Messages

826

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

« on: October 03, 2009, 03:01:09 pm »

First I have to say that I am not a huge fan of vocals. Recently I found that alot of the big "trance" tunes are vocal productions though. Just last month there was "Helpless", "No Way Home" and "Freefalling". I have to admit, if the vocals do work, then I don't care about them being cheesy. This is the case with this single. I didn't like the first edition of this release but this remix package is really impressive and the vocals are really powerful.

Haris C Remix
Haric C's mix is as expected fast paced and aggressive. It's hard not to get sucked into his "piano coated" breakdown but overall I feel it's all too fast and in-your-face for me. He has still managed to mix up some good instrumental flavours and added some neat effects. Have to mention that I could have done without the glitch effect which I think is being overused in trance productions lately.

Deepwide Remix
The Finnish guys from Deepwide are back from a break with not only 1 but three remixes. 1 on this track, 1 for Redstar's "Evolution" and 1 for "Over You" on Infrasonic. The break they've created here definitely has the proper "wow" factor, at least for me. The lush guitar strings are perfect and the thumping bass gives the track a robust shape. The only vocal left in this version is a soaring "ahhh" effect which takes it to another quality level. What a comeback!

Supuer Remix
Another producer that I haven't heard much from lately. Will never forget his "Minerva" though as well as the remix he did for Deepwide back in '08. He is back with a remix which actually has got the "Enhanced Recordings" vibe to it. Nice deep and dark groove with some huge melodies going on. He really understands how to make room for both melody and vocal and it's impressive how well he has arranged the vocals - makes it such a pleasure to listen to.

Indian Sun Remix
The proper crisp underlying percussion, a good kick drum and some serious warm and sun-kissed melodies makes out this tune. The bassy melodies are very much like the stuff we've heard from guys like Dinka (Chris Reece), PROFF and labels like Anjunadeep, Silk Digital, etc. So it has got this housey vibe, but the melodies makes it perfect to sneak into the beginning of a trance mix. The main lead is huge and this takes it further and makes it even more appropriate for a trance dj mix.

Verdict:
Amazing vocal release here and it may be too early to say but this might very well end up being trance vocal release of the month for me. Surprised that every mix has such a high standard. Deepwide, Indian Sun and Supuer mixes are all strongly recommended!


Note: There will be Dub mixes available for Haris C, Indian Sun and Supuer mixes

Release Date: Exclusives @ Audiojelly 05/10/2009 // 19/10/2009

Youtube clips:
Haris C mix
Deepwide mix
Supuer mix
Indian Sun mix

827

Polls and Reviews / Deep Care - Blacks [Infrasonic]

« on: October 03, 2009, 11:16:26 am »

A much inticipated release from the UK label Infrasonic Recordings. The original and Daniel Kandi mix has already seen support from Above & Beyond furthermore this package has got a remix from Sundriver and Mike Sonar included. Read on for more info on each mix and feel free to check out the clips added to youtube below.

Original Mix
"Blacks" is an energy loaded, acid-line infected, euphoric trance bomb. I love the obscure twists it has plus the hardcore stabs that occur. It feels very well thought through and I feel like I'm listening to something original for once, or at least something which has that little extra. The vocal sample used has a breathe effect to it, and again, this diverts from the usual "uh uh uh ah" female vocals that are usually put to use in trance tunes these days. Great pay-off with a heavy bass and a lush breakdown!

Daniel Kandi 'Lifted' Remix
Kandi follows the 'darker' and slight twisted theme from the original, at least until his signature synth comes into play. The effect of this does however work very well. The clash of these dark background sounds and the main lead feels surprisingly good. I have to mention that while the build-up is quite effective, I had expected some more energy at the pay-off - drumroll -> no kick with rising melody -> release, that it how it goes. Perhaps some fx could have pushed it further.

Sundriver Remix
I have personally been pestering Sundriver a bit for re-using his ideas over and over again and this time, he has pulled up something new from his hat. The style is deep, with a soft round bass and has an overall almost melancholic feel to it. The melody never breaks out big time but it has such a nice presence just like in some of Jerome Isma'Ae's less aggressive tracks.

