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Jon O'Bin
- From Within
Vandit
A brilliant album from newcomer Jon O'Bir -
I totally understand why Paul Van Dyk snatched this young talent up. Jon
O'Bir delivers an uplifting album full of beautiful tracks that will move
you on the dance floor. The only thing that doesn’t work 100% is the vocal
tracks, here he can learn from the masters Paul Van Dyk, Tiësto and Armin
Van Buuren, but they can surly also learn from him and even envy him,
because this album is so well put together and so enjoyable to listen to
that you just will keep on repeating it on your CD player. To highlight a
few of the tracks; “Sunrise”, “I Need you”, “Ways And Means” (first single
released incl. Paul Van Dyk remix) and title track “From Within” is pure
magic. Clearly the best trance album of the year so far and if you love the
sound of Paul Van Dyk you will appreciate this, the rest of your life. Go
get it. (CA)
Rating: 9/10 (would have given 10/10 if the
vocal tracks were a bit better).
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Danny
Howells - The Mix Collection
Renaissance
Danny Howells returns to the mix
compilation arena. He takes on the legendary “The Mix Collection” that is
helmed as the mother of all mix compilation CDs created by Sasha and John
Digweed. Similar to its predecessor the album is full of unreleased tracks
and exclusive mixes. Danny Howells himself also has put 7 new and original
tracks and mixes into the mix they are fantastic eg. the two tracks “Laid
Out” and “The Shining” are so smooth and wonderful. Danny Howells has
delivered a nice relaxed housy mix that will take you on a journey and will
be a great companion either if you are at home or cursing in your car, or if
you are just relaxing watching the sunset or sunup. Welcome back Danny
Howells you have surly been missed, and what a comeback, this is surly a
worthy follow up to Sasha and John Digweed’s “The Mix Collection”. (CA)
Rating:
9/10
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Lulu Rouge – Bless You
Music For Dreams / VME
The two lads T.O.M. and Buda have been a
major influence on the Danish music scene over the last decay and especially
over the last few years they have made a name for themselves, with their
fluent deep atmospheric electronic universe. T.O.M. started out together
with Trentemøller and Jokke in Trigbag and later formed the progressive
house music outfit True To Nature with Jokke. Another common friend was Buda
and T.O.M. formed Lulu Rouge on the back of the success he had touring with
Trentemøller. Sound wise “Bless You” is very similar with Trentemøller, but
with its own distinct dubbed sound. The flow of the album is smooth,
sometimes a bit dark and melancholic, but it’s just so right for a relaxing
afternoon in the sun or enjoying in the sunset. The album weaves in and out
of instrumental and vocal tracks and keeps you on a journey that just draws
you deeper and deeper in to their hypnotic musically universe. This is pure
Danish dynamite in world class. (CA) Rating:
10/10
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John Digweed – Transitions vol. 4
Renaissance
Once more John Digweed shows what is moving
and shaking on the club scene. This is his forth volume in his new series
and it just keeps getting better and better. The mix is dark and haunting
with a massive driving beat running through out the whole mix. 22 layered
tracks over 73 minutes goes by in a flash and you are left with a feeling
that you just want more of this amazing layering of tracks that John Digweed
has put together just for you. Tracks include tracks and mixes from Julien
Parise - A5B (Mirko Remix), Henry Saiz - From Empty Lands/Guy J – Geko,Jeff
Bennett – In Spite/Kabale und Liebe & Daniel Sanchez – Mumbling Yeah (Loco
Dice Tribute Remix), Nightguy – Pretty Face/Henry Saiz – From Tangled Seas/Myers
Briggs – Forever, Sian - Wear Your Scars Like Medals/Kim Runic – Suspicious
Blue/Two Lone Swordsmen – Shack 54 (Jet Project Remix), Plasmik – Pitch It
(Claude VonStroke Remix)/Jamie Stevens - Keep Her Space (Smith & Selway's
Control Mix), Jerome Sydenham & Tiger Stripes - Elevation (Ink & Needle
Remix)/Guy J – Under Pressure, Pascal Feos & Marc Mirror – Rezolution/Spector
– Mineral Drive (Jamie Stevens Remix)/Jörg Burger – Superpicture, Pig & Dan
– Dreams Of Bells/Emmanuel - Parade (Original Mix), Soliquid – Piknic Bugz
(Original Mix)/Soliquid – Piknic Bugz (Gone Wild Mix). Simply amazing. (CA) Rating:
9/10
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SOS – Balance 13
EQ
WOW – this is the best Balance CD that I
have heard for a long long time. The Balance series have always been on the
forefront of what is moving on the club scene and has from my point of view
over the last few years taken over the position of being the best
compilation series from Global Underground and Renaissance. The trio of
Desyn Masiello, Omid 16b and Demi makes up the fantastic SOS and has over 3
CDs made a tour de force of a progressive house mix including updated
versions of tracks from the likes of The Cure, Simple Minds, Cocteau Twins,
Bryan Ferry and Imagination. Watch out for Tarkan & V-Sag remix of Josel
“Digiboy” and Kollective Turmstrasse’s “Wagnis” – pure progressive bliss.
The programming and mixing is perfect and I cannot recommend this CD highly
enough. (CA)
Rating:
10/10
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Austin Leeds - “Dirty Sounds Volume 2 - Love Machine”
Made Records
If you are into dark sounds and heavy
beats, then you without a doubt have encounted Austin Leeds. He has been
tearing up dance floors for years and has released a lot tracks over the
years. On “Love Machine” he has collected a string of his own tracks and
remixes and has made a terrific mix album that will rock you big time. The
track list includes: Austin Leeds – I Can’t Get Away, Rooster & Sammy
Peralta – Tonight (Aftertouch Miami Style Remix), Austin Leeds – Holiday,
Austin Leeds – Pushing It, X1 – Hypnosis (Nick Terranova & Austin Leeds
Remix), Dan Seaz and Ron Reeser – Promises (Starkillers Dub), Nick Terranova
& Austin Leeds – Acid Disco (Starkillers Empire Remix), iiO – Rapture (Starkillers
Undone Remix), Mike Perry & Stephan M. feat. Vanity – Psychedelic (Denis The
Menace Tube *6 Remix), Nick Terranova & Austin Leeds – Acid Disco (Vegas Mix)
11. Scandall – Dos, Scandall – Refuel, Scandall – Superlux. Simply go get
this release. (CA) Rating:
8/10
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D:Fuse & Mike Hiratzka - Skyline Lounge
Lost Angeles Recordings
On of America’s finest producers D:Fuse has
together with Mike Hiratzka delivered a brilliant album that fuses
electronic and live instruments with vocalist like Kristy Thirsk, DJ Rap,
and MC Flint. Through out the album you can hear that D:Fuse is a brilliant
musician that has an extra touch that makes each track stand out and you
can’t help yourself in getting into a fantastic and relaxed mood listening
to “Skyline Lounge”. This truly is a fantastic chill-out album that has many
facets and plays with genres – you simply have to go out and get this album.
