| VA- 'The Numinous' (Ketuh Records, October 2005) |
[Nov. 10th, 2005|02:47 am] |
VA- 'The Numinous' (Ketuh Records, 2005)
Artist: Various
Title: The Numinous
Label: Ketuh Records (Portugal/Austria)
Catalog #: Kthcd011
Format: CD
Released: 17 October 2005
Tracks:
01. Gappeq – Tower Of Babel
02. Pondscum - Formal Absences Of Precious Things
03. Silent Horror – Hayblaah (Rmx)
04. Iron Madness - Jihad Of Islam (Rmx)
05. Wizack Twizack – Sweeden Weeden 2
06. Sungirl vs. Iron Madness – Madness Of Sun
07. Xatrik – Waki Tabacci
08. Slug – Break Out
09. Psyboriginal vs. Daheen – Freak (Rmx)
10. Tryambaka & D_Maniacs – La Cosa Nostra
Review:
This is the eleventh release from Portuguese-born and Austrian based record label Ketuh Records. Compiled by Dj P_Mac, Label manager of Ketuh Records and resident Boom Festival DJ, 'The Numinous' describes anything having a spiritual or mystical quality, provoking feelings of wonder and awe. With this in mind...
1. Gappeq-'Tower of Babel'-Last Spotted: In Krypto on Ketuh Records. Unlocking the Ketuh vault once again is Gappeq, Jiri Tomasek from the Czech Republic- we can always expect his ideas to be diverse, fresh and original and this track is no exception to that. A trip-hop fairy tale prelude divulges a driving, murky melody that mingles with delayed percussion, creating a complete psychedelic ambience. As the track continues to unfold layer by layer, we are next greeted by a sliding skidding squeeky tension building synth line that leads us to an unknown abyss. The buzzing melody continues to intensify as a dark/light contrast emerges, perhaps setting precedent for what is to come on the rest of this compilation. A slight loss of momentum, as the trip-hop beat is re-introduced along with a scrambling of the track. It doesn't last long though, as at 5:33 everything falls into place and the bright darkness envelops us en masse...somber, yet uplifting, representative of the whole.
2. Pondscum-'Formal Absences Of Precious Things'- Last Spotted: Hyperspatial Chrysalis on Ketuh Recods. Here's Luke Danielewski, notoriously known for his signature dark, minimal, hypnotic psychedelic sound...Diving Deep. And keeping with the theme from previous, the atmosphere starts off peaceful and ethereal, before shifting gears to reintroduce us to what is quite possibly the nastiest chugging bassline in psytrance today. The ingredients- 1 part oozing synth, 1 part melody masked in seeping psychedelia with half a dose of fizzy bubbles...and a determined, deliberate bassline giving us the feeling that we're spiraling out of control instead of simply plodding foreward. Like quicksand, we sink deeper, as the next cycle skids around searching for direction, finding resolution in a sudsy, minor key melody that seeps to the surface for air before a stuttering kick sends us once again delving into the deep-only this time we know exactly where we're headed. The nucleus of this track is found in a rigid groove that expands outwards with 3d sounds radiating in all directions. Its perhaps a bit slow to develop, though for sure this is not a flaw as it makes it quite easy to get lost in. Purely psychedelic and cyclic in nature.
3. Silent Horror-'Heyblaah (Rmx)'-Last Spotted: Refused on Devil's Mind Records. Galloping in with a lo-fi kick and somber horn in the distance "you're gonna die in this city". An infectious breakbeat that reminds me of the older XV Kilist sound (an old favorite of mine!). Then squiggling synths in background along with a driving bassline are introduced. It's a gritty, rugged, kicking up some dust groove, a slightly different take on the dark psy sound as well as an interesting cross between the old minimal and 'trauma trance' style. All throughout we hear the shivering scream of Silent Horror- the voice you hear, but don't..almost like a ghost floating through the squeaky synths, it adds an erratic and unpredictable element into the mix. The bassline fills up the bulk of this track and although at times I found the hi hats too static and ordinary, the chaotic, scrambled synth spiraling melody, with a second more haphazard synth line progressing at about 1/4 of the time of the first floats in the background, while the first continues to dance its way around. At times the track seems a bit aimless, but good to play in a dj set when wanting to hold the floor steady,...perhaps he's overusing the "die!" samples a bit...it seems a bit aggressive and morose to me....Regardless, I like how he's got a gritty groovy dirty dark style to call his own.
4. Iron Madness-'Jihad Of Islam (Rmx)'- Last Spotted: Dirty South on Acidance Records. There's always a theatrical element to Iron Madness tracks and this one is no exception to that as there is a distinct feeling of the music being an entirely seperate entity from the background atmosphere. Let's admit it- with Iron Madness there are a few elements we've come to expect in his tracks--clanging screams, a solid bassline, the panic stricken voices of confusion, the precise, industrial hi-hat/snare pattern, the swirling zooming synth, and of course, the full power melody. So the surprise here lies not in the sounds that are used, but in the effectiveness of their usage and exactly how they are used....'nine seconds' and with that in mind, the sample is stretched out in preparation for a build leading to a searing guitar synth line, that's more rhythmic than melodic...At 4:30 we hear a filtered version of the melody that is the true gem of this track (imo). It is a shame that it is not more prominant here, as the changes in speed and excessive fx on it give too much of a cold, harsh, metallic sound. With a style as "full power" as that of Iron Madness, I think its essential to have that element of warmth in the track, and perhaps this is a bit lacking.. (see track 6 ;) ). However Iron madness continues to be the master of tension building, madness, confusion and utter chaos, the Iron Maiden of psy perhaps?(go ahead, laugh at me for saying that... :) ) as well as one of my favorite artists this year.
5. Wizack Twizack-'Sweeden Weeden 2'- Last Spotted: Behind the Trees on Stone Age Records. With his newly refined groove, deranged disco snare, and freaky forest funk, this guy has been unstoppable...He may be short of a job, but for sure is full of musical ideas. Recently, his signature sound has really started developing into something he can truly call his own. Chugging into the spotlight...A deep, subtle groove with a bubbly synth line bouncing over the top, a second higher pitched cacophonous synth line hovers above. Its the various change-ups in the bassline that really drive this track onwards holding everything together, yet fully maintaining the madness, as well as providing an air of unpredictability. The overall sound is somewhat similar to other artists of the darkpsy style, however Wizack is a bit slower with added grooviness. A spattering of panned fx and this evil carnival music skitters onwards and upwards. static chaos! And a new synth line emerges, a scattered melody- always keeping the chaos nearby. A break at 5:14 re-centers our position in space preparing for the insanity- samples and increased drive in the bassline, its very cool to see such progression in a darker psy track! Warning- final madness in the last 45 sec of this track. Wow.
6. Sungirl vs. Iron Madness-'Madness of Sun'- Last Spotted: Hyperspatial Chrysalis on Ketuh Records. There's no doubting the collaboration between these two is magical, Buddhist Pyramidi proved this to be true. Perhaps the only flaw in that track being that the Iron Madness slightly overpowered the Sungirl sound. This time things are different as we hear the Sungirl's sound right from the start- shorter oozing synth blips with loads of delay..and perhaps a slight hint of restraint, much like we heard from Yana with 'Air, Water, Sunlight', gives me the feeling that she's still holding out on us...The wolves announce the Iron Madness bassline, the main synth line introduced is a cross between the two, as the Madness adds a bit of power to the Sun. A zooming, screaming, state of confusion build up introduces a melancholy melody of despair- now *this* is what I was waiting to hear from Iron Madness! The track climaxes with a screaming full power release. The resulting melody has a distinct feminine energy which creates a nice balence to the testosterone infused Iron power, 5:13 brings a second tenebrous melody- a second shift in this track at 5:42 and the Sungirl sounds are brought back in with an almost jazzy feel to this new melody-lots of potential with this last musical idea, I was sad to see this track end. Madness of Sun part 2 pleasee!! Its a shame this is the second Iron Madness track on this compilation, it is the stronger of the two, but I'm afraid with hearing such similar sounds two tracks previous, this one might go unnoticed....
7. Xatrik-'Waki Tabacci'-Last Spotted: Psionic Tales on Digital Psionics. This is a super groover, with kooky, quirky rolling bassline, and exposes Xatrik's slightly more melodic sound, which I've been anticipating hearing for months now! The final result is the sort of track that snakes, corkscrews, writhes, and spirals its way around the dancefloor...the characteristic dusty doofy dirty South African sound is here as well, a nice complement to the wobbly wiggly synth line. There's a lot going on in this track, but Xatrik manages to pull this all off in subtle fashion, because its all about what's there that you *don't* notice. An overwhelming feeling that something's creeping towards us from all directions...stretching the melody like an elastic band and then snapping it back at 3:22 to introduce a goofy oozing synth line. The melody that unfolds at 4:54 hovers between dark and light, giving focus, direction, and progression to this track...as well as still seeking out new victims to infect...2 thumbs up to the new Xatrik sound! What lacked in so many of his tracks on 'Project A', namely any sort of melodic element, is found here for sure! I like. :)
8. Slug-'Break Out'-Last Spotted: VA-Source (Nexus Media) Thus far this year I have been waiting for *that* track to be released. Not *the* track of the year...but *that* track...Anyone who is a dj knows what I'm talking about, the unknown, unnamed track you have been waiting for that will fit almost too perfectly into your dj set, the one that you can't stop listening to until you sit down and ask yourself, 'what is wrong with me, can't I listen to something else today????' For me, this is *that* track. And what a surprise to me that it comes in the form of a super driving sunrise morning track. With a strong bassline that reminds me of Absolum, synchopated percussion is added to offset the more straightforward synth melody. The 16th note bassline changes are frequent and distinctive. A slide synth at the break and then bassline is back in along with an atmospheric backdrop and a more anthemic melody sitting towards the back of the track. The bassline intensifies the sound, pushing the more melodic synth line towards the front of this track. "partical reversal...lasrever lacitrap" and the melody is seemingly reversed for a nice effect! This track is my unlikely personal favorite on this compilation a very powerful track for the morning.
9. Psyboriginal vs. Daheen-'Freak (Rmx)'-Last Spotted: VA-Hyperspatial Chrysalis (Ketuh) Psyboriginal is Marc Freund from Sydney, Australia...let's see what this crazy freak has in store for us this time round... ;) I was lucky enough to see him play live this summer and as a result, have come to know the psybo-sound as one that depicts that indescribable moment between night and day- ethereal and uplifting to bring in the morning, yet mysterious and menacing enough to wreck nocturnal havoc. His sounds are crip and precise, and transitions between parts of the track are always fluid, constantly keeping the dancefloor on edge. We start things off with a mysterious melody that unfolds to reveal a soaring synth line, along with an underlying bassline that holds this track together...vocals sit behind the melodic synth and guitar partial melody, but don't let them scare you off because this one wrecks some major havoc on the dancefloor. The breakdowns in this track are super effective without going on for too long, and building up just the right amount of intensity to drive a crowd of crazy freaks insane. full power morning track!
10. Tryambaka & D_Maniacs-'La Cosa Nostra'-Last Spotted: VA-Feel The Force (Spectral) The epilogue, the conclusion of one journey...and the beginning of another. With the chime of a bell, the end is near in the form of an epic evil 6/8 beat characteristic of the newer Tryambaka sound we will be hearing more of in the future. The Portuguese love their melody, and I warn you its highly infectious (tho I try to resist!) The synth line combines with a piano line for an interesting contrast, the melody is complex and develops and evolves throughout. A second underlying synth line compliments the first. The bassline keeps this morning track partially in the dark. Yet another melodic change up at 4:26, keeps things moving and evolving...There are so many different melodic lines in this track, flawlessly flowing one into the next, perhaps it creates a lack of focus in the track, perhaps it is in essence part of the psychedelic nature of the track. And concluding with a sample from "Goodfellas"- some sentimental words to end this compilation with possibly... ;)
Favorites: Telling the truth when I say ALL, with slight preference to 8, 9, 1, 2, 7
Overall: Years from now, I will look back and remember this compilation as my soundtrack for the Summer of 2005. There are night tracks, there are morning tracks, there are tracks you want to get lost in your own headspace to, there are tracks you want to dance your ass off to. Perhaps I can't say exactly what it is that I like about this compilation so much, confronting something felt to be beyond rational comprehension? Perhaps. Numinous indeed. |
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| VA- 'Dirty South' (Acidance Records, September 2005) |
[Sep. 25th, 2005|12:26 pm] |
VA- 'Dirty South' (Acidance Records, September 2005)
Artist : Various
Title : Dirty South
Label : Acidance Records
Catalog # : ACIDCD012
Release Date : 15 September 2005
01 – Claw vs. Paranoize – A Message from the Ghetto
02 – Blisargon Demogorgon – Others Are Awaken
03 – Xenomorph – Inextricable Distraughtness
04 – Mubali – Gromit
05 – Damage – Predator
06 – Toxic – Arise
07 – Azax Syndrom – Chemical Abuse
08 – Abomination – Dynomite
09 – Iron Madness vs. S.D6 – Dinak’s Productions
Review:
This is the twelfth release from Athens, Greece based Acidance Records. Compiled by Mist, a veteran of the Texas psychedelic trance community, the 'Dirty South' as some may call it here in the US, is a land of meteorological madness, as well as being a haven for dark nighttime psychedelic trance. The release marks the second compilation we have seen from Acidance in the past year, and the first compiled by Mist. The madness continues with 9 tracks of the signature powerful, twisted, groovy psychedelic sound that has been tearing up dancefloors since 1999...