Mike Sonar Remix
The Mike Sonar version is a light edition of this track. Light as in shiny, uplifting, happy. The bass is almost like taken out of the track "Frozen" which Mike did together with The Flyers. The arpeggiated synth he's put in there adds a nice touch and so does the tight sweep/rise/falls. Nothing too outstanding if you compare this remix to Mike's EP which was also released on Infrasonic earlier in 2009.

Verdict
I know alot of people have been looking forward to this single and I can understand why. The original is not your everyday trance cheese, at least not in my opinion. All of the remixes adds each their touch. While Daniel's mix might be superior techically, I still think the original deservers all the credit for the details and the great ideas. The Sundriver mix will also do excellent in proggier sets.

Release Date: 02/11/2009


Youtube clips:
Original Mix
Daniel Kandi Mix
Sundriver Mix
Mike Sonar Mix

828

Polls and Reviews / Liam Melly - Flashback / Come On [Fraction]

« on: September 29, 2009, 07:27:05 am »

Out Now on Beatport:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/194544/flashback_come_on

829

Polls and Reviews / Hodel - Last Wish [Perceptive]

« on: September 29, 2009, 07:21:22 am »

Out Now on Beatport:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/194245/last_wish

830

Polls and Reviews / Majera - Playground [Addictive Global]

« on: September 29, 2009, 07:14:53 am »

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

831

Polls and Reviews / Cataracta - Primitus [Flashover]

« on: September 27, 2009, 02:46:14 pm »

Johan Oscar Persson or Cataracta is a completely new name to the scene and to me as well. He's from Helsinborg, Sweden and is making his debut on one of the most respected trance labels in the industry, Ferry Corsten's Flashover Recordings. I checked out Johan's myspace to do some background checking and he actually has some really good stuff loaded in his myspace player - feel free to check it out (link in the bottom of the article).


Primitus
This release only contains one version/track just like FLASH 046. There is no mistaking, this track most definitely belongs on Flashover. The main synth has that distinct bright Flashover/Ferry twist, Check out the youtube sample I provided and you'll notice it right away. It's a bit of an anthemic tune we're dealing with. Big orchestral breakdown, huge riff and a "no nonsense" bottem-end. While I'm not 100 % into this tune myself, it still sounds like a winner to me. It has got the right ingredients and a massive club/arena appeal. This should get the crowd jumping for sure.

'Primitus' on YouTube

Ferry dropping 'Primitus' @ Cream Amnesia

http://www.myspace.com/johanoscarpersson

832

Polls and Reviews / Liam Melly - Flashback / Come On [Fraction]

« on: September 27, 2009, 01:45:28 pm »

I have to admit that I don't know much about this Irish producer other than he has done a few remixes for labels like Perceptive and Infrasonic. He also have some tracks out on Ali Wilson's 'Tekelec' label. The only track I personally remember is his track "Arrival" which was released with a neat Bryan Kearney edit. Seems to be pulled from the shops, so I'm not sure what happened to that release. Anyway, hopefully this will be a good and exciting new release from Liam, so lets take a quick peak.

Flashback
It's a great feeling when you listen to a track and then think "hmm this is kinda boring". Then you put it away for a bit and later on you really start to appreciate it. That's what happened in this case as listening through the track while writing this review made me appreciate the details in the track. Flashback is quite energetic but not over-the-top energetic like many other tracks these days. The atmosphere in the break is fantastic and the subtle and beautiful melodies really takes you away. While the melodies are great and the entrancing acid synth line is perfectly balanced, the tune doesn't break out as much as I had hoped for, which is a shame.

Come On
The b-side is the harder one of the 2. It's fast paced, pumping and slightly techy. The break is not as elegant as in Flashback but the pay-off is a monster - it has a bit of Simon Patterson influence I reckon.

Verdict
I'm not sure if it would be fair to just pick 1 to recommend in this case, cause these are so different from each other - at least in my opinion. Come On is a proper club banger and if you enjoy Simon Patterson, then you should check it out for sure. Both tunes are solid and I see alot of potential in this producer.


