| 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 :) |
|
|
| 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'..... |
|
|
| 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.*** |
|
|
| 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! |
|
|
| 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 |
|
|
| navigation |
| [ |
viewing |
| |
March 25th, 2005 |
] |
| [ |
go |
| |
Next Day |
] |
|
|
|
|
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
psyreviews's journal