1. Claw vs. Paranoize- 'A Message from the Ghetto'- After releasing on Ketuh and Temple Twisters, from Israel comes Alex Ladyzanskyi aka Paranoize. He teams up here with Claw aka Charalambos Pieris, from Cyprus (Greece) having previously released tracks on Dropout and Trishula. "I've become more compassionate and I try to make my message more worldly" A minimal groove to start things off here, as a gurgling synth line and tightly panned percussion combine with electric current fx creating an air of tension. The signature Paranoize dark, rhythmic synth line soon takes center stage. A higher pitched laser is soon introduced creating a zooming building intensity. It's all leading up to a darker, more mysterious melody that perfectly carries this track, depicting the shift between nighttime and morning when one isn't quite sure where things are headed next. I've really enjoyed past releases from Paranoize, but what was lacking was virtually any sort of melodic element. Here, its a winning collaboration with Claw. The usage of evil laughter, zooming buildups, and the dichotomy between the complex and minimalistic are all brought together when the elements of this track combine with a second resonating melodic line propelling this track onwards. 9/10
2. Blisargon Demogorgon- 'Others Are Awaken'- The Macedonian trance master is at it again! From Skopje comes Valentino Trancev aka Dj Montezuma. Following highly successful releases on labels like Ketuh, Nabi, Stone Age, Peak, Alkaloid, and Doof Records, this is his first appearance on Acidance. Breaking into the realm of the unknown, spooky sounds create a very cave like atmosphere welcoming us in. A steady bassline is complemented by some very alluring percussive changes. A swirling break and we are haphazardly cast once again into the realm of the super nasty synth. Raw, bouncy and groovy, I can picture in my mind the dust that will be kicked up on any dancefloor exposed to this track. At the first break in the track, everything slows down- seemingly being sucked into the vortex. A new bassline appears and the madness continues! Atmospheric fx swirling around combining with squeeky synth beeps and blips....Its an overall air of disorientation, as the original nasty synth line combines with the more sqeeky synth melody...I'm getting sonic vertigo just listening to this...a ghastly house of horrors...and Halloween is just around the corner. 8/10
3. Xenomorph- 'Inextricable Distraughtness'- Xenomorph is a man who most certainly needs no introduction! His most recent appearances have been on Vertigo and Mistress of Evil Records, and this his second appearance on an Acidance compilation. We start off walking along an abandoned pier...you can hear the sound of the rain and distant thunder "what the hell- no shit" Instantaneously we're launched into a sea of sounds complete with a deep, powerful menacing bassline, crisp and expertly manipulated sounds swirling around. This is night trance that's creeping and weaving its way around until it reaches the next victim...An eerie atmosphere fades in and out...skidding to a halt- "you're gonna kill me, aren't you?" An underlying breakbeat fades in slowly and a powerful nightmarish monster of a synth takes full control of this track. In addition to this bouncy melody, other assorted horrorscapes pervade this more minimal section of the track. The calm before the storm perhaps? "Now, you and I share a great responsibility- to them..." And then one last buildup as the monster synth takes over again, this time joined by a melodic line which you somethimes can't be sure is really even there...Simply slamming expertly produced psychedelic trance track!!! 9/10
4. Mubali- 'Gromit'- From San Francisco comes the madness that is Mubali aka Greg Farley. A classically trained musician, his tracks have appeared on Trishula and Mistress of Evil. This is his first release on Acidance. Zooming into this track, we discover a bassline with loads of movement, swooping synths that are soon joined by some more minimal percussive elements. Then, chaos ensues as the super groovy bassline drives this track onwards, reminding me a bit of Zebra-N here. Atmospheric pads and the dark melody sit slightly behind the more prominent synth lines. I wish he had developed the melody a bit more here...There's a very scattered schizophrenic feel to this track, almost a bit too complex and scattered for my taste, but before I can give too much thought to this, we encounter another subtle shift in this track- clanging metallic percussive elements take center stage before it all skids to a halt, Mubali's classical influences appearing here perhaps. Confusion galloping to...panned fx...and skidding to a...speeding up...surprise in the last 2 minutes of this track, as all the various elements and ideas in this track come together. 8/10
5. Damage- 'Predator'- Deeoon is at it again! Formerly based in South Africa, and now rocking it out in Japan, this is his first appearance on Acidance Records. Following up a full length release on the Chemical Crew label, I was afraid that with the departure of James (Broken Toy, former other 1/2 of Damage) the Damage project was taking a different direction, but with this newest release, we find Damage has gone back to his "coolllll rockinnn itttt" roots with three times the power. This is the type of track that grows on you more and more with each listen (perhaps the best kind?). There's a whole slew of outside influences/styles packed into this track- from the old school raver sounds to hip hop vocals to pounding hardcore beats all lurking in the backdrop. As well as some cleverly placed vocal samples interspersed throughout, all of this combined with the funky, dirty, kickin up some dust signature damage breakbeat & synth sounds as well as added melodic intricacies. The last few minutes of this track are total madness...can't wait to hear more new stuff! Diss Masta D is back in full effect! ;) 10/10
6. Toxic- 'Arise'- Formerly Toxic now Talk Sick are Alon and Avi from Israel and have recently signed on with Acidance Records...a full length album is in the works for the near future. Other recent releases have been on Yage, Manic Dragon, Temple Twisters, and Parvati under the "Toxic" name. This track is the debut of their newer "Talk Sick" sound, a slightly more melodic style than we are used to hearing from them, creeping, menacing and dark nonetheless! A somber melody combines with a bassline full of movement and a snare of power- very dancable and groovy. The initial breakdown brings us evil laughter, as the bassline stands alone before the fierce snare combines with a zooming buildup- a sample of impending doom as the darker side of Toxic is unleashed leading us to a total dancefloor annhilation. Tenebrous and melodic- perfect for waking up any early morning dancefloor...Powerful, distinctive 3D soundscapes, zooms and quick buildups that are super effective...the melodic line is what really drives this tracks onwards. A true blaster! Super toxic Talk Sick track!! 9/10
7. Azax Syndrom- 'Chemical Abuse'- Azax Syndrom is yet another artist who needs no introduction! With recent releases on Ketuh, 3D Vision, Inpsyde Media and Timecode, this is his first release on Acidance Records. Cue thunder clap. "Nearly six centuries have passed since that night..." An eerie melody joins forces with a powerful bassline, percussion, and oozing synths as the resulting melodic line that emerges develops skirting and skipping its way around. After a few listens, I've come to think of this track as a sequal to "The Covenant" which appeared on Nexus Media's compilation "Midnight Storm". track had stood out to me because of its insane buildup and resulting dancefloor explosion and 'Chemical Abuse' takes this same madness to the next level. Its a slightly different style and direction for Azax- not as dark as previous tracks and more full power. The build continues as the expertly crafted melody continues to develop. All leading up to- "This covenant has grown weak" and then the true wizardry of this track really begins...Running the risk of being a bit over the top, I still can't help but love this one :) 9/10
8. Abomination- 'Dynomite'- Abomination are Gershon and Sahar from Israel with a release out earlier this year on Nexus Media's 'Source' compilation. This is their second release and first appearance on Acidance Records. A long introductory sample leads up to a dynamic moving bassline and a multitude of delayed fx. A sometimes cryptic, gritty, intensely growling synth line introduces a steady groove. A second synth line bubbles up to the forefront of this track. a gurgling melody, with a powerful snare sitting towards the back. At the breakdown, a distorted guitar stands along with various delayed fx in a state of flux as the previous melody pans and fades back in. Sitting towards the back of the track behind the previous melody, an other worldly synth melody takes over, building the intensity for what is to be a phenomenal final two minutes. The breakdown at 6:10 features a complex synth melody, a kick that never drops out (this I love), a bassline that's filtered and then brought back in for a powerful and super-effective dancefloor finish. 10/10
9. Iron Madness vs. S.D6- 'Dinak’s Productions'- Iron Madness is Ziv Vainer from Israel with previous releases on Doof and Ketuh. He teams up here with S.D6, also from Israel who has upcoming releases on Deja Vu and Doof. "Stop looking at me!!!" Ahh...the sounds of Iron Madness meeting the section that doesn't exist! Iron Madness is one of my personal favorites at the moment, so I feel like I'm a bit biased towards this track :) Widely recognized for his 'power dark psy' sound, industrial snare, screams of horror, claps of thunder, voices of panic, and overall air of impending doom and destruction. All the samples used in this track are expertly embedded in with the other elements. At 4:00 in, a dark, yet extremely playful melodic line moves and skids its way over the top of this track- lightening things up a bit before we are zoomed back into the madness. A massive buildup....screaming and building up to- more buildup with the melody sitting in the back a bit, this is chaos and insanity times ten. A breakdown at 6:20 and then things are relaxed a bit, but lets not forget that this track is *still* building. First 'Buddhist Pyramidi', now this...wow! Going out with a bang! 11/10
Favorites: 9(!!!!), 8(!!), 5(!!!), 6(!)
Overall: 9.2/10 Nighttime psychedelic music to the max! |
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| VA- Subculture (Acidance Records, June 2005) |
[Jul. 27th, 2005|05:11 am] |
Artist : Various
Title : Subculture
Label : Acidance Records
Catalog # : ACIDCD011
Release Date : June 2005
01 - Dissociative - Fireworks
02 - Parasense - Do The Job
03 - Dissociative - Einstein's Last Mistake
04 - Chromatone & Random - Acid Burn
05 - Digital Outlaws - Creative Destruction
06 - Fungus Funk - Acidalia Planitia
07 - Hyper Frequencies & DJ Anaka - Renegade
08 - Parasense - Marakatu
09 - Seroxat - Mama Russia
Review:
This is the eleventh release from Athens, Greece based Acidance Records. Compiled by DJ Wizard and Alex Parasense, 'Subculture' is the first compilation release we have seen from Acidance since 2003's 'Ritual Dance'. Storming back into the psychedelic trance world with the signature powerful, twisted, groovy psychedelic sound that has been tearing up dancefloors since 1999, Acidance serves up nine tracks by talented newcomers as well as names already well established on the international scene..
1. Dissociative- 'Fireworks'- Dissociative are Evgeniy Martinov and Vjacheslav Iskanjan from Russia who have previously released tracks on Doof and Crystal Matrix. With an upcoming full length release on Acidance, this is their first appearance on the label. Dissociative's take on the Russian style incorporates old school goa melodies into newer psytrance sounds. Their super groovy basslines immediately caught my attention on 'E.S.T. Second Session'. Let's see what they have to offer. a strong, driving bassline combines with an otherworldly atmosphere leading us into an omnipresent scratchy synth line. A light, delicate melody is brought into the mix in preparation for the goa-influenced melody that follows. An interesting contrast between the old and new here! The main breakdown-buildup brings an electro melody, what follows is less driving than was anticipated. A multitude of sounds being introduced here, this is an interesting and unique dark morning stomper! 8/10
2. Parasense - 'Do The Job'- With three full length albums released and numerous compilation releases, Parasense need no introduction! "Possible" an otherworldly intro quickly leads us in to a hypnotic driving bassline coupled with mechanical percussive elements. A very fitting mix with the space age samples interspersed throughout. The subtle signature Parasense kick drum is in there as well...A gritty synth line and steel drum percussion lead to a quick wind down before this machine gets going again, a snare is introduced into the mix and this groove really starts to take off. The main synth line increases in intensity as this track forges on...one of the most multi-dimensional, driving, frenzied, psychedelic tracks I've heard from these guys in a while. Perfect for propelling any night time dj set onwards. However, it's not until the buildup leading into the final minute of this track that the madness is fully let loose....!! 10/10
3. Dissociative - 'Einstein's Last Mistake'- Dissociative are at it again! This time it's a dark mysterious gritty groover- powerful, dynamic and driving to say the least! Wooshing atmospheres collide as a somewhat abrasive synth line stutters its way into the mix. A galloping bassline, partially inaudible spoken samples, and eerie ethereal synth pads set the stage. The theme of the track continues to develop with a quick clever change up, things really start taking off. Leaving the goa melodies behind in this track, Dissociative instead introduces a darker, more goofy synth into the mix. A powerful buildup oozing with psychedelic sounds, leads into a breakdown with crickets chirping in the distance. Had the key change at 5:39 happened sooner, perhaps it would have increased the overall drive and effectiveness of the track as a whole....a creeping night time builder none the less! 9/10
4. Chromatone & Random - 'Acid Burn'- Chromatone is Lawrence Ezra Hoffman, a San Francisco native who has released tracks on RedCells, VaporVent, Mindfunk, PsyTropic, and Mechanik Sound. Random is Ross DuBois, also from San Francisco, with tracks released on Resonant Earth, VaporVent. This is their first collaborative track released on Acidance Records. Starting things off with a deep rumbling bass zooming into a stomping groove. The crisp synth production characteristic of Chromatone's music expertly combines with Random's chugging grooves that I've really been digging as of late! A stuttering bassline carries us to the central theme, sticking with the dark synth melody while tossing in a few squiggles of psychedelia here and there. It's all building up to a very powerful 6/8/triplet beat and this track storms on, all the while the dark ambiance lurking in the shadows. Zooming downwards and winding up a couple times before its all through, Killer collaboration! 10/10
5. Digital Outlaws - 'Creative Destruction'- Digital Outlaws are Shlomi and Stas from Israel, This is their debut release as well as first appearance on Acidance Records. A goofy bassline bounces around while an uncomfortable mosquito-like buzzing circles around and over yonder to some nice groovin beats! Elastic like psychedelic synths swarm the background, the initial breakdown leads into a faster beat and the addition of a lo-fi snare and some old school video game fx, this track bounces along in such a comical manner that it almost reminds me of a slowed down Vicious Spiral or Texas Faggot track. A filtered, scratchy synth line at 3:30 adds a lot to this track. Its somewhat of a turning point, at which we have less lo-fi fx, and more groove, the build up at 4:45 takes things up yet another notch, along with an ever so subtle and slick key change, eventually ending up a brighter groove at journey's end. Great debut, that's growing on me more and more every time I hear it! 8/10
6. Fungus Funk - 'Acidalia Planitia'- Fungus Funk is Serge Prilera from Russia, a driving force in the "darker" psy movement with releases on Discovalley, Crystal Matrix, Seraphana, Sirius, Deja Vu, Apocalypse, and more, as well as being signed to Acidance. 'systems online' yet static prevails, as we zoom into the depths of this stomper, a rockstar worthy drum fill, takes us to a steady beat and a subtle bassline that are soon percolated with dozens of squiggly psychedelic sounds, a filtered and airy synth line joins with a more crisp strong synth sound and the two melodies intertwine. This is a night time groover for sure! Panned filtered fx on the brief breakdown prepared us for the track to slam back in, delivering us deeper in this abyss of groove. carefree la-di-da dark night time psychedelic music! a very strong track from the most funked of fungii 9/10
7. Hyper Frequencies & DJ Anaka - 'Renegade'- Hyper Frequencies aka Gilles is no stranger to the psytrance scene with releases on Turbo Trance, Hadra, Peak, Parvati, and Avatar, as well as a full length release on Mechanik Sound. DJ Anaka is a member of the Mechanik Records crew. Both are from France and this is their first collaborative release. Some ripping filtered sounds to start off, leading us into a deeper, more prominent bassline and a mean shredding synth line that somehow seems to assimilate the other elements of the track as it moves along, picking up momentum with every 8 beats. The break- and everything drops out save a sawing synth, rolling bassline, and airy atmosphere, processed human vocal fx help build the intensity, and following every break, the bassline is there more intense than before. The final buildup and resulting groove is riddled with bits of guitar synth and wood block percussion. Perhaps this track doesn't take us all the way there, but it gets us at least half way 7/10
8. Parasense - 'Marakatu'- A pleasant surprise to find another Parasense track on here! It also happens to be my favorite track on this compilation :). A ghostly introduction and the bass rumbles its way into our brians oozing psychedelia all along the way. The initial break, and the tribal steel drums are introduced, along with kick, hi-hat, and bassline- the minimalist effect is amazing. The bass keeps pumping in this one, as we hear a few vocal samples. But the real magic happens at 2:50 when an organ-like melody is introduced, along with a zooming synth, a tamborine that makes all the difference and a devastating steal drum fill, leading us into a pounding bassline, swarming squiggling psychedelic sounds, tribal house percussion, and a dark mysterious and melodic synth line filling this track up. Overall, a very unique track that will have people stomping all over the dancefloor 10/10
9. Seroxat - 'Mama Russia- From Israel is Offer Maoz aka Seroxat, who created much havoc on dancefloors worldwide with his full length release on Crystal Matrix. He has also released on DiscoValley, Inpsyde Media, Peak, Deja Vu, Apocalypse, Stone Age as well as Acidance. At first glance, this seems like pretty standard formulaic Seroxat. Trust me its not. With his percussive screams, a scratchy polished synth lead meets with one mathematically precise kick-snare-hihat pattern. The bassline lifts off at 2:34 and we really start flying. A mysterious sliding synth "I don't wanna die", at least not until after the full on groove I'm hearing has ended. 4:16 brings another change up, the synth becomes scratchier and its reminding me a bit of Shift here. Liking the snare a lot- sitting right on top of the beat. A zooming build up at 5:35 and we're tossed into Seroxat's trademark 1/2 time stomp- used rather well here along with a raging synth line that will blow your mind. Its a totally slamming way to end the compilation! 11/10
Overall: 9/10 What was once a rumor is now fact- Acidance is back and in full force! Acidance staple Parasense, representing the more dark, driving style of the label with two SUPER strong tracks and a newer multi-dimensional sound that I'm totally digging. Seroxat and Chromatone & Random both fitting in nicely with this sound as well. Acidance newcommers, Dissociative bring a more laid back groovy feel to the label, also supported on this compilation by the tracks from Digital Outlaws, Hyper Frequencies & DJ Anaka. Fungus Funk- a mix of the two sounds fuses it all together. Many night time builders here- perhaps subliminally indicative of this label's strong future- Onwards and upwards Acidance Records! Let's hope the madness continues!
