pr0fane Posted June 22, 2005 Share Posted June 22, 2005 Artist: Jaïa Title: Fiction Label: MPDQX/Digital Structures Format: CD (Jewelcase with 8-page inlay) Released: June, 2005 Tracklist: 01. In 02. Serial Groover - 03. Gate I 04. Orchestra2.0 - 05. Gate II 06. Eyengui - 07. Gate III 08. From Tokyo - 09. Gate IV 10. Rouge Marine - 11. Gate V 12. Out Of Control - 13. Gate VI 14. Electric Sunrise 15. Interval Of Intimacy 16. Desert Walk Review: In 1998 a French duo called Jaïa released an album called "Blue Energy" – an album that had a stunning mix of ambient and uplifting psytrance, and received amazing feedback before it was eventually sold out. With a re-release in 2000 under the name "Blue Synergy" (which also included 6 new tracks) they released their 2nd and so far latest album before splitting up and going separate ways. One part of the duo, Yannis Kamarinos, decided to carry on under the Jaïa name though, and now, 5 years later he is ready with the long awaited 3rd Jaïa album "Fiction". Behind the release is no less than the Swedish powerhouse label Digital Structures, and the package is very professional compared to most other releases – the inlay doesn't seem much at first, but opening it up reveals a quite impressive wide drawing very connected to the music inside. I'm sure everyone who owns this will understand. Before I go on with the track-by-track review, let me just say that I'm going to take a slightly different approach this time, as the album has a quite special build-up. Between all the dancefloor-tracks there are some short "Gates" (between 30 seconds and 2 minutes long), that connect the different tracks. I'm not going to review these short gates, but just say that they're very well-executed, clever and full of little surprises – and without them the album wouldn't have been nearly as good as it is now. Anyways, lets get down to business. 01. In First of is a pretty long intro – taking us with Jannis through the streets of Paris (I guess) and back into his studio where starts grooving on a set of drums, followed by a dreamy sequence with big, delicious pads, before landing again on the way to a party. Walking through the streets of Paris again, getting on a train, and arriving safely at the party just in time to hear "Serial Groover" spinning. 02. Serial Groover [130 BPM] "Serial Groover" is a very laidback progressive house tune, just oozing with atmosphere and with a nice, appealing vibe. The track is constantly evolving and it combines different elements like stunningly simple melodies, a few lush pads and some extremely sexy trumpets. Amazing track with a very positive effect on the mood – I will definitely use it a lot on future blue mondays. 04. Orchestra2.0 [135 BPM] The first Gate brings us into a big old opera, where the orchestra is warming up, and the concert begins with "Orchestra2.0". The opera singer is there, and so is the violins and the piano, and in perfect combination with the progressive grooves the result is a marvellous tune – epic, progressive psytrance when it's best. 06. Eyengui [135 BPM] Things get deeper and darker with "Eyengui" – a track with some seriously gloomy undertones, which can easily be associated with being lost in the jungle with something lurking around every tree. Later in the track it gets seriously tribal with some heavy percussion and african chanting – this must be how a secret jungle-party sounds like. My favourite part must be the female sample – weird, yet incredibly sexy. 08. From Tokyo [140 BPM] "From Tokyo" brings us through the busy high tech metropolis of the capital of Japan – one of the two fastest tracks on the CD, and quite close to the dance friendliness of full on, yet much more tasty and nowhere near as stressful. On top of it all is some extremely busy tribal percussion, which I personally associate with Safri Duo – a nice touch. 10. Rouge Marine [128 BPM] After some very overwhelming waves in the 4th gate we are swept under water in "Rouge Marine". The groove is very housey, but don't let that fool you – this is a very atmospheric track, totally swept in delicious soft sounds and sweet pads. This is pure auditory pleasure from the first to the last second, and especially the break around the 3 minute mark is one of the most beautiful and overwhelming breaks I've heard in a long time. 12. Out Of Control [140 BPM] The tempo is raised again in "Out Of Control", and like "From Tokyo" it's pretty close to full on territory with its fast rolling bassline, yet also with a more progressive buildup. I really liked the collaboration "Passengers" with Silicon Sound on Exposure Productions "Digital Performers" compilation, and "Out Of Control" is pretty close to that – a bit more rough around the edges, but certainly very good. 14. Electric Sunrise [135 BPM] Last track for the dancefloors is "Electric Sunrise", starting quite mellow with female vocals and some relaxing chords, before the bassline kicks in after 1 minute and 10 seconds. The vocals and chords are the returning theme of the track, and overall it feels very relaxed. Not a peak-time track, but excellent material for morning-time or the opening hours of a party. 