Afgin - Astral Experience

[anub1s]

2 Years after his first release Elad Afgin is finally here with his highly acclaimed debut album “Astral Experience”. Influenced by the sunrises on the numerous parties where Afgin played, this album is a tribute to the real Goa-trance masters from the mid-90’s! Back to the Future!

 

Expect 7 beautiful long emotional morning trance anthems filled with acid-303’s, heart-touching breaks and sunny melodies. Music that should be played on every open air festival or party for the euphoric sunrise experiences! Pure Goa trance 96-style with 2009 sound quality! To end this amazing album a slower track filled with prayers from Yemen will guide you back to reality.

 

Israeli trance-veteran Elad Afgin is now producing music for many years, and got remarked by an Internet release from the Old is Gold group in 2006. This promo got so much attention that some tracks were soon released on compilations from Suntrip, and also labels like Kagdila and Shivlink released his music. Now, almost 3 years later, his debut album is finally there, filled with fresh tracks!

 

Like usual, this release was excellently mastered by Tim Schuldt.

 

“From the Heart!”, that’s the message conveyed by Afgin through “Astral Experience”. Enjoy!

 

 

Label: Suntrip

Format: CD

Release Date: 2009-05-22

Genre: Goa Trance

Catalogue Number: SUNCD15CD

 

1.Afgin - Astral Experience

2.Afgin - Old Is Gold (part 2)

3.Afgin - Journey Through acid

4.Afgin - Dreams In Motion

5.Afgin - Emotions

6.Afgin - Heaven`s Tears

7.Afgin - Northern Exposure

8.Afgin - Aden Prayers

 

 

 

Astral Experience - is a great morning intro for the album , starting with OIG album sound but with more energy, the bass line and the kick are pure old schoolish and the melos are such great morning experience and realy remind on Astral Projection . A short explanation for this track is just Perfect 10/10

 

Old Is Gold (part 2) - the Experience continues but now u are in desert under mirage and u start hearing voice`s after that u hear some kick`s and that kick lead u to a great old school party where this loveley and emotional melodies are played there u can see a lot of happy and smile faces and everyone are dancing on this Gold Sound 10/10

 

Journey Through Acid - First 5minutes of the track are very very good and this stile in this 5minutes is much different from all afgin`s tracks that i have hear`d till now, i call this part a magic journey becouse of those hiden magic melodies.After this 5min is coming the old Afgin sound and its mixed good in the track . 9/10

 

Dreams In Motion - This is great melodic morning track that remind me on one old Afgin`s track Do you Remember one of the best`s Afgin`s track`s for me . This track make me very happy and its very "Open Mind" 10/10

 

Emotions - i don`t like this track so much i think that the melodies and the beat is same in whole track 6/10

 

Heaven`s Tears - this track is very spiritual and emotive from the begining till the end with a lot of sweet and relaxing melodies , pure morning sound . 10/10

 

Northern Exposure - i like only first 4:30 min. from this track and this part is a great morning experience 6/10

 

Aden Prayers - The best downtempo goa of the year for me its very emotional and spiritual track with so sweet and lovely melodies and its very great outro for the album i can see u how u saying bye on the end 100/100

 

Favorit: 1,2,3,4,6,8

 

my judgment for the album is:8/10

 

Suntrip:Samples

Beatspace:Samples

GoaStore:Samples

Saikosounds:Samples

Psyshop:Samples

:clapping: :clapping: :clapping: Afgin :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: Big Thanks for giving us this perfect album and Big Thanks to Suntrip for releasing this album :drama: :drama: :drama:

[Sideffect...]

a very lame review sorry,

for an album I have been waiting for a long time, (my imo)

listened to it < 5 times,

comments will follow,

 

a huge traveling experience existed here, I love it

[yerg]

I can understand how hard to express yourself on a different language. It's really hard to find proper words.

Anyway this release is going to be in my list for the 2009 top-psy choices. I am sure. Those melodies penetrate deep into my mind and stimulate the most positive energies. Afgin really found a way to put some magic in his music.

[anub1s]

I can understand how hard to express yourself on a different language. It's really hard to find proper words.

