Radical Distortion – Psychedelic Dreams

[Jon Cocco]

Radical Distortion – Psychedelic Dreams

Suntrip Records

 

 

 

 

01. Psychedelic Dreams

02. Spacecraft

03. Amorphia

04. The Dreamer (Orient Mix)

05. Transparant Joint

06. The Other World

07. Communication (Rmx)

08. A New Home

09. Star Dance

10. Dying Earth

 

 

 

Psychedelic Dreams is the new Psychedelic Goa-Trance main album by Radical Distortion. It aims to top their previous album, 2006's Regenesis, which proved that these artists are extremely talented when it comes to producing Psy/Goa-Trance. A full review ensues.

 

 

01. Psychedelic Dreams begins the album with deep, euphoric ambient via intro. Voice samples indicate a story about a planet that's been destroyed; few people remain and are now faced with the challenges of surviving the aftermath. The set up is strong, creating a post apocalyptic world. A harmonious sound of beauty/sadness compliments the driving, fluid, and distorted Goa waves. The beat disappears around 4:45, and the haunting notes carry the wave into a catchy interlude. The song has a few sounds and/or inspirations that remind me of old Astral, MFG, and Miranda, only with a more modern edge, approach, and production. This is an intriguing opening and the ambient notes compliment it. Good track. B

 

02. Spacecraft follows up with more energy. A strong and fairly intense sound enters around 0:43. The beat soon kicks in and the vehicle takes off, collecting layers. A shuffling sound at 1:24 is well done and tightens the backdrop as more delectable sounds arrive. The first two minutes are pretty good. It's at 2:33 and again at 2:49 that a real pocket of emotion begins, followed by a cloud floating interlude, and then an arguably inspired Filteria-esque moment before take off. Past the peaceful center, various ingredients are soon added, complicating the broth. The energy returns more psychedelic than before and attempts some catchy alterations. The one from 5:08 to 5:12 is stylish, adding drive and rhythm emphasis. Another effect sounds like a pocket of wind, lifting the waves up into into its twisting turbulence. Such effects keep the song interesting and involving. Yet another buildup is soon formed, pulling back around 6:25 to accommodate an ominous backdrop. Suddenly the rhythm takes off; my favorite part is from 6:45 to 6:50, a climactic moment that is just wonderful. Radical Distortion likes to twist, distort, and make psychedelic so many sounds, and they do it well in this number while engaging the listener with more gentle sounds that accompany them. Although the song gets better as it progresses, I wish they invested just a little more energy into the climactic element and sound that takes place around 6:50. Otherwise the song is great, excellent, and also comes equipped with a really cool rhythmic variation (change up) in the last two minutes. Great song. B+

 

03. Amorphia enters the beat within the opening, avoiding much of an introduction. The voice samples appear to be from a popular film; they're effective. The song involves numerous change ups, primarily one at 3:26 that's engaging, and sounds very different than the previous track. The sample work well in this number, adding to a sweet build up, climax at 4:49. Radical Distortion never seems to overdue their high energy. The climaxes never seem to achieve such highs as to off-set or cause drastic changes to the song’s fluid direction, and for this reason I find their work, such as in this track, so fluid. The second half changes gears, sound; it sounds fresher before fusing old rhymes with new. The song however appears less intricate than the previous number. But it remains catchy throughout. My favorite parts are the strong Goa hooks, such as the one around 1:00, another at 1:33, and an even different one at 2:17. These hooks let the liquid sound of Goa be manipulated, experimented with, and breath. They remind me of ideas present in old school classics: Cosmosis - Cosmology and Doof - Let's Turn On. This isn't the most groundbreaking track, but it's strong and the samples compliment it. B+

 