Favorites: 2, 4, 8(!!!), 9(!!!) |
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| VA- 'Hyperspatial Chrysalis' (Ketuh Records, 2005) |
[Jun. 13th, 2005|06:48 am] |
VA- 'Hyperspatial Chrysalis' (Ketuh Records, 2005)
Artist: Various
Title: Hyperspatial Chrysalis
Label: Ketuh Records (Portugal/Austria)
Catalog #: Kthcd010
Format: CD
Released: 13 June 2005
Tracks:
1. Psychoactive- 'Crazy Cabby'
2. Hefty Output- 'WTF? Rmx'
3. Sychophant- 'Life and Death Rmx'
4. Sungirl vs. Iron Madness- 'Buddhist Pyramidi'
5. Pondscum- 'Style Stalker'
6. Paranoize- 'Deception'
7. Phonic Request vs. Akhoa- 'Call 1334 Rmx'
8. Psyboriginal- 'Spirited Way Rmx'
9. Killer Buds- 'Biogenese'
Review: This is the tenth release from Portuguese-born and Austrian based record label Ketuh Records. At the start of 2005, the paths of the Ketuh Records family and the Triptamind Crew crossed in Australia. The experiences gained there, spawned the 'Hyperspatial Chrysalis', a collaborative effort between the two. The result- a collection of nine tracks from new and upcoming Australian artists as well as some fresh sounds from elsewhere around the globe. Compiled by Dj P_Mac, Label manager of Ketuh Records and resident Boom Festival DJ, with liner notes written by Eli of the Triptamind Crew in Australia. This compilation showcases the transitional period between night time and morning- the multi-dimensional and ever-evolving sound of the chrysalis that is Ketuh Records.
1. Psychoactive- 'Crazy Cabby'- Psychoactive aka Steve Barr, from Australia, is the co-founder of Fragile Planet Records. This is his first solo release on Ketuh Records. "It's like getting a personal visit from God", perhaps so. It's an enticing sample to start off the compilation. Extracted from reality, we are at once propelled into the opening groove. The result- a crisp, dynamic bassline that's constantly evolving and changing with surprising subtlety. The main synth melody is crunchy and raw, complemented by a squeeky tweaked out synth, more than doubling the quirkiness. The two sounds are cleverly weaved together with countless variation, creating the animated, whimsical groove that drives this track onwards. Loose percussive breaks add a highly effective, yet barely noticable punch to the already carefree, effortless feel of the dark funky psychedelic grooves, "51 times stronger" for sure! 10/10
2. Hefty Output- 'WTF? Rmx' - From Australia are Dan Verbi and Tim Hanlon, recent additions to the Ketuh family, this is their second release, its heavy music for the night to the max! You can hear the raw, biting influence of South African artists Damage and Artifakt here. A deep bassline rolls along fearlessly, occasionally meeting with a multitude of elastic synth sounds dribbling nighttime psychedelia. Also hiding in the shadows a piercing melody lurks, ready to strike when the time is right. Smooth deep dark psy, in a genre of its own. From time to time, various creaking and rewind fx join forces with the ripping main synth line, further embellishing the already vicious groove. What is lost in focus and momentum towards the end of this track, is made up for with psychedelic elements! Their prior release, 'Ghb (Remix)', was a bit charged with spoken samples, it's nice to hear a track focusing more on created rather than found sounds. Super mean and highly potent. Last words: It's all about the bass. 8/10
3. Sychophant- 'Life and Death Rmx'- Welcome Aussie #3, Sycophant, Melbourne based artist John Vougioukas. This is his debut release on Ketuh Records. The style is dark and atmospheric, the dancefloor effect- massive. Ethereal, dreamlike atmospheres collide with a galloping bassline and scratchy synth- a sonic depiction of being lost amidst unknown confusion. The break brings inaudible samples of chaos and disarray as well as a wind tunnel which sends us swirling into a super mean psychedelic synth line. A perfect nighttime groove! This track is all about the atmosphere as we swirl about in anticipation of where it will toss us next. The main breakdown brings the bassline to the forefront where 'your hell awaits you' as well as a groove full of darkness, scratching synth lines, and screams of confusion, as we descend further into the abyss of the unknown. 8/10
4. Sungirl vs. Iron Madness- 'Buddhist Pyramidi'- Sungirl is Yana from Russia, with previous releases on Trishula and Manic Dragon Records. Iron Madness is Ziv from Israel, previously releasing on Doof Records. This is their first track released as Sungirl vs. Iron Madness, and also their first Ketuh release. A symphonic beginning, reminiscent of the opening scene of an epic movie. This melodrama is soon cut short as we are instantaneously faced with a dark, driving baseline and powerful snare interspersed with screams of horror. The main synth is introduced, catchy and melodic, yet also with a somber and emotional element to it as well. The melody doesn't detract at all from the overwhelming sense of darkness, chaos, and confusion that is the essence of this track. Rather than disrupting from the flow, the numerous breakdown-buildups we hear only serve to propel this track onwards, further building the intensity. This is nonstop madness!!! Previously, I had not been a fan Sungirl or Iron Madness, but together, the blend of their sounds is magical!!! Best track on this comp so far 11/10
5. Pondscum- 'Style Stalker'- Aha! The long anticipated second release from Luke Danielewski, Aussie #4 on this comp. His full flavored musical project Pondscum is notoriously known for its signature dark, minimal, hypnotic psychedelic sound and this track is certainly no exception to that! From the start, I am immediately drawn in by an overwhelming sense of spiraling downwards. Various complex and intricate synth lines working together along with swirling atmospheric pads sitting further in the background of this track further evoke the downward spiral. This is for sure one of the darkest psychedelic melodic grooves I've heard in a while. I really like how this track progresses and changes up a lot without ever straying too far from its central theme. Around 3:30, everything falls into place here and the groove is dark, melodic and extremely effective, it would have been interesting to see this idea develop more before the track changed things up once again. A monstrous spooky nighttime track- guaranteed to get everyone out of the darkness and onto the dancefloor, I only wish it hadn't ended so abruptly. 9/10
6. Paranoize- 'Deception'- From Israel comes Alex Ladyzanskyi aka Paranoize, this is his second release on Ketuh Records. With a driving bassline, scratchy percussive synth and air of eerieness we are officially launched into orbit. This track is centered around two synth lines, one which has a metallic, rhythmic sawing quality to it, the other can only be likened to the cawing of a scavenger crow circling above. Every element in this track is precise, exact, and deliberate. Transitions between different ideas are smooth and effortless, and the overall level of production is extremely high. With virtually no melodic element in this track, I find I'm craving more melody! As the hi-hats and snare are prominent here, it would have been interesting to see some more mid-range percussive elements added in. As this track progresses, the main synth line increasingly begins to ooze psychedelia. The constant morphing nature of this track keeps it interesting, leading up into the final buildup- Dark psy with a twist of lime. 9/10
7. Phonic Request vs. Akhoa- 'Call 1334 Rmx'- With previous releases on Magma and TIP, PhonicRequest is the work of Wilfried Decaesteker. Here he teams up with fellow Frenchman Akhoa. You may recall the duo from their track 'Early Reflections', on Parvati Records earlier this year. This is their second collaborative release, and their first Ketuh appearance. The track begins with a funky bassline full of movement, some short squiggly zooming synths adding to the raw bouncy sound and a gritty dirty no nonsense snare reminding me of Rinkadink. The likeness is again heard in the zooming buildups appearing throughout. The entirety of this track feels like one long buildup, leaving me constantly anticipating what is to come. I must admit, with the comical flavor, I expected the final buildup to lead to a goofy sample. I'm slightly disappointed with "call 13.34", which leaves me with with more of an "um....ok" feeling. Despite the fact that this track could have had a bit more drive, it is an essential dirty groove full of zooming psychedelic sounds and I love it! 9/10
8. Psyboriginal- 'Spirited Way Rmx'- Aussie #5 on this compilation, Psyboriginal is Marc Freund from Sydney. A new Ketuh artist, this is his debut release. His sound has been described as explosive, unique and highly danceable and now I will hear for myself. We start things off with a groovy bassline, some quick start-stops and eerie atmosphere to complete the mix. The main melody reminds me a bit of Logic Bomb, only with a darker, more sinister feel contrasting nicely with the raw bouncy synth line previously introduced. The sample usage throughout, and especially at 4:40, is the best of any track appearing on this compilation. Psyboriginal has managed to weave together all the right elements to create a perfect killer groove that just works- so much so that I cannot give away any more of the details. This is an insane debut track, I cannot even begin to imagine what else this guy has got up his sleeve. For sure, one of the strongest tracks on this compilation, perfect for bringing in the morning 10/10
9. Killer Buds- 'Biogenese'- From Brazil, Enzio, Tarcisio and Marcelo, collectively known as Killer Buds, are a Ketuh Records staple, appearing on the past 5 Ketuh compilations, as well as recently releasing their full length debut album on Ketuh. Much like their previous releases, this track is nothing short of massive sounding. A slightly different sound then I've previously heard from Killer Buds- the bassline is sitting more towards the back of this track, while the main synth line is front and center throughout. This track is a bit lighter on the sample usage than previous releases, giving precedence to the melody of this morning stomper. The breakdown is quite unique and my favorite part of this track, slowing the beat down and then rapidly speeding up once again, a zooming buildup storming ahead towards all hell breaking loose. Melodic mayhem perfect for waking up any dancefloor. 8/10
Favorites: 1(!!), 4(!!!), 5, 6, 7(!!), 8(!!!)
Overall: Another strong compilation from Ketuh Records. Nothing endures but change, and with each quality release from this label, we continue to see just why this is true. Much like the Chrysalis, we are all evolving to a fluctuating vibration of cosmic energy, music is no exception to this. If you are at all curious as to where the future of psychedelic trance music lies, rest assured, a few of the answers you will find here. Five Australian artists appearing on a non-Australian label, Four artists making their debut releases on this compilation... Ketuh Records has consistantly made it their goal to seek out the
newest, freshest, most unique sounds around. Well, mission more than accomplished.
Happy Birthday Macattack! |
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| Killer Buds - Interfiber Skunk (Ketuh Records, 2005) |
[Jun. 4th, 2005|04:05 am] |
Killer Buds - Interfiber Skunk (Ketuh Records, 2005)
Artist: Killer Buds
Title: Interfiber Skunk
Format: CD
Label: Ketuh (Portugal/Austria)
Cat. #: KTHCD009
Date: May 2005
Track listing:
01. First Step
02. Optical Activity
03. I Got The Virus
04. Interfiber Skunk
05. Spells And Temptations
06. Anti-Gravity
07. Orbital Interference
08. Goa Bombay Cartoon
Review: Killer Buds or Mad Scientists? This is the ninth release from Portuguese-born and Austrian based record label Ketuh Records, and the second full length album to be released on the label. From Brazil, Enzio, Tarcisio and Marcelo, collectively known as Killer Buds, are a Ketuh Records staple, appearing on the past five Ketuh compilations as well as having upcoming releases on Fragile Planet and Ketuh Records. In varying mutations, you may know them as having produced in the past or present under the names Insect Seeker, Incosequent, Natural Noisy Maker, and Ultrasonic. 'Interfiber Skunk' is Killer Buds' debut full length release.
