipated album on Digital Structures this spring – and this track is a nice teaser, although it sounds like Silicon Sound was most dominant in the collaboration. Excellent, uplifting morning music – smooth as slik.

 

08. Alien Project – Alien Technology

A lot has been said about the Israeli Alien Project, and I agree with most of it. His music is closely related with Astrix, and the last track of his I found good, was actually the old Astrix-collaboration "Midnight Sun". "Alien Technology" is unfortunately another pale creation from Alien Project – the same sounds and effects he used so many times before – definitely a filler.

 

09. Space Cat – H2O

Space Cat did the mastering of the compilation, and here he is with a track of his own, "H2O". I guess the production is pretty good, and the melodies are very catchy, but I found the guitar and squeaky Space Cat-trademark synths quite annoying and stressful. Didn’t like this.

 

10. Synthetic – Mind Splinter

Finishing the compilation is another track from Dado, this time with his more raw and techy sideproject Synthetic. "Mind Splinter" is certainly the least formulaic track on the compilation, keeping a slow pace and evolving from gloomy to dreamy - a well-chosen closure to the compilation.

 

 

Bottom line:

The artists featured on "Digital Performers" are some of the biggest and most sought after on today’s psytrance scene, and while some would probably call it commercial, I just think of it as a good, professional release. No, you shouldn’t expect something totally groundbreaking or highly original, but if you’re "just" looking for a compilation with some of the best full on the scene has to offer at the moment, look no further. Not only do I think it’s a must-have in every full on DJ’s case, a lot of the tracks are also great for home listening.

 

This is the best full on compilation since Neurobiotics "Neurology", and alongside Pixels "Reality Strikes Back", the best full on release I’ve heard so far in 2005. Good job.

 

 

Favourites:

 

1, 3 (!!), 5, 7 (!!), 10 (!!)

 

 

Verdict:

 

8/10

 

 

Link:

Exposure Productions: http://www.exposure-productions.net

[Templar]

V.A - Digital Performers

 

Exposure Productions, 2005

 

Tracklist:

 

01. Altom – All Of That

02. Orion – Speaker Speaker

03. Wizzy Noise – Opus Drive

04. Logic Bomb - Deuchland

05. Dino Psaras versus Deedrah - Hellraiser

06. Astrix - Oranda

07. Silicon Sound feat. Jaia - Passengers

08. Alien Project – Alien Technology

09. Space Cat – H2O

10. Synthetic – Mind Splinter

 

“Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess and a handsome prince.” Wait, wrong review...

 

I was one of the lucky bastards that won the competition by Detox and at the same time I was the unlucky one who didn't receive the prize (a free copy of "Digital Performers"). Why? Dunno, certainly it wasn't Detox's fault, but I felt obliged to get familiar with the material and write a venomous :-) review, so I bought my copy. Was it worth it? It sure was. We have some big names on this one as it was the case with the previous compilation from Exposure Productions. "All Systems Go" turned out to be one of my favourite compilations from 2004, so the expectations were quite high. Altom? F**k yeah! Silicon Sound? Yummy! Logic Bomb? Splendid! Synthetic? Bring it on! Bla, bla, bla.. Ok, enough of this crap, let's eat! :-)

 

01. Altom - All Of That

 

Boy oh boy. Another Altom tune. The two guys are a magnificent proof that french tunes can be inventive, groovy and unique. Altom's debiut album "Hologram" released back in 2002 on Neurobiotics was one of my favourite CD's of that year and I still think of it as of a top notch work, even though there are people who consider it to be very repetitive recycled music (usage of the same sounds over and over again) and boring. Their second disc was also a must have. "All Of That" manages to capture the spirit of "Groove Control" album and makes a fine drifting & uplifting tune (especially for opening this compilation), although I noticed some slight lack of ideas.

 

02. Orion - Speaker Speaker

 

Ah, yes, Jean Borelli, bow down. The track contains trademark Borelli-sounds, which make a true psychedelic trance celebration that moves our bodies. Do they? Well, yes and no. Sure, it's a fine track and the artist puts the right amount of emotion to convey Orion's character, but still there is something missing. Regardless of that, it's a good work.

 

03. Wizzy Noise - Opus Drive

 

I find it almost impossible to describe "Opus Drive", so I'll make it quick - probably the best track on the whole compilation! The guys from Wizzy show once more who is in charge. Fat sounding track, it's been quite some journey! Templar's word.

 

04. Logic Bomb - Deuchland

 

"Deuchland" - quite nice wordplay. I have to admin that Logic Bomb is one of my favourite acts in the world of psychedelia. Once in a while they decide to create something new and challenging in terms of psytrance music (all of you who like gooood music will remember the track called "Neighbour Of The Beast"). On hearing the track one immediately hears those trademark sounds. Nicey nice, I really liked it. After all, it's Logic Bomb!