04. The Dreamer (Orient Mix) is the first remix to my knowledge of the group's original, on 2008's VA - Opus Iridium compilation. Though similar in many ways to the original, this remix involves numerous changes. For starters, the artists changed (altered differently) and/or redid a powerful, skipping melody that began at 2:03 in the original; I greatly preferred the original in that area, and find that area redone here less juicy/infectious. Fortunately, other changes are good/great. The oriental influences is basically a combination of sounds/melodies that are integrated into the mix, creating more warmth and sound animations; the song is high octane nonetheless with more details this time around. The original I felt, was energetic, aggressive, and intense, but became somewhat repetitive and in that sense, got exhausting as it continued. This remix however provides a foreign influence that cleverly grows, supports the grittier textures. The result is a fresher, less repetitive, and more varied track overall. It's as if the number took a trip overseas and returned with more intellect, more to tell. The last third introduces newer sounds, also enhanced, like Goa braids wrapping themselves around the original's thinner tunnel. The song appears more crisp and psychedelic too, as if the general structure of layers were enhanced through various software filters. The only alteration I'm disappointed with, when compared to the original, is the first major sound change around 2:03. Otherwise, the little details are good/great, and the remix is better in my opinion, than the original's grittier but less involved picture. I do prefer newer tracks over remixes in general, but this is a solid one nonetheless. Great work. A-

 

05. Transparant Joint returns more psychedelic, possibly than any track I've heard on the album so far. Haunting sounds become more prominent around 1:33 and add mystery, edge; they create a dark component. Not much introduction is present which would have been nice. Unlike the previous track, which developed harmonious art around a work out on the dance floor, this one is more focused on being twisted, trippy. The song has an ominous tone a la BotFB, though different in style/sound. My issue is the evolution, or lack of, as the artists are determined to build, manipulate, and alter so many layers; the track doesn't seem more varied with ideas around its psychedelically distorted, driving. The song develops, but has but also lacks imagination when compared to some of the other songs. The part around 6:00 is superb for instance. Wow. It's impressive how mushrooms can grow on a tune so effectively! I simply wish more of these elements took place before this infectious part towards the very end. Previous songs seemed to have more substance, more to tell, while this is a great albeit linear number. It will likely grip some listeners with its sheer trip, Mad Hatter racing through darkness/Hell (figuratively speaking) approach. More moments such as the one around 6:00 would have been amazing, and possibly awarded a higher score from me. As it stands, the song is fun to listen to, and one of the most psychedelic number's of the year. B+

 

06. The Other World begins with a strong, sustained note of ambient, followed by a powerful voice sample about a man wondering the fate of his people, and his own. I'm scratching my head trying to grasp the potential movie that this is from. The introduction is simply yet effective, tempting the mysteries unknown that lies beyond the opening gate to the dark path. The male’s voice echoes an abstract mind in a vast gateway to the abysmal unknown. The song continues the alien delicacy with momentum and an even wider range of sounds from those on the previous track. It develops into an arguably darker, more intense, and melodically varied/distorted trip to dark wonderland. While missing a potential opportunity to end on an amazing note, the song is nicely layered, creative and has solid character development. After the part in the previous song around 6:03, I was hoping for a more memorable ending. Nonetheless, the song is gripping from start to finish. Yet it could have gotten a higher score from me if it did more towards the end. Good, if not great track. B+

 

07. Communication (Rmx) is a zippy, energetic, and startling remix from Suntrip's first compilation: Apsara. I actually favored the original of this remix from the 2005 compilation the least, though it was a good track. In comparison to the original, this is modernized and arguably just as good. For starters, the remix appears to be the least groundbreaking track on the album, not far from The Dreamer (Orient Mix), the latter being stronger. The good news is that the remix is fast, fluid, tasty, and risk free, though the latter shouldn't cause worries. This is a healthy, fun number with elements of beauty. My gripe is that the sounds/melodies in the original sounded more juicy; they sound squeezed via some of software filter here to compensate for having a more metallic, psychedelic sound. The changes appear to do little that impresses the original that I enjoy more in comparison. The remix is cool nonetheless; fans of the original will generally enjoy it. The space floating part from 4:45 to 5:15 is great, and considering the album has ten tracks, this one is almost like a bonus around the middle as opposed to the album's end. I just find the newer tracks so much more refreshing than the remixes, especially this one, so I'm glad that there's only two here, though they're cool. This is a good, psychedelic song. It's just nothing spectacular. B

 

