V/A – Set:6 Evolved

[pr0fane]

 

Artist: Various

Title: Set:6 Evolved - compiled by DJ Frequence

Label: Iboga

Format: CD (Jewelcase with 4 page inlay)

Released: October, 2005

 

 

Review:

 

After the rather successful 5 first editions, the extremely busy Danish label Iboga Records is ready with the 6th edition of the "Set"-compilations saga. Behind the wheel this time is DJ Frequence: perhaps a name that doesn't sound that familiar, but I'm quite FREq will have a familiar ring to all progressive psytrance fans - unless of course you've been living on a deserted Island the last 2 years. He has compiled a quite interesting list of new tracks and remixes, and as always when it's coming from Iboga, the expectations are sky high.

 

 

01. FREq - Carbon Based Lifeform (Sun Control Species Remix) [135 BPM]

The compilation starts with a Sun Control Species remix of "Carbon Based Lifeform", one of the most memorable tracks from FREq's "Strange Attractors" album released last year. Sun Control Species' version is really banging - less atmospheric than the original, but with a phatter, rolling bassline. Not really as good as the original, but a solid dance floor track.

 

02. FREq - Strange Attractor (Liquid Soul Remix) [135 BPM]

Next up is a remix of the title-track from "Strange Attractors", this time made by the Swiss Liquid Soul, who have really gotten a breakthrough this year with releases on Iboga, DOMO, Plusquam and SOG. Nicolas remix is a true dance floor bomb, extremely raw and powerful and just bursting with energy. Without a doubt one of the most blasting progressive trance tracks I've heard this year, definitely made with the dance floors as the prime focus.

 

03. Beckers - Switch (Ace Ventura Remix) [132 BPM]

3rd track is another remix, this time with Yoni Oshrats (of Psysex and Schatsi fame) Ace Ventura project remixing one of the biggest partyhits of the year, Frank Beckers's massive "Switch". Yonis version is certainly aimed towards the more psychedelic dancefloors, with a less electro-driven bassline and some added hypnotic tribal percussion. For most part it works really well, with my only point of criticism being that I feel some energy is lost after the final looooong buildup. Overall a nice remix though.

 

04. Zen Mechanics - Environmental Porn [135 BPM]

Wouter Thomassen is one of the more diverse new producers on the psychedelic scene, with releases ranging from full on to ambient and progressive trance on labels like Aleph Zero, Dance N Dust and Iboga. "Environmental Porn" is one of his more progressive productions, using some quite standard full on'ish sounds and delicate vocals on top of a driving, progressive groove. Certainly not a bad tune, but not my favourite either.

 

05. Morax - Lost In The Woods [134 BPM]

Morax is perhaps better known as one half of the techtrance project Triac, with releases on HOMmega, DOMO and Candyflip and an upcoming album on Moonflower. After the first 4 powerful tracks, "Lost In The Woods" take the compilation in a more laidback direction, very atmospheric and with some quite catchy grooves. Nice work, but I would have preferred it without the acid-like sounds in the last couple of minutes, which feel distracting in an otherwise nicely polished track.

 

06. Casa Flava - Further South (Deep Mix) [130 BPM]

The duo Casa Flava is a well-known name in the non-psy progressive scene, with releases on important labels like Renaissance, Perfecto and Plastic Fantastic - but this is their first appearance on a "psy" release. "Further South (Deep Mix" is previously released on 12", but that doesn't distract from the fact that this tune is really marvellous - extremely deep and groovy, with a engaging atmosphere to die for. Outstanding!

 

07. Nyquist - Singularity (FREq Revision) [132 BPM]

FREq himself is up next with a revision of one of his own tracks, "Singularity" written under his new Nyquist sideproject. I haven't heard the original, but FREq's sound is very distinct here with his well-known tight production and a harsh and precise pumping groove. This is also a bit gloomier than some of the later more psychedelic FREq-releases, and it suits his very sound well - as a matter of fact I consider it one of his best releases in a while.

