Messages

856

Polls and Reviews / Tritonal - Sky Nights [Fraction Records]

« on: August 10, 2009, 04:58:29 am »

Fraction Records says:

Tritonal have been making massive waves in the trance scene over the last couple of years, both behind the decks, and in the studio. We now present you with their latest peak time powerhouse: Sky Nights.

The high-lift chord changes, the outrageously grooving bass, the finely detailed percussion work and the ever sparkling top lines are all firmly at the forefront of the Original Mix giving that unmistakable, beautiful Tritonal sound.

On remix duties, David Forbes takes the track roughly by the scruff of the neck and tears it up into a supercharged, big room monster before Chad and Dave craft another of their increasingly popular, and superbly produced Air Up There mixes to conclude the proceedings in fantastic style.

Another massive Tritonal release from the talented Texan duo!

1. Sky Nights (Original Mix)
2. Sky Nights (David Forbes Remix)
3. Sky Nights (Tritonal's 'Air Up There' Mix)

Out on Beatport:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/185659/sky_nights


Fraction Records

857

Polls and Reviews / Redstar - Stronger Than Time / Into The Sea [Monster Tunes]

« on: August 10, 2009, 04:44:52 am »

Out on Beatport:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/185681/stronger_than_time_into_the_sea

858

Polls and Reviews / Sean Truby - Ultra Violet [Nu-Depth Digital]

« on: August 10, 2009, 04:37:40 am »

Out on Beatport:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/185684/ultra_violet

859

Polls and Reviews / Reconceal & Andy Blueman - The World To Come [Perceptive] Review

« on: August 10, 2009, 04:33:13 am »

Out on Beatport:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/185693/the_world_to_come

860

Polls and Reviews / XGenix - Daylight / Inside [Infrasonic]

« on: August 09, 2009, 04:12:07 pm »

XGenix is duo straight out of Buenos Aires, Argentina and a growing act in trance music. They've already had two releases for two well known trance labels and they are now having a single on Infrasonic, and there is even more to come. This little single has a big remix from Swedens Jonas Hornblad and Infrasonic's own Six Senses.


Review

Daylight - Original Mix
This track actually surprised me. The little rolling and delayed synth lines that keeps on returning is a wonderful addition. The melody goes wild and a few notes higher after the breakdown and it gives your mood a nice lift. Nothing revelutionary or innovative but it sure works!

Daylight - Jonas Hornblad Remix
Here is a heavy weight of a remix. You can resemble the similarities between this mix and Jonas' remix for Alex M.O.R.P.H. which was released earlier this year. He has used the same (or almost) bass as he used for that remix. It turns it into a pure beast and a groundshaker. There is still room for melody, which you get in the break from this little bright and shiny synth, then a saw lead and back to the bass!

Inside - Original Mix
Inside is much more energetic than Daylight but on the other hand not as elegant. It reminds me of some of Manuel Le Saux's earlier productions which always had some good melodies and ideas but a kinda flat sounding production. Still that drive from the bass and the percussion should satisfy some of the energy freaks out there and I could easily see Aly & Fila playing this.

Inside - Six Senses Remix
A bit tighter production and a bit of a more heavy sound. It burst a good amount of energy and the melodies have been taken to a better level. Without a doubt good to hear from Sebastiaan again.

Verdict
The Jonas Hornblad rmx is huge but could have done with a little extra addition to play along the bass. The original of Daylight also isn't half bad. Inside feels a little over the top for me as it just get too fast but Six Senses really polishes it in a good way. My pick would be Jonas' version.

Out: 10/08/2009

Infrasonic Recordings

861

Polls and Reviews / Redstar - Stronger Than Time / Into The Sea [Monster Tunes]

« on: August 09, 2009, 03:20:43 pm »

Steve Bolger aka Redstar continues to build his music resume; A memorable guest mix for Above & Beyond's weekly Trance Around The World radio show, some cracking remixes for his own label, Just Peak Music, Perceptive and Mondo. He has single releases out on labels such Enhanced, Perceptive and now also on Monster Tunes. His latest release is a neat little package including a special intro mix.

Review

Stronger Than Time
What I love about Steve's productions is that you don't have to skip the first 16 bars; nope, cause he actually manages to keep things interesting while still keeping the production DJ friendly. His soft yet euphoric and energetic style works everytime without sounding 'used' or boring. The melodies are kept at a sophisticated level and without bursting any cheese. His use of effects are spot on and the melody should gaurantee to sweep you away if you're into this sort of trance. You can also head for the intro which has a lush piano part.