Anyway this release is going to be in my list for the 2009 top-psy choices. I am sure. Those melodies penetrate deep into my mind and stimulate the most positive energies. Afgin really found a way to put some magic in his music.

yes its very hard, it will be much better if it was on my mother language

[Jon Cocco]

Afgin - Astral Experience
Suntrip Records
2009





Track list


1. Astral Experience ... 11:10
2. Old Is Gold (part 2) ... 8:07
3. Journey Through acid ... 9:23
4. Dreams In Motion ... 8:37
5. Emotions ... 8:47
6. Heaven's Tears ...10:02
7. Northern Exposure ... 10:39
8. Aden Prayers ... 6:55


Astral Experience is Israel artist/producer Elad Afgin's official debut album. His style is generally uplifting, morning/sunrise influenced Goa-Trance. Afgin's style appears inspired and at times influenced by California Sunshine, Astral Projection to some degree, though generally less aggressive than the latter. He's released numerous tracks on various compilations, and a debut album that was released over the internet years before this release. The track that caught my attention the most however was From the Heart, released on the Suntrip's kickass Opus Iridium (double album) compilation in 2008. So can Afgin release a desirable enough album after heated Psychedelic Goa-Trance competition from Merr0W - Born Underwater and Filteria - Daze Of Our Lives? A full review ensues.


1. Astral Experience begins with a relaxing wave of ambient, highlighting the first chapter of a huge journey in the form of psychedelic morning Goa-Trance. The opening segment is great. It doesn't rush the beat around 1:07. The artist soon releases a tasty melody around 1:35. Additional melody work boost the growing infection around 2:01. A beautiful backdrop flows with the leads coupled with psychedelic sounds, key changes enhance the rhythm, and this is just the first half of the second minute! Various layers are removed for an interlude that brings the energy down. The vehicle appears to be preparing to retire. Suddenly, a strong line of acid breaks out at 4:16, arresting the senses while summoning the angel back to form. This is one of the coolest, most unpredictable aspects I've heard by Afgin yet. He often specializes in warm harmonies, and it's nice to see him break out to some degree. Nonetheless, more zesty elements like the part around 4:16 would have been fantastic. Why don't we have more aggressive, dynamic parts like that here? That said, there's many elements of attraction working together here. Great track. B+

2. Old Is Gold (part 2) is an older influenced uptempo track. It's more aggressive than the opening. It has a strong core foundation rhythm, a la Another World (by AP) (self titled track) and 2008's driving Octagon track via the critically acclaimed RA - 9th album. The under rhythm is supportive and catchy, yet grows tired as it continues. Nonetheless, the eastern melodies work well around it. An interlude breaks up the driving rhythm; alterations enhance melodies, becoming juicier. The song takes off after a second interlude, and appears overall to be paying homage to old school Goa-Trance. I prefer the previous track's more refreshing approach, though this song is like a tribute to the golden days to some degree. The under movement works well with the melodies; the latter bubbles up and dances around the beat and bass line with excitable energy. Yet the song feels old school without the magic and/or infection; the song wears its sounds out as it continues; the effect is something less desirable, no matter how paying homage or influenced by the golden years of Goa it is. The overall delivery is fairly good I suppose albeit (been there, done that) yesteryear. B-

3. Journey Through Acid is yet another aggressive, uptempo number. It's more dynamic than the previous track too. The song takes off at 1:05; the melodies reach for higher ground as the the layers fuse, the energy builds. The first third layers the driving pattern. It's good. As the song progresses, moments of beauty arrive and spread, infecting the second and third act. Two interludes surround a core rhythm, different though reminiscent in concept to the previous track. Birth to an interlude begins around 4:11, surrendering the spirit above the clouds. The interlude is creative, floating, and lasting nearly two minutes! The music returns with key changes, melody/sound evolutions. One is around 7:05, a sound that's lifted to higher ground before descending towards the oceanic rhythm. The song could have utilized a more prominent melody lead earlier on, but the part from 6:11 to 7:03 does the trick; surrounding support is very well done and attractive throughout. Great track. B+