01. 'First Step'- And an aptly named track to begin our journey. I'm instantaneously drawn in by the bassline in this track- not only is it an extremely prominent force driving this track onwards, but it also has an intense sound presence and loads of movement, resulting in a somewhat mysterious groove full of anticipation. The main theme is introduced using a light-hearted, fuzzy, liquid synth sound and a melody that creeps along with the groove, reminding me somewhat of CPU. Quick clever change-ups, rewind fx, panned zooming buildups, short chopped up usage of samples, and an underlying breakbeat appearing at 4:06 all contribute to the effectiveness of this track. I must also mention the excellent usage of dynamic changes- this track just keeps gaining momentum with each breakdown and resulting build up. No doubt we are only seeing the Killer Buds intensity at about a 3 here, but a very strong first step indeed! 9/10
02. 'Optical Activity'- If there ever was a track that could both make you want to freak out on the dancefloor and kick back, relax, and whatever, all at the same time- this is it. Settling us into the essence of the Killer Buds sound, we recognize a bassline equally as groovy as the first track. The main synth sound of 'First Step' has been further embellished with a stereo echo effect, creating a larger sound. It is also complemented by a second more drippy synth squeezing itself back and forth through the main melody. After a breakdown at 2:41, the bassline kicks back in at 2:53, with a more laid back groove and comfortable melody that both give the track room to breathe and allow the subtleties to break through. Quick, random, and somewhat goofy usage of samples that make you think "huh?" all lead to a SPLAT!! at the end. Good for the start of a nighttime set. 8/10
03. 'I Got the Virus'- Consider the first two tracks on this album as a warm up to what Killer Buds really have to offer- then put this track on. The trademark bassline sits slightly further back in this track, allowing the underlying breakbeat and powerful snare to share the spotlight. Change-ups in this track are highlighted by the usage of turntablist scratching fx- this part I love and for me it never gets old! The main synth sound used in the previous tracks sits further back here as it is contrasted by main melody- a simple, pure sound with slight delay. Further along in the track, both sounds share equal weight. At 3:41 the bassline changes to a more straightforward groove, laser sounds all around, preparing us for the final buildup...which I won't give away. I love the structure of this track, the perfect amount of breakdowns and start-stops, great usage of fx as well as the goofy mad scientist samples...I'll definately be playing this one in my dj sets- A Killer Track! 11/10
04. 'Interfiber Skunk'- A beat with a distinct electro feel to it, and some evil bubbly sounds start this track off. Soon after, the bassline kicks in- much like before, a groove with lots of movement, only this time with a more bouncy elastic feel than in previous tracks. The two contrasting synth melodies return, only now both sounds have a wider and slightly distorted feel to them, giving way to still larger sound than we've heard before. A punchy snare is added into the mix, sealing this track's fate as a dancefloor smasher. 4:42 greets us with a massive, gratuitously drawn out, yet super stompingly effective build up- the first of its kind on this cd in fact! Following this, the melody is brought back in, only it's not as defined as it was earlier in this track...and therefore sounds a bit fluffy to me, but it shouldn't matter because by this point, everyone will be rocking out too much to even notice!! 9/10
05. 'Spells And Temptations'- Ominous bells in the distance, a dark rainy night, and an ethereal woosh, lead us to the voice of a mysterious old man who describes to us the secret that is "the virus". With many of the same elements and themes used in 'I Got the Virus', I saw this track as somewhat of a sequel to what we've heard previously. Zooming lazers and various squiggly fx add a more psychedelic feel to this groove. A rather long introductory sample takes us to the main melody of this track. Here is a good example of one of Killer Buds' strengths- these guys can jam pack a track with samples, and totally make it work. I noticed this first with 'Everything is A Copy' off of InKrypto. Using numerous chopped up samples in a single track they weave together vague kryptic stories that despite their presence, never take prominance over the central melody. A massive buildup at the end leads to ??? One last question- Should it be 'Spells and Temptations' or 'Spells and Incantations'? 8/10
06. 'Anti-Gravity'- Zooming in instantaneously, my expectations are set for a slamming track. The bassline is groovy with lots of subtle movement, the synth sound is goofy, bubbly, the melody funky. There is a distinctly tribal feel to the percussion in this track that I haven't heard in previous tracks. At 2:12, gravity befriends us, and we're falling down into the abyss of a 6/8 groove, which is accompanied by the original melody along with various delayed 'mad scientist' samples. Stomping along in slow motion, we then feel a silence- until a warbling woosh tosses us back into a massive buildup in which gravity fails us and snare rolls abound. Finally, we are pushed forward into a familar groove in which the bassline and snare patterns are somewhat reminiscent of a goa trance style of years past. 5:08 brings together the differing melodic lines in this track, and it is here, for the first time on this album, that the distinct syles of the three individuals creating this insanity that is the Killer Buds, truly stand out. 9/10
07. 'Orbital Interference'- The peaceful dawning of a new day. Just kidding. The bassline on this track is harder, more raw sounding, more distorted, and with a slight electro influence. Its different than we've heard previously, and it completely drives this track. The fills are unique, ranging from scrambled noise to slowed down 6/8 beats to a stuttering bass- always keeping you guessing. Tribal percussion, 3:00 brings us a panned and filtered breakdown leading us into a slight bassline change that does much to drive this track onwards. Silence and the sound of a flute, I'm thinking possible breakdown, until the kick and bassline slam back in, slowly building back up, the bassline panning along with a snare roll into silence, and then its Killer Buds melody all the way. Overall- 0% predictable. 100% satisfying. 10/10
08. 'Goa Bombay Cartoon'-Swooping in for the final approach, you must ignore the title of this track or it will spoil the fun. We've got a massive, crisp sounding bassline as well as a strong punchy snare to start us off. A stuttering zoom and a trace of animation leads us into the main synth line (more percussive than melodic) that haphazardly stutters, skips, and meanders its way through the other elements in the track. Around 1:50 an epic (is it really goa??) melody begins to creep in, along with a buildup, and yes, soon enough we are full on mocking some old goa melody. A comical skid into a "wooooo-whooo-huue-huue-huueeeeee!!!", lazers abound, and a more classic Killer Buds melodic line builds us up into "that's a good one!". The bassline slams back in more straighforward and driving than before, the (dare I say) cheesy goa melody over takes the Killer Buds sound, complemented by yet more lazers which all lead up into a breakdown that's over before you can say "huh??" The final buildup and resulting madness is massive, over the top, killer buds style, going out with a bang as always. 10/10
Favorites: 1,3(!!!), 4, 7(!!), 8
Overall: Dark, Melodic, a totally massive sound all around- killer very strong production. The strength of this album lies in the expert ability of Killer Buds in manipulating spoken samples throughout this album that tell a story that we never quite understand. This is a fun listen from start to finish, these guys have a great sense of humor and its very refreshing to hear that shine through in their music. At times, in certain tracks the melodic lines and bassline can seem a bit monotonous and repetitive. However, overall, this does not detract from the effectiveness of the album as a whole. Go back and listen to "Another World" off of Suspended Reality and you will see just how far these guys have come. One of the strongest upcoming acts from Brazil. Watch out for these guys- they will take over the world. 9/10 |
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| VA-'In Krypto' (Ketuh Records, 2005) |
[May. 15th, 2005|07:59 am] |
VA-'In Krypto' (Ketuh Records, 2005)
Title: Various Artists 'In Crypto'
Catalogue nr: Kthcd008
Release: April 2005
Label: Ketuh Records (Portugal)
Compiled by: Dj P_Mac
Tracklisting:
01 Gappeq - Theory of Everything
02 Zebra-N - Almost lost it
03 The Farting Parrot - iNTeLLecTual RecTuM
04 Insect Seeker - Russian Sounds
05 Double REL - Viva la wav
06 Hefty Output - Ghb Rmx
07 Pondscum - Out put 1-2 RMX
08 Paranoize - Fucking evil noise
09 Killer Buds - Every thing is a copy
Review: This is the eighth release from Portuguese-born and Austrian based record label Ketuh Records. Compiled by DJ P_Mac, Label manager of Ketuh Records and resident Boom Festival DJ. With a string of solid, quality releases over the past year, Ketuh Records (besides quickly becoming one of my favorite psytrance labels) has earned a solid reputation world wide for its style and its "off-the-beaten-track" philosophy.
01 Gappeq -'Theory Of Everything'- From Czech Republic comes Gappeq, Jiri Tomasek, his sound has been developing and evolving quite nicely as of late! With releases on Sundance and Oxygen Records, in addition to Ketuh. His ideas are fresh and original and this track is no exception to that. A light melody along with a nice driving bassline starts things off with a bang. An eerie and larger than life synth melody is soon introduced, taking center stage in this track. A funky breakbeat in the background gives an bouncy feel to this track, and ambient pads add an air of mystery to it all. The main synth melody slides up and down, with a key change at 3:35 a nice lead in to the more scattered complex melody adding even more to this funky groove. Think drum and bass meets psytrance at sunrise and you'll get the idea. This track is pretty much unlike anything I've heard previously and for sure will turn heads on the dancefloor. 10/10
02 Zebra-N - 'Almost Lost It'-I first heard Dutch producer Paul Eifferich aka Zebra-N on 'EST 2nd Session'(Doof). He has since released on Trishula and Ketuh Records. A mad scientist sample starts this one off, blending with a scratchy synchopated synth line and a bassline that I'm totally digging. The darker funky sounds of this groove have got me dancing around my room :) We are all aware of the predictable element that pervades much psychedelic trance music these days. Not true with this track! Zebra-N is a master of unpredicatability and anticipation. Starting at 3:30 I'm waiting for the buildup, incoherent crowd samples, bubbling synth sounds swirling around, a short, distorted melody, stretched out snare rolls, all leading up to- a single beeping sound, lasting *just* long enough. The rhythm slows down *just* enough, I'm totally expecting this one to come back in with a bang. Instead, it's a full on tribal funky groove, much like the start of this track. Am I disappointed? Of course not! Perfect for dropping early in a nighttime set and faking out everyone on the dancefloor. :) 9/10
03 The Farting Parrot - 'Intellectual Rectum'-Well, Israel's Ariel Sela could have called himself Single REL, but I'd so much rather listen to music from The Farting Parrot. Zooming synths and a slow, plodding beat lead us into a more driving kick(ass)/bassline combo. Scratchy synths combine with video game-ish fx to create a melody that is complex, yet delivered in a somewhat subliminal manner-the listener just bounces and floats along nonchalantly with it all. An in-your-face groove, dark but by no means linear- this one is all over the place. The breakbeat breakdown is killer and unique! Various samples are used throughout, however, they are all expertly embedded within this track- Farting Parrot's got far too much to let out in his music to let someone elses words take center stage for more than a second. I don't know what makes more of an in-your-face statement, the artist name, the track name, or the track itself. Good for building a nighttime set...although this one left me slightly expecting more... 8/10
04 Insect Seeker - 'Russian Sounds'-From Brazil, we have a side project of Marcelo and Tarcisio of Killer Buds. This is their second release on Ketuh Records. The track opens up with majestic sounds of dawn, an early build and some delayed synth fx combine with filtered percussion to create a killer groove. Mysterious and randomly placed delayed drips of melody add to the confusion. With each slight variation, this track keeps tossing us deeper and deeper into the madness. The breakdown returns us to a place of melodic, pleasant & peaceful solitude-a refreshing changeup. The beat is filtered and panned- before tossing us back into the groove once again. This time the bassline has more movement, the percussion sits more in the forefront, and an ambient synth melody is introduced, adding even more to the early morning feel of this track- dark with a little bit of light, just how I like it! The track development is killer, ever evolving and growing, with many quick & clever changes. This one just keeps going and going and going. Excellent production!!!!! 9/10
05 Double R.E.L - 'Viva La Wav'- Ariel Ram+Ariel Sela=Double R.E.L.=killer music from Israel. These guys first caught my attention with "My Beloved One" on EST Session 2(Doof). Since then, none of their other releases have really caught my attention until...enter Ketuh Records. A mysterious and dramatic opening to this one. The bassline comes in strong, driving at 147bpm. Synth lines collide with one another, expertly weaved together creating a truly psychedelic atmosphere. Amidst the swirling chaos however, it is the bassline that makes this track! Think israeli full-on bassline meets dark chaotic madness- and it's surprisingly effective! Insane breakdown-buildups, great usage of samples, I can't give away all the surprises. This track is a true gem! Viva La totally killer track! A true stomper!!!!!!!!!!!! 11/10
06 Hefty Output - 'Ghb (Remix)'- From Australia are Dan Verbi and Tim Hanlon, new to Ketuh Records, this is their first release and its heavy music for the night to the max! A long sample to start off- perhaps the drug samples are a bit cliche, but will wait to see how this one develops. raw percussive fx and an underlying breakbeat- I can definately hear the Damage influence here and I'm totally digging it! This is true psychedelia! Raw, dark, dirty, swirling, squeaking synths, lots of distorted sounds, frequently inserted samples, stretched out fx. It's a tossup as to whether there are TOO many samples in this track, in the end I think it adds to, rather than detracts from the effectiveness of this track. I feel this track strays a bit at times, slightly losing focus and drive- this is not entirely a bad thing, for it just means these guys must have too many ideas and therefore, just need to makes more tracks! :) With an upcoming release on Ketuh Records (KTHCD010), and their mutual ADHD diagnoses running rampant (hehehe this explains so much! ;) ), I'm very intrigued to see how their sound will develop! Overall, a fresh, killer, raw, underground sound from down under! The more I listen, the more I like. 8/10
07 Pondscum - 'Output 1-2 (Remix)'-Ketuh continues the madness with yet another Aussie debut- this time its Luke Danielewski, and his full flavored musical project Pondscum. Well, if the fact that I've listened to this track about 4 or 5 times through, getting so lost amist the insanity that I forget I'm writing a review is any indication, this track is one hell of a psychedelic creation! A monster bassline and synth lines oozing psychedelia from all directions. There is a more minimal, hypnotic feel to this track. The beat has an almost disco-like feel to it- killer groovy raw & dancable. Eerie, piercing, ambient pads interspersed with schizophrenic synth lines that seamlessly babble along. Each sound used in this track stands on its own, is distinct, deliberate, and contributes to the overall effectiveness of the track. Dark, minimal & psychedelic. WOW. An excellent debut! So easy to lose yourself in this track!!! Can't wait to hear more(kthcd010)!!!!!!! 10/10
08 Paranoize - 'Fucking Evil Noise'-From Israel comes Alex Ladyzanskyi aka Paranoize. This is a pretty straightforward dark psy track that reminds me of Azax Syndrom expecially. A bouncy 16th note bassline, along with squeaky synth sounds, and an eerie melodic line make for a particularly stomping groove. I'm liking the breakdown-buildup, and when the track kicks back in, the intensity is increased with the addition of a rocking snare sound and some raw acid synth lines. Very nice percussive fx used throughout. A real slammer! Good for the end of any nightime set! A well produced track, just not my thing 7/10
09 Killer Buds - 'Everything Is A Copy'-From Brazil, Enzio, Tarcisio and Marcelo, collectively known as Killer Buds, are a Ketuh Records staple, appearing on the past 4 Ketuh compilations, as well as recently releasing their full length debut album on Ketuh. One word describes their sound- massive. No messing around here- we're immediately tossed into a driving bassline and acid synth melody. Dark, yet psychedelic with more of an epic feel than previous tracks on this compilation. A totally massive sound all around- killer very strong production, Perhaps the main melody and the bassline could be changing up a bit more, and this slight monotony takes away from this track a bit. However, its very clear to me that depite all of this, this track would absolutely destroy any dancefloor! Going out with a bang! Nice way to end the compilation! 9/10
Favorites:1(!!!), 2, 4, 5(!!!), 7(!!!), 9
Overall: A true journey from start to finish! A descent into psychedelic mayhem which showcases veteran Ketuh artists, well known newcomers to Ketuh, as well as P_Mac's latest psychedelic discoveries. The names are fresh, the sounds are unique, and the production is killer. What has disappointed me lately in the psytrance world are labels which have defined a specific sound as "their own", and artists belonging to that label who are altering their sound in order to better cater to the label's sound. Ketuh Records is for sure not of this mentality! The label should be promoting the artist's sounds, not the other way around! And this collection of artists, tracks, and sounds proves that this is exactly what they do. This one won't be leaving my cd player for a long time! 9.5/10 |
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| Rinkadink- 'Pirate Signal' (Alchemy Records, 2005) |
[May. 8th, 2005|03:38 am] |
Rinkadink- 'Pirate Signal' (Alchemy Records, 2005)
Artist: Rinkadink (South Africa)
Title: Pirate Signal
Label: Alchemy Records (UK)
Catalog#: ALCD016
Format: CD
Released: April 2005
1. Pirate Signal
2. Metal Endo
3. Basshead
4. Marauder
5. Wavefront
6. Dads Power Song
7. Techmology V3
8. Broken Collaboration
9. Native American Beauty
Review:
The sixteenth release from London based Alchemy Records, this is the highly anticipated follow up full length album to last years killer debut "Rabbit From Darkside" from Rinkadink aka Vana aka Werner Van Jaarsveld. Rinkadink originates from Cape Town, South Africa, but is now based in London and has spent the last year since his debut release spreading his unique, funky, fun, psychedelic style across the globe as well as in the studio creating more killer music. Since 'Rabbit From Darkside', Rinkadink has expanded beyond his South African roots, in the past year releasing tracks on Maia Records, Beats & Pieces, Hadra, Planet B.E.N., Sirius, as well as Alchemy.