 

05. Dino Psaras versus Deedrah - Hellraiser

 

I was wondering how a track made by the two mates would sound. Expectations were really high, after all these fellows are not green-horns in the scene. Pumping, fast, wicked... you know the rest. :-) A good collaboration track, which will surely transport many people straight to the dancefloors.

 

06. Astrix - Oranda

 

Been there, done that - a reasonable things to say when one encounters Astrix. As I expected it to be, this is another schematic track by the artist (ehem...) from Israel. "Oranda" is another formulaic one from Avi Shmailov, filled up with some childish sounds. If you heard some other track by him you'll know exactly what this one is like - expect no surprises here. For a newbie this may seem a hell of a track, a fine way to drop an E and wet pants during a predictable climax, but for me this is... the stuff You avoid on pavements. Highly recommenable for die-hard fans of Astrix. And only for them...

 

07. Silicon Sound feat. Jaia - Passengers

 

All passengers, prepate for take off! This one is smooth and elegant like Monica Bellucci - well it is not a big surprise considering the fact that we have Silicon Sound and Jaia on the job. In a moment the listener enters a rare moment of sublime peace that one needs to add into his / hers life. World class indeed. Simultaneously, one can observe that enormous advances have been made in Reigner's music. I remember the time when I first heard his track called "Strange Planet" (3D Vision) and I was like: "Wow...". Now I repeat myself - "Wow!". Another highlight on this V.A.

 

08. Alien Project - Alien Technology

 

It is original, brave, and the sounds are truly transporting, making this a release that truly deserves the "psychedelic" tag... Now wait a minute! What the f**k am I writing about? It's Alien Project. Ok, one more time... Chocolate comes in many different variations, including milk chocolate , dark chocolate , and white chocolate. Recent Alien Project's musical achievements also come in different packings: cheese or crap. While some artists have taken a definite step forward in the recent years, Ari is one of those who represent the opposite movement. Really, this track is terrible... Cheque please!

 

09. Space Cat - H2O

 

The mastering of the music contained on this disc was done by Avi "Space Cat" Algranati, who seems to master many CD's lately. We also get a tune by this fellow here... Unfortunately Space Cat joined the gang of those artists, where I have many preconceived ideas of how their tracks will be like even without listening to them. And I wasn't wrong. This is utterly boring. I was impressed by Space Cat's first album (anyone remembers "Beam Me Up"?), which I consider to be one of the best things that came from Israel, but this? Yaaawn... Nothing interesting here really, this is quite like the material on Space Cat's "Mechanical Dream" album (2004). Once again: Been there, done that.

 

10. Synthetic - Mind Splinter

 

Here we have another tune by one of my favourite pioneers in experimenting with sound and music. The legendary Transwave, Deedrah... You name them. Anyhow, "Mind Splinter" is perhaps one of the most individual tracks on this compilation and is full of everything that makes this music great. Although it does not reach the level of the musical material presented on "100% Pure" album made by Dado as Synthetic, the track has an original spirit and atmosphere. It is both intelligent and original. Bravo mr Dado!

 

I must admit that many tracks on this CD are great, but still if I were to pick my favourites I would highlight Silicon Sound and Wizzy Noise. The quality of the sound is top notch. The musical landscapes are very convincing. Some other artists also did a great job, but do not shine as bright as Wizzy Noise or Silicon Sound, who, in my opinion, steal the show. It's nice to see that some of my favourite musicians reached new levels. Detox managed to grab some fine tunes by some fine artists and thank him for that, but please D-man, stay out of Alien Project and Astrix types, flush them down, whatever, I just don't want to see them on another compilation. There was a period in the history of our blue planet when the dinosaurs have vanished. I wish for an ice age approaching fast for this kind of sound. Enough of this fluoro-rave! Really, the way I see it there are plenty of talents out there to choose from, ones that don't smell of stale cheddar and boring ideas. I also lack some creativity here and there, I miss some experimenting with sounds and, most of all, some nice downtempo. Maybe next time? Anyway, I'm satisfied with this compilation and I avait another position from the E.P. stable. Prometheus and X-Dream track on another V.A. are promising... They are always the ones to bet on and I know that Detox will make a good use of them.

 

T.

[DETOX]

Thanks for the reviews guys,your opinions are welcome and very helpful indeed

[kabamaru]

I have to agree with the above reviews as well. Pretty good full-on comp DETOX, but try to steer clear from Alien Project and Astrix next time, they ruin an otherwise very strong comp.