“Skyline Lounge” is released on D:Fuse & Mike Hiratzka own record label Lost
Angeles Recordings. Chris Micali has done a great remix of “Massif” the 2nd
single from the album. (CA)
Rating:
9 /10
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Moby - Last Night
Mute
Moby´s new album “Last Night” is his take
on a night out. After his visit at the “Hotel” with a brilliant ambient CD2
he has returned to his love of the long lost disco days on the dancefloors
of his native New York. There are no tracks that stands-out that can be a
potential hit and basically the album fails to be a dance album, it’s a bit
dull and misses the drive that will move a dancefloor. The tracks are upbeat
and Moby has mixed different genres into his well-known sound and voice
universe, including a hint of acid house sounds. Moby has collaborated with
guest vocalists MC Aynzli, Sylvia Gordon of Brooklyn indie-dance outfit
Kudu, the Yoruba-speaking Nigerian 419 Crew and Grandmaster Caz. The
highlight of the album comes when you return home from the night out to “Degenerates”,
“Sweet Apocalyse” and “Mothers Of The Night” here Moby returns to his love
of ambient music and he does it perfectly and is a continuum of CD2 on
“Hotel”. Overall perhaps not his best album. I prefer “Hotel”, Play” and
“18”. (CA) Rating:
7 /10
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Dave Seaman – The Masters Series vol.10
Renaissance
Once more Dave Seaman is at the helm of
Renaissance’s “The Master Series”. The 10th instalment is an excursion into
a mixture of electro and dance and once more Dave Seaman shows why he is one
of most upfront DJ´s in the world. CD1 opens up with the chilled and relaxed
Apparat “Not A Number” and Fairmount “I Need Medicine” before the mix takes
off with Dusty Kid “Cowboys” and you are treated with tracks like Stel “Godthab”,
Skylark “Escalator”, Sasha “Who Killed Sparky”, MOS “Waterholle” and
Underworld “Beauitiful Burnout”. On CD2 Dave Seaman goes clubbier with
tracks from the likes of Tim Deluxe “You Got The Touch”, Josh Gabriel “Azora”,
Jamie Stevens “Keep Her Space” and Oliver Hunderman “Bakery” to name a few.
As you probably know by now I’m not hugh fan of electro but Dave Seaman has
here incorporated the electro in a way that I actually am enjoying. (CA)
Rating:
8/10
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John Digweed – Transitions vol. 3
Renaissance
Once more the legendary John Digweed shows
what it’s all about. The third instalment of his Transitions series is the
best so far, delivering an amazing array of the new and hot tunes on the
market right now. The CD kicks off with the brilliant new Sasha track “Coma”
and quickly the pace is picked up with Marc Marzenit “Spheere”, Sweet N
Candy “There”, Daniela Strickroth “Chest In The Attic” and Joel Mull “Begun
The End Has”. In the mix is also included Reshuffle “Hedonism”, Adam
Freeland “Silverlake Police”, Guy J “Save Me” and Solead “Giddy Down” in the
Jamie Stevens remix to name a few of the 20 tracks the mix consists off. The
tracks that Digweed here has chosen are just on the edge of progressive
house and electro influence tracks, making this a delightful and fresh
experience. An extra CD is included with an amazing 25 minutes long remix by
John Digweed and Nick Muir of John Digweed´s “Gridlock” and the CDROM part
includes rare footage of John in action behind the deck at The Mayan, LA. (CA) Rating:
9/10
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Dave Seaman – Therapy Session 4
Therapy Music
On the forth instalment of Dave Seaman´s
“Therapy Session” series Dave has taken over both discs. On the first three
he shared the release with Lexicon Avenue, Phil K and Luke Chable. This time
it is pure Seaman celebrating his 20th anniversary in the music business. He
mixes up everything from chilled out tracks from Gui Boratto to King Unique
and wanders shortly into electro and back. The release features some of the
most exiting new and proven tracks including Trentemøller’s fantastic “Moan”,
Roland Klinkenberg Feat. DJ Remy “Mexico Can Wait”, 16 Bit Lolitas “Home
Made Rolls” ,Christian Fischer Vs. Hybrid “I Know”, UNKLE “Burn My Shadow” (Gavin
Herlihy Dub), Vincent Vega “Rectum” (Jamie Stevens Remix), King Unique
“Yohkoh” and the great Paul Hartnoll feat. Robert Smith “Please” (KGB Mix)
to name a few of the massive collection of tracks that is featured on this
release. Perhaps the best Therapy Session so far. (CA)
Rating:
9/10
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Jimmy Van M – Balance 10.1
EQ Recordings
Jimmy Van M is back with .1 of his highly
successful Balance 10. The 3 CD release was a fantastic journey through
different genres and styles dedicating a CD for each style. .1 is a mixture
of the 3 styles (down, mid and up-tempo) plus some extra. It kicks off with
the ambient Moonbeat “Uaret” and moves quickly into Martin Buttrich remix of
Planet Funk´s “Static” and you are treated with tracks like Unkle ft Ian
Astbury “Burn My Shadow” (Radioslave remix), Elite Force “You” (Perc remix),
Zidan Style, Chaim & K300 “Bedloff” (Guy Gerber remix), Mouse Down “Sexy 4
All 8”. James Figurine “55566688833” (The Field remix), Mauro Picotto
“Maybe, Maybe Not” (Smith & Selway remix), Umek “Carbon Occassions”, Steve T
“There Were Lights” (Moonbeam remix), Julien Jeweil “Air Conditionne”
(Original mix) and Francesco Pico “All By Myself”. Surely a fitting addendum
to the epic Balance 10. (CA)
Rating:
8/10
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DT8
Project-Perfect World
Mondo
When I first saw this release I said to
myself that it probably wouldn’t be anything ... but hell I was wrong! This
is a brilliant and beautiful album from Darren Tate and you can clearly hear
how he has evolved and matured since his early Jurgen Vries name (who
doesn’t remember the Gorgeous classic "the theme"?) or his more hard hitting
trance style under his own name. What sets this apart from other Trance
albums out there is Darren’s ability for writing quality epic vocal tracks
and his significant production style. His not trying to put all sorts of
experimental things in here or to follow the latest hype, but instead he
creates an album of his pure own. To say that it’s just trance would be
wrong. It’s more kept in a nicely chilled and downbeat kind of trance with
lovely vocals and break beat or house influence. On the flipside you get 12
full on trance remixes of the album tracks and an amazing bonus track: As
the days grow old which is a very fitting way to end things. The best
remixes is the Above & Beyond mix of "Destination" with its cool progressive
and layered sounds and the classic rooling sound of Max Graham’s mix of
"Winter" which only can hold you warm in the coming winter! Together with
Stephen J Kroos - Instamatick this is the best trance album of the year!