1.'Pirate Signal'- The album opens with static confusion...a partially inaudible sample...some jamaican guy(???).. "enjoy!" and then we're immediately tossed into the trademark Rinkadink groove- you know, the one that makes you want to jump up and dance around your room...yeahhh...that one :) some very nice uplifting melodic lines to start things off. The bassline is deep, the groove, laid back and funky as hell, and its got that killer gritty dirty no nonsense snare that I LOVE. The melody builds, a quick breakdown, and a second more raw sounding synth melody is introduced, which nicely complements the smoother sounding earlier melody. The final breakdown-buildup is massive Rinkadink style, nice filtered fx, and then it all drops out- "enjoy!", and then the groove comes back together. A nice cross between dark, mysterious, and ethereal and more upbeat, bright and uplifting....not too dark, not too light. Perfect for breaking out of the rabbit hole....10/10
2.'Metal Endo'-A slow, plodding start to this track and we're into a groove with a distinct 6/8 feel to it, chopped up samples interspersed among various squeaky fx, and some swooping ambient pads in the background lead us into the first breakdown. Following the introduction of more mechanical, glitchy synth sounds, the track maintains a steady groove throughout. The first breakdown brings us the main melody front and center, a filtered buildup, Rinkadink's trademark snare rolls, and the atmospheric pads fall and fade away, leaving us once again bouncing and shuffling along. The final buildup of the track involves some more acid sounding synths, some very nice start-stutter-stop-starts, and slamming back in for one final chunky groove. For sure Rinkadink has yet to throw the mayhem into full gear. He's just giving us a taste of what is to come... 7/10
3.'Basshead'- An airy, twinkling melody, along with some static vocal samples, the groove kicks in and vocal fx combine with more acid sounding synth stabs, a funky and somewhat goofy feel to this track. A darker, mysterious melody develops along with the use of inaudible vocal samples in the background creating an overall atmosphere of chaos, madness, and confusion in this track- nice! Many quick and clever breakdowns and this track keeps slamming in again and again. Rinkadink is one of the few artists who in my book can pull off these massively epic snare roll buildups, and he does it so well! The final buildup to the sample "basshead" and then were tossed back into the groove once again. I'm not so much a fan of the alarm sounds interspersed throughout, but the rest of this track is so much fun, that it's easily overlooked. 9/10
4.'Marauder'- I am going to come right out and say that I really disliked the first 2 minutes of this track. I was just about to conclude that not even the dope wolf howl sample could save this one-then I waited 10 more seconds-and bam! An almost sitar-like melody was introduced...a somewhat goofy (what the fuck in a good way) element with a slight retro disco feel- what can only be described as one of the most original breakdowns i've heard in a while, and poof! just like that its a killer groove. Did that track really just do that?? The rest of this track is a nice mix of funky grooves, goofy inaudible samples, stretched out buildups, quick unique breaks, oozing synth sounds combining with a sharper, brighter synth melody that bounces over the top of this track, the final breakdown-buildup and resulting melodic groove is raw and powerful! 8/10
5.'Wavefront'- Am I playing video games here or am I listening to a psytrance track? Or is it quite possibly some mutation of the two that doesn't involve sampling Super Mario Bros.?!?! The static of the 'Pirate Signal' is heard once again- keeping this album tied together quite nicely. We're falling into an opening buildup-breakdown nicely sliding into a groove complete with atmospheric melodies and glitchy synth sounds. 2:25 brings a killer breakdown!!!! nice one!!!!!! (can't give the secret away any more than this ;) ) yes...Vana definately showing off the old school video game influence here, it's twisted and the melody's got this uber-happy goofy bouncing along feel to it that i've only heard previously in more suomi-style psy. 4:50 brings a killer breakdown buildup, lots of very nice start-stops, and before long we're bouncing and floating along with this one once again. kick ass! did I win??? 9/10
6.'Dads Power Song'- A spooky sliding synth melody starts this track off, as a galloping bassline fades into the mix. I'm still totally loving the raw, metallic feel of the snare in all of these tracks. The sample manipulation is brilliant, complete with scratching effects. Now, when you sampled the Delta ebonics spoof on your last album ("Hope was Closed"), its kinda hard to out-do yourself when it comes to samples- "what happened? we had a lot of fun but they had a lot of other catch phrases I could believe I was the first one to use the phrase whyyyiiii don't think so" comes close though (see track 8). A more scattered, melody is introduced and bounces around for a bit. "drop the bass" nice tastefully used raw, slightly distorted pounding old school rave kick building into a groove that meshes together a spooky mysterious melody along with short manipulated vocal bits. A slightly dissonant synth sound adds more even power to this track. It's crazy, it's wacky, it's all over the place, and it totally works. 10/10
7. 'Techmology V3'- This track, in contrast to others on this album thus far, showcases Rinkadink's more progressive melodic side. We start off with a driving kick/bassline, some nice percussive fx, and an overall funky melodic feel. Around 1:45 the bass drops out and we are left with an airy floating melody that soon takes center stage in this track, atmospheric vocal pads in the background add to the overall ambiance. The raw bassline, percussive sounds, and rhythms contrast nicely with the smooth, somewhat somber, subtle melodies used throughout. What this track perhaps lacks in chaos and mayhem, it most certainly makes up for with emotion and sophistication in melody. An in your face, full on, progressive melodic bomb! A beautiful morning track! 9.5/10
8. 'Broken Collaboration'- An early buildup, and the introduction of a more driving, in your face bassline and my expectations are set for an all out full on blaster.all right-saturday night- i have no date no date and my all rush mix tape- let's rock inaudible chopped up samples intertwining with various short synth stabs and melodies bounce around for a bit before introducing a more straightforward synth melody. Despite the numerous snare rolls and breakdown-buildups full of anticipation...the melody in this track somehow holds it back, preventing it from reaching its full blast potential, and it could have been much more glitchy and quirky. However, the sample is killer, best on the album. 7/10
9. 'Native American Beauty'-'its one of those days, there was this electricity in the air' The beginning of this track introduces a melody with a distinct jazz influence to it, leading us to an early buildup, some nice raw sounds and orchestral synth stabs (which I am not much a fan of, until they are nicely manipulated later on in the track). I've been waiting all throughout this album for a track along the lines of "You Are Not Who You Are" (Hadra), well, this is it! A mysterious flute melody is introduced, once again some nice sample manipulation building up to silence. The original melody takes over here and we are unexpectedly thrown into a downtempo groove just long enough to make me want to hear a downtempo track from Rinkadink- tossed back into the groove- then into a breakbeat buildup, a very nice change-up from the snare roll buildup!! A slightly more laid back groove than previous tracks, winds down this album. 8/10
Favorites: 1(!!!), 3, 4(!!!), 6(!!!), 7
Overall: It's always refreshing to see an artist who's music you love stay true to their unique style. Yet, it's equally as refreshing to see that same artist having grown and developed as a musician since his last release, while at the same time, also incorporating many new ideas and influences into his new music. Rinkadink has done both and produced an album that not only stands out among the myriads of psytrance releases these days, but also one that is fun and enjoyable to listen to start to finish. 9/10 + bonus points for a killer set in London last month ;) |
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| Broken Toy- 'Broken Toy' (Alchemy Records, 2005) |
[Apr. 5th, 2005|05:01 pm] |
Broken Toy- 'Broken Toy'
(Alchemy Records, 2005)
1. In a dark, dark house
2. Fragile
3. Girls and boys
4. Slaphead
5. Fucking machines
6. Psycho bitches
7. Toys just wanna have fun
8. Speedfreakz
9. The Raver (Broken Toy rmx)
Ever since Broken Toy aka South African James Copeland busted out onto the psytrance scene with killer releases on Timecode, Panorama, PsyStation, and Afrogalactic, with probably some of my favorite tracks of 2003, "Rockstar" and "Breakdown Baby" among others, I have been eagerly awaiting his debut album release on Alchemy Records. Broken Toy originally emerged as a side project of now ex-Damage member James who then went on to make it his full time gig. You can find a few of his more recent collaborations with Deon Damage on the Damage full length out on the Chemical Crew label...but for now, I'll break this Broken Toy down....
1.'In a Dark, Dark House' And the mystery begins unfolding with a dancable groove and synth stabs that can only mean Broken Toy is at it again. "are you ready, action, romance, desire?" An energetic opening track, with a bassline that just makes you want to dance. The breakdowns are well placed with atmospheric sounds, perfect for reviving a morning dancefloor. The track moves into a more minimal groove and a quirky, yet mysterious melody takes over, slamming into another breakdown-buildup and then the broken toy madness we have all grown to love. This track has it all- danceable beat, groovin bassline, scratching synths, and a quirky melody to tie it all together.
2.'Fragile' A muted melody and distorted vocal start this track off. A zooming buildup and a disco funk bassline get this track off to a killer start. Melodic synths combine with ambient pads in the background, a groove that reminds me of a more melodic version of 2003's "Rockstar". The breakdown- and its all melody here, slamming back into the funk bassline this track is still building up, a distorted buildup and the main synth melody is introduced- nothing fragile about this. The breakdown and the distorted vocal are back in, a very original touch to this track. This track is full power and hi energy throughout. Fragile melody meets Killer synth. Slamming track? Absofuckinglutely.
3.'Girls and Boys' A filtered vocal and beat with synth stabs introduce this track, with yet another super strong bassline, acid synths combine with the goofy groovy synth stabs that belong to no one but Broken Toy. Nice buildups and distorted vocals that blend in nicely with the track, creating a nice percussive effect. A dreamy breakdown and we're falling down, until treated with a KILLER buildup. Nice acid synth line combined with darker stabs, many change ups in this track keep us wondering where its going to be headed next. A lighter melody and groove finish off this track, again very nice vocal effects, I'm not usually a fan of vocal parts used in psytrance tracks, but this is very well done, and nicely mixed in with the rest of the track.
4.'Slaphead' A muted melody reminiscent of older Damage tracks off Alien Safari, and a lighter groove here with some delayed synths creating a morning atmosphere. The darker more raw synth sound is introduced as a nice contrast and this track is off. A killer buildup, and a funky groove sets the pace as the track continues to build. A KILLER organic slap bassline takes over in this track- giving new meaning to funky psytrance. A breakdown and some old skool "rave" sounds (haha can i say that?) and the anticipation of the buildup....its still going, ready for take off....still going.....and going.....!!!!!!!!!!!! Again, a very nice mixture of sounds here....melodic, funky, dark, atmospheric. Its all here.
5,'Fucking Machines' Mechanical static opens this track up and a very strong bassline kicks in, perhaps a slightly harder groove than the past few tracks. A raw synth melody takes over in this track, definately more of a night time sound. Nice usage and manipulation of samples in this track, reminding me a bit of his remix of Damage-'Nasty'. This track is full on and bad ass, no nonsense. A breakdown, and an almost electro-ish bassline is introduced, along with some very groovin bouncy synth sounds (very killer by the way)...another breakdown, and a distorted, raw sounding synth is introduced again, a buildup and the kick ass funky raw Broken Toy sound takes off once again, for sure one of the strongest tracks on the album so far.
6.'Psycho Bitches' A creeping bassline starts this tracks off, and we're bouncing along...a funky synth and some nice percussion add to the groove, a buildup and this track takes off...some nice melodic effects are introduced, and this track continues creeping along, a slamming buildup and we are again returned to the groove, this time with the addition of a killer melody sitting somewhat in the background of the track, eerie melodic strings enter the mix and it then takes on more of a straightforward no nonsense feel. The strings combine with a synth sound that can only be described as badass, a kickin groove for all those psycho bitches....yet another buildup full of anticipation...and this track is back in full power once again. more eerie psychobitch strings, and this track can't help but make you dance.
7.'Toys Just Wanna Have Fun' I wasn't sure what to expect from this track, A groovin disco funk bassline opens this track up....some superstar synth stabs (yes, you know the kind...hehe) and the approach of the first build introduce a breakdown with an almost electric guitarish sounding melody. Dark full power energy in this track, along with a quirky melody, a melodic breakdown, and a very fat synth melody combines with the raw scratchy melody, everything drops out and we are left with a bassline that carries the track through to an insane breakbeat breakdown, a full power melody, and killer organic bassline, yet not one of the stronger tracks on the album.
8.'Speedfreakz' A darker melody to start this track off, a larger than life bassline and some interesting sounds add to the mix and a continuous buildup, until everything breaks down and we are left with a mysterious melody and the anticipation of something killer. The bassline is back in with a powerful synth line and yet more killer buildups-stops-buildups....A bassline and melody that remind me a bit of 'Absolutely' (off of Afrogalactic's Wild Spirits compilation). A strong morning track for those of us who like darker full on. A massive neverending buildup zooms this track ahead full power, another transition and another killer melody is introduced, giving some resolution to this track. Another nice contrast between full power synth lines and ambient morning melodies.
9.The Raver (Broken Toy rmx)- The last track on this album is a remix of Tortured Brain (aka Dino Psaras)'s 2001 release on the Aurinko Records compilation Catcher. Broken Toy's version of the track adds in a more groovy bassline and synth stabs that give the track much more movement. The "rave" sounds sit more to the back of the track, and while a found the original version of this track to be rather static, the remix adds in some nice buildups-stops, as well as some nice percussion. A breakdown and a nice eerie atmosphere leads into the original bassline which combines with Broken Toy's added groove leading us to an eerie fadeout as we exit this dark house.
Favorites: 1, 2(!!!), 4, 5(!!!), 6
Overall: Broken Toy is the Beat Master of the ever present buildup-breakdown-buildup funky, quirky, full on, melodic groove. A very strong debut release with a distinctive, yet ever powerful sound proving to the psytrance world once again why South African trance is just oh so fucking good. Killer release from Alchemy Records. Go buy it. Enough said. |
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| V.A - Kindzadza and Friends - 13 Dimension Connection (insomnia) |
[Mar. 26th, 2005|12:12 am] |
V.A - Kindzadza and Friends - 13 Dimension Connection
Label: Insomnia Records
Catnum: INSOCD03
Year: 2005
01 Mussy Moody & Kindzadza - The Raven
02 Jellyheadz - Bionic Brain Killer (Kindzadza Remix)
03 Ocelot & Kindzadza - Mute
04 Strangers & Zik & Kindzadza - Tris Treloi
05 Jahbo & Kindzadza - Minus 20
06 Sofiax & Kindzadza - Kill it
07 Grapes Of Wrath & Kindzadza - Snap Crackle & Pop
08 CPC & Kindzadza - Traffic Problem
09 Mononoke and The Wolves - Tarantino On Acid
1.Mussy Moody & Kindzadza- 'The Raven' - The first collaboration is with Mussy Moody who previously had tracks released on Lhiannon Sidhe(Mistress of Evil) and Ignis Fatuus (Trishula Records). Here we have ominous, swirling, twinkling sounds tumbling down opening this track up to a groovy, driving kick. dark and floaty scratchy sounds increase the intensity, and this track slams into metallic scratching sounds, zoooming upwards and slamming back in still harder and yet more driving than before. swirling sounds once again- the calm before the storm, as a dark driving groove is nicely supplemented with ominous and mysterious atmospheric sounds- it won't last for long- around 5:15 the twisted metallic sounds make a powerful return along with some deeper twisted synth sounds to finish this track out
2.JellyHeadz- 'Bionic Killer (Kindzadza rmx)'- Jelly Headz is Karim and Fabio, both from Paris. A sample starts this track off, a more straightforward, techy feel to this track. nice offbeat snare hits create a nice groove before taking off around 2:35. With some nice stuttering synths breaking up the track, twisted and psychedelic, this is driving dark full on no nonsense psychedelic trance at its best! a wandering synth breakdown..lots of layered twisted sounds and samples, and then its back in, full power once again!