08. A New Home grows from the same gorgeous flower that I find most present in the non remix tracks, i.e; the majority of the album. This number goes deep into the mind; sound particles emerge to confront bigger ones in a new world filled with intoxicating sounds and fusions, such as the one around 2:00, for starters. The sound combinations, distortions, skipping, alterations, and more within this song are excellent. The middle has a Pleiadian/Filteria-esque influence combined with Radical Distortion's that is wonderful. It's amazing how the marrying of just a few sounds can deliver such an infectious head rush of pleasure. The song's mixing work is articulately crafted; small details are recognized; dynamic approaches to psychedelic sentences elegantly shift sound currents into seemingly different rhythm and waves. The song gives the brain a workout, as its extremely danceable like virtually all songs so far. It devilishly moves forward, like a beautiful dolphin cutting through elegant waves, forming many of its own. There are numerous melodies, bursting flavors, and delectable psy sounds throughout this possible masterpiece. It's one of the reason's why I love Goa-Trance, the fluidity of a song's art in motion is beautiful to both listen to and experience. I haven't even gotten to the part around 3:23 yet, which is excellent. This is a smart, beautiful track. It raises the bar on what the artists can achieve. While I detect some Pleiadian/Filteria influence, a little inspiration can go a long way, and Radical Distortion adds several pre-existing ideas to their own with wondrous results. Awesome number. A-

 

09. Star Dance is an excellent Psychedelic Goa-Trance number with juicy, jumping out and attention grabbing Goa/melody work. Think Doof, Cosmosis, Dimension 5 (from the golden era); with strong and psychedelic backdrops, gorgeous textures, and a light, flavorful, and uprising atmosphere. The melody/sound work is so catchy on this one. It makes me miss the golden days of Goa, yet this song is a rebirth in a sense, to one of the most wild and artistic creations of the human heart, mind, and spirit. The only thing missing is possibly an ending (though this one is great) that leaves my jaw on the floor the way Filteria's Earthrise did. But that's a small gripe when compared to the whole, not a flaw. Excellent work. A-

 

10. Dying Earth begins with a strong wave of ambient, like a child running up a hill towards the fireball sunset, only to reach the top and witness the tragedy of an annihilated city. Through the eyes of a child, the over stretched horizons bring all types of weather, natural disaster, and brooding energy from death after man has has all but withered away entirely. Gone. Lost. Fading memories echo around a haunting, powerful rhythm and backdrop. A gritty and skipping sound/melody is accompanied soon by others, in addition to a strong beat. What appears to be synth piano notes slowly works itself into the engrossing atmosphere. Gothic sounds, whispers, echoes, and ghosts inhibit this wasteland in a superb retelling of the end of perceived times. This is an excellent track, downtempo or mid-tempo; both appear to share influences. The song develops, though remains on one powerful path. It's atmospheric, interesting, and rewarding. Superb track. A

 

 

In conclusion, Psychedelic Dreams showcases some of the best work by RD to date. The album provides nine psychedelic goatrance songs; the tenth is a wonderful, chilled closing. The album is pretty psychedelic, and often involves catchy and distorted melodies/sounds, twisted rhythms, 303's, atmospheric elements, and more. There are some intriguing/alien introductions too. If I were to complain, I'd say that the remix of Communication, although is more psychedelic, is not as good as the original on the Apsara compilation. Furthermore, a track or two could have had an amazing ending, only to end reasonably well. Fortunately, the artists took risks to startle and twist the senses while provoking the mind. So many of the melody/sounds are distorted and tripped out that the general listener who likes his/her music more psychedelic than most psytrance albums should be pleased. The album starts good and gets better, more fun (with few exceptions) as it progresses. The track variety is good too; songs never sound alike, and often involve numerous approaches, structures (the way it should be). Voice samples are good too, and not overused. Compared to the previous three Psy/Goa albums by main artists that I have heard in 2009, I currently enjoy Psychedelic Dreams more than Merr0w - Born Underwater, but it didn't impress me to the degree Filteria's - Daze of Our Lives did, which is rare. Psychedelic Dreams is a psychedelic, imaginative, and enjoyable release, and one of the most solid Psy/Goa albums of 2009. Thank you Radical Distortion for taking the time to produce a strong album.