(MBL) Rating:
9/10
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Layo & Bushwacka! - Sau Paulo
Global Underground
Woov! What can I say? I really like this
new direction Global Underground have taken with their 2 latest instalments.
Last time it was surprisingly breakbeat pioneer Adam Freeland who moved the
GU spirit into deeper territories and this time it’s no other than British
mastermind duo Layo & Bushwacka! who mixes the long running and very
prestige series. The group has also 3 brilliant long players and the highly
critically acclaimed mix CD ”all night long” on their CV. What Layo &
Bushwacka always have been about is diversity and diversity is exactly what
you are given on CD 1. They spin everything from laidback disco, deephouse,
techier and harder stuf through their more trademark breakbeat rhythms. Very
nice indeed and you can clearly hear the influence they have from South
America which actually always has been their sound. Where disc1 was what you
could expect CD 2 totally blew me away and really took me by surprise. This
is one of the best minimal techhouse sets I have ever heard and even though
their are a few older tracks on here earlier hyped by Steve Bug they have an
ability few other DJs masters as good as them.; and that is track selection.
This is a perfectly mixed DJ set which drifts through different grooves and
moods that just leaves you breathless and with a big smile on your face just
wanting more. Once again GU proves that they still are on the forefront of
dance music and on the same high level as Balance and Renaissance …
essential. (MBL) Rating:
9/10
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Paul Van Dyk – In Between
Vandit / Universal
The German electronic mastermind Paul Van
Dyk is back with his best album since his 1996 “Seven Ways”. “In Between” is
an up tempo electronic ride consisting of 17 brilliant tracks all sequenced.
Some of the tracks are short, like an intermezzo, before the next big track.
Paul Van Dyk delivers some great vocal tracks and shows his talent for
writing brilliant tunes. On the album he has collaborated with David Byrne
of the Talking Heads, Jessica Sutta of the Pussycat Dolls, Ashley Tomberlin
from Luminary, Alex M.O.R.P.H, Lo Fi Sugar, Rea Garvey of Reamonn, Ryan
Merchant and Wayne Jackson. The album also includes collaborations with
Austin Leeds and Giuseppe Ottaviani of NU NGR. The album is released in a
regular edition and a limited edition including a DVD with video of the
first single from album “White Lies” featuring Jessica Sutta of the Pussycat
Dolls, 3 live tracks and a behind the scenes and interview with Paul. Also
out is a double 12” with selected tracks from the album incl. non album
track “Big Bang”.(CA) Rating:
9/10
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Sultan – Montreal
Yoshitoshi
Another great mix album from Deep Dish´s
Yoshitoshi label, this time put together and mixed by one of my favorite
house producers Ossama Al Sarraf aka Sultan. His lush and harmonic choice of
sound runs through the mix and you are handed one great track after the
other. Sultan delivers several of his own remixes and tracks, new and
revised versions of older track including the fantastic G-Pal presents GHOS
with “No Other Man” and one of my new favorite tracks Suite 117 “Smaller”
that is a rocking track. Also in the mix you will find Sultan & Ned Shepard
with ”Aidan” and “Together We Rise”, a great machup of Narcotic Thrust
“Waiting For You” and Valentino´s “Flying”, Max Graham´s club mix of Common
Grounds “To Be Given” and 16 Bit Lolitaís “Passing Lights”. The only track
that I’m staring to skip in the mix is DYAD10 feat. Julie Dennis “Sugar” (Whelan
& Di Scala Remix) – I would rather have seen the Nicka and Asle´s mix of the
track in the mix, it so much better than the rest of the mixes that’s out
there of this great vocal track. (CA). Rating:
9/10
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Trafik – Club Trafikana
Global Underground
Trafik, Andrew Archer and John Elliott have
released their follow up album to their very successful “Bullet” album in
the form of the double CD “Club Trafikana” that showcases their amazing live
sound that blends progressive, tech, electro and other genres with
perfection. Trafik are known for their work at GU on albums such as GUmixed,
GU10 and Afterhours 3 and remixes for Dave Seaman and Tilt to name a few the
duo have mixed over the years. From the start you press play on your CD deck
you are propelled into the massive rocking “Cut Your Teeth” and “Smoke”
takes over with its deep progressive sounding sounds and beats that evolves
perfectly and opens up. The tracks just keep on coming and you are also
handed the brilliant and massive “Thought Line” track that already has made
its mark on the dance floors around the world. “Club Trafikana” comes with
an extra CD with remixes from the likes of Dark Globe, Shiloh, Stel, Dousk
and other great upcoming artist. A great blend of Hybrid and Infusion – with
a twist - that is Trafik. One of the best album releases of 2007 so far. (CA) Rating:
9/10
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Spooky – Open
Spooky Records
One of the most influential electronic
groups releases their long awaited 3rd album. Spooky (Charlie May and Duncan
Forbes) has been a major factor in shaping of the electronic music coming
out of the UK back in the start 90´ with releases like “Little Bullet” and
their remix of William Orbit´s “Water From A Vineleaf” still sounds current
and fresh. If you expect that “Open” is in a straight line from “Gargantuan”
(1993) and “Found Sound” (1996) and just listen to CD1 then you are in for a
surprise, because Charlie and Duncan have evolved over the years and they
have made a beautiful song album, some tunes in the style of Delirium and
Zero 7 but more open and positive in its sound and lyrics and some funky
rhythmic tunes. On CD2 you can hear the strong influence of William Orbit
and also Charlie May´s influence by working with Sasha on his
“Airdrawndagger” album. All the tracks gets a Spooky rework and CD2 is a
great ambient dub journey. The album is a perfect backdrop for chilling out.
