Messages

811

Polls and Reviews / Alpha 9 - Bliss [Aleph (Flashover)]

« on: November 03, 2009, 08:50:09 am »

Artem Stolyarov is one of the new up and coming artists who have surfaced in the year 2009. He's been a favourite with Paul van Dyk, who has played several productions of his. As Paul said in one of his recent shows: "one of the guys who is definitely on the up front of things". Artem is best known for his Arty productions on Enhanced Progressive and Shah-Music Digital but now he is making his debut on the Flashover sub called Aleph.

Review

The Original Mix is the more housier version of the two. You can most definitely draw parallels to productions of the likes of Dinka or Thomas Schwarz and other artists within' that Nu version of "progressive house" which is what this style is usually labeled as on Beatport. Warm melodies with this sort of crisp metallic edge, double clap effect and a soft percussion arrangement. To paint a more interesting picture he adds a few sound effects and a vocal sample which mumbles "to calm me down" (at least it sounds like she is saying that). I think people already know what to expect here given the description. The Club Mix version is, obviously, the heavier version with a more upbeat tempo (132 bpm). Everything seems to have some extra power in this mix. The vocals have a much bigger impact on the track and same goes for the effects. Overall this mix stands out alot more.

Verdict

I have been listening to the Club Mix ever since I was handed the promo. It might not be revolutionary but damnit it does the job, well, and it fits so much better in a trance set. If Artem keeps going at this pace he will be one of the biggest Russian stars in a matter of no time. If you're into stuff from Dinka (Chris Reece), Thomas Schwarz, Inpetto, etc then you should check this out. If you're one of the types who labels everything with an 8th note arrangement as "Deadmau5 crap", then this is probably not for you. Personally this is one of my top records of November!


Previews:

Original Mix: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlywTpn4YCo
Club Mix: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFRXED3QO3Y

Out Now on Beatport:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/200474/bliss

812

Polls and Reviews / Mac & Taylor - Room 336 / Tracktion [Fraction Zero]

« on: November 02, 2009, 09:15:59 am »

Fraction Zero returns after a brief summer hiatus with a monstrous double helping of floor shaking tech trance from Mac & Taylor!

Room 336 kicks the release into life with the boy's trademark blend of action packed drums, overblown basslines and rip roaring lead synths, resulting in a real prime time tech monster!

Tracktion maintains the abundance of high flowing energy, this time twisting some delicious topline melodies into the proceedings. The super cool breakdown section steadily builds the tension into boiling point before exploding into a frenzy of crowd pleasing synth stabs and hard hitting basslines. Essential!


Previews:

Room 336: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zt568t2eJw
Tracktion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0onOukMzNk


Available on Beatport Now:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/200291/room_336_tracktion

813

Polls and Reviews / Anton Firtich - Mirage [Addictive Global]

« on: October 29, 2009, 02:00:19 pm »

As I mentioned in my last Addictive Global review they had been gone from the scene for a little while but they're now back again with tunes for the people! I was also excited to see both Majera and Ronski Speed on the label. This time we have Russian producer Anton Firtich. The Russians sure are delivering the tunes lately - I have especially noticed producers like "Arty", "Poshout", "Invisible Sounds" and of course "Ilya Soloviev". Anyway, Anton is yet another one with some big tunes behind him already. If you haven't been out of the trance loop for the last two years you should know of "Rain Over The Ocean" and "Moonlight Madness".

1. Mirage (Original Mix)

Review
This track is a little more heavy than his earlier tracks. A little more sub-bass and a rough electro-tinged bassline which plays the dominating part throughout the track. Towards the mid-section of the track we're introduced to a very distinct "flute'ish" kind of synth lead which sounds like something coming out of Ferry Corsten's studio (much like the lead in Anton's "Moonlight Madness" track). This is not a bad thing though as it gives the track an unique touch and a warm feel. This track might not be a peaker but it will bend bridges between the deeper and slower progressive trance tracks and the more uplifting ones.

Verdict
Great release once again from Addictive Global. I'm liking their new "less is more" approach (be it intentional or not). This is a great track and a good follow-up with the same sort of style as his previous tunes - fans should therefore not be dissapointed.