 

 

Favorite tracks - 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10

 

 

B+

 

 

 

Samples / Orders

 

 

http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/sut/sut1cd016.html

 

http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display_release.asp?id=8168

 

http://www.suntriprecords.com/shop/

 

http://www.goastore.ch/product_info.php?products_id=3415&osCsid=da8af7a579d9607f42c63f78d5180c34

 

http://www.beatspace.com/dettagli/dettaglio.asp?id=5243

 

http://www.neptunwave.de/product_info.php?cPath=62&products_id=920

 

http://www.play.com/Music/CD/-/8/33/-/11630683/Psychedelic-Dreams/Product.html?searchtype=genre

 

http://www.powerplaydirect.co.uk/asp/itemdetails.asp?prodID=1965538&currsec=mu

[digitoxin]

The album is not so bad, for me its the best Suntrip so far this year. Its psychedelic and has good vibes. Problem is that melodies do not evolve, the storytelling aspect is not really there. Its more like melody comes, melody goes. I'd wish Radical Distortion would integrate the storytelling part more into their music...

[longloststar]

I haven't previously found their tracks to be the best on compilations (like Apsara), but a full release obviously gives much more freedom, and this does indeed sound interesting, particularly the more psychedelic tracks.

[Trance2MoveU]

Awesome goa. Another home run for the "Trip!"

 

Mdk

[frozen dream]

cool sounds

 

inspiring melodic goa

[Overmind]

It is a great album! I won't say much, since english isn't my native, but this music is truly inspiring... still, nothing revolutionary or groundbreaking, just nice grooves & beautiful melodies (I'll dare to say this becomes rarity in psy-goa trance these days).

 

My favs: 1, 2, 9, 10

 

Cheers

[tripper]

Thanx Jon Cocco for this review! I think you have analysed all the tracks seriously! and you gave us a nice picture of the album

[Padmapani]

i'm with digitoxin that the storytelling is a bit missing on this album and i find i to be the weakest suntrip release for me this year. but perhaps it will grow on me with time like the merr0w album did.

 

even though i don't find it very good for home listening, i think that most of the tracks would work very well on the dancefloor.

[johnb820]

Psychedelic Dreams - The earth has just whithered and died. We left earth and are swimming in the galactic primordial ooze. An ominous chord progression warns us of the journey ahead. Bouncy melodies and acidic notes peak through atmospheric midtones. This track is really traveling and fluid goa. A nice melody towards the end blissfully hangs on every few notes before quickly dying out.A-

 

Spacecraft - This one is similar to the first track in that it continues to project us further out into space. More nicely controlled acidic lines light up and melt beautifully with a sharp bass line. B+

 

Amorphia - The bass line on this one sounds so ominous listening through my headphones. It's big, and heavy. I love how full the kicks sound. This track is really driving with distorted and psychedelic arpeggios whisping in and out in contrast to the nice melodies on top. Halfway through, the track turns and a really tight riff takes hold while intermediate notes squish and stretch your ears. A

 

The Dreamer (Orient Remix) - This is such a fantastic psychedelic tune. The remix here takes the original song and doubles the craziness. No, it's not very oriental. One of my complaints of the original was the overuse of that familiar kick pattern. Thankfully, the remix keeps the beat going a bit more. The transitions are breathtaking. A-

 

Transparent Joint - This track has an interesting sound to it. The bass line is rubbery, the effects are nice and psychedelic. The whole track is tight with fast paced melodies taking us on a journey. While it doesn't sound like the track goes anywhere because the sounds are not really altered over the course of its 7 minutes, subtleties will show themselves. I think this track sounds pretty fresh. A-

 

The Other World - Another tight bass line propels us into another big track. Acute acidic lines once again slide in and out. Nothing really unique jumps out with this track that you wouldn't have heard on the first 5 tracks, but that is not to say it is bad. B

 

Communication Remix - I have not heard the original Communication off of Apsara, but I like this one. The bass line is not as tight on this one but gets you moving. I suppose I would describe this tune as glowing, methodical, spacey, and slightly tangential, like the reflection upon a highly influential moment in your life. You can't quite place your finger on it, but you get it. B+

