"V/A - Subfuse"

[Trance2MoveU]

 

Artist: Various
Title: Subfuse
Label: Tesseract Studios
Date: July, 2010

 

 

1. Computer Music Magazine

THE RIDDLER AND FLOAT

 

2. Attractors

BEATSKLOP

 

3. 1910

VERTEX

 

4. Earth Prime

ZYCE AND NERSO

 

5. Age of Change

MIDDLE MODE

 

6. Santo Daime

SIDEFORM

 

7. Ground Zero

EGORYTHMIA VS FLEGMA AND NERSO

 

8. Stereo Panic

ZYCE AND FLEGMA

 

9. Night Swallowing Day

E-CLIP AND FLEGMA

 

10. Obi Wan Bobi

HARDY.VELVES

 

 

TesseracT Studio is just that a studio where (according to Discogs) they allow their artists to create many different types of progressive trance and ambient. They also have their own mastering facility and design artists, so it's like a one stop shop for progressive trance releases. I have never heard any of their releases, but I recognized many of the artists on this disc. That's why I got it. If you have read any of my progressive trance reviews, then you would know this is right up my alley. When I listen to progressive trance, I like it to be floating, melodic and drifting. Something you can immerse yourself in and get lost. This disc has a few newbies and some core producers that all should be familiar with.

 

 

 

1. Computer Music Magazine - The Riddler is actually Talpa and I think he may have found his niche as his music has evolved from the groundbreaking album The Art of Being Non. Man what a groovy bassline! Super smooth progressive house style with guitar licks in the background and a good time vibe throughout. Very peppy. Great way to start a compilation. I think they are taking the piss about Computer Music Magazine, but that is what this track is, a good time.

 

2. Attractors - No idea who this act is and have never heard of them. I would call this more on the minimal side of progressive. The bassline takes center stage with not a whole lot going on, but fairly fluid in its movement. Filler, I believe.

 

3. 1910 - Whereas the previous track was the shortest, this one is the longest. Vertex has put out a couple of tracks including a nice one on this years previously reviewed Kosmics Playground. There is a feeling of nostalgia with this one where the atmosphere is created quite well. The second break in particular is dreamy. Good use of reverb throughout. Strong track if a little long.

 

4. Earth Prime - Now these two acts are the go to guys when it comes to deep, emotional progressive. They erect good grooves below floating melodies. There are chopped up vocals of a tribal chant and ancillary effects right up until the break at around 5 minutes. Unfortunately this track is not their best effort or I should say, it is not up to par with their usual production. It's fine, but nowhere near as involving and rich as most of their other work.

 

5. Age of Change - Here is another of the new artists, and this is what I expected from Zyce and Flegma. Deep bass sweeps and atmospheric sounds really set the mood. It is very dark and makes me feel isolated. The break is awesome as this artist has a command of how to manipulate sounds. Superb! Where the first track was all sunshine, this one is blacker than a trillion midnights.

 

6. Santo Daime - I have heard two tracks from this duo (Dark Light and Welcome Home) and they were both very impressive. A page is taken from the Iono Music school of drifting progressive complete with sweeps and a churning bassline as melodies echo high above. There are so many different sound textures that the ear doesn't tire of the same old sounds. The break is trippy with more sweeps and a funky drumkit which is nicely blended. Great original track and would be thrilled to hear more of this type.

 

7. Ground Zero - Having heard several tracks by Egorythmia I wasn't bowled over, but being teamed with Flegma & Nerso I expect big things. Not. Disappointed. True to form, this is another drifting track that concentrates on atmosphere. The melodies are short and show themselves sparingly, but there are so many that one is never left alone. Keep it rollin!

 

8. Stereo Panic - This track was fine and continued down the same path that their tracks always do, but I felt it was a little thin. There was too much time just hearing a kick, hi-hat, and a bass line. Thicken it up a little.

 

9. Night Swallowing Day - E-Clip has really come into his own laying down killer after killer. Teaming up with Flegma these guys deliver a smooth missile of deliciousness. You couldn't get more soaked in atmosphere if you tried. Sweeps, reversed chants, dominating melodies...the gang is all here. The break really illustrates how brilliant these producers are, showcasing their ability to stir up emotions with their music. Just drips with quality. Kick.Ass.

 

10. Obi Wan Bobi - "I don't want to be human. I want to see gamma rays. I want to hear x-rays. And I wanna..I wanna smell dark matter. I wanna reach out with something other than these prehensile paws. And feel the solar wind of a supernova flowing over me. I'm a machine." Nice closer here that comes right out of the box bouncy. I don't know what movie the sample comes from but it was pretty cool. And let's face it, it makes the track. The melodies continue and the track thickens up becoming quite the force. Super.

 

 

Man o man what a nice journey. Aside from one filler track, this is a must have. It has all the qualities that make a ride on the progressive rocket ship enjoyable. Deep and emotional, rich and thought provoking. In a time where psytrance continues to get stale and derivative, it is nice to know there are producers out there that know the meaning of quality. Buy this, you will not be disappointed.

 

Mdk

 

 

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