V/A - Kodama

pr0fane · February 20, 2006

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Artist: Various

Title: Kodama // Compiled by DJ SO

Label: Plusquam

Format: CD (Jewelcase with standard 4-page inlay)

Released: February, 2006

Review:

What originally started out as a progressive sidelabel for one of the biggest labels in psytrance history, Spirit Zone, is now considered one of the most important labels on the progressive psytrance scene. I am of course talking about the German-based Plusquam Records, a label who over the years has released a long list of compilations and albums with artists like Haldolium, Timetech. Buzzmonx, Hopefiend (Mark Allen) and Auricular.

Their newest release is the compilation "Kodama", compiled by the Japanese DJ SO, who's been touring the world lately, playing at the biggest festivals in Australia, Japan and Germany, and also recently compiled a progressive house/tech-house compilation on Groove Zones sidelabel Aqua.

01. Decoy - Cat Magic [136 BPM]

First track is by the Australian duo Decoy, who also just released their debut album on Dance N Dust Records. "Cat Magic" is, in my opinion, their strongest stand-alone release so far: deep and thoughtful, with a totally relaxed and laidback groove. An utterly excellent tune for the late morning-hours or the afterparty.

02. Sensient - Dissolve [138 BPM]

Following up on Decoy is another Australian; Sensient, who is also behind the label Zenon, and he certainly kicks up the tempo a notch or two. I am not a huge fan of his creations; some of his stuff I like, and some I don't like, but this is definitely not among the worst: the sound is quite techy, with a plethora of twisted metallic effects to keep attention focused, and the energy is very high throughout. High quality dance floor stuff.

03. FREq - Sunglider [138 BPM]

Up next is FREq, another act currently living in Australia. After some mediocre releases, his productions are once again getting better and better, and while I prefer his slower productions around 130 BPM, "Sunglider" is one of my favourites of his faster productions. The sound is pretty much trademark-FREq, but it works so very well - overall this is a very uplifting and loveable track with very thematic sounds, that is bound to be played outdoors at the major festivals. Can't wait for his new album.

04. Bitmonx vs Fabio - Deep Sense [136 BPM]

Two of the German Plusquam-regulars, Bitmonx and Fabio, team up on "Deep Sense" - a quite typical Plusquam-track to be found somewhere between the deep and the joyfull, and a track which might as well could have been released a few years ago. Despite that, it doesn't sound much dated, and I can't ignore the fact that it is very catchy and likeable. Good tune.

05. Earsugar - Foretaste [135 BPM]

Earsugar is a relatively new collaboration between Martin Knecht from the Labyrinth-club, and one of the biggest surprises last year, Liquid Soul - both are from Switzerland. "Foretaste" is certainly not bad, with hints of the high quality pumping festival-sound Liquid Soul has been developing lately, and slight elements of house as well - but it failed to really leave a really big impression on me.

06. Fitalic - My Destiny [130 BPM]

"My Destiny" is made by the Dutch Robin Fitter, better known as Fitalic, with releases on labels like labels like Vapour, Bedrock, 19Box and Plastik Park. It contains the Fitalic-trademark bouncy, upbeat groove, embellished by big, phat stabs and lush pads, and is overall yet another very strong tune from him.

07. Ryan Halifax - Chocolate [130 BPM]

Ryan Halifax is up next - to be honest I haven't liked much of his releases over the years, but "Chocolate" really took me by surprise. The groove is deep and incredibly phat, and the super-uplifting choir-pads are definitely a nice touch. Ok, the "Chocolate"-samples (hence the name of the track) are maybe a bit too dominant, but overall this is one hell of a deep, housey monster. Great stuff.

08. André Absolut - Lost And Found [127 BPM]

Last but not least is "Lost And Found" by one of my absolute favourite artists at the moment, the Swiss André Absolut. The track can best be described as a slightly electro-influenced, very pleasant landing for the compilation - grooving along nicely with a quite lazy groove, sweet stabs and subtly uplifting pads. Not with as much hit-potential as so many of his later dominant tracks and remixes, but nevertheless a good track on its own.

Bottom line:

After a few slightly disappointing releases from the once so glorious label, Plusquam is really back on track with "Kodama". Compared to their later releases there is a much higher diversity, ranging from very housey grooves over more traditional german festival-progressive to slightly darker and techish beats - ensuring there's something for most progressive fans. The quality is overall pretty high - none of the tracks are downright bad, and there are a good bunch of tasty highlights.

Not an absolutely essential release, but certainly very good value for the money, and the best release from Plusquam for quite a while. Recommended.

Favourites:

1 (!!), 2, 3 (!!), 4, 6, 7, 8

Verdict:

8/10

Link:

http://www.plusquam-records.net

DeathPosture · March 8, 2006

V/A – Kodama

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Artist: Various

Title: Kodama (Compiled by DJ So)

Format: CD (jewel case)

Label: Plusquam Records (Germany)

Cat. #: PQR 111 CD

Distribution: twohandsdistribution.com

Date: 11 February 2006

Track listing:

01. 07’19” Decoy – Cat Magic

02. 08’50” Sensient - Dissolve

03. 06’32” FREq - Sunglider

04. 07’44” Bitmonx vs. Fabio – Deep Sense

05. 07’59” Earsugar - Foretaste

06. 09’47” Fitalic – My Destiny

07. 08’07” Ryan Halifax - Chocolate

08. 07’45” André Absolut – Lost And Found

Review:

木霊

In Japanese folklore, the komoda are the nature spirits that live within all aspects of nature, primarily trees and rocks. Subsequently, it’s also the new Plusquam compilation compiled by DJ SO – godfather of the progressive Yakuza in Japan… Plusquam has fast become one of my fav’e labels within rich, danceable progressive trance, and judging by the tracklist here, we’re in for another treat… Will this live up to the expectations? … The answer is blowing in the wind!