3.Ocelot & Kindzadza- 'Mute'- Ocelot is Aaron from San Francisco in the US, he also produces music under the name Vector Selector. A deep dark atmosphere to start this track off, with a bassline that seemingly envelopes the listener immediately. Various panning samples and effects complete the illusion. Overall, a very bass heavy track that creates many very effective start-stops and of course surprises. A very bouncy, metallic scratchy synth sound combines with a unique and twisted bassline change at 2:39. Overall, lots of panning effects on the synths and many interesting variations on the sounds used. A falling breakdown leads to a slightly muted bassline, a brief break and the skipping twisted synths mix with a muted psychedelic melody in the backdrop finishing this track off nicely.
4.Strangers & Zik & Kindzadza - 'Tris Treloi'- Strangers and Zik from Greece join Kindzadza on this track. Driving bassline and kick- very powerful from the start. A sample begins the madness "to listen to messages of soul with a solid beat" and we are tossed into the groove. A very funky edge to the synth sounds in this track and once again the rolling bassline drives the track forward, with an underlying breakbeat that makes for an interesting twist. A melody that haphazardly builds up and then comes down. Nice and twisted sample manipulation! a very psychedelic breakdown hinting at being lost- yet still with the desire to press on and then slowwwlllyyyy fall dooowwwwnnnn
5.Jahbo & Kindzadza- 'Minus 20'- Jahbo is perhaps better known as one half of the Metaloids from Denmark. A crisp beat starts this track off with some nice panning percussive effects and zooming synths. Yet another track that seemingly draws me in. A swirling breakdown and the rolling Kindzadza bassline kicks in. A skidding synth intertwines with other random sounds which seem to come at the listener from all directions. A slower, darker, groovy track than previous tracks on this comp. Lots of little synth sounds which bounce along with the beat make this track good for warming the dancefloor up before dropping the bombs!
6.Sofiax & Kindzadza- 'Kill It'- Sofiax is a female psy producer from Greece. The descent into this track is filled with short stabbing synth samples. A rolling groover from the start that perhaps lacks the fullness of previous tracks on this compilation. Nicely integrated samples, and we're still descending further into this scattered very busy track. Lots of swirling atmospheres in the background of this track make for a very schizophrenic and slightly unsettled feeling. A lack of direction in this track, combined with a bassline that tends to sit further back in the track, cause my mind to wander away from this one.
7.Grapes of Wrath & Kindzadza- 'Snap, Crackle & Pop'- Grapes of Wrath aka Jaffa and Monno, from Arhus, Denmark need no introduction! A nice bassline and some delayed snare sounds open up this track into a full power groove! Nice rewind effect on the synths. The sounds here are scratchy and metallic, but with a smoother, almost bubbly feel to them- twisted and psychedelic, yet not as raw and in your face as we have previously heard on this compilation. The production on this track, is by far the best on this compilation so far...a unique, twisted, dark, groovy psychedelic gem! ***My pick for best track on the compilaton***
8.CPC & Kindzadza-'Traffic Problem'- CPC is a russian artist, and also part of the group Osom. Picture this-we're on a city street- and with a yell, this track slams in. Some nice organic percussion combined with deep rumbling synth sounds and a super driving kick. Car horn, skid, crash, car door slamming, glass smashing and fire engine and a snare sound that mimics banging on aluminum- all these things combine to create a psychedelic chaotic in your face twisted musical portrayal of city rush hour. You must listen to fully understand. Killer track!
9.Mononoke and the Wolves-'Tarrantino on Acid'- AKA Kindzadza and Alex Parasense. The machine starts up once again. A driving bassline with a breakbeat in the background along with some organic percussion as well which make for a killer, although fairly two dimensional sound. Zooming synths combine with a more raw sound and some distorted samples to push this track forward. A brief break and the breakbeat and metallic percussion take center stage. Some very squeeky synth sounds combined with rapid changes make for a very interesting track. Very psychedelic, with many different mutations of sound spanning this one track. A killer buildup leads to some atmospheric sounds and stretchy synths. This track is all over the place, but yet in a way that totally works! KILLER!
Favorites: 3, 5, 7(!!), 8(!!)
Overall: Excellent choice of collaborators by Kindzadza! A very nice mix of more well known producers in the dark psy genre as well as a fair amount of newcomers, including two female producers which is always good to see. Listening to this complilation, its very easy to see why Kindzadza is one of the top dark psy producers (if not the best) around. Each track has a distinct and unique feel, showcasing not only the collaborator's style, but also the versatility and diversity of Kindzadza's sound. A must for any dark psy lover. |
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| va-Satellite (Oxygen Records 2005) |
[Mar. 26th, 2005|12:11 am] |
va-Satellite
Oxygen Records 2005
1.Mr. Peculiar- 'Elevation'
2.Setherian- 'Patch This'
3.Audialize- 'Full On Chaos Magic'
4.E-jekt- 'Shigris'
5.Gappeq- 'One Soul'
6.Vibra- 'Alien Intelligence'
7.Spectra- 'Radiation Status'
8.Alternative Control- 'Esperanto'
9.Sound Field- 'Ocean in Motion'
This great collection of tracks has been compiled by DJ TV...This is the 1st release of brand new label Oxygen Records that is focused on releasing intelligent melodic morning music in all variations. With that in mind...
1.Mr. Peculiar-'Elevation'- *The Early Morning Stormer* - From Australia comes a track by one of my favorite psy artists, the track starts right in introducing bright melodic pads that remind me of early Atomic Pulse, intermingling with deeper synth sounds in the background and a driving kick, all the while remaining very psychedelic, a nice percussion line and a more straightforward melody are added to the mix, ambient pads remain in the background, lots of different synth melodies and patterns are interspersed in this track, its got the drive of a nighttime track, and the melody of the morning, a killer combination, also many of the melodies in this track are of a more mysterious and almost melancholy feel, which i really liked. A breakdown, and the classic Mr. Peculiar synth sound is introduced, a complete break- and then everything good in this track happens seemingly all at once. killer! 10/10
2.Setherian-'Patch This'- *The Techy Morning Groover* - From Brazil comes a track from Dj Seth. This track starts in with a driving straightforward bassline, kick, and high hat. some swirling synth sounds are overlayed, A faster groove around 143bpm and some nice metallic percussion along with growing ambient pads in the backgound and a melody that we can hear slowly creeping its way around the other parts of the track. It eases its way into the forefront of the track smoothly and seemingly without notice, the breakdown- some very mechanical samples, and the deep groove is back in once again minus the melody and with the addition of more psychedelic mechanical samples, the ambient pads are again introduced, a very nice techy, percussive overall feel to this track, a breakdown with some ambient sounds in the background, many sounds swirling around and a slow percussive build. the groove is again introduced with the creeping melody from before, uplifting yet dark, all at the same time 9/10
3.Audialize-'Full On Chaos Magic'- *The Best Morning Track of 2005!!!!* From Portugal comes Joao Appel (Audialize) with a track that just makes me anticipate his full length release on Third Eye Records about a million times more than before. This is by *far* the best track I have heard in a long time. the beat is driving, the track is constantly building and the synth melodies are interesting, original, and most importantly, make me want to dance my ass off! the breakdown builds tension while also allowing for a quick resolution and returning the track to its killer groove, the filters on the melody make for an even more interesting track- another breakdown- and part 2 of the melody is introduced. Every time i listen to this track, (and I've listened to it many many times since I've gotten the cd) every sound I love, another breakdown features the synth melody by itself and then this track takes off. and the best part is, every time you think its over, the intensity just keeps building. full on chaos magic it truly is!! and it makes a dancefloor go absolutely insane!!!!!!! 11/10!!!!!
4.E-jekt-'Shigris'- *The Suprise Morning Melody* E-jekt is the morning melodic side project of Nir Shoshani aka Hujaboy. the track slams in with a large bass sound and muted percussion in the background, some ambient pads in the back increase the tension inherent in this track, a synth melody swirls from left to right and back again while the main melody takes center stage. a more bouncy kick is introduced as a more abrasive and less melodic synth melody is introduced combining with vocal samples interspersed in the background. a mysterious breakdown gives the feeling that one is falling down. a vocal sample and a filtered swirling melody builds up and the original groove is back in along with ambient pads, a bit of mystery in this track, as I'm not sure where its headed and then finally a huge snare roll and a very nice bassline kicks in with a multitude of synth melodies bouncing around on top while at the same time new melodies begin unfolding, and then BAM. its over. 8/10
5.Gappeq-'One Soul'-*The Psy-Reggae Morning Groove* From Czech comes Gappeq, Jiri Tomasek, who's tracks I have always been a fan of from various Kethu Records Compilations. his sound has been developping and evolving quite nicely as of late! The track begins with some interesting percussive melodies and bell sounds as a ripping synth lead is introduced. ambient pads fad in and out sitting behind the main synth melody, but yet slowly growing in prominence. an oozing melody and a short buildup, some breakbeats, and a clarinet melody. very nice and unusual use of sounds, some quirky percussion, very orchestral melodies. the track is relaxing for the moment creeping along, the percussion is added back in almost instantaneously, a more driving prominent kick slides in and we have a dark feel that immediately contrasts with a ska/reggae feel into a buildup, slamming into a more driving kick/bass and a bouncy, quirky melody and the ripping synth and percussion from the beginning are again reintroduced. the random quirky samples lead to the clarinet melody ending the track 10/10
6.Vibra- 'Alien Intelligence'- *The Get Everyone off their Ass and Dancing Morning Groove* From Brazilian Daniel Costa comes yet another killer track. A mysterious sample and large synth in the background and this is deep, full, and driving from the start. the deeper sounds are what really get this track going, some nice percussion and delayed synths, and the main synth melody is in, a dramatic breakdown, some squeaky samples and a very fat acid synth line takes over. reminds me a bit of an old hard house melody for a second, except the sound really helps to round out the track as a whole. the track is pretty straight forward and has a very "in your face" feel to it, a creeping pizzacato-ish sound sits behind the acid synth before eventually taking center stage. nice acid synth breakdown, along with sample, and we are into the same hard house-esque groove once again. not really my favorite from Vibra, but powerful track nonetheless 7/10
7.Spectra- 'Radiation Status'- *The Morning Resolution* From Portugal comes Spectra with a track that begins with soothing melodic ambiance and a smooth groove, subtle kick, and precise percussion send this track onwards, swirling melodies swoop haphazardly twisting around. a short breakdown and the beat is filtered while the track builds and we are back to our swooping groove once again. a percussion line takes more prominance, giving this track less of a straightforward feel, the breakdown and a slow build and a delayed synth and percussive sound take over the track. sweeping ambient pads swirl into a breakdown and a tinkling melody and dreamy breakdown. a slow gentle melodic build with the bassline creeping up underneath and the groove comes back in with many swooping sounds and ambient pads. a smoother melody creeps in over everything and this is just that point at the end of a long night of dancing, when you just look up at the sky and smile 9/10
8.Alternative Control- 'Esperanto'- *The Most Melodic Morning Track* From Serbia comes Alternative Control with some nice melodies to open up the track, some light percussion is introduced and a subtle buildup into a driving kick and acid sounding bassline, some ambient pads and short laser sounds are interspersed as the ambient melody grows, the main melody reminds me a lot of Protoculture. the breakdown and a zooming buildup, with the main melody remaining most prominant in the track. a breakdown and the smooth melody is answered with a more raw sounding synth, a breakdown, inaudible sample and a breakdown/buildup with this sample in the background still, nice morning melodies, perhaps a bassline that is a bit too aggressive for the rest of the track but regardless, killer morning melodies 8/10
9.Sound Field- 'Ocean in Motion'- *The Anthematic Morning Track* Sound Field is Andy Yakovlev and Liron Atia from Israel. An interesting and unusual beginning as the kick and high hats are filtered and the bass pops in for a second, a sample in the background and finally the bass kicks in and this groover takes off. the bpm is slower than other tracks on the compilation at 137bpm. At times it reminds me of Freq, at other times, Pixel. that is until the guitar melody is introduced, a breakdown and an almost anthem-ish melody takes over, a short vocal and we're into a more synth based groove, almost a funky feel to this track with a more ripping synth sound behind the melody driving the track along, the breakdown with the anthem-ish melody, percussion starts the buildup as all of a sudden its pretty intense and aggressive before abruptly returning to the previous laid back groove, perhaps the contrast was a bit much, but it only serves to highlight the nice groove of this track! 8/10
Overall: 9/10 FINALLY a morning trance compilation that doesn't cheese out!!! Quality Morning Music!!! An excellent debut release from Oxygen Records! and as I pointed out above, what's especially nice about this compliation is that each track has its own distinct feel and showcases the many different takes that one can have on exactly what "morning music" is. The compilation flows nicely from start to finish, beginning with more early morning stompers and progressing to the more melodic mid morning/early afternoon grooves. An excellent collection of artists as well, with a nice mix of veteran and newcomer producers. I look forward to hearing more from Oxygen Records in the future!