(CA) Rating:
9/10
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Vibrasphere - Exploring the Tributaries
Tribal Vision Records
The Swedish duo Vibrasphere (Rickard
Berglöf & Robert Elster) are ready to unleash their 4th studio album "Exploring
the Tributaries" on Tribal Vision Records. "Exploring the Tributaries" spans
many arrears of the electronic music universe from downbeat, ambient, dub,
minimal, electro to heavy deep and progressive club influences. Vibrasphere
has always been one of my favourite deep trance groups from Sweden and they
have managed to evolve over the years and are not just stuck in the deep
trance arena but have managed to break into the more mainstream with their
monster "Floating Free". But "Exploring the Tributaries" is so much more it
showcases the versatility of Vibrasphere, still keeping it real to their
heritage and has build on that and you are left with a strong progressive
album that is very fitting for Tribal Vision Records vision. (CA)
Rating:
9/10
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Cedric Gervais - Yoshitoshi Miami
Yoshitoshi
Once in a while a compilation comes along
that kicks you straight to the floor – Cedric Gervais “Yoshitoshi Miami”
compilation does just that, and I’m still trying to get up. The energy and
the funky start with Dariush & DJ Da feat. Tina “Good Vibrations” gets me in
a happy mood and I just want to dance, the mixes are seamless and you are
handed one great track after the other and it just leaves you breathless. To
name a few of the highlight besides “Good Vibrations”; the massive Maurizio
Ruggiero remix of Cuba Computers “Haunting Me”, the deep and dark Belocca
and Soneec remix of Eddie Amador “6 AM” that has a fantastic female vocal by
Joy Allura, the already classic Holmes Ives feat. Avalon Frost “8 Letters”
in Cedric Gervais own remix and Dave Audé remix of Suite 117 “Smaller”.
Cedric Gervais hails from France but has been big part of Miami’s nightlife
for some time now and stands today as “King Of The Terrace” at the famous
SPACE. (CA)Rating:
9/10
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Chris Fortier – As Long As The Moment Exists
EQ
One of my favourite producers releases his
long awaited debut solo album “As Long as the Moment Exists”. Chris Fortier
has been a major force in shaping the progressive house scene with massive
releases from his Fade records label and his moniker FADE. With “As Long as
the Moment Exists” Chris Fortier taps into his equal love for minimal house
and tech house and delivers a journey through ambient soundlandscapes mixed
with mid tempo tunes intriguing the audience to fall deeper and deeper into
his musically universe. Instead of releasing the album on his own label, the
album is released on EQ Recordings and “As Long As The Moment Exists” is a
perfect fit into the electronic music that this fantastic Australian label
that goes from strength to strength releases.
(CA)
Rating:
8/10
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GU Mixed
Global Underground
Another great addition to the ever evolving
Global Underground label that has given us so many experiences over the
years. With GU Mixed Global Underground follow-up their GU 10 format but
this time instead of looking back they have gathered some of the hottest and
most upfront producers and tracks. They have put together a double CD that
totally rocks all the way with tracks from the likes of Danny Tenaglia,
UNKLE, Gabriel &Dresden, Paul Hartnoll, Slam, James Talk, Trentemøller and
Stu Hirst. The box set comes in different formats; Standard double mixed CD
with an extra mix CD with classic mixes from mid 80´until mid 90´ including
tracks from Prefab Sprout, Westbam and Paragliders to name a few. A limited
edition with an extra unmixed CD of tracks from the GU vault. And also
available an unmixed version, vinyl and digital Download.
(CA)
Rating:8/10
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Luke Fair – Balance 11
EQ
No doubt that Canadian DJ and producer Luke
Fair has made a mark for himself with his mind-blowing double mix CD in the
renowned Balance series that keeps on redefining what mix compilations are
all about, going from strength to strength. Luke Fair is known for his
brilliant Bedrock OS_0.3 compilation and he has released several tracks and
remixes released on labels like Bedrock, Hope, Fade, Release and Yoshitoshi.