'Flashback' on YouTube

'Come On' on YouTube

833

Polls and Reviews / Majera - Playground [Addictive Global]

« on: September 26, 2009, 12:12:52 pm »

Unlike alot of other upcoming trance talents, Majera has been taking it easy since he entered the scene a few years ago. He started out by releasing the track "Velvet" on Deepblue which was signed to 4 compilations - quite an accomplishment considering this was at an early stage in his music  career (if you can call it that). Since then he's done a few decent remixes but now he's back with a fresh single on Solaris as featured on Solarstone's masterpiece compilation "Electronic Architecture" and now a single on American label Addictive Global. Addictive Global have been taking a bit of a break but just returned with a single from Paul Allen accompagnied by a Komytea remix. Majera "Playground" is number #7 on this very promissing label!



Original Mix
Playground is a very light and fresh summer trancer with a buzzing bassline. While the bass keeps the bottom-end hot and steamy the progressive trance melodies are figurating on top. It somehow reminds me of the coldharbour sound from 2-3 years ago. Light melodies with that underlying dark groove.

Ronski Speed pres. Sun Decade Remix
Ronski's mix sounds alot like some of his other recent work under the Sun Decade guise. A somewhat softer interpretation one might say, but once the bassline gets going, the track bursts some good energy. The chord progression is the same and he's sticking to just about the same synth sounds.

Verdict
Both versions aren't too far from each other stylewize but I think the Sun Decade mix would blend in better with todays trance, in a trance mix. I also feel slightly more drawn to his use of drums and bass. The bass which is a driving force in both tracks, just 'moves' better in the Sun Decade version.

Beatport: 29/09/2009

Original Mix on Youtube
Ronski Speed pres. Sun Decade Remix on Youtube

----------------------------

Addictive Global Myspace

834

Polls and Reviews / Dennis Sheperd & Cold Blue - Freefalling [High Contrast]

« on: September 22, 2009, 10:16:11 am »

Out Now!

>> Beatport <<

835

Polls and Reviews / Estiva - I Feel Fine EP [Enhanced] Out Now!

« on: September 21, 2009, 01:28:38 pm »

- 3 x TATW plays incl. Record of the Week and Web Vote Winner!
- Armin ASOT Support

In the short space of his career, Steven Baan has achieved more than many, with tracks featuring on the likes of Tiesto's In Search Of Sunrise, Armins ASOT Yearmix and Mixmag 'Tune Of The Month' accolades to boot..

One of Enhanced's leading lights, he celebrates his debut mix compilation, 'Enhanced Sessions' together with Temple One next month and this EP shows a couple of the highlights on his disc.

Famed for his sun-kissed Balearic melodies, this is an EP to elongate the summer months as we head towards autumn, with 3 fantastic productions from the talented young Dutchman.

Heading the EP is the glorious I Feel Fine, a track that caused some serious damage at Gatecrasher when he debuted it early in the summer. Vortex shows his techier side once again, whilst the sweet sounding Lifting Leaves rounds off the EP in typical Estiva style.

A brilliant EP from this outstanding talent.

Out Now!

iTunes
Beatport
Audiojelly
DJDownload
JunoDownload
Trackitdown



Activa, Alex MORPH, Andy Moor, John Askew, Jon O'Bir, Lange, MIKE, Ronski Speed, Sean Tyas, Solarstone, Tom Colontonio, 7 Skies, Adam White, Andre Visior, Andrew Howlett, Tritonal, Charlie G, Dale Corderoy, Daniel Kandi, Danjo, Deep Voices,Deepwide, Digital Nature, Dimitri Kechagias, DJ Feel, DJ Observer, DJ Redstar, Ernesto vs Bastien, Fast Distance, Flash Brothers, Haris C, Ilya Soloview, Jonathan Martin, Jorn van Deynhoven, Kane Nelson, Kris O'Neil, Kris Andrews, Les Hemstock, Manuel Le Saux, Mark Eteson, Michael Angelo, Mike Cowie, Mike Saint Jules, Mike Shiver, Neal Scarborough, Neil Moore, Phillip Alpha, Phynn, Rav Takhar, Robert Geitleman, Sebastian Brandt, Sequentia, Six Senses, Steve Anderson, Suzy Solar, Talla 2XLC, Tania Mann, Temple One, Tempo Giusto, The Flyers, Tillmann Uhrmacher, Will Holland and many more!