Favorites:1(!!!), 2, 3(!!!!!!!!!), 5(!!!), 7 |
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| VA- Unhinged (Last Possible Solution, 2004) |
[Mar. 25th, 2005|03:12 pm] |
VA- Unhinged
Last Possible Solution 2004
1. Damage 'Funky Beats'
2. Scorb 'Kakah Tooki'
3. Icebreaker 'Patron of Pot'
4. Tenzing & Green Reefah 'Robot-o-Me'
5. RAM 'Liquid Lunch'
6. Broken Toy (Scorb Rmx) 'Absolutely'
7. Scorb 'Phibian'
8. Far East Ghost vs. NRS 'Unbreakable'
9. NRS 'Resurge'
Damage- "Funky Beats"- I purchased this cd after hearing the real audio sample for this track, and consequently, it ends up being one of my favorites on the cd, This track is a slightly different twist on the damage sound....Its a slower, funkier groove that chugs along around 137 for a bit before busting out the sample "This the best you can do? No new style?" Hell yeah there's a new style, and its killerrrr...then the gritty breakbeat and raw damage synth sounds that I loveee...the funky beat sample repeats a bit much....but hey, I'm not complaining cause this track ROCKSSSSSS! (and a dope ending as well ) 9/10
Scorb- "Kakah Tooki"- This track literally rips its self open diving straight into the madness....this one's got a good solid groove goin on as well, with bubbly synths weaving in and out of the track...we arrive at the main melody, a very full sound all around....and what a kick ass wacked out sample!!! hehehehehe- the best i've heard in a while, and after that, well, its some full on madness, an eerie melody enters the mix, reminiscent of 'Special Liquid' off the full length and then the final breakdown and build up-- pure madness. 10/10
Icebreaker "Patron of Pot"- And a snare roll to start it off....a nice rolling bassline, and the rest of the elements of the track sweep down into place...a synth line that bends and folds and weaves all around, another snare roll introduces the next section of the track. The grittier synth lines give way to smoother sounds. and following the final breakdown is when all the elements of this track really seem to pull together....and then it all sweeps away as quickly as it came....leaving us with an eerie presence....8/10
Tenzig & Green Reefah "Robot-o-Me"- And a deep full bass to start it off...at first listen, this track sounds a bit grittier than that ones that came before....after introducing a few techier sounds....a few synth lines seemingly dance in and out of the track. But the real magic of this track comes in the break, which combines a slower and faster feel along with an ambient melody...it reverses for a bit....and then back to the original sound...the synth sounds are perhaps a bit piercing at times, but with such a great bassline, the groove is definately maintained...then yet another KILLER break- the best in the track. 8/10
RAM "Liquid Lunch"- Straight into the groove, lots of interesting sounds going on, lots of short sharp synth sounds, very percussive....the first break, a distorted sample...and we woosh into the next section...a rolling bassline and synth...a subtle snare roll and we're back to the original sparse groove and then a slow build flanged into a breakdown, the bass drops out and then bam! the groove is back in, bouncing along, the synth sounds stab into the track, but its got that classic south african sound that I love... 7/10
Broken Toy "Absolutely (Scorb Rmx)"- And a calm soothing ambiance to start us out....magical magical magical...and BAM we're in. The raw S.A. breakbeat...synths swirling....and as everything swirls and builds behind a groovin synth line "absofukinlutely!" and wow....this is where the craziness begins....great sample manipulation...and its *still* swirling and building "infukincredible" I kid you not- it is! and the dark synth swoops down giving way to a morning melody......a key change in the bassline, reminiscent of old progressive trance....but the naaasty synth weaves its way back in.......and then we're into breakbeats---wow wow wow wow wow wow!!!! LOVE this part....the sample manipulation is KILLERRRRRRR!!!!!!! Best track on the cd. Absofukinlutely 10/10
Scorb "Phibian"- A wooshing intro for this one....metallic percussion still building...and the groove is on...lots of subtle quirky samples....a quick break and yet more synth melodies introduced.....complex and intricate...they weave is and out of one another...a zooooooooming break....and we're back in again....really coool sample usage.....and the popcorn synths take over...another short break and hugeeee build up and this track takes offfff!!!! ripping synths as the track wooshes and winds down...8/10
Far East Ghost Vs NRS "Unbreakable"- Ominous thunder sounds start us off and a menacing synth....perhaps a bit faster than most of the other tracks on this cd..a galloping bassline, zippering synths, the addition of industrialesque percussion....a huge build up and we're at half time...and this one slamsss right back in...techy sounding synths with an ambient pad in the background.....and a looonng snare roll...abrasive synth sounds, another break, and this slammms back in. wow. this track just keeps getting more and more full on. Its not really my thing, but would definately rock any dancefloor 7/10
NRS "Resurge"- A massiveee synth and snare roll introduce this rockin track. driving bassline and a creeping synth....laser snares push this track forward...and the synth speaks to us.....but its that mean bassline that's keeping this track moving along....some more ambient sounds are interspersed evolving and adding on more percussive elements.-- and the break...eerie sounds...growling synth....and...that mean bassline is back! A sparser track that many of the others on this comp, allowing for many of the individuals elements to stand out more....A good track all around! 7/10
Overall- A good solid full on groovin compilation from a new and upcoming label! Also features killer cover artwork from scorb. Dark dirty gritty groovin tracks....I've been listening non-stop since I got it in the mail 9/10 |
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| VA - A day after... - ZMA Records |
[Mar. 25th, 2005|03:08 pm] |
VA - A day after... - ZMA Records
ZMA CD 023 September 2004
01 - Sun Control Species - Structure 135bpm
02 - FREq - Cosmic nature 140bpm
03 - Krama Vs Castell - Ministry of fantasy 135bpm
04 - Heliotrope - Lazy bones 138bpm
05 - Sensum - Let's turn on 141bpm
06 - Segment - We sold our souls - Ololiuqui rmx 138bpm
07 - FREq Vs Spherical Vs Fractal Glider - DFF 140bpm
08 - Heliotrope - Oraculum 138bpm
WOW! I would go so far as to say this is THE BEST progressive compilation this year. Previously I had said the same about Battle Royal, but ZMA has outdone themselves...
Sun Control Species-'Structure' Every track I hear from him, I am simply blown away by...one of my favorite progressive artists...this track is no exception, from the second it begins, it just draws you in, killer psychedelic sounds, dark, somber melodies, and the intensity(!!!!), this is a deep groover...and the piano near the end, adds the finishing touch to what is, in my opinion, the perfect psychedelic progressive track.
Freq-'Cosmic Nature' When the Freq full length came out earlier this year, I listened to it so much, that I had to finally put it aside and take a break from it for a bit. This track seems a bit 'bouncier' than much of his other stuff, killer percussive elements as always, and the classic Freq sound we have come to love...usually I am not one to like female vocal samples used in tracks, but this is the exception! It adds so much to this track...when I listen to this, I can just picture it being played on a beach somewhere....the quintessential sunrise track. uplifting and simply beautiful.
Krama Vs. Castell - 'Ministry Of Fantasy' Its good to hear another track from Maria Castell! Her track on Daneism a few years back was one of my favorites...and its good to see that her psychedelic progressive style has evolved so nicely! This one took a few listens to grow on me, its a chugging groover, with a dark, emotional melody that floats along, a slow builder that keeps your attention.
Heliotrope-'Lazy Bones' These guys definately stood out for me as 2 of the best tracks on Battle Royal, I cannot say enough about Heliotrope, "Lazy Bones" is an incredible track, one of my favorites on the album, dark driving progressive, psychedelic sounds, killer percussion make this track killer...I am in love!!!!! can't wait to hear more!!
Sensum-'Let's Turn On' This is another track on this comp that took me a few listens to get into, before I realized that this track could really get a dancefloor moving...very bouncy, groovy, somewhat housey progressive track. And although when you first hear the sample "let's turn on" at the beginning of the track, you think it might end up being kind of annoying...but then when it comes back in during the middle of the track, "lets turn on"....it just makes you want to rock out...
Segment - We Sold Our Souls (Ololiuqui Remix) -Been waiting to hear something- anything- from Segment for so long now...and the fact that I haven't heard anything from Ololiuqui for a while makes this twice as good...This remix is excellent, tho I don't recall the original track, a swirling melody that continuously builds upon itself...tribal organic percussion, used sparingly enough to let each individual sound stand out...and a snare that just keeps this track moving.
FREq vs Spherical vs Fractal Glider - DFF- This is my least favorite track on this cd, maybe this is just too much on the melodic tip for me...the production is excellent, the first half of this track i'm really enjoying..."This is a time machine' sample is well used...I just think towards the end in the last minute of the track, the bassline changes, and this track gets a bit epic for my tastes
Heliotrope- 'Oraculum' Another killer track from these guys...dark oozy psychedelic synth sounds...killer sample usage....driving bassline....the epitome of psychedelic progressive that I want to be listening to!
Overall- I love this compilation. It is one of the few that I can listen to start to finish, I would play any of the tracks on this compilation in a dj set of mine...In fact, this is actually the first cd that has inspired me to sit down and write a review! ZMA is doing very good things for progressive psychedelic trance today.....and then to hear they are releasing SunControlSpecies and Heliotrope full length albums....I cannot wait to hear more info on these! |
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| Benza-'Retrofuturism' (Sonic Dragon Records, 2004) |
[Mar. 25th, 2005|03:03 pm] |
Benza
'Retrofuturism'
Sonic Dragon Records 2004
1. Isis and Osirus
2. The Ascension of Smeagol
3. Duck and Cover
4. Escalation of Tensions
5. Last of the V8 Interceptors
6. Depth Perception
7. Soiled
8. The Pipe Doctor
9. The Twin Complex of Dawn
10. Captain Senior Mouse
1. 'Isis and Osirus'- The album opens with a single tone...which builds up into a steady groove before we are greeted by a melody that fills the track out...skipping up and down...a deeper organic synth melody comes in, along with the original tone....and the bassline sets a pace for the track...more morning melodies twist around and layered one upon the other....a breakdown...and the melody shifts along to add in a xylaphone melody along with some guitar chords...a somber, yet uplifting sound...progressing onwards...the voice of an old wise man...leads to another breakdown and the xylaphone melody really takes over here, such a unique sound! One of my favorite things about Australian psytrance...is the presence of organic sounds...a good opening groove 9/10
2. 'The Ascension of Smeagol'- A hypnotic synth that speeds up and then slows down again....a slow kick is introduced...speeding up....and a deep rolling bassline nicely complements the synth melody....a brief percussion break....and the track really takes off....lots of complex melodies overlayed, fill this track up nicely....the percussion in this one is fairly prominent, and I can definately hear Benza's jazz influence coming out in this track....a break down....and the melody is alone....and then drops out...as a deep rolling synth and percussion take center stage until the main melody takes over and this track really starts flying....a sort of spanish influence in the percussion line perhaps....another breakdown....and we're back to an oscillating melody and the original bassline....lots of melodic layers in this track...killer morning sounds here...and suddenly, the deep rolling bassline and percussion take over once again...ahhhh and finally there's Smeagol! (i have been waiting for him LOL) and then bam...a very acid sounding melody....a sharp buildup....two complete breaks....solo percussion....and...... :) 10/10
3. 'Duck and Cover'- A sharp piercing synth....a few deeper stabs...a deep rolling bassline....to start off the groove..."mind your own business mister" and the lead synth comes in....very much upfront and raw sounding in this track...some tunneling sounds give the track more depth....another melody is introduced...creating a more bouncy feel contrasting nicely with the rawness of the previous sounds...a breakdown...and lots of rolling acid synth sounds swirling around....and an ethereal ambiance smoothly takes over the track that makes me want to boogie down :)....and a sample/buildup....don't know where this one is going...and its back into the raw acid sounds....a nice contrast between raw, bouncy, and ethereal synth lines... 8/10
4. 'Escalation of Tensions'- Ambient sounds and breakbeats start this track off...a prominant bassline...and an incoherent sample...the kick is added in....mysterious sounds fade in and out...the bassline begins slowly developing the groove...and a synth melody begins to grow...ambient pads in the background create a nice atmosphere...a nice transition...and the melody is building into...a killer bassline....along with the addition of a pitter patter melody...like raindrops on a tin roof...a funky synth kicks in over this...and smoooothllly the track rolls along....more melodic layers...a breakdown...its still growing....and a very strong bassline...the original synth melody...the addition of sharp piercing synth stabs are layered over the melody, perhaps a bit out front for my liking...and the tension continues to build...the- resolution...and the original breakbeat at the end. 8/10
5. 'Last of the V8 Interceptors'- An opening sample leads into a dark mysterious groove I lovee! some organic percussion....and a groovin bassline kicks in...along with the addition of a mysterious sounding melody....samples fade in and out...along with a synth stab leading into...total break down...and the addition of some more percussion...sets the groover on its way...a new synth sound slides around the melody....its still a pretty sparse groove...with the bassline taking prominance once again...and samples fade in and the overall ambiance is mysterious...darker than previous tracks on this album....there is a feeling of sinking down...and then at 5:50 the signature Benza melody shows itself for the first time in this track...dances around a bit....and then fades off...leaving us with the mysterious atmosphere once again...swirling down...love the dark feel to this track 9/10
6. 'Depth Perception'- Nice organic african style drums at the beginning of this track, mixing well with a digiridoo sounding synth line...and the bassline is in...and the track is starting off with a slower kick at 135bpm or so....a nice ambient pad in the distance....building into the track nicely....the first breakdown....reminds me of very early morning...the melody stutters a bit....and the main groove is in....I'm loving the stuttering ambient sounds!!!!!! A delicate melody joins in, and I feel like the journey has just begun...a breakdown...the delicate melody...and then new pretty straightforward sounding percussion...meaning we know Benza is sure to throw a twist in at any second....sure enough, a bright melody fills this track in very nicely...a melodic breakdown....and the tribal percussion is at the forefront once again...the kick and bassline have dropped out...and an almost electric guitar sounding synth joins in...contrasting very nicely with the previous smooth organic sounds...the snare is a bit flat sounding in this track...perhaps making it not as powerful sounding as it could be....the stuttering ambience brings this track to an end...a nice chilled out trance 9/10
7. 'Soiled'- Swirling melodies...and a strong kick start this track off...a prominent snare sound....leads into a very fat synth melody....again a very nice contrast between these two sounds...creating a nice separation in the track...in which a laser synth melody fills in the middle very nicely...and some mysterious sounds with nice delay...are answered by an almost human sounding synth...echoing back and forth...and slowing down into almost 6/8...then breakdown. "total fucking silence" "total silence' for real...and aaaahhhhh this very nice fat synth melody....and some warm synth sounds swirl around....laser sounds again...a nice groove...but would have liked to see this track have progressed more 8/10
8.'The Pipe Doctor'- A mysterious opening gives way to a groovy stomping bassline...and some nice old school breakbeat-ish percussion...a screaming spooky sample....and some funky vocal-ish synth sounds are introduced...and a bouncy breakdown....and a happy groovy bassline comes back into the mix...and some nice raw sounding electric guitar sound "everybody please do not panic" and then a niiiiicccceeeee breakdown surprise :) ....silence. buildup....and the guitars are full on...with a nice squidgy synth sound...i love the whole breakbeatish feel of this track... a killer bouncy raw groover! 9/10
9.'The Twin Complex of Dawn'- The track opens with a single synth melody and mysterious samples...From the title of this track...I'm immediately expecting a nice morning track of some sort...a few ethereal melodies join in with this steady groove...breakdown and a sample along with the melody...more ambient pads join in with the delayed samples in the background...and the melody finally takes prominance here...and the kick comes back in stronger than before...a killer morning melody....and another melodic breakdown, that doesn't stop the intensity of this track....with a nice deep bass sound....a delicate yet mysterious bell melody is introduced, slightly changing the feel of this track....the bassline drops out- stopping us dead in our tracks...im listening in anticipation as we are again feeling a lighter groove...This track reminds me of very early morning....when the sun is just starting to rise...killer morning track!!! 9/10
10.'Captain Senior Mouse'- Some funky keys open up this track and its a slow downtempo groove at about 116 bpm...the first breakdown introduces a second raw synth....and some nice percussion......a breakdown...and a more ethereal dreamy synth melody is introduced....its so nice to see all the elements from the previous more full on tracks incorporated together into a more downtempo track that just grooves...heh. well I'm enjoying listening to this last track so much...that I don't have much more to say about it, other than 10/10
Favorites: 1, 2 (!!!), 5, 8, 9, 10 (!!!)