4. Dreams In Motion begins more psychedelic since aspects in the opening track. The song has builds nicely, picks up in its second minute. A repeating, altered Goa melody dances around the relatively climactic melody lead. Gradually, an intricate sound fusion is formed within the first third followed by a dreamy melody lead that takes notice around 3:12. This sound is fixing yet intangible, with elements of beauty. The song does get a little repetitive in the middle though, unfortunately. The energy pulls back for a short interlude and abstract voice sample, and seems less gripping as the music re-enters the realm from 6:44 on. I was expecting more, musically, in the last third. The song is an uplifting sound, but lacks imagination, taking risks, and being unpredictable considering the track title. C+

5. Emotions is the first track (for me) that seems to highlight emotive Goa over high energy. The introduction is interesting, involving Goa influenced chill work, very pleasing. Ambient notes are present, initially as if to convey a growing realization to the listener relative to a voice sample. Quicker, little melodies pick up with the flow. Key changes accentuate the kinesthetic communication. The emotive trance layers melt into a swimming interlude around 3:57. The effect is peaceful, bringing the energy down into dreamy, atmospheric cloud floating. Soon buildup returns the beat, and the song continues, though similar in sound as before. A second interlude appears more effective both in what follows, and its evolved features, including a voice sample. Followed up melodies are better than before, bringing energy and animation into a fairly conspicuous direction. Whereas the song could have ended short, the artist gives it a healthy extension. It's nice. I like this song less than some of the others in the melody department, but its emotive storytelling, dancing Goa elements, and final third is solid. Good track. B

6. Heaven's Tears starts on the coastal beaches and takes off soon after the first minute. The song has a morning albeit modern day, Astral Projection influenced sound. The approach isn't intense and compliments the traveling melody leads that in return give life to the warm ocean/wind atmosphere, presence. An interlude runs from around 4:21 to 5:14; it's richly produced with substance, sound art. They're more than just breaks or moments of wind drifting space before the next melody lead, and in that sense they're often great, enjoyable. The overall song is really nice sounding. As it progresses, its direction becomes fairly predictable but that doesn't destroy its appeal. Great track. B+

7. Northern Exposure begins with several notes of ambient, soon coupled with layers of emotion, carrying the seventh chapter of the story. Melodies have room to breath. They're gradually added into the mix; the effect is like a fine broth being delicately arranged by an articulative chef. The first several minutes show case harmonious development. An interlude around 4:00 opens the path to an elegant, opening moment around 4:38. The delectable sound fusion grows, carrying an ocean of colors past the five-minute mark. Afgin has a strong melody lead here. An awesome, wind blowing as if at the top of the world interlude takes place from around 7:10 to 8:26. It's magical, euphoric, floating. The artist avoids mainstream formula for wonderful, soulful storytelling and listening pleasure, experience. The music returns at 8:27, a healthy boost that carries the final two minutes across the skies. The ambient at times echoes From the Heart. The previous track felt more involved, but this is well done. B

8. Aden Prayers is a Goa/Psy and ethnic influenced downtempo track filled with strong melodies, atmosphere, sound, and euphoria. I never feel lost for a moment when listening to this; it's like a developed spirit who has moved beyond body/mind consciousness, and is free to experience the celestial realms in peace. An interlude simply permeates the already knowing number, that we are simply forms of experience, consciousness. The song is like letting go in a blissful stream of dreams and joy. This is a very passionate and uplifting piece with a bright downtempo/Sunrise high from around 4:30 to 5:00. I wish there were more chilled songs on the album like this one. It gives the album an all too refreshing feel at the very end. Beautiful track! A-