Preview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrmlAzKSxjM


Available on Beatport Now:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/198481/mirage

814

Polls and Reviews / Arty - Gentle Touch / Logic Symphony [Enhanced Progressive]

« on: October 26, 2009, 03:48:49 pm »

PvD about Arty: "One of the guys who is definitely on the up front of things"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjdVhjU87Ho

Armin van Buuren: Intro track in ASOT 426


Arty landed in superb style back in May with his debut triple header on Enhanced, Vanilla Sky / Love Inside Out / Absynthe, which saw support from DJs across the EDM genres including Paul van Dyk with its melodic trance with house undertones.

Add to that the release of the month in DJ Magazine and you could say it was an accomplished debut from this hot talent.

Now he's back with a second stunning EP. Gentle Touch kicks things off with yet again a killer bassline and simple hook lead, whilst introducing a brilliant piano line later in the track to devastating effect.

On the flip Arty delivers Logic Symphony, yet again showing a different side to his sound and yet again absolute quality from this young Russian.

Two essential prog-trancers from Arty!



Support: Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk, Activa, Alex M.O.R.P.H, Andy Moor, Jon O’Bir, Daniel Kandi, Danjo, Manuel Le Saux, Tritonal, M.I.K.E., Sied van Riel, Tom Colontonio, Will Holland and many more!

Preview:

Gentle Touch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjjdgH213ZQ
Logic Symphony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eY6yG_FjSCg

Get it here:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/198634/gentle_touch_logic_symphony
http://www.audiojelly.com/singles/312004
http://www.junodownload.com/ppps/products/1483007-02.htm
http://www.djdownload.com/browse-label/Enhanced+Progressive/947
http://www.trackitdown.net/search/advanced?artist=Arty

815

Polls and Reviews / Ehren Stowers - A40 [Perceptive]

« on: October 26, 2009, 01:13:39 pm »

Out Now on Beatport:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/198667/a40

816

Polls and Reviews / Will Atkinson - Coming Home / Headlock [Fraction]

« on: October 26, 2009, 01:03:20 pm »

Will Atkinson debuts on Fraction Records with an action packed, double A-side, big room banger for our 28th release. Already smashed on BBC Radio 1 by Judge Jules, Will's latest outing is set to light up the worlds finest dance floors with this delicious fusion of atmospheric tech driven trance.

Coming Home leads the way with a no nonsense blend of high octane percussion and hard rolling basslines to whip the atmosphere into boiling point before smashing home with the biggest of crowd pleasing breakdowns.

Headlock is a monstrous, tech vibed, after dark workout. Overflowing with fast paced grooves, biting stab chords and slick vocal samples, the track fuses together perfectly for the techier crowds.


Previews:

Coming Home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZBMNLtpOik
Headlock: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxbGJAzy8Bg

Get it @ Beatport:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/198645/coming_home_headlock

817

Polls and Reviews / Rafaël Frost - Black Box [Flashover]

« on: October 25, 2009, 09:34:24 am »

Rafaël Frost has positioned himself as one of the big boys in the trance scene; 1 mix compilation, huge remixes and a style which is perfect for the major "trance rooms". Especially "Red" from earlier in 2009 was really popular and Ferry Corsten even did a remix for the track. It's also not exactly a bad thing to have a contract with Ferry's Flashover label. As for this new release, Rafaël has produced a track called Black Box, and it doesn't have any relation to Ferry Corsten's Brain Box (as far as I know).

Original Mix
Launched with a neat breakbeat arrangement. A silk-like vocal touch floats into the track and the bass kicks in, creating a bit of movement. It escalades after a short break stop where a heavy bass comes into play and leaves its mark in the bottom of the near-silence moment. One now expects the track to return in full force, and this is just what happens. The bass kicks in again (still with the other bass going) and percussion and additional synth lines gets going. Throughout a pro constructed build-up we're lead to the peak of track, which consists of this big supersaw lead. Sadly, I start thinking of all of those big anthem type tracks that you hear at events like Trance Energy. It feels a bit uninspiring to be honest (the lead that is). The track is still banging however and the effects, and different hits adds to such a great atmosphere.