Overall: An excellent second full length release from Mr. Benza! It's very obvious from listening to this album,that this guy is one very talented musician and I hope to hear much more from him in the future! His tracks are full of originality and are such a nice fun refreshing break from much of the psychedelic trance I am used to listening to. Killer uplifting, melodic, morning, afternoon, evening, full on, dark, progressive, quirky, psychedelic grooves!!! Overall: 9/10
***...Also, if you enjoy Benza's music, you must also check out the live mix of 'The Wolf' which appears on the Rainbow Serpent 2004 compilation put out by Green Ant Records.*** |
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| Frogacult-'Something for Sundays' (Iboga, 2004) |
[Mar. 25th, 2005|03:01 pm] |
Frogacult
'Something For Sundays'
Iboga Records 2004
1. No Rush
2. All Seasons
3. The Black Mamba
4. Back to the Woods
5. We Sell Shivas
6. She's Got the Dreamer's Disease
7. Chutney Punch
8. That Day in December
The is the debut full length release from the Danish duo- Mikkel Calum and Casper Datai aka Frogacult. This release comes highly anticipated following many excellent releases on Iboga, ZMA, Sub Machine, Plusquam, Nervine, and Manta and features collaborations with Rene Nielson of Beat Bizarre and Jonas Hultman.
1. 'No Rush' -The opening track to the album, 'setting a mood for the listener' as the Frogs say in the liner notes, is a deep groovin opening track, perhaps the tightest production I have heard on a progressive album this year. The signature frogacult synths, some nice organic sounding percussion...low deep synths fade in and out...the track pauses for a breath and we hear dogs barking in the distance...and then it slowly winds back up- no rush...and we're into the main groove, many different delayed synth sounds over lap....the fatter, darker sounds blending nicely with the lighter, brighter sounds....the sounds fade into a phone call between two girls (Lauren and Charlotte??)... before sliiiiiidinnnggg into the next track 9/10
2. 'All Seasons' - A mysterious opening....and I'm anticipating the groove...when it gently slams in, its the classic frogacult sound, strong steady bass, DEEP rumbling synth.......nice tribal rhythms....and a slow build, the hi-hat enters, the break, and we're left with the heavy bassline...this track is an example of what I like most of these guys- driving progressive trance that keeps you anticipating what is coming next, smooth synth stabs are intertwined with steady percussion, and at 4:16, perhaps one of the nicest transitions in a track i have heard in a while.... :) and we're back to the first mysterious melody...anticipating yet again the next 'season' ...the light mysterious melody and subtle samples remain constant while leading us through the different themes and melodies...before finally finishing with a somber melody- 'control denied'. A well thought out true progressive journey 10/10
3. 'The Black Mamba' - A collaboration with Rene of Beat Bizarre (another favorite of mine) so I'm immediately listening for some signature BB sounds...and am almost immediately satisfied- that deep rolling thick hypnotic melodies that are so characteristic of much of the Bizarres' work...coupled with Frogacult's groove and percussion....we again hear this trippy stretched percussive sound (ah yes! Beat Bizarre strikes again!) and at 3:07 we are greeted with a classic frogacult melody...grooooovyyy...and we slide into a lower more pulsating synth in addition to this groove...and a higher pitch delayed synth answers....an abupt chord change up at 6:02 and we're back into a more minimal groove....and are treated to some nice stretched out samples....some nice twisted psychedelic sounds add to the mix and give a different feel to the second half of the track...I'm listening for that great melody from the first half of the track to come back into the mix....and the track fades away... 10/10 for the best collaboration of the year!!!!!! :)....8/10 overall for the track because that melody i liked so much at 3:07 never came back into the mix!
4. 'Back to the Woods' - A nice relaxing feel to the opening section of this track...a nice low rolling synth....and a slow sweeping build....a nice free sound to this track...much like an afternoon in the woods...and a break...and the synth lines over lap and build...until we're into a groove much more laid back than I initially expected...some nice organic percussion...nice psychedelic sounds....and I love this sample 'ribbit??' and at 3:05, a classic Frogacult melody satisfies me..reminiscent of their earlier tracks, yet much more full and filled out.....a break beat adds a nice flavor to the fat synth lines....then a break and we're onto the next section of this track...the slate wiped clean before the next melody starts building...this is like a classic frogacult melody with a twist and a slideeee at the end...and 8:23 brings us to another transition...with a change in the bassline winding up the track 9/10
5. 'We Sell Shivas' - A collaboration with Jonas Hultman...we start with a deep rumbling synth the evolves into some nice organic, crisp sounding percussion...another synth pad rises up and we're into the main groove...before we have another synth pad rising up and leading us into the next melody....the percussion sits in the back while short synth stabs and a nice rounded bass sound fill out the track..a swooping melody...and we're into a melody, that is perhaps smoother and more laid back than much of Frogacult's previous work...the melodies in this track are very much like those found on Antix's Lull album. A complete break....and we're back to that deep groove we know and love so much.... 8/10 and the birds and the bees lead us into the next track...
6. 'She's Got the Dreamer's Disease' - Without a doubt in my mind, this is the best track on this album. A nice groove to start off....the synths, the effects, the percussion, the samples....all precisely placed....and the melody and percussion on this track is just so incredibly tight. the delayed synth melody, the samples, mixed with a steady melody that ties everything together....the sounds are all shorter but are so expertly placed and overlapped and intertwined with each other....Words cannot elaborate enough....for me, in my top ten progressive tracks of the year 11/10 :) Frogacult Rocks.
7. 'Chutney Punch' - Ahh yes...I love any track that has anything to do with "one drunk night in the city" :) ....we start out with a nice deep rolling groove, some tribal percussion sits in the back of this track, together with the snare, a break....and we are slammed with yet another classic frogacult melody, nicely mixed with some organic percussion and oozing synths....another break, some nice trippy sounds...and we're left with some percussion...anticipation....before that groove comes back yet again...and an inaudible sample sits in the back of the track (ahh yes, this is the very best kind) ....some slide is added to the melody, which is a nice twist....nice organic sounds to this track...a mysterious synth pad...killer percussion in this track!!!!! driving psychedelic progressive at its best!! 10/10
8. 'That Day in December' - A news broadcast creates a mysterious beginning for the last track on this full length....a somber pad in the background....overlaid with some delayed percussion and a bassline that fades into the main groove....a more raw sounding synth stab.....a more relaxed, somber melody....a sprinkled effect sweeps over the track.....leads us to a nice progressive melody...overlaid with some nice delayed synths and ambient pads....like a shadow of the previous 7 tracks and everything that came before...we hear a sample of the phone conversation from the end of track one....I love tracks with an introspective feel to them....probably the best of its kind since Hackers-Hitchcoke Babe....and the track flutters to an end...as does the album 9/10
Overall: 9.3/10
Favorites: 2, 4, 6(!!!!!), 7
Frogacult has always been one of my favorite progressive acts. When I first received the 'All Seasons' single, I was initially disappointed with the new track, I felt it lacked the drive and groove of their previous work. However, after a few listens, my opinion changed, and soon I found myself playing the track out in dj sets...I found it was the same way with this album. Upon first listen, I was struck by the crispness of the production on this album....It wasn't until about the 4th listen, that I really started getting into what this album was all about and started to really like what I was hearing. Frogacult are experts at putting the psychedelic into progressive trance, that is what I have always liked best about their sound, with 'Something for Sundays' it has become even more refined...This is an intelligent, well thought out album.....8 tracks that are nicely tied together...and 'in the end, it's all good'..... |
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| Dark Soho- 'Light in the Dark' (Alchemy Records, 2004) |
[Mar. 25th, 2005|03:00 pm] |
Dark Soho
'Light In the Dark'
Alchemy Records 2004
1, Non stop to Nowhere
2. Light in the Dark
3. Aliens Cream
4. The Toy
5. Long Way Home
6. Away
7. Magic
8. All the Brightness
9. Peace of Mind
This is the third full length release from Israeli trance duo, Dark Soho (Boxer and Rizo). 'Light in the Dark', arrives as a highly anticipated follow up to their December 2002 release on Alchemy Records, 'Combustion'. In the two years since their last release, Zeev Dukman has left the project, and Boxer and Rizo have progressed onwards, creating a new Dark Soho sound which is well showcased throughout the new album. As Zeev was the Dark [Entity] third of the group, it is only fitting that from the remaining two thirds, Boxer & Rizo, [Soho, (the sun)], comes an album that is indeed the Light in the Dark....That being said...here are the tracks...
'Non stop to Nowhere'- A perfect opening track, 'Non stop to nowhere' begins with the signature Dark Soho guitar elements, this time a more acoustic sound that evolves into a funk groove, laid back and just when one begins to wonder where the trance is in all of this, the groove breaks down, the strings take over and the track kicks in, a beat reminiscent of Infected Mushroom's BPEmpire, this track has a distinct morning feel, a dancefloor killer that is guaranteed to get any crowd moving. The synth melody has a distinctly brighter sound to it than much of Dark Soho's earlier tracks, and although I am typically a fan of darker music, this track is a refreshing change...I only wish the acoustic guitar melody had been more incorporated throughout the track :(, but none the less, 9/10.
'Light in the Dark'- A darker synth melody and somber ambiance open up the title track, which immediately slams in, reminds me a bit of a softer Cat on Mushroom...with a more refined sound and a definate groove. I am definately feeling the funkier sounds on this new album so far, although I love dark, relentless beats :), this is a refreshing and well welcomed change! Yet another track I can imagine dancing my ass off to at sunrise...Though much of this track has more of a bright, uplifting feel, the somber ambiance and fat crunchy synth maintain a darker side to this track, while not as catchy a melody as the first track, I like the hints of darkness in this track and the Wizzy Noise-esque buildup at 6:15, therafter treating us to a more traditional Dark Soho melody which emerges-- dark, evil & relentless as always...before returning to a lighter groove. 8/10
'Aliens Cream'- Zeev Dukman (ex-Dark Soho) appears on this track, which has a decidedly darker, more hypnotic, techno feel to it. A very mysterious feel.....and killer percussion.....the synth line slams in, yet again another very dancable track, this time one with more of a night time feel...love the percussion in this track, how it feels like it is coming at you from all directions...the main synth melody seems set back a bit, which highlights more of the intricacies of the track....a breakdown around 5:00 and its unpredicatable where this track will turn next, as we are then treated to the intertwining of these few darker synth lines...which contrast nicely with the brighter sounding bassline and percussive rhythms. 8/10
'The Toy'- Impending doom upon the start of this track....a darker melody that wanders around....leading up to a sample before continuing on....leading us to a more traditional Dark Soho sound. This is the chugging sound prominant in many of Dark Soho's previous tracks. With a decidedly more techno feel to this track, this is my favorite so far on the album....killer bassline drops out....leaving us falling until it kicks back in with a chaotic synth line that is just killer...I'm definately feeling this track, as the scattered chaotic synth lines i've been really into lately, wow. this track just keeps twisting around is more and more slamming by the second.... 10/10 for sure!!
'Long Way Home'- This track showcases yet another new musical direction Dark Soho has headed, and is a nice change up for halfway through the album, a track that is more 'rock' than 'dance', featuring a collaboration with world renowned sitar player Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Ravi Shankar, the signature Dark Soho guitar sound is back with a new twist...it is nice to see sitar used in such a non-traditional manner, fitting together so nicely with the melodic synth, heavy driving guitar, and 6/8 feel. Not a track for the dancefloor, but most definately the kind of stuff i would want to hear from a Dark Soho live set. And KILLER synth line at the end... A very nice segue into the second half of the album, and a nice change from the 'obligatory downtempo track' that has become so commonplace on artist full lengths these days. Musically (and in practically any other way I can think of), this is an excellent track. I love it. 10/10
'Away'- The second half of the album...opens with a sound that floats up and down...before leading to a more softer emotional melody incorporating a more orchestral sound...before abruptly cutting off, allowing the beat to kick in....this track is faster and more driving than the previous....with many shorter stabbing synths incorportated well with the percussive lines....and resolving in a darker melody that glides along with the beat.....the track then introduces a more dissonent sounding melody which is a nice contrast in the track....this then resolves into a smoother ambient pad.....and a more driving beat....yet another lead in to a Darker melodic progression...a breakdown, and a darker, more, mysterious emotional feel....and an orchestral melody is introduced along side a more infected mushroom sounding synth...I love this melodic line, definately my favorite on this album, it is complex, dark, and seemingly tumbles down in a roundabout manner before returning to its starting point....a very strong track from the start with many interesting musical ideas 9/10
'Magic'- Yet another track which showcases the new Dark Soho sound, a buildup starts off this track, and a driving beat introduces a more organic guitar sound....before introducing a lighter melodic synth sound....and vocal synth stabs, which I feel are a bit out of place in this track...a groovy synthetic melody contrasts well with the organic sounding guitar....and a more ethereal melody evolves in the background of this track....the vocal synth stabs are introduced again as a lead in to the next section of the track, the main melodies in this track seem to hide out a bit....and then the breakdown.....where the organic/synthetic contrast stands out well, the melodic line that develops out of the breakdown, i like a lot, though much like the vocal stabs, I am not sure that it fits well with the rest of the track. 7/10
'All the Brightness'- This track opens up with a somber orchestral sound, a nice violin sound (being a violinist myself, I always appreciate hearing the violin used in trance)...this track has a much lighter bouncy feel...one would say maybe a bit on the goofy, light hearted side, (this is by no means a bad thing)....it reminds me a bit of Infected Mushroom's Tasty Mushroom, it has that same groove that makes me want to jump and creep around....and then yet another funky, melodic line that twists and turns around, perhaps not what we are used to hearing in psychedelic trance today, but yet another example of the musical talents of Dark Soho. 8/10
'Peace of Mind'- Yet another track which features the talents of Anoushka Shankar, this one opens with a slower, half time feel, and a synth line which weaves and twists is way around and through the body of this track...a more laid back groove kicks in, and a wah guitar sound nicely compliments the sitar, the downbeat groove of this track is a nice variance on the typical 'last track on a psytrance full length rule'......it is nice to see that the two sitar collaborations on this album are so different from each other. This is a very nice end to the album, and will be a nice addition to a downtempo set of mine :) 10/10
Bottom Line: I think the two sitar tracks on this album are what really tie this album together in the end. Not only are they musically two of the best tracks on the album, but they also show off the two contrasting sides of the Dark Soho sound... "Long Way Home' uses the sitar in a darker, driving fashion, more reminiscent of older Dark Soho, whereas 'Peace of Mind' (although more of a downbeat track) is more representative of the emerging brighter sound of Dark Soho. What I love about trance music so much is its ability to be constantly evolving and changing, and any artist who is unable to do that is not likely to capture the attention of psytrancers for long. Yes, this album has a distinctively different sound from Dark Soho's previous releases, but what makes it so great is the variety of tracks appearing on this release. The previous two albums have been more about the Dark in the Light, now is time for the Light in the Dark. Overall Great Album 9/10 :) |
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