In conclusion, Afgin's Astral Experience is an morning-influenced Psy/Goa-Trance album. Those into Afgin's style" the more heartfelt, uplifting side of Goa will likely enjoy this album. While not every track is what I consider super or even great, the genre has been lacking warm releases these past few years. Elad's style was never to overload or fire ball the listener's senses. His music is generally more emotive, lively. Unlike Astral Projection and California Sunshine who have also made many euphoric, warm tracks, this release could have been less linear, interesting, and even included a mid-tempo track or two. There is a loving energy to Afgin's music that differentiates him from many pioneers in the electronic field today. I hear it here unfortunately on fewer tracks, such as in Heaven's Tears and the last one. Afgin's music is typically more peaceful, but it could be more dynamic, playful, and fun. Furthermore, the album has a same-sounding feel to many of the sounds, tracks. One could argue the same thing about Filteria's debut, to be fair. There are some great tracks here nonetheless. The opening is vibrant, arresting, and terrific, with a super part around 4:20 that shows a more psychedelic/exciting side of Afgin seldom present throughout the rest of the album. The artist missed the opportunity, I feel, to have more of a variety, and super songs (such as in the middle as some of his inspirations have done). However, the last number shows that Afgin can create a chill track better than many downtempo/Psy artists today. It would be cool if in the future, more zesty, unpredictable, and adventurous work had stronger presence in the album. Some of his work is so beautiful; I hope his future works seem less intended for the dance floor, and more for the heart and soul as his intent has seemed to be in the past. Listeners looking for a warm and positive/Sunrise influenced Goa album will find a passionately produced one with Astral Experience. Just don't expect to be blown away.



Favorite tracks: 1, 3, 6, 7, 8.


B



Samples / Order

http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/sut/sut1cd015.html

http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=7962

http://www.suntriprecords.com/product/item/SUNCD15/

http://www.goastore.ch/product_info.php?products_id=3130

http://www.goastore.ch/product_info.php?products_id=3130

[Sideffect...]

thanx for the review jon

 

to be honest, I expected more,

The fact that his debut album would be more melodic

compared to his previous free album, that I expected,

 

but I was hoping for sometimes a more emo/subtle track, a bit slower

what would make listening to the album more pleasant,

this album is filled with dance floor tracks with a high quality,

no doubt about it,

 

but tracks like "traveling", "tribute to the sun" are missing imo,

 

maybe his next album,

 

I like it, very convincing album & an absolute must for goatrance lovers

[StraydoG]

I love the morning GOA. Uptempo, warm basslines & acid melodies but in a more peaceful way.

 

Something that works in any mood weather I am relaxing or hyped up. Loving it hope theres more coming!

 

Its hard to express the way you feel listening to this album. Its just bliss, you melt into your chair feeling wonderful.

[Chis]

I broadly with Jon here, but perhaps he's overrated this a tad. Another slight disappointment from Suntrip. Sorry guys, you have the goa sound in your albums, but the spirit IS lacking. Afgin has bags of talent, no mistake, but few of these tracks have standout melodies like those on the first track. Always the usual goa arpeggios though, and they grow so tiresome after a while.

 

Back to Tamlin and Agneton again for me!

[Sideffect...]

I broadly with Jon here, but perhaps he's overrated this a tad. Another slight disappointment from Suntrip. Sorry guys, you have the goa sound in your albums, but the spirit IS lacking. Afgin has bags of talent, no mistake, but few of these tracks have standout melodies like those on the first track. Always the usual goa arpeggios though, and they grow so tiresome after a while.

 

Back to Tamlin and Agneton again for me!

I tend to imagine what you are saying, and it some way it's true,

a slight disappointment is not what I am experiencing...

The patterns are indeed not very complex,

what won't be noticed on the dancefloor but for homelistening it's noticeable,

then again suntrip had the advantage of bringing back the goatrance sound,

not only suntrip off course , there are others too,

the more they release, the more we expect, the more our level of criticism rises...

 

after many listens,

for homelistening = old is gold is absolutely perfect

live acts/dancefloor = astral experience will work better then old is gold

 

an artist has to produce taking this perspectives in account I guess

 

(hope this is translated well)

[amithaba_buddha]

Excellent work Suntrip and Afgin.

My best wishes ,

/Filipe

[shaman of sound]

i bought the album, from big man himself exactly a week ago.

 

sience than its not coming out of my stereo! i like this album very much and i think its the best Israeli release of the few years. I am following Afgins music sience i first heard it back in 2003, and i can truly hear the big improovment of the sound and complexity of the music.