 

A New Home - Upon our adventure into the galaxy since, remember, the earth whithered and died, humans have found new life. This track is energetic and reminds us of what it's like to be impulsive and be somewhere we've never been to before. It's altogether scary but is necessary out of desperation. B

 

Star Dance - After finding our new home on a distant planet, in another solar system, we may celebrate humanity's ability to overcome. Emphasis on the kicks immediately build a hypnotic rhythm. This track is just gushing with morning synths and bouncy melodies, nice fills and transitions keep it moving. This is the traveling goa that takes you to another place. It is very easy to lose one's self in its layers. Star Dance probably takes the most from older trance influenced goa. Where Transparent Joint sounds fresh at one end of the spectrum, so does Star Dance at the other end of the spectrum. Both are fantastic. A

 

Dying Earth - In case you didn't know, the earth just whithered and died. Joking aside, that familiar atmospheric, ominous chord progression returns. I don't really see how this track stands on its own unfortunately. It's more a continuation of Psychedelic Dreams, which is good enough for me. It is a reminder that everything we have just experienced was nothing more than a trip, a dream, a delusion and we are back on earth. I think this song really ties together the whole album rather than acts as a down-tempo alternative to the first song. B+

 

Overall, Psychedelic Dreams is a conservative, and carefully pieced album. It manages to combine addictive melodies with unique bass lines. The production is top notch, however, Psychedelic Dreams does not take enough risks. Not enough stuff is going on in each song. For as exciting and fun as this album is, it still does not come close to the amount of experimentation and intrigue that old school artists found. Where Psychedelic Dreams really succeeds is the emotion in each and every tune.

[XpandoZ]

Have to say that I LOVE the "weird" melody that plays from 5:00 - 6:00 in track 2 Spacecraft. It has that magical touch

[PRS]

I'm not that much into the stories of goa tracks yet unfortunately, but I know I like the sound of this album much better than most! It's delicious.

[GreatThinker]

I agree with digitoxin, the melodies just come and go...there is no build up, lack of transition and no 'story' so to speak.

 

Too simplistic in my opinion. I would go back and listen to Infinity Project, Prana, Man with no name, cosmosis, astral projection....much better than this shit.

[tripper]

I agree with digitoxin, the melodies just come and go...there is no build up, lack of transition and no 'story' so to speak.

 

Too simplistic in my opinion. I would go back and listen to Infinity Project, Prana, Man with no name, cosmosis, astral projection....much better than this shit.

 

Hello and happy goa year! Sorry mr GreatThinker but this album isn't shit... and if you don't like it tell it with better way

Here is a review thread not a blog...

 

Thanx Nikolas

[Agneton]

Agree with Nick...you can clearly hear that a lot of effort has been put in this album, at least you should admit that!

And if this was really shitty music, then I've never seen shit music working so well on the dancefloor in my whole life ...

[Ezel-Ebed Records]

I like the sound and spirit of Radical...They are awesome...All of their tracks have a different journey way...10/10

[Sawfly]

I agree with digitoxin, the melodies just come and go...there is no build up, lack of transition and no 'story' so to speak.

 

Too simplistic in my opinion. I would go back and listen to Infinity Project, Prana, Man with no name, cosmosis, astral projection....much better than this shit.

 

I didn't find this one that interesting either, I wouldn't call it shit, but it's certainly not music I listen to, more like background sounds for doing something else

 

Hello and happy goa year! Sorry mr GreatThinker but this album isn't shit... and if you don't like it tell it with better way

Here is a review thread not a blog...

 

If he thinks it is shit why not say it?

[Ormion]

What I like in this release is that it has this Astral Projection/MFG sound.

But I believe more diversity between the tracks would be great.

 

Still solid release.

7.5/10

[Maden]

Have to say that I LOVE the "weird" melody that plays from 5:00 - 6:00 in track 2 Spacecraft. It has that magical touch

 

Yeah i know what you mean it s my favorite moment in the album, maybe the only track very good to me

[Guest antic]

What I like in this release is that it has this Astral Projection/MFG sound.