 

08. Manuel Duego - Disseption [130 BPM]

Next track is from a very pleasant surprise: Manuel Duego from Israel. This is - as far as I know - his first release, and it certainly doesn't show. A very enjoyable housey tune, far from the usual Israeli sound, with a nice, laidback attitude. Perhaps I would have preferred it with some more variation, but a really good tune nevertheless.

 

+ Nasser - Vovoli [132 BPM]

Finishing the compilation is Nasser from Israel, who previously appeared on releases from Midijum and Aeon Records. With "Vovoli" he takes the compilation back into the more psychedelic territory, with a quite distinct tune - laidback and groovy, quite tribal and with some psychedelic elements as well. Perhaps not among the most enjoyable tracks here, but among the more interesting ones, and a nice added bonus.

 

 

Bottom line:

 

As expected the 6th "Set" compilation was really good. There's a fine mix of progressive psytrance dance floor music and more laidback progressive house crossover tunes, and while the flow on the CD perhaps isn't really that consistent, there's just so much quality material, that you as a progressive psytrance DJ or an avid home listener, simply can't avoid this release. Basically none of the tracks are bad, and the highlights are truly stunning.

 

Iboga have done it again - "Set:6 Evolved" is among the best chapters in the series so far, and a very recommended buy.

 

 

Favourites:

 

1, 2(!!), 3, 5, 6 (!!), 7, 8

 

 

Verdict:

 

8/10

 

 

Link:

 

Iboga Records: http://www.iboga.dk

[biggins]

this is indeed a yummy compilation....mmmm.........agreed Mr P

 

[Tox]

gonna check it out later today...

[DeathPosture]

V/A – Set/6 – Evolved

 

 

Artist: Various

Title: V/A – Set/6 Evolved (Compiled by DJ FREquence)

Format: CD (jewel case)

Label: Iboga Records (Denmark)

Cat. #: IBOGACD33

Distribution: twohandsdistribution.com

Date: November 2005

 

Track listing:

 

01. 08’50” FREq – Carbon Based Lifeforms (Sun Control Species Remix)

02. 08’42” FREq – Strange Attractor (Liquid Soul Remix)

03. 09’25” Beckers – Switch (Ace Venture Remix)

04. 08’27” Zen Mechanics – Environmental Porn

05. 08’27” Morax – Lost In The Woods

06. 09’10” Casa Flava – Further South (Deep Mix)

07. 06’38” Nyquist – Singularity (FREq Revision)

08. 07’13” Manuel Duego - Deception

09. 09’22” Nasser - Vovoli

 

Review:

 

Slicker than your average!

 

The 33rd (!) CD release by Danish label Iboga Records is the 6th in the notorious Set-series… The 4th was Israeli proggy trance, whereas the 5th was smooth progressive summer choons… This one is compiled by FREq (Aran Gallagher) under his DJ FREquence moniker… It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of the FREqqy sound, so I’ve been looking forward to this particular compilation for a long time… Let’s find out what Aran has cooked up for us this time…

 

Let me take you thru the tracks…

 

#01: FREq – Carbon Based Lifeforms (Sun Control Species Remix) [135 BPM]

CBL was the opening track on FREq’s Strange Attractors album released in 2004. Ah very distinct, epic classic which is now remixed by fellow Australian Andrew Davidson…This remix might not have the same instant-headbang-factor as the original has, but I like it nevertheless… It’s very housy and immensely dancefloor friendly… Tribal and totally driving too - and it pays homage to the original. Obviously not better than the original, but still a pretty solid tune…

 

#02: FREq – Strange Attractor (Liquid Soul Remix) [135 BPM]

Strange Attractor was, and still is, my fav’e track from the FREq album… So remixing it could be sacrilege… Don’t mess with royalty! Nicola Capobianco from Switzerland does a pretty decent job on this remix though – and I’m glad I don’t have to accuse him of blasphemy… It’s far from being as massive as the original – and especially the first couple of minutes are kinda boring… I know it’s all about building, and further on in the track the phatness is introduced… Those huge reverb sounds have been chopped up and filtered, but they still sound excellent! Remix approved!