15. Interval Of Intimacy Time to get down on the ground after the dance-music, and "Interval Of Intimacy" provides just that – a 3 minute break in kind of a standard psy-chillout style with big surrounding soundscapes, and some very caressing, pleasing drops of water. I can imagine it sounds like lying in a Japanese garden. 16. Desert Walk The final track is "Desert Walk", and it surely lives up to its name. With lots of Middle Eastern influences, vocals and flutes combined with some very relaxing drums, this feels like a long, lonely and very windy walk in the dunes of the Moroccan desert before reaching the destination 9 minutes later: the end of a truly amazing album. Bottom line: I can't remember the last time I was so overwhelmed with an album at the first listen – it's hard to describe the thoughts going through my mind when I heard this masterpiece the first time, but one thing is for sure – it touched me very deeply. 5 years is a long time, but Yannis obviously took his time, and "Fiction" stands out as one of the most complete albums I have heard in a very, very long time – not only is the production absolutely brilliant, the musical content is also amazing, incredibly diverse and filled with surprises and perfectly put together as a journey or a long dream. The last trance releases that had a similar album feel to me (and not just a more or less random collection of tracks) were Saiko-Pods "Phutures & Options", Sashas "Airdrawndagger" and Younger Brothers "A Flock Of Bleeps" – and I even found this baby better than 2 of these. Besides from all the praising of the album - is there anything I didn't like about it? No. Well, the only thing I can think of, is that I have preferred if "Rouge Marine" was a bit longer (it's only 5:33), but that's just in the very, very nitpicky department. Also some psytrance fans might be intimidated by the low BPM of some of these tracks, but please put the "oh no, this is boring house-music" prejudices aside – this album is certainly not boring and monotonous. If you like dreamy, melodic trance-music, yet deep and never naive – I'm certain you'll love this. Hell, if you like good music you'll love this. Hands down, this album is absolutely essential, and without a doubt the best album I've heard so far this year (sorry Antix). Don't waste any time – order it now. Favourites: 2 (!!), 4 (!!) 6 (!!), 10 (!!), 12, 14 Verdict: 9,5/10 – Essential in every collection Links: MPDQX/Digital Structures: http://www.mpdqx.com/ds Jaïa: http://www.jaia.net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tox Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 I had high hopes for this one when I knew it was going to be out on Digital Structures, seems it was worth the wait... More opinions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psydmt Posted June 25, 2005 Share Posted June 25, 2005 Ok I'm not a prog lover but do appreciate it when its good. I have been a fan of Jaia since 97 since Mai Mai etc. I have given this a good listen and feel its a let down. lots of Ibiza style (cafe del mar style) , very housey and loads of woman singing through it. Think Blue Nile meets antix.... not really a good mix in my book. There are some small moments of those wicked jaia melodies though. Buy it if your a heavy prog listener or you really like something a little eclectic. You will hate it if you dont like prog or you have no idea who Jaia are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basilisk Posted June 26, 2005 Share Posted June 26, 2005 Stunning, but then again I am a heavy prog listener. High quality electronic music... you can tell he works creating sounds for television and movies - this is highly textured. I'm only just getting into it but to begin with I cannot resist the sexy sounds of the first dance number, and the orchestra track is simply brilliant. Loving it - sure to be on heavy rotation this summer and beyond. You can immediately tell this is MADE TO LAST. Profane's got it right. I think I'll drop in with a longer and more detailed review when I've absorbed more of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amphiton Posted June 26, 2005 Share Posted June 26, 2005 More housey? Yes! The sounds are amazing, put the the CD in your stereo-system, press play, sit down and enjoy. True masterpiece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kabamaru Posted June 26, 2005 Share Posted June 26, 2005 High quality electronic music... you can tell he works creating sounds for television and movies - this is highly textured. Loving it - sure to be on heavy rotation this summer and beyond. You can immediately tell this is MADE TO LAST. 285850[/snapback] I couldn't agree more. I loved it since the very first listen. This is deep, groovy very very atmospheric progressive trance. The best seting for me to enjoy this is in my car stereo while I'm driving near the coastline by night... It's definitely a summer album though and I don't know if I'll be able to listen to it during the winter (mainly because of nostalgia, I love summer so much). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