Red Edit
The so called "Red Edit" of this track is not far from the original, but it feels much more melodic and the consistency is a little better in my opinion. The first break has been removed. It's a big plus that Rafaël has chosen to add some melody before and after the climax - outweighs the main lead which didn't appeal to me very much.

Out of these two editions I most definitely prefer the Red Edit which, in my eyes, flows alot better. The original mix is still tight and would probably work better in the big rooms.


Release Date: 12/10/2009 (Beatport), 26/10/2009 (Everywhere else)

Youtube:

Original Mix
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-t7BQVwkZo

Red Edit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj-h7YwLYOw


Buy it on Beatport Now:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/196612/black_box

818

Polls and Reviews / Deep Care - Blacks [Infrasonic]

« on: October 19, 2009, 12:14:02 pm »

Available Now @ Audiojelly:
http://www.audiojelly.com/singles/304832

819

Polls and Reviews / Sindre Eide - Piovere / Poesia [Enhanced]

« on: October 19, 2009, 10:50:47 am »

Full release today guys. Support from Armin van Buuren on ASOT 426. Also supported by Ferry Corsten on "Corsten's Countdown".

iTunes
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=332946683&s=143458

Beatport
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/197876/piovere_poesia_ep

Audiojelly
http://www.audiojelly.com/singles/304471

DJDownload
http://www.djdownload.com/artist/Sindre+Eide/867246

JunoDownload
http://www.trackitdown.net/search/keyword?q=sindre+eide

Trackitdown
http://www.trackitdown.net/search/keyword?q=sindre+eide

820

Polls and Reviews / Majera - Playground [Addictive Global]

« on: October 13, 2009, 11:07:38 am »

"Playground" is out now in all stores:

Beatport:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/194539/playground

Audiojelly:
http://www.audiojelly.com/singles/296180

DJDownload:
http://www.djdownload.com/browse-label/Addictive+Global/7397

JunoDownload:
http://www.junodownload.com/ppps/products/1467286-02.htm

Trackitdown:
http://www.trackitdown.net/search/keyword?q=majera

821

Polls and Reviews / Hodel - Last Wish [Perceptive]

« on: October 12, 2009, 07:11:14 am »

Now available from –



Also available from the iTunes store.

822

Polls and Reviews / Digital Society Volume Two mixed by John Askew

« on: October 11, 2009, 04:00:54 pm »

Digital Society is proud to announce the release of 'Digital Society International Vol 2' mixed by UK Trance legend John Askew. Hailed as the ‘Holy Grail Of Northern Clubbing’ by the music press and without doubt the most talked about trance night in the UK at the moment with jaw dropping line ups and a packed house every month, this is second foray into the compilation market for the brand following the acclaimed first edition mixed by Matt Hardwick.

A true Digital Society favourite, John Askew is without doubt one of the hottest tech/trance producer/djs in the world. Over the last decade his productions and remixes have seen massive support from Armin van Buuren, Eddie Halliwell, Tiesto and Paul van Dyk who has employed John’s remix skills repeatedly on his highly respected Vandit label, whilst his excellent Discover labels are regarded as some of the best about.

From exclusive residencies at 2 of the World’s most influential clubs (The Gallery and Ministry of Sound in London) to a constant stream of high profile guest slots around the world, John is now enjoying the rewards of over a decade of hard work. In the past 3 years John has played on all the far corners of the globe including: North America, Canada, Australia, Russia, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Egypt, Germany, The Netherlands, Romania, Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Slovakia, China, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Greece, Ukraine, Georgia, and of course all over the UK.

Always one to push things forward and not go for the norm, John has crammed a staggering 47 tracks into the double cd; an amazing feat for a DJ mix compilation, especially in the trance genre. With tracks, re-edits and remixes seamlessly crafted into over two energetic hours of tech to peak time trance from the likes of Paul van Dyk, John O’Callaghan, Temple One, Activa, Aly & Fila and of course John himself, this is a master class in technical, crowd pleasing mixing and track selection.

Already selected by Mixmag as their “Compilation of the Month” for November, this yet another must have CD from the Digital Society / Enhanced labels.