Let me take you thru the tracks…

#01: Decoy - Cat Magic [136 BPM]

The Australian duo Decoy (Philip Rex & Ian Chaplin) recently released their debut album Not Responding To Light on Dance N Dust… And this opening track is very similar to the sound of the album, with its smooth, silky-soft, progressive trance… ‘Soft’ is both the keyword, and the ultimate drawback, as I’m afraid this is a little too cheesy for my taste… It’s not bad; it’s just a little tame… Your mileage may vary though…

#02: Sensient - Dissolve [138 BPM]

But do not despair – Sensient is here! Aussie producer Tim Larner has an impressive roster of releases, and especially his compilation tracks on Groove Zone Records have impressed me a great deal… And yes, this is another corker! The pace has quickened and gone are the slightly boring, cheesy tendencies from the opening track… This is full-blown party trance to be played during the peak hours of a nocturnal progressive party… Rich, edgy and dirty-as-hell progressive trance… The psychedelic influences are just right and basically I *have* to move to this amazing tune… Brilliant!

#03: FREq - Sunglider [138 BPM]

The third consecutive Aussie act on this compilation is none other than my personal hero FREq… Despite his rather hefty output, Mr. Gallagher always delivers the goods… And this track is no exception – this is trademark FREq = Awesome, rich, deep progressive trance soaked in reverbs! Maybe it’s not exactly reinventing the wheel, but who cares when it’s this good? Pure dancefloor fodder… Another instant FREq classic!

#04: Bitmonx vs. Fabio - Deep Sense [136 BPM]

And now for some hi-quality German progressive trance… Sascha Haske (one half of Buzzmonx) teams up with country man Fabio Fusco (one half of Fusi & Johnson)… These guys rarely let me down, and especially Mr. Haske has produced some of the grooviest progressive trance Germany has to offer… And groovy is just what this track is – it’s unmistakable Plusquam sounding and what it lacks in innovation, it makes up for in sheer groove-magnitude… It’s a phat wall of rolling progressive sounds which is as deep as it is bouncy… Brilliant!

#05: Earsugar - Foretaste [135 BPM]

Earsugar is a new collaboration between Swiss producers Nicola Capobianco (DJ Loudness/Liquid Soul) and Martin Knecht (Mikrokosmos). Especially Liquid Soul has released some real sweet compilation tracks, and I’m happy to report that this is indeed ‘ear sugar’… It’s not as massive as the previous three tracks, but it’s easily as uplifting… The first thing I noticed when sampling this track, was the very impressive vocal work – those distinct voice samples work really great! A solid, laidback progressive cruiser…

#06: Fitalic - My Destiny [130 BPM]

Dutch producer Robin Fitter has an impressed number of releases under his belt, but for some reason I only know his slightly boring, epic remix of Antix’ Little Honey… And yeah, this is indeed one of the most epic, fluffy and melodic tunes here... But at least it’s got *some* edge and for the most part I find myself enjoying this quite a lot… It’s nice to have some uplifting melodies that don’t cross fully over into club-trance… It’s good, but it’s not a stand-out track…

#07: Ryan Halifax - Chocolate [130 BPM]

The few tracks I’ve heard from Alexander Schaumann have been very diverse, but all very, very bouncy… And the bounce is bouncier than ever here… This is bottomless-pit-deep progressive trance with very distinct house- and electro-influences… Very lush and instantly head bob friendly… I’m totally digging it!

#08: André Absolut - Lost And Found [127 BPM]

André Absolut from Switzerland is well-known and respected progressive/tech house producer and DJ with a bunch of releases on various labels… I really like his deep, mysterious tech-house style and though this track isn’t among his darkest, it’s still pretty damn banging… The rhythm section is impressive with all its groove appeal… It may appear simple, but dig a little deeper and this track will keep you entertained for long enough… Nice indeed!

Well I’ll be damned, if Plusquam hasn’t gone and released another essential compilation… With the exception of a couple of pretty-good-but-not-great tracks, this compilation is packed to the rim with stellar choons… DJ So sure knows what he’s doing and I’m really impressed with the track selection here… Well done! Also, this is the perfect tool for both sofa-trancing and for trancefloor dancing… Easily worth the money!

The cover is simple, but has all the relevant information you’d need… All in all, this is a great package and so far it’s the best compilation of 2006! Yeah, that’s right! Plusquam fans needs to get off their asses and buy this – and fans of groovy, dancefloor friendly progressive trance in general should definitely look into it! It’s brilliant! …Enjoy!

Favourites: 2(!!), 3(!!), 4(!), 5, 7(!), 8

DeathPosture

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