YouTube previews:

I Feel Fine (Piano Mix)
I Feel Fine (Original Mix)
Lifting Leaves
Vortex

836

Polls and Reviews / Dennis Sheperd & Cold Blue - Freefalling [High Contrast]

« on: September 19, 2009, 09:10:47 am »

Here are the lyrics to "Freefalling" written by Richard Bedford and Dennis Sheperd:

As your hands
Slip out of mine
Our sunset turns to dusk
We swam with the dolphins and the sharks
But now it’s getting dark
And we don’t know who to trust

Your stolen eyes
Will soon forget
Every line on my face
Each moment spent
Every colour and scent
Will disappear without a trace

So why do I feel like I let you down
When I’m the only one around?

Its only when you leave
That I start to believe
I can feel anything
It's only when you leave me
Floating in the air
That I start freefalling

Its only when you leave
That I start to believe
I can feel anything
It's only when you leave me
Floating in the air
That I start freefalling

837

Polls and Reviews / Perpetual feat. Tiff Lacey - Restless [Enhanced Progressive]

« on: September 17, 2009, 04:57:07 pm »

"Restless" is now out in all stores!

https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/191797/restless
http://www.audiojelly.com/artists/Perpetual+feat.+Tiff+Lacey
http://www.djdownload.com/artist/Perpetual+feat+Tiff+Lacey/837578
http://www.junodownload.com/ppps/products/1461251-02.htm
http://www.trackitdown.net/search/keyword?q=perpetual

838

Polls and Reviews / Sunny LAX - Release [Red Force]

« on: September 17, 2009, 04:13:25 pm »

It's been quite a good year for Sunny LAX! Another release on Anjunabeats, a really neat EP on Deepblue and a now a fresh release on Red Force Recordings whom he has already done a few remixes for in the past. This release contains two tracks and an additional mix for those in wants it uplifting!

The original mix of Release is up first. A bit of minimalistic influences in the percussive sounds but a good bass to inject that needed dancefloor appeal. While this is far from being banging trance, I still love how it accellerates from one part of the song to another. Great quality progressive trancer with those destinct Sunny LAX melodies. There is also an uplifting version of Release. While the melodies are epic, playful and absolutely standout I'm sort of dissapointed that he had to cloud it with a slighty too hard kickdrum and a bassline which takes over a bit too much. I would have preferred that he brought that beauty from the melodies out and put them in the front a bit more. The breakdown is still fantastic plus somewhat different from what you will usually find in trance tunes these days. The next and last tune on this release is called Drive At Six O'Clock. I sat without even paying attention to the title and imagined this being produced very late in the morning after perhaps a long night, which could have given some creative input/inspirations. At the same time I can imagine myself standing in a club in the early AM and this being the last tune of the night. While this probably wont be a huge crowdpleaser, I still find it quite special. The ideas behind it and that atmosphere makes it worth a listen for sure.

Verdict
There is no doubt in my mind here, the original mix of Release is best out of the bunch. It's not a major peaker but it will do nicely as filler/intro tune in an uplifting set and generelly fit perfectly in a nice progressive trance set. Lovely track from Sunny LAX there and great to see that he is experimenting a bit, while he still keeps some of his oldschool influences that he is so well-known for.

Available Now on Beatport!
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/191813/release

839

Polls and Reviews / Vast Vision - Friendly Faces / Splash [Fraction]

« on: September 17, 2009, 11:21:48 am »

Stijn Coppieters and Roland Andriese, better known as Vast Vision, have been solidifying their status in the upper tier of trance greatness over the last few years with a host of stellar productions across some of the worlds finest labels. Now the dutch masters of all things uplifting join the Fraction Records family for their latest dance floor destroying double A-side: Friendly Faces / Splash.