Available exclusively on pre-order today from http://www.enhancedrecordings.com and from all good record stores worldwide on the 2nd November.

Right now you can also get a special CD + T-shirt bundle at the Enhanced Recordings website for only £18.99 including worldwide shipping.

CD1 – mixed by John Askew
1. Fei Fei - Infinity Link (Gate 42 mix)
2. Project F n P - Buzzed Up (JOC remix)
3. Vadmin Miner - Echo
4. Evgeny Bardyuzha - Braindamaged (Santiago Nino remix)
5. San - Paradox
6. Dinka - Civilisation
7. M Waering - Frequency 7
8. Ben Gold Feat Senadee - Today (Filo & Peri mix) (Re-edit)
9. Talla 2XLC - Salvation (TNR mix)
10. Reaky - Meduza (Michael Poliak mix)
11. Chris & Matt Kidd - Cherry Picker
12. Last Man Standing - White Elephant
13. John Askew - Bored of You Bored of Me
14. X Genic - Inside
15. Gary Maguire - One Way (John Askew remix)
16. Danny Powers - Menace
17. Johan Ekman - Shade of Your Soul (Sly One & Jurrane mix)
18. Gary Maguire - Standing Still
19. Sean Tyas - Rule Book (Bryan Kearney mix)
20. Gary Maguire vs - Spencer Banana Plug (Askew mash up)
21. John Askew - Z List Uber Star
22. Kane Nelson - Red Trigger

CD2 – mixed by John Askew
1. Frase No - Way Through (Victor Dinare remix)
2. Sly One vs Jurrane - Citizen
3. Spencer - Trouble
4. Marc Walsh - Never Far Away (Activa remix) (Re-edit)
5. Thomas Datt - Mass Effect (Dust & Heatcliff mix) (Re-edit)
6. AMR - Afterhours (Danny Powers mix) (Re-edit)
7. Ehren Stowers - Quarantine (Isolation mix) feat. sample of Sean Tyas - Rulebook Riff 2
8. FKN - Feel So Unreal(Activa mix) (Re-edit)
9. Will Atkinson - Meltdown (Liam Melly mix)
10. John Askew - Bad Apple
11. Ilya Soloviev - Universal Universe (Re-edit)
12. Adam Foley - Fourteen Falls
13. John O’Callaghan - Don’t Look back (John Askew remix)
14. Ehren Stowers - Solar Dreams (Mike Nichol remix)
15. Adam - Foley Changes
16. Spencer - Arena
17. Kriss van Small - Above the Clouds (Nick Dacosta mix)
18. Adam Foley - Trip Switch
19. John Askew - Vandalism feat. sample from Joint Operations Centre remix.
20. Paul Miller & Estiga - Afterlife (XGenic mix)
21. Paul van Dyk - The Other Side (John Askew remix)
22. Fast Distance - Pacifica (Temple One mix)
23. Activa - Transmission
24. Sly One - This late Stage (Aly & Fila mix)
25. John Askew - Fade to Black



Pre-order here: http://enhancedrecordings.com/index.php?page=shop

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=12287951285&ref=ts
Twitter: http://twitter.com/enhanced_music
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/EnhancedRecordings

823

Polls and Reviews / Sindre Eide - Piovere / Poesia [Enhanced]

« on: October 05, 2009, 01:40:05 pm »

Ferry Corsten "Corstens Countdown" Playlisted!

Out on Audiojelly Now!
http://www.audiojelly.com/singles/304472

Sindre Eide has had a rocking 12 months following his debut release Only When I Sleep which found favour with many of the leading DJ's and world no 1 DJ Armin van Buuren hailed it as 'beautiful' on his ASOT radio show.

His stand out remix of Sasha Virus' 2gether We Are won him further plaudits from the big man himself, as well as Above & Beyond and the majority of the trance fraternity, whilst his most recent offering Essentia also saw impressive support.

Now he's back with his eagerly awaited follow up and he doesn't disappoint with two brilliantly crafted melodic trancers;

Piovere is a classic sounding balearic peak timer, a track that will no doubt be heard across the biggest venues in the world as the summer draws to a close.