 

#03: Beckers – Switch (Ace Venture Remix) [132 BPM]

Another ‘classic’ remixed here. This original track by Frank Beckers was pretty much a progressive anthem, and now it’s re-assembled by Yoni Oshrat who has had brilliant tracks on the previous two Set-compilations… To be honest I was never really taken by the original – and I blame it all on those damn vocals… I mean the music is frekkin’ excellent… If only that guy would just STFU! ‘I’m not your party toy’…Aaaargh! Puke! It really ruins it for me… Apparently there’s a Wrecked Machines remix out there which kicks the shit outta this one, but I haven’t heard it… Yet!

 

#04: Zen Mechanics – Environmental Porn [135 BPM]

Luckily the Flying Dutchman Wouter Thomassen is here to save the day… This guy has yet to let me down with his crossover stuff and tight production… And sure enough, this is cross-over stuff too – somewhere in between tribal progressive and uplifting morning trance… Smooth, funky and silky white… Uncomplicated perhaps but very easily accessible… I’m digging it loads!

 

#05: Morax – Lost In The Woods [134 BPM]

Morax is Michael Reznik from Israel – he mixed one of my fav’e progressive tracks this year: Prosect – Sonified off the Inner Circle compilation released by Tribal Vision earlier this year… This is a deeper track than the previous ones – with a darker, grittier edge… And yeah, I can see where the forest analogy comes from… There is definitely something wooden going on here… I really like the structure of this track – and the acid-bits towards the end kicks ass! A nice, hard-hitting track!

 

#06: Casa Flava – Further South (Deep Mix) [130 BPM]

This is my first encounter with Casa Flava (Olivier Berger and Stan Kolev) who are Plastic Fantastic regulars… We’re back to floating, crossover progressive trance now… Very driving with tons of reverb action going on… The tribal-drums are pretty cool and the overall lazy groove is nice! Deep indeed! I can see why FREq likes this – it’s very similar to his own style… The bridge after the break is particularly sweet… Kick-ass track!

 

#07: Nyquist – Singularity (FREq Revision) [132 BPM]

Nyquist is a darker FREq moniker… So Aran is remixing himself here. I’ve only heard one other Nyquist track and frankly that didn’t do much for me – but I guess adding the FREq-tag helps, as this is a really nice tune… Dark yes, but with an evident psy-touch to it… It’s sad though, that the melodies are hidden all the way in the background… They kinda drown in distortion… But a nice track nevertheless!

 

#08: Manuel Duego – Deception [130 BPM]

This is my first encounter with the music of Israeli producer Manuel Duego… We stay in the darker realms on this track… It’s groovy and all, but somehow also a little uninspired and bleak… Not bad at all, just not as notable as some of the previous tracks…

 

#09: Nasser – Vovoli [132 BPM]

This is the alleged bonus track by Nasser Halahle from Israel … Why it’s supposed to be a bonus is beyond me, but who the hell cares… This is floating, funky, tribal progressive trance with morning qualities… Very lush, but pretty harmful… It does what it’s supposed to though – move your feet!

 

Another well-adjust journey in the Iboga Set-series… Maybe not as good as Set/5 but its damn close. As always with Iboga, everything reeks quality here – from the cover art to the informative release notes… Pure class!

 

Aran has picked some real gems here, and besides maybe from the Switch Remix, there are no bad tracks on this compilation… Iboga Records are truly the undisputed heavy weight champs of progressive trance… A safe buy for anyone into slick-yet-edgy progressive trance – and I’m sure this will appeal to the crossover crowd too… Enjoy!