CD1 is pure bliss, a fantastic ride, almost filmic in its build and tempo
and the tracks are carefully selected and mixed together. On CD2 Luke Fair
steps up the tempo, but he still keeps everything in balance and the dynamic
of each track is fantastic. In the mix you will find tracks and remixes from
the likes of Humate, 16 Bit Lolitas, Subtech, Electrochemie LK, Tom Novy and
David Holmes, just to name a few. What are you waiting for, get on online
and order it – an awesome Balance set awaits you. (CA) Rating:
10/10
More info
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Audio Tour 2 – mixed by Royal Sapien and 40oz
Fade Records
From the archives of Chris Fortier´s Fade
Records comes a brilliant retrospective in the form of a double CD mixed by
Royal Sapien a New York City based producer and DJ, Ben Mautner and bonus
mix CD from 40oz aka label head honcho Chris Fortier himself. The two CD´s
from Royal Sapien includes all the brilliant progressive tunes from Fade
Records, just to name a few; Funk Harmony Park with “My Truth” and the
amazing “Planet P”, Tonepushers “Daydreamer”, Dream Traveler “Structure”,
Chris Micali “Out There”, Sphere “Gravi-tech”, Micah “Come From”, Steve
Porter “Hulkinator” and “Rage In The Cage” and a few tracks and remixes from
Royal Sapien with “Carrying On” and “Triple Nine” and Chris Fortier with
“Despegue” and “Losing Wait” is all mixed neatly together for two hours of
pure progressive wonder. On the bonus CD Chris Fortier goes a bit deeper and
showcases the deep side of Fade with tracks from the likes of Pat Foosheen “Origins”,
“Gift To You”, “Cydonia” and Fade “The Love”. Oh man I needed this dose of
progressive - I’m so tired of all the electro – thanks Fade for releasing
this. (CA) Rating: 10 /10
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Nick Warren – Paris
Global Underground
Well what can I say – this is the best
Global Underground release that I have heard in many many years. Nick Warren
has put together 2 fantastic CDs and it is a fitting celebration of the 30´s
release in the GU series. Has there already been so many? I still remember
the first time I bought a Global Underground CD it was when Paul Oakenfold
GU004 was released and shortly after I went back and got hold of Nick Warren
GU003 and I have collected them since with joy. When you look back on these
snapshots of the music on the club scene, one DJ stands out from the rest
and that is Nick Warren with GU030 Paris being his 7th mix compilation. CD1
is a brilliant downtempo trip into a melodic universe and Nick masters the
guidance to perfection and not one track escapes the rest, it’s perfectly
matched in harmony and feeling. On CD2 he steps up the tempo slowly, but the
mood still stays the same. On the CD set you can find tracks from the Danish
outfit Blue Foundation “Sweep” in the Mikkel Metal remix, Pole Folder “B
Side”, 16Bit Lotitas “Neptune” and “None Verbal” to name a few of the 24
tracks spanning this amazing compilation that is a joy to listen to. (CA)
Rating: 10 /10
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Roman Rai
– Tokyo
Tribal Vision
One the most popular progressive DJ´s in
the Czech Republic Roman Rai releases a great forburner for his future debut
album on the amazing Tribal Vision label. The “Tokyo” album features 10
tracks, 8 original Roman Rai and two remixes by Solstice of “Dancing In The
Lights” and Minimax´s rendering of the title track “Tokyo”. Roman Rai shows
that he masters many aspects of the progressive house and trance scene with
fantastic long building tracks, great melodies, encapsulating effects, nice
riffs and spacious vocals. He also plays with electro sounding effects and
electro stabbing hocks and he gets away with it without sounding like all
the rest that is over floating the scene right now. The album closes with a
great female vocal progressive trancer “What Do You Keep Inside” featuring
Taini and a dub version of the same track for the clubbers that like their
music without vocals. (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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GusGus –
Forever
Groove Attack / VME
The Icelandic group Gus Gus keeps on
evolving and has with “Forever” entered the electro house scene with a
handful of ok tracks like “Need In Me” and “Degeneration”, but overall
“Forever” isn’t GusGus at their best and we are handed one mindless electro
track after the other - but that could just be me that isn’t keen on this
sound – no it’s not – because GusGus shows with the last track on the album,
the nearly 10 minutes long “Mallflowers” that they are brilliant musicians
and they still got that great tune up their sleeves. “Mallflowers” has also
been released on 12” and was included on Sasha´s “Avolon” live DJ set
release.
(CA)
Rating: 5/10 (Sorry GusGus)
but for “Mallflowers” alone 9/10.
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Tracy
Thorn – Out Of The Woods
Virgin
The voice of Everything But Girl, Tracy
Thorn releases her second solo album “Out Of The Woods” on Virgin. It has
been 25 years since her debut album “A Distant Shore” and here adventure
with Ben Watt (Lazy Dog) began and gave us the unforgettable “Missing”. On
“Out Of The Woods” Tracy Thorn has worked with one of the hottest electronic
producers at the moment Ewan Pearson. The album goes from the soulful quiet
songs like “Here It Comes Again” , “Hands Up To The Celing” and “Nowhere
Near” over downbeat electronic universes like “A-Z” to upbeat club like
tracks “'It's All True” and “Grand Canyon'' that will please fans that is
hoping for a reprise of Todd Terry´s remix of “Missing”. A splendid album
from a voice I remember the most from the fantastic Massive Attack track “Protection”.
(CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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Xtravaganza – Classics of 10 Years
V2
For the last 10 years Xtravaganza has been
one of the labels that have been part in shaping the trance music scene as
we know it today. Xtravaganza was masterminded by Alex Gold back in 1996 and
has over the years been behind Chicane´s essential “Saltwater” and “Don´t
Give Up” Airscape “L’Esperanza” and Agnelli and Nelson “El Nino” just naming
a few of the tracks that you probably had floated away to on the dancefloor.