Poesia slows the tempo but ups the groove whilst using some heavenly vocals to great effect to add real uplift to this proggy melodic trancer.

Fine stuff from this uber talented 18 year old.



Supportlist: Ferry Corsten, Aly & Fila, Andy Moor, Jon O’Bir, M.I.K.E., Nic Chagall, Sied van Riel, Tom Colontonio, Will Holland, 7 Skies, Amadeus, Andre Visior, Chad Cisneros Tritonal, Charlie G, Dan Stone, Danjo, Digital Nature, Dimitri Kechagias, DJ Feel, DJ Observer, Estiva, Fast Distance, Ferry Tayle, Flash Brothers, Graham Gold, Haris C, Jonathan Martin, Jorn van Deynhoven, Kris Andrews, Manuel le Saux, Michael Angelo, Michael Badal, Mike Mikhjian, Mike Saint Jules, MoodFreak, Mystery Islands, Neil Moore, P.H.A.T.T, Robert Geitleman, Ruben de Ronde, Sequentia, Simon Barwood, Six Senses, Sophie Sugar, Suzy Solar, Talla 2XLC, Tania Mann, Taras (Trancetribe), Tempo Giusto, The Flyers, Tillmann Uhrmacher, Xgenic and many more...

Previews on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/EnhancedRecordings

824

Polls and Reviews / Jason van Wyk & Vast Vision - Oceanblue (Remixes) [Alter Ego]

« on: October 05, 2009, 01:28:16 am »

Out on Audiojelly:
http://www.audiojelly.com/singles/297676

825

Polls and Reviews / Ehren Stowers - A40 [Perceptive]

« on: October 04, 2009, 08:22:37 am »

It's safe to say that Ehren Stowers is a favourite amongst Nick and Luke, the guys behind Perceptive Recordings. "A40" is Ehren's 4th single on the label - remember tunes like "Icarus", "Ocean" and my personal favourite "Both Worlds"? Just like the "Both Worlds" single they've lined up a big remix package including both new artists and familiar Perceptive names. Mystery Islands from Finland, Six Senses from Holland, Danish veterans Michael Splint & Michael Parsberg and Andy Young.

Review

Original Mix
The original mix feels nice and tight but it hasn't got any major surprised to be honest. It dives well into the break but also strugles a bit with getting there. It doesn't "blow up" at the pay-off but it spurs some good energy and it has a decent melody. Not a peak-timer but a good quality filler for me.

Mystery Islands Remix
Maybe it's just me but this remix feels very flat all around. The ideas a great, the piano chords sucks you in, in that break, but then again, it feels so flat. I remember feeling the same about the "Cold Waters" remix back in 2008. The melody however, is fantastic, and it should please alot of fans out there I reckon.

Six Senses Remix
The Six Senses mix gives "A40" a proper power injection, and that's basicly what this mix does. It will be a turn on for the uplifting fans but probably a turn off for the trance crowd that seeks a bit more out of the box thinking.

Michael Splint & Parsberg Remix
Both Splint and Parsberg have been in the game for some time, and when Parsberg is involved you're in for a tight mastering for sure. With only 6 minutes in lenght, this mix certainly cuts to the chase quickly but doesn't miss any important points, in terms of build-up or in the fade-out phase. It's a slower, slightly proggy mix with some good melodic flavours rendered from the original mix.

Andy Young Remix
A 'progressive' mix from Andy Young, who collaborated with Ehren on "Ocean". The main lead follows some deeper and darker chords with the piano melody on top. He's done a percussive trick, which is kind of hard to explain, but you should notice it in the sample provided - it just feels slightly off, and not too sure whether it fits at all. On a positive note, I quite dig the melody which comes into play in the pay-off.

Verdict:
I'm feeling some negative vibes in my review this time. I haven't been that much into the last three records from Perceptive, even though I enjoyed the Andy Tau mix on "Last Wish". I still feel like I can recommend the Original Mix and the Michael Splint & Parsberg Mix. Something from both worlds and around average tracks in my opinion. Feel free to check out the clips and let me know your thoughts...

Youtube clips:
Original mix
Mystery Islands mix
Six Senses mix
Michael Splint & Parsberg mix
Andy Young mix