Heh, this is exactly what I don't like about it (and Afgin, too) - they're trying too hard to sound like somebody else. I've been attempting numerous times to go through it all, bet after 2-3 tracks I get so annoyed by those off-scale, simplistic, too fast and too aggressive / arpeggiated 'melodies' I simply can't stand it. It is not my type of old-school; for me E-Mantra is much better.

[IronSun]

Heh, this is exactly what I don't like about it (and Afgin, too) - they're trying too hard to sound like somebody else. I've been attempting numerous times to go through it all, bet after 2-3 tracks I get so annoyed by those off-scale, simplistic, too fast and too aggressive / arpeggiated 'melodies' I simply can't stand it. It is not my type of old-school; for me E-Mantra is much better.

 

Exactly my thoughts. Though I have enjoyed psychedelic dreams, it never is a whole track I like, because in each track there is that same buildup or other irritating repetitive things. This is not entirely a bad thing because the album does have it's good moments, but it gets rather formulaic and sometimes a tad boring. Never-the-less it is NOT a bad record I think, but E-mantra is just so much better...

 

7/10 for me

[tripper]

Exactly my thoughts. Though I have enjoyed psychedelic dreams, it never is a whole track I like, because in each track there is that same buildup or other irritating repetitive things. This is not entirely a bad thing because the album does have it's good moments, but it gets rather formulaic and sometimes a tad boring. Never-the-less it is NOT a bad record I think, but E-mantra is just so much better...

 

7/10 for me

 

HI...I wouldn't reply for that but as i see many of you compare Radical Distortion with E-Mantra...

I think you are so wrong to make this comparison as Radical Distrotion's music is so much different from E Mantra's music

I am listening Goa since 1994 and i know that we can't put together all the artists ....

 

Radical Distortion is : Old school israeli melodic Goa Trance with just more fresh 2009 production

E-mantra is : New school emotional forest Goa Trance with very fresh production too

 

As you see , you can't put them in copmarison the "School music" is so much different! The Israel and the Greek culture is the euforic uplifting arabic melodies and that style of melodies some Goa funs don't like them and some others just cry for them

 

Nikolas Radical Distortion

[IronSun]

HI...I wouldn't reply for that but as i see many of you compare Radical Distortion with E-Mantra...

I think you are so wrong to make this comparison as Radical Distrotion's music is so much different from E Mantra's music

I am listening Goa since 1994 and i know that we can't put together all the artists ....

 

Radical Distortion is : Old school israeli melodic Goa Trance with just more fresh 2009 production

E-mantra is : New school emotional forest Goa Trance with very fresh production too

 

As you see , you can't put them in copmarison the "School music" is so much different! The Israel and the Greek culture is the euforic uplifting arabic melodies and that style of melodies some Goa funs don't like them and some others just cry for them

 

Nikolas Radical Distortion

 

Well, ofcourse it's all a matter of taste and I didn't want to compare the two genre's. Yet, as both e-mantra as well as yourself get released by suntrip, people are going to compare it none-the-less I think. Which doesn't mean I think you should begin making music like e-mantra because I like him better! I am fond of both styles, and I have enjoyed both albums, and still do Just a question of personal preference. Also, I think you guys have tremendous growth-potential, I do like where you are going

[Penzoline]

Radical Distortion – Psychedelic Dreams

SUNTRIP RECORDS

2009

01. Psychedelic Dreams 7:16

02. Spacecraft 8:41

03. Amorphia 6:27

04. The Dreamer (Orient Mix) 7:37

05. Transparant Joint 7:14

06. The Other World 5:59

07. Communication (Rmx) 8:06

08. A New Home 6:16

09. Star Dance 6:52

10. Dying Earth 8:09

 

This is the first 100% goatrance album of Radical Distortion, a duo from Greece, an act that has been there almost from the very start of the neogoa movement. Their sound is heavily influenced from acts like MFG and Transwave as both acts have had this rattling sound to them, maybe transwave less as the style leans towards MFG's power and israeli theme, but just check out Transwave's track "MDMA" and you'll see what I mean. Radical Distortion have appeared on a lot of neogoa compilations, some noteworthy tracks are Journey Into Your Mind on VA - The Sitting Goddess, The Dreamer on VA - Opus Iridium and Communication! on VA - Apsara. They also have had a debut album released previously called Regenesis albeit that tended to be more full-onish rather than straight up goatrance, though it had a very good goatrance song called "Regenesis". They also had double album with Mendark, called Purple Energy, where they had 5 tracks from which 2 stood out quite a bit, "equilibrium" and "Inspiration." Looking at all of this history they have done a lot of hard work, considering they manage to keep the quality of their songs quite high overall which is no small feat.