The compilation consists of 3 CDs. CD 1 called “chillout” includes
Xtravaganza releases like Alex Gold “String Theory”, Chicane “Low Sun” and
Thrillseekers ambient mix of Chicane “Saltwater”. CD2 “Warming Up” steps up
the tempo with Chicane´s essential “Saltwater” and “Don´t Give Up”. CD 3
“Main Room” includes a string of tracks from Agnelli and Nelson like “El
Nino” , “Everyday”, “Holding On To Nothing” and one of my favourite
Xtravaganza tracks After Burn (Agnelli and Nelson) “North Pole”. (CA)
Rating: 9 /10
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Steve Porter – Porterhouse vol.2
EQ Recordings
Get ready for a tour de force mix that will
leave you breathless. Steve Porter’s second volume of his mix compilation
series “Porterhouse” includes 57 tracks mixed and fitted together on 2CDs in
his pulsating energetic house style. Normally when you see a track listing
of 57 tracks you quickly calculate that only you will hear 2-3 min of each
tune and you won’t get into the tune before it’s over, what Steve Porter has
done is that he has taken the peek 2-3 min of each track and presented them
in a hectic tempo, I’m glad I’m not going to do the that live. “Porterhouse
vol.2.” also merges Steve Porter’s DJing and production style, featuring 14
of his own original tracks and remixes together with tracks and remixes from
the likes of Paul Rincon, Golden Girls, Slacker, Soul Of Man, Sucker DJs,
Chris Micali, Way Out West, Plump DJs, Richard F, Max Graham, Roger Lee,
Monkz, Jaytech and Medway. One of the highlights of the album is Gaz Nevada
- Secret Agent Man in a Roger Lee remix, wow what a fantastic tune. (CA)
Rating: 8 /10
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Afterhours 3
Global Underground
The 3rd instalment of Global Underground´s
post clubbing series “Afterhours” is another testimony of the ever changing
electronic scene. Once more Global Underground is one of the frontrunners in
bringing the newest of the newest to it listeners and incorporating some of
the forgotten treasures spanning the last 30 years. CD1 entitled “Organic”
takes the listener on a chilled journey with tracks from Mike Monday, Morgan
Geist, Nightmares On Wax, Andrew K, Cass and Dark Globe. CD2 entitled
“Electronic” keeps the listener on the same path as CD1, but the sound is
more twisted, nastier and darker. The mix includes tracks from Carl Craig,
Radioactiveman, Clubbervision, Trafik, Ticon, Gusgus and Cass & Mangan. The
3 rd CD showcases the future of what to come from Global Underground and
this unmixed CD features tracks from the likes of Pako & Frederik, Galea &
Native, Sissy, The Remote, The Last Atlant, Nick Hogendoorn & Eelke Kleijn,
Anil Chawla & Dale Anderson and Rachel Lamb. “Afterhours 3” is also being
released as 4CD unmixed set, in addition to two 4-track 12" EPs will be
released. Get ready to enjoy the afterhours of the new year with this
perfect soundtrack. Rating: 8 /10
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Jimmy Van M
– Balance 10
EQ
The 10th edition of the brilliant Balance
series is carefully created and crafted by Jimmy Van M and he has turned in
3 mix CDs just for your pleasure. CD 1 is called “Downtempo” and is a
journey through some of the pioneers in electronic music such as; Brian Eno,
Bill Lasweel, Future Sound Of London, Coldcut and Depeche Mode. CD 2 takes
the tempo up a bit to “Midtempo” and you are treated with tracks from
Cocture Twins, Speedy J, Aphex Twin, LCD Soundsystem and Saint Etienne and a
remix from Underworld. The final disc is “Uptempo”, and Jimmy steps up the
tempo with tracks from 16 Bit Lotitas, Loafer and remixes from Trentemøller
and Def Jaguar”. The result is worthy of its 10th edition celebration and
Jimmy Van M has done a great job going back in time and collected some
fantastic tracks that still are as strong as when they were released. (CA)
Rating: 9 /10
More info
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Fitalic – Atomic Atmosphere
Tribal Vision
Finally the debut release from Fitalic sees
its release on Tribal Vision. For some years now Robin Fitter (Fitalic) has
released a long string of tracks on labels such as Vapoure, 19Box, Pengea,
Sprout, Konseption and Bedrock. With “Atomic Atmosphere” Robin shows that he
has moved forward and that he masters many styles kicking off the album with
the very beautiful and atmospheric chilled track “Lost In Space” after which
launches you into the melodic epic trance track “Liquid Motion” with a
progressive edge that surely will move any trance floors – wow this a
brilliant track. “Atomic Atmosphere” is a deeper and darker track. It’s also
the single release from the album (with a Thomas Penton remix) and is yet
another example of the sheer brilliantness from the Dutchman. The album is
full of great deep progressive tracks that will set any deep trance /
progressive floor on fire. I can only say one thing – go get this fantastic
album – this is perhaps the best artist album of the year. (CA) Rating: 10/10
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Tilt – Vaults
Lost Language
Well what can I say. Tilt has done is again.
After the release of their successful “Explorer” album in 2005 the boys have
been going though some of their old stuff and collected a bunch of tracks
and remixes that never officially has been released before now. Some of the
tracks on this release was produced under the “Explorer” recordings but was
scraped from the release at the end. The most interesting track on this
release is without doubt the Supernatural remix of “Invisible”, a track sort
after by my many after Paul Okenfold used on his Essential mix in 1999.
Other gems on the album are the previous unreleased track “Come Closer”
written by Madonna from The Ray Of Light period and the Re-activation mix of
Angry Skies, a track that was planned to be the follow up single to “Invisible”.
But Tilt had to release it under singer Maria Naylor´s name, due to the
change of music direction within the label Hooj Choons that they were signed
to. Tilt has been one of my favourites for many years and I strongly
recommend this release. (CA) Rating: 9/10
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Solarstone – AnthologyOne
Deep Blue Records
Solarstone aka. Andy Bury and Rich Mowatt
have for more than a decade treated us with some of the most innovating
trance tunes and still sounding fresh today, setting the standard of what
trance was all about in the mid nineteen’s and is still leader of the pack
in the new millennium. AnthologyOne showcases Andy and Rich´s productions
spanning back to their amazing debut release on Hooj Choons label “The
Carling”, the classic club anthem “Seven Cities” and also includes
collaborations with talented vocalists like Jes Brieden on “Like A Waterfall”,
Ben Lost on “Jump The Next Train” and Elizabeth Fields on “Speak In Sympathy.
CD 1 is sequenced very nicely and you nearly have the tracks in their own
whole rights and CD2 is mixed and here you also get the V-One remix of
“Seven Cities” and the Midway remix of “Solarcoaster”. In 1999 they started
their own record label Deep Blue Records and together with Solaris
Recordings they are releasing this amazing compilation that oozes of
nostalgia and some of the best trance tunes ever made. AnthologyTwo and
AnthologyThree are scheduled to follow this release in 2007, consisting of
Solarstone’s finest remix work and ambient works respectively.
(CA) Rating: 10/10
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Exhibition 4
Lost Language
The forth Exhibition compilation from Lost
Language is another great trip through the world of trance, breaks and
progressive at its best. CD1 is mixed by Jay Burnett and he takes you on a
trip, starting out slowly with Peter Martin “1984” quickly he raises the
tempo with tracks from 16B, Probspot, Gil Norris, Derek Howell, Peter
Lazonby and Benz & MD. CD2 is mixed by newcomer Episodic and includes tracks
from Leama & Moor, Medway, Lustral, Odessi og U&K. The compilation includes
a lot of old Hooj and Lost Language tracks and it is great to hear that they
are getting a new and well deserved life. Ignas mix of 16B feat. Morel
“Escape (Driving To Heaven)”, Luke Chable mix of Medway “The Bassline Track”,
Lustral “Everytime” in a Chocalate Uncle mix and Pete Lazonby “Sacred Cycles”
mixed by Derek Howell are all included.