 

Favourites: 1, 2(!), 4(!), 5, 6(!), 7, 9

 

DeathPosture

 

External links:

Iboga Records: http://www.iboga.dk

Discogs: http://www.discogs.com/release/558135

Saiko Sounds: http://tinyurl.com/cd6oz

TranceShop: http://tinyurl.com/cqeyk

Beatspace: http://tinyurl.com/akrwg

Psyshop: http://tinyurl.com/7gbpe

Wakyo: http://tinyurl.com/8chlf

Cisco: http://tinyurl.com/7uv6v

Chaos: http://tinyurl.com/ajfsy

[heva]

bring on the freq rmx's MMMMMMMMMMMMmmmm freq and iboga goodness

[simon00]

Another great release from iboga and freq. Neither have let me down before. Probably only dont really like Switch but Further South more than makes up for that, that breakdown is just amazing.

[Tox]

OK, gave this one a coupple of spins & this is what I make of it:

 

In the RMX-department I actually only liked FREq – Strange Attractor (Liquid Soul Remix) Really nice work, adding a new perspective by digging out the melodic part a little deeper & still not wandering to far from the original.

The other 2 didn't really appeal to me. If you can't make it better or different (especially Switch) , maybe just don't touch it at all?

 

Zen Mechanics – Environmental Porn is more FREq than FREq: nice sounds, but not very original, imo

 

Morax – Lost In The Woods I never heard of Morax, but I'd like to! Nice powerful bass-line & unexpected twists. First standout original track. More of this please

 

Casa Flava – Further South (Deep Mix) & Manuel Duego - Deception represent the deeper more housier side of progressive here & they definitely take the cake! Somz hints of a melody, nice rhytms & flows. What was lacking a little until now was tension & these guys know how to build a nice break! Both are excellent for Sunday afternoon progressive-floors or a Hi-Quality-Night-@-the-Club.

 

Nyquist – Singularity (FREq Revision) DP put it well: everything is going on in the back of the track/mix? So maybe this has to be played really LOUD like X-dream? Not thàt impressive really

 

Instead of spending their money on a nice booklet (come on: 3 pages & the same cover art AGAIN ???) Iboga prefers to continue their good tradition of adding a Bonus Track. Here it's Nasser with a track I would describe as Israeli House Music. Nice hypnotising sounds. As far as cross-over potential goes: this is looking at a very different direction indeed. But still good stuff...

 

So in conclusion:

 

I like it, but for very different reasons than I thought I would.

Nice tracks by new names, 2 dissapointing rmx & only 1 "new" track by FREq himself, which didn't set break records with me either.

But ofcourse FREq's main achievement here was obviously to compile the tracklist & in general (heavily) inspiring some of the artists featured here.

Recommended for openminded ears, although pretty far from the 9/9 straight jaw-droppers I had hoped for...

[Daka]

to be honest, i am a bit dissapointed by this one. i share your opinion about the tracks, tox..

 

the Strange Attractor remix is quite nice, deep sounds, good creation of atmosphere, rhythmically it lacks the thrill.

Track 1 and 3 are boring..

Enviromental porn is got some nice riddims, the "you make me feel so cool" sample (where the hell do iknow it from) is funny, but the track lacks the innovative developement towards the end (nice, but..).

Lost in the woods starts light, slowly deeper sounds and rhythms sneak into the wood. Echoing easy sounds (like when u call your friends- lost in the woods with a stronger base, building up to end in a floating, positive way.

Deeper (as says the name of the mix) into the south goes the casa flava track, monoton but storytelling, nice breaks in between, like it.

 

After boring myself the conclusing track by Nasser starts with atmosferic breaks, brings in some riddims from behind- definetly a sweet morning track, never cheesy, light and deep at the same time..

As i said, i expected more.. but still a good one.

7/10

[Manuser]

Indeed we could have expected a better CD. I enjoy tracks 2, the end of track 7 and track 9 (nice one) but some tracks tend to be too repetitive and lack of hypnotic atmospheres, on the whole the rhythm + the basslines are not catchy or entrancing. Result : it is a bit dry and tasteless, melodic and very sunny though. A CD to listen to doing something else, driving or whatever, but quite boring otherwise, even if some tracks are nice, but not most of them.