 

It was only a matter of time when they would be releasing a full album of goatrance and it finally happened in 2009 on Suntrip Records.

I decided not to bother writing a full review as the tracks are, to a degree, a bit samey. I'd be repeating a lot, I hate doing that and most of this album can be summed up nicely because of this, but that's not to say it bears the negative of being too repetitious.

 

Psychedelic Dreams

 

At first I found this album, as a whole, weak because of the repetitious sound, I was skipping here and there not really feeling like listening the whole thing. Time passed and a few months back I started to re-listen these tracks and I found that hidden golden egg. The fact is, this style is fun and rich. There's a ton of rattling, which I love, buckets of acid, lots of great leads, solid to great groovy MFG styleish melodies mostly, okay samples, pumping fun goa basslines. Everything is superbly textured and the tones are just great! This isn't deep music, it doesn't tell a story nor does it try to tell much of a story, it establishes some sort of atmospheres but never goes to deep within them, but neither did MFG with the first two albums, if I was to compare. It is more trippy and danceable generally which makes it simply fun, a great listen. Time that passes is not boring with these tracks. The last three tracks are a little bit deeper than the rest as they seem more atmospheric and much less intense, especially the last track that is more of a downtempo style. Speaking of which, I found the last track to be quite amazing as the texturing Radical Distortion does is so rich that this slower ride let's us see all of it in more detail and lets is sink in a bit more. Overall the tracks on this album, even though carry a same style, are very different from each others, I don't find repetitious a problem at all on this album and that's not too often when tracks tend to sound too similar. If I had to complain, I'd say only Transparent Joint and the Communication remix are not as exciting or on-par with the rest quality and interesting-wise and the fact is, I don't think many can listen this from one end to the other as it is quite intense from start to finish.

 

Simply put, this album is fun, trippy and psychedelic from beginning to the end. The production is fantastic and the texturing rich. Fantastic release from a hard working duo and one of neogoas best old school flavoured releases, definitely. Very happy with how this thing ended up sounding after the initial disappointment.

 

 

Where to get it?

http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/sut/sut1cd016.html

http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display_release.asp?id=8168

http://www.suntriprecords.com/shop/

http://www.goastore.ch/product_info.php?products_id=3415&osCsid=da8af7a579d9607f42c63f78d5180c34

http://www.beatspace.com/dettagli/dettaglio.asp?id=5243

http://www.neptunwave.de/product_info.php?cPath=62&products_id=920

http://www.play.com/Music/CD/-/8/33/-/11630683/Psychedelic-Dreams/Product.html?searchtype=genre

http://www.powerplaydirect.co.uk/asp/itemdetails.asp?prodID=1965538&currsec=mu

 

Bonus: An amazing unreleased track that was posted on Radical Distortions website for a short period of time.

[Veracohr]

Very happy with how this thing ended up sounding after the initial disappointment.

 

Funny you say this (as a summary of the whole post). I tend to get really excited about things when I first get them, then over time they settle into some permanent place in my hierarchy of liking. This album is one I loved when I first got it, then started to find it less and less interesting. I still like it, but as you said it doesn't have a lot of depth, so over time it has dropped a few levels in my attention.

[Penzoline]

Funny you say this (as a summary of the whole post). I tend to get really excited about things when I first get them, then over time they settle into some permanent place in my hierarchy of liking. This album is one I loved when I first got it, then started to find it less and less interesting. I still like it, but as you said it doesn't have a lot of depth, so over time it has dropped a few levels in my attention.

 

This is mostly (90% of the time) true for me as well but this album did it the other way around to my surprise.