(CA)
Rating: 8/10
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Hybrid – I
Choose Noise
Distinctive
Well what can I say – the masters of
breakbeat are back with their third album “I Choose Noise”. Mike Truman and
Chris Healings aka Hybrid have made an album that surpasses their critical
acclaimed 1999 debut album “Wide Angle” and their brilliant 2003 release
“Morning Si-Fi”. Hybrid has never been afraid to use strings in their music
and it gives the tracks a haunting atmosphere and a fantastic basis for them
to build their sounds, it’s almost filmic, very catchy and at times dark and
mysterious. On “I Choose Noise” they have worked with the likes of Kristy
Hawkshaw, Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction and Porno For Pyros), John Graham
(Quivver) and Hollywood composer Harry Gregson-Williams. The album consists
of a mixture of instrumental tracks like “I Choose Noise”, “Last Man
Standing”, “Hooligan Spirit”, “Choke”, “Keep It In The Family”, “Crean
Stalker” and vocal tracks like “Dogstar”, “Falling Down”, “Just For Today”
and “Until Tomorrow”. “Until Tomorrow” showcases what a fantastic singer
John Graham (Quivver) is and “Falling Down” is an amazing track with vocals
by the wonderful Judie Tzuke and is perhaps some of the best work that
Hybrid have ever done. Amazing album lads – I also choose noise if this is
your definition of noise. (CA) Rating: 10 / 10
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Sonic Cube
– Filter
Tribal Vision
Sunic Cube is created by Daniel Müller and
Ueli Schill that are the produces behind the progressive trance outfit
SONNENVAKUM and Tobi Wirz the man behind GREED and the SOG Records label. In
2003 they released their amazing self title debut album “Sonic Cube” and now
in 2006 Daniel Müller and Ueli Schill without Tobi Wirz (he was busy making
his own debut album “Temptation”) has created yet a master blaster of an
album filled with amazing progressive trance tracks. You can hear that Tobi
Virz isn’t on this album and this can especially being heard in the
compositions of the tracks, they are not so dark and experimental as they
were on the debut album. But it doesn’t matter, Daniel Müller and Ueli
Schill have showed that they can stand on their own feed. They has created a
sound and an album that only can be highly recommend - a must have album in
any progressive trance record collection. (CA)
Rating: 9 / 10
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Jamiroquai – High Times (Singles 1992-2006)
SonyBMG
After six studio albums spanning fourteen
years of acid jazz, funk and dance, Jamiroquai's greatest hits collection
gives a fantastic overview. This “greatest hits” includes early gems such as
“When You Gonna Learn” and “Emergency On Planet Earth” as well as the band's
biggest singles "Cosmic Girl" and "Virtual Insanity", taken from the hugely
successful “Travelling Without Moving”, and more recent tracks including
“Feels Just Like It Should”. Also included on this best of album are two new
tracks "Runaway" and "Radio". As a limited edition CD you can get the album
with a bonus CD including a string of remixes of some of their biggest hits.
To name a few; Master At Work remix of “Emergency On Planet Earth”, David
Morales remix of “Space Cowboy”, Tom Belton remix of “Cosmic Girl”, Bob
Sinclair remix of “Little L” Saleem remi remix of “Virtual Insanity” and
Restless Soul remix of “Supersonic”. (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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Dark Globe – Nostalgia For The Future
Global Underground
No doubt that Global Underground has
evolved over the 10 years they have existed and they have been a mayor
factor in shaping our view and understanding of the ever-changing club scene
with their world renowned mix series. Over the years Global Underground has
also released artist albums, such as UNKEL, Lostep and latest albums from
Sissy and The Remote. The newest instalment is a fantastic album “Nostalgia
For The Future” created by Pete Diggens and Matt Frost under their alias
Dark Globe. The album features collaborations with Amanda Ghost, Boy George,
Television’s Tom Verlaine, Julie Thompson, Imogen Andrews, and more. The
music style is a blend of downtempo, electro, breaks and pop. The first
single to be released from the album is the amazing “Break My World (Featuring
Amanda Ghost)” and from my point of view it’s a little masterpiece, a
perfect blend of break beats and superb song writing. You simply have to
listen to this album - it is brilliant. (CA) Rating: 9 / 10
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UNKLE – Self Defence
Global Underground
James Lavelle's UNKLE outfit latest
offering comes in the form of 4 CD limited box set with 40 tracks. The
tracks are mainly remixes from UNKEL´s critical acclaimed “Never, Never,
Land” from 2003, hence the sub title “Never, Never, Land Reconstructed And
Bonus Beats. But the album also features a new track “Burn Your Shadow”
featuring Ian Astbury from The Cult on vocals and in 3 different mixes
including a signature mix by Junkie XL. There are 14 never before released
mixes on the album including the bootleg mashup of Moby “God Moving Over The
Face Of The Waters” and “In A State”. Another delight on the album is Way
Out West brilliant remix of “Reign” here you get vocal and the instru-mental
mix, this is also the case with Sasha´s mix of “In A State”. Some might say
that this is just a way to compile all the mixes and release it – jep you
are right, but this an awesome set and if you look at the price, then there
should be no doubt in your mind that this is a release that you must have. (CA) Rating: 9 / 10
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Shiloh – Bleed
Baroque Records
An amazing release from the Canadian
brothers Colin and Justin Moreh also know as Shiloh. Since their massive
debut on Baroque Records breakbeat sister label Electrofly with the track
“Will U Ever Come Around” they have been in big demand amongst the biggest
DJs in the world. “Bleed” is the result of 18 months hard work. CD 1 Red
Cell; consists of original recordings by the brothers and CD 2 White Cell;
features collaborations with Luke Chable, LP, Ozgur Can and David West. What
Shiloh here has created is an encapsulating journey into a mixture of
breakbeats, progressive and house music with a fantastic atmospheric and