Friendly Faces will serve the hands in the air crowds perfectly. The opening driving drum patterns and bassline guide the track into a beautifully constructed cinematic breakdown, bursting with atmospheric charm and feel good factor throughout!

Splash sets the mood further, with the energetic bassline and lead synths delivering a formidable fusion of energy and style. Perfect for the after dark dance floors!

Available @ Beatport Now!
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/191805/friendly_faces_splash

Youtube previews:
Friendly Faces
Splash

840

Polls and Reviews / Dennis Sheperd & Cold Blue - Freefalling [High Contrast]

« on: September 15, 2009, 04:53:53 pm »

Dennis Schäfer and Tobias Schuh alias Dennis Sheperd & Cold Blue have had a phenomenal year 2009 so far and it looks like they have no intention of putting this trend on hold as they're now here with another record and this time on High Contrast Recordings - which would be one of the most well-known and best selling "trance" labels in the business currently. They've already had 2 releases on the High Contrast Nu Breed outlet, but this time they get their chance on the main imprint. Back the "phenomenal 2009"; Dennis has managed to put his name on the map for real with singles like "Black Sun" and "Somehow" where the latter has spot on Armin van Buuren's ASOT2009 compilation. Furthermore he recently did a remix for Anjunabeats which brings us to Cold Blue whom Dennis did the remix for. Earlier this year Tobias released an uplifting 2-tracker on the legendary Monster Tunes label.

Dennis wrote the lyrics with no other than Richard Bedford (famous for "Alone Tonight" produced by Above & Beyond). The vocal is once again delivered by songstress Chloe Langley whom was also the vocalist on "Not Too Late".

1. Freefalling (Dennis Sheperd Mix)
2. Freefalling (Dennis Sheperd Dub Mix)
3. Freefalling (Cold Blue Mix)
4. Freefalling (Cold Blue Dub Mix)

Dennis Sheperd Mix / Dub
Dennis Sheperd has become synonymous with quality after he became a part of Kyua & Albert's Euphonic family and his sound has without a doubt developed rapidly in the most positive way. Freefalling sounds like a good attempt to create a sing-along anthem og the tune really does push alot of the right buttons, but if you pay attention to the lyrics, then it does have some similarities to modern eurodance which some might label as being cheesy. The song still feels somewhat well-written and some of the phrases falls nicely into the production. Chloe deliveres a tight vocal and pushes the song to its full potential. The climax in this tune is fantastic and the main lead is nice and bright and lifts the track those few extra notches and peaks when Chloe's vocals falls in over the top.

Cold Blue Mix / Dub
Cold Blue's version is remarkably harder, which means punchier percussion, drumrolls and a bass that cuts more through the mix - also not to forget the trancey synths. I would say the character of the vocal fits better in this mix as the overall theme, atmosphere and style suits it better. The vocal however, feels like a more integrated part of this track, so if you remove it, then it feels a bit empty. His use of piano puts a bit of a modern and emotional touch on the tune.

Verdict
Cold Blue's version doesn't go above and beyond in terms of being groundbreaking, so perhaps I'm feeling slightly dissapointed when I reflect on this release and remembering some of his other releases like "Fever", "Oasis" and "11 Days". However, it's not often that you dub anything within this particular genre as being "groundbreaking". It's not a complete turn off though, as it still works and the vocal fits the production, well. Dennis' version has a nice and polished sound and is a cross between progressive trance and trance. The climax/pay off is well done and he has created a good atmosphere with a quality bottom-end. Lovely satisfying percussion hints and production tricks. The tune aims a bit for the mainstream hence probably why this tune ended up on the "bigger" label and not Nu Breed. I could see this one becomming quite popular as there is something for both worlds, the progressive one and the uplifting trance one! And for those who dislikes vocals, then there are dubs available.

Releasedate: 22/09/2009


Youtube: Dennis Sheperd & Cold Blue - Freefalling (Dennis Sheperd Radio Edit)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfrUg3e_0Ys


Dennis Sheperd myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/dennissheperd

Cold Blue myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/coldblue