X-scream Posted June 26, 2005 Share Posted June 26, 2005 This is so smooth I want to cry! My music monitors are orgasming as we speak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psy structure Posted July 2, 2005 Share Posted July 2, 2005 This is even better than what Mozart, Beethoven and Pachelbel could do nowadays! True masterpiece of classical psytrance! Enjoy!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trolsk Posted July 2, 2005 Share Posted July 2, 2005 This is even better than what Mozart, Beethoven and Pachelbel could do nowadays! 289480[/snapback] It must be very embarrassing for an artist to get remarks like these... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manuser Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 It must be very embarrassing for an artist to get remarks like these... 289632[/snapback] hehe indeed but this album is simply the best i heard this year so far! Beautiful light morning trance, really worth buying, i did it without any hesitation and believe me it's been a while i didn't buy any CD. first 9/10 rating i gave this year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Time_Trap Posted July 5, 2005 Share Posted July 5, 2005 at last i found some progressive i like ! [yet dont think it's pure progressive trance similar to e.g Van buuren]. anywayz for me it's the kind of album that i will just sit, relax/chill and listen. Excellent production, a lot of innovative high-quality sounds, at certain parts[somewhere in the start of the track] the drums usage is extra-ordinary and creative. All in all a very nice album. Certainly worths a listen. 8.5 / 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seraph Posted July 18, 2005 Share Posted July 18, 2005 Stunning album ! It is surely one of the better ones this year and the best progressive trance album in 2005. He created multi layered masterpiece combining different genres and making very fresh, summer release. I like the in beetwen tracks, like intermezzos between journeys. He made album like a journey which is something I like very much. Total conceptual album. Plus there is pretty much inovative stuff hidden in here, freestyle combining. 9/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freak51 Posted July 18, 2005 Share Posted July 18, 2005 Hmmm, yyyyyyyup. I can't abide progressive anything ("feh, those kids and their progressive prog -- it's all the same track!"). But even I have to grant that this is a great CD. Hats off! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyclotronMajesty Posted July 23, 2005 Share Posted July 23, 2005 I hope it's got allot of organic forest sounds like the first one Blue Synergy/Energy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seraph Posted July 23, 2005 Share Posted July 23, 2005 I hope it's got allot of organic forest sounds like the first one Blue Synergy/Energy 302354[/snapback] It has but it is completely different style...While that was psy goa trance, this one is pure progressive...Great album for this summer... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rain Posted August 11, 2005 Share Posted August 11, 2005 very smooth and subtile progressive... Jaia proofs again to be one of the master of psychedelic trance... highly intilligent slight melodic progressive like the new hype progressive has become lately... good work, good job... more of this please... one of the best 2005 gave us until now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedro Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 Yeah it is a very smooth CD. So smooth that it sounds a bit too bland for me. It does have a few nice moments but this album is like Coca Cola Light. It is not the real thing! At some points the CD gets downright silly - like in 'Orchestra 2.0'. A bit misguided, to say the least... As for the 'Gates', they are just too precious for me - a needless self-indulgence which does nothing to save this CD. I can't recommend this album Pedro PS I think it is quite amusing that someone would group a one-hit chap such as Pachelbel with Beethoven and Mozart (sort of equivalent of mentioning Zager & Evans and the Beatles in one breath). As far as positioning Jaia's musical capabilities on the same plane.....hmm.......mmmm.....heeee (snicker)...haaww.........hahahahahahahah (violent laughing)! PSS For those too young - Zager & Evans were the authors of that great unassumingly named hit "In The Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus)". It did reach #1 in 1969, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lemmiwinks Posted August 31, 2005 Share Posted August 31, 2005 oh crap... as usual, a very good oldschool artist realizes he can rake in some $$$ if he makes something more club music oriented... and also rake in some $$$ by going under an established name when it's only half of what the group actually was. Do I like it? Hell no!!! Jaïa wasn't supposed to make fucken "smooth progressive music" in the first place. Yes, another one bites the dust. To all people praising this album so much: I really recomend you take out Blue Synergy out of your shelves, dust it off and give it another listen and THEN tell me if you find this so good... 5/10 from me... an average mark for an average album... PS at least if you want to make club music go under a different name please... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pr0fane Posted August 31, 2005 Author Share Posted August 31, 2005 I absolutely love "Blue Energy"/"Blue Synergy", but thank god he has moved on from "the good old days" instead of copying himself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rain Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 oh crap... as usual, a very good oldschool artist realizes he can rake in some $$$ if he makes something more club music oriented... and also rake in some $$$ by going under an established name when it's only half of what the group actually was. Do I like it? Hell no!!! Jaïa wasn't supposed to make fucken "smooth progressive music" in the first place. Yes, another one bites the dust. To all people praising this album so much: I really recomend you take out Blue Synergy out of your shelves, dust it off and give it another listen and THEN tell me if you find this so good... 5/10 from me... an average mark for an average album... PS at least if you want to make club music go under a different name please... 325927[/snapback] hard lemmi... you didn't expect something like blue didn't ??? you knew it was progressive before you listened to it... cause to be progressive if it's jaia or not it's good progressive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumble Pack (Blue Vortex) Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 oh crap... as usual, a very good oldschool artist realizes he can rake in some $$$ if he makes something more club music oriented... and also rake in some $$$ by going under an established name when it's only half of what the group actually was. Do I like it? Hell no!!! Jaïa wasn't supposed to make fucken "smooth progressive music" in the first place. Yes, another one bites the dust. 5/10 from me... an average mark for an average album... PS at least if you want to make club music go under a different name please... 325927[/snapback] i think its really funny that there are still ppl believing, that you can make money only with selling cds...sorry but if he wanted to change his music for the money, then he would do really comercial music, and "Fiction" is far from this. Beside that, its obvisius when you listen to this album, that this guy love what he does, and its not the money he's searching. And about keeping the name...i think thats he's choice and not up to one of us to judge about it. We dont know the background.. and anyway...for me the jaia spirit you still can hear very good in his music..so for me nothing is lost. And only because of a style change, you dont need to change name... I think your bashing lemmi is not ok...and your arguments are lame somehow... For me...its the album of the year...and it will last for a long time my absolutley favourite...its reall music with the heart...a great fusion of styles...and always psychedlic...thats why i loove it so much. cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unikos Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 i ve been playing this album a lot on my holidays.. nice soundtrack to relax under the sun and maybe groove along ! i would rate it as 8.5/9 out of 10, but then again i cant think of many new releases i like as much as this.. i still remember my first listen.. i pressed play and then i had to answer the phone. went to the next room and all i could hear where some silly noises i totaly disliked.... but then i pressed: stop. play. increased the volume and the album won me. i even like it a lot compared to blue synergy (the old prog so to speak) one more reason to be in universo parallelo---> JAIA (missed them/him in samothraki, was in main stage - big mistake) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 Some great moments in this CD indeed.. warmth..it'a bit of an artwork? nice idea there with the little ambient ambiance in between tracks.. But second listening gave me ( sometimes) the idea that I was listening to some gay french house music.. Maybe this CD can be better used as some kind of background music, while talking too friends ( works well that way ). And maybe 2 housy tracks will work well in a club.. The thing with this CD might be people want to listen more and more to some ( real/ live) instruments..remember the first track with the brass-section.. and to have a contrast with the sometimes mediocre heavy pounding neo-full on basslines..with this CD you want scare anyone away of course.. Maybe this CD would be better off without the 'classical/opera'' try out stuff..?? When skipping that (long) track ---------> 7/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lemmiwinks Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 sorry but if he wanted to change his music for the money, then he would do really comercial music man, it doesn't get any more housey than this... if I want house music, I'll listen to stuff released by a house label, thank you very much. But then I'd probably wouldn't be on this site in the first place... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrozenRealm Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 You talk shit lemmy This release is a true piece of musical creativity, if you like it or not! Nothing to do with commercialism, I wouldn't hear most of these tracks back on club parties, and in it for the money? whatever.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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