melodic feel to it. No doubt that Shiloh with “Bleed” has created an album
that will earn them a place in the top of the leader board between BT,
Hybrid and Way Out West. I can’t parse this album enough, the quality and
the pure pleasure of listening to this album will mesmerize you. (CA)
Rating: 9 / 10
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Greed – Temptation
ACDC
At long last one of my all time favourite
producers releases his debut album. And what a release it is – you might
know Greed for tracks like “Strange World”, “Gentle Rain” and “Promises” and
you won’t find them on this release. Greed (Tobi Wirz) has moved on and his
sound is now harder and darker – but you can still hear it’s Greed. The
rolling sounds, the build up of the track and breaks are there and the great
melody lines that captivates you are still very present. On the album he has
worked wonders with Andre Absolut on the massive “The Other Side”. With
Kasey Taylor he has made the deep and hard hitting “Hardface” – both tracks
with a great melody line. On the album he also has worked with Mental X and
Tango and you can also encounter his remix of Atmos “KNS”. I can’t praise
this album enough – if you enjoy progressive house music and you have been
searching for that album, that will and can make you happy in a scene that
has gone electro – then this is it – your search is over. (CA) Rating:
10 / 10
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Audiofly –
Undulation 2
SAW Recordings
The second release in Satoshi Tomiie´s
Undulation mix series features Audiofly behind the decks and mixer. Audiofly
consists of Anthony Middleton and Luca Saporito and is a hot production / DJ
duo quickly earning their spot in the limelight. They have released tracks
and remixes on labels like Mobilee, Kickboxer, Low Pressings, Deleted
Records and Saw Recordings. Their mix consists of tracks from the likes of
Sebastian Roya, Martin Buttrich, Kaliber 4, X-Press 2, Stan Lebowsky,
Stephan Bodzin, Layo & Bushwacka! and two tracks from Anthony and Luca
themselves under their deeper and more minimal alias Audiofly X. The whole
mix is a trip through dark and deep minimal tech house with all its sound
landscapes, effects, bleeping sounds and pulsating rhythm that start out
slowly and develops throughout the mix. (CA).
More info
Rating:
8 / 10
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Electric_02
mixed by King Unique & Nubreed
EQ
The second edition of EQ´s new mix series
“Electric” features two diverse outfits - King Unique and Nubreed. The new
edition is somewhat a departure from the first instalment that featured
Gavin Keitel at the helm and the platform for the compilation is more for
exposing new talents and upcoming stars of tomorrow, than its for exposing
electro house to the audience. King Unique (Matthew Roberts and Matt
“Watkins” Thomas) takes on CD 1 and has created with their “dirty house”
mantra a subtle house mix that really takes form after track 5 and features
tracks from Booka Shade, Francois Dubois, Sascha Funke, Thomas Schumacher
and Extrawelt. Australian outfit Nubreed (Danny Bonnici, Michael Walburgh
and Jason Catherine) breaks down CD2 with their layered break beats and
crazy beeps and chunky riffs with tracks from the like of Plump DJ´s,
Speculam, King Roc, Alex Kenji, Danny Bonnici & Dan Managan and Nubreed
themselves. I must admit it’s great to be exposed to some new music and for
me unknown artists. (CA)
Rating:
7 / 10
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Limelight 2
Tribal Vision
From the Czech based Tribal Vision label
comes the second Limelight compilation of some of the hottest producers on
the progressive trance scene. The CD is compiled by label boss DJ Slater
(Michael Smetana) and he has done an excellent job in including new and
upcoming producers and well-known names from around the world, spanning
tracks from Roman Rai “Inspiration”, Fitalic “Manufactured Miracles”, Ryan
Halifax “Give &get2, Tegma “50.000 Watts”, Sonify “Groove Seductive”, Greed
vs. Sunic Cube “Divine”, Brisker & Magitman “Stricke Back”, Solead “Lay Down”
and Vibrashere “Floating Free”. The tracks are not mixed together and are on
the compilation presented in all its glory. Progressive trance lovers – this
one is for you – go and get it. (CA)
Rating:
8 / 10
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Luke Chable and Danny Bonnici - Hiddenform 001
Hidden Form Records
From the new Australian label Hidden Form
Records comes a feast of a mix extravaganza of breaks. Luke Chable and Danny
Bonnici (Of Nubreed fame) were behind the fantastic “RIDE” track that was
released on Alternative Route and now they have joined forces and put
together 14 tracks making this a hell of a ride into the world of breaks. In
the mix you can find; Daniel Taylor “5 Ur Ears”, John Morgan & Kevin Shiu
“Acid Brownies”, Each “Broken Bitch” (Martinez Mix), Brisker & Magitman Feat
Electra “Feel Me” (Twisted Mix, Zen Kei “The Blast” (Gregor Tresher Mix),
D-Nox “Seven Hours” (Martinez Mix), Robert Babicz “Mister Head”,Lifelike &
Kris Menace “Discopolis”, E Gum “Stop 2” (Dexter Mix), Lostep “Little
Peaking”, Kalle M “Dom” (John Dahlback Us Mix), In-N-Out “Eq-lizer” (Steve
Angello & Sebastian Ingrossi Mix), Danny Bonnici “Break Da House” and Luke
Chable “Swedish Meatballs (I Don't Know)”. (CA)
Rating:
8 / 10
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Leama & Moor – Common Ground
Lost Language
From the first note on this album, you know
that you are in for a musically fantastic journey. Leama & Moor (Marty Smith
and Andy Moor (also known from his work with Tilt)) have created 11
astonishing tracks that all are mixed together in one continuing mix. The
dreamy pleasant sound surrounds you and with its wonderful melodies,
textured vocals and layered soundsscapes it will keep you mesmerised. Slowly
but surely the tracks insensitivity build, the tempo is slowly picked up and
the climax is reached with the two peak time floor killers “Calling” and
“Waiting” which features the wonderful Jan Johnston on vocals. The album has
taken Leama & Moor over a year to record and produce and the result is
outstanding. If you are into Paul Van Dyk, Armin Van Buuren and Tiësto then
you have to pick up this album right now, you won’t be disappointed – this
is the best artist album of the year so far. (CA)
Rating: 9 / 10
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