 

Afgin has many other beautiful tracks that were not released in his official album and i thinks its sad. im talking about: Amanita, Light up the darkness, Apollo 11 and manny others.

 

in overall, this is a magnificent album of a magnificent creator

 

But, Afgin plays a very important role in Israeli trance scene nowdays. He also the Man who is responssible for the big wakeup of the goa scene in Israel in the last 2-3 years. suddenly many of the trance pioneers in Israel are starting to play again. Im talking about Shahaf Shvartzman from power source, Guy Zukrel from MFG, Har-ell from California Sandman and others. all of this is beacause of Afgin, who played goa in his parties and than people wanted to hear more from those goa artists and now party orgenazors are bringing them.

 

For that we sould all thank him.

 

Thank you Afgin, on behalf of all the Israeli and worldwide Goa fans

[kilgoretrout]

a very lame review sorry,

You know, there are real people behind the posts here, not some simulacrum. A little consideration and less rudeness please? Maybe all you needed to say was "I will be posting a more detailed review soon, so please watch for it" Calling the thread-starter "very lame" with a big ol frowny face is, well, just mean.

 

At least he went throught the effort to start the thread, find (maybe even scan) the graphics and spend what time he could to write a few words about his initial thoughts.

 

Lets try to treat each other as friends, M'KAY?

[Sideffect...]

You know, there are real people behind the posts here, not some simulacrum. A little consideration and less rudeness please? Maybe all you needed to say was "I will be posting a more detailed review soon, so please watch for it" Calling the thread-starter "very lame" with a big ol frowny face is, well, just mean.

 

At least he went throught the effort to start the thread, find (maybe even scan) the graphics and spend what time he could to write a few words about his initial thoughts.

 

Lets try to treat each other as friends, M'KAY?

yes mom

 

chill out man !!

so no imput on the album itself ??

I repeat LAME

but still thanx for the effort,

how many characters do I own you ?

 

I write reviews all the time...

& was just suggesting this album like any other album

deserved a minimum of detail...

 

 

PLUR to the man behind the post (you GOTTA be kidding me ?????????)

 

on topic:

 

looking forward to his track "the eagle has landed" on the upcoming 'old is gold' compilation...

more emo tinted, with more melodic breaks...

 

love it

[afgin]

hello to all

 

well,it has been long,happy,and great 3 years,since first Old is gold,until today with Astral experience...

 

years that include the goa revolution in israel,and the amazing climax goa scene all over the world,by those years i was playing in a lot of parties in isreal,and some overseas,giving my music,and the old school goa sets.

 

during these almost 3 years,i have the chance to work on my music,with my personal inspiration i get from what called "The sound of goa trance".

 

and into the astral experience album i put my personal messege through the Goa trance tunes.

 

in that point i would like to thank some pepole,who helped.support,all over the long way:

 

to joske & fabien,the suntrip records managers,that worked in very high proffesional & taking care for all the details by the years,i can say that in every step i did,they were there for help,support,in they free time,and for that personaly i thank them in this forum,thank you

 

to the goa crowd,in israel,and overseas,for their big love & smile in parties,it was great to see all those guys,every party & events,they make this music revolution from dreams,into reality...

 

thank you all,where ever you are...

 

and see you in the future...sometime...somewhere

 

Elad afgin.

[Redington]

Cool beans, Elad. Definitely going to need to check this album out when I have time to get to it.

[Penzoline]

Aden Prayers

I'm speechless.. This has got to be the pinnacle of emotive goa-trance. Such harmony, such beauty, such love. I am in, honest to god, awe.

So b e a u t i f u l

[GhostOnAcid]

This album is very good.

 

"Astral Expierence" is on of the best tracks of the year and together with "Old is Gold 2", "Emotions" and "Aden prayers" my favorites of the album. Other track also good.

 

I give it 8/10

[PRS]

Very very nice! <3

[Balance]

Amazing still today is this album! Such positive vibes. The first track just really makes me smile with & dance. Wish he was still making this style. One more album like this plz!!

[kartoonz]

amazing album, one of my favorites