Into The Sea
Into The Sea is not that much different from Stronger Than Time but the melody is still somewhat more moving and the pads really gets you. I guess you could say it has more of a happy theme and the build-up reminds me of his tune 'Awakening'.

Verdict
Great to see some new material from Steve. If you liked his Awakening EP, then you shouldn't be dissapointed by this one. The melodies are fantastic and the overall style is so wonderfully fluent and unique. Into The Sea tops it for me - the melody is just captivating! 9/10.

Monster Tunes

862

Polls and Reviews / Avenger - Spherria [Red Force]

« on: August 09, 2009, 02:24:33 pm »

After a slew of successful releases over the past 6 months, Avenger returns to Red Force with another peaktime monster. "Spherria" is a dark, synth-driven number with tons of energy and power, all of which Avenger is very well-known for. If you've enjoyed his previous work, you'll definitely be all over this one.

Anjunabeats' Mark Eteson offers his perspective on "Spherria," delivering a melodic and uplifting remix with beautiful synth work. Softer than the original, this one still packs drive and energy.

Friend and label resident alike, Sean Truby is next in line with a storming remix, which is what we have come to expect from the rising star. A melodic intro and uplifting breakdown make way for one blistering chorus. Fans of Sean Tyas' remix of "Life" will be more than satisfied.

Avenger had a go at remixing "Spherria" himself and the result was a beautiful chillout remix. Lush yet still backed with a drive, this mix is a perfect closer for the package.


The Review

Original Mix
After the monumental release of 'Pegasus' earlier in the year on the label, Avenger set out to repeat the succes of before.  The track starts out with a lush intro that Avenger has become known for with alot of bass & gives a clear indication as to what you are in for with the rest of the track!  The melody in the break is really powerful with the very high production standard the label is known for.  Avenger shows all his production skills which truly makes this a great listen over & over again and will be the perfect club anthem for the summer and beyond!

Mark Eteson Remix
Well known British DJ/Producer Mark Eteson kick starts the remix package with a rather dark old school sounding trancer.  From the exceptional intro all the way to the break you know exactly what is coming, this is truly one of my favorite remixes on the label so far!  Pretty much anything that Mark touches turns to gold in my opinion so this is truly a really good remix and a great future addition to the Red Force arsenal.

Sean Truby Remix
Next on the bill is young producer & fellow label resident Sean Truby.  Sean has been perfecting his production skills over the past year on lots of labels so expecting nothing but a great remix is par for the course.  On first listen it is quite easy to tell that this will be alot different to the other mixes.  It has an even stronger kick then the original and shows that Sean is becoming quite the talent to look out for when you want a pure trance remix!  My favorite part is in the break where it reminds me alot of Sean Tyas remixes which is a great compliment to the young producer.

Chillout Mix
This is my favorite mix in the package.  I think it is the perfect vision of the original melody & is a great way to wrap up the  package!  I expect a chillout mix to be present in all future Avenger releases!

Review written by William P

863

Polls and Reviews / Sean Truby - Ultra Violet [Nu-Depth Digital]

« on: August 07, 2009, 09:52:45 am »

With releases on Vandit Digital, Red Force and Unearthed, Sean Truby is really starting to take the trance scene by storm. Here on nu-depth digital he shows why he has a bright future ahead of him with the uplifting journey that is 'Ultra Violet'.
With a tough chunky groove and sweeping acids right from the word go, it isn't long before the harmonic plucks start building towards a sweet melody that doesn't lose its rhythm or energy after a vibrant drop. This is one tidy little trance number that will get the floor moving!

Cesar Lugo is another artist who can do no wrong at the moment. If you love your trance uplifting with a solid euphoric sound then be sure to check this tough, punchy version from another rising star from South America.

Finishing off is another guy we hope to see more of on nu-depth. And after this warm piece of trance music that will open the heavens, we will most certainly see Astera taking charge of more remix duties. This is trance crafted with so much care and beauty; we really do love this remix by another up and coming star on the UK scene.

Review

Sean Truby's Original Mix starts with a hard kick, light sweeps and some jumpy percussion; this is how Truby set things off. He has some great subtle melodies which build in the background and an acid lead pretty much giving the track its drive and leading to the full extend of the melody. The plucks are lovely and this is an overall great floorburner by the rising star that is Sean Truby. Cesar Lugo's style is not far from Truby's but he still changes things by putting the bass in the front and adding some lush vocal samples. He lifts the breakdown a bit with pads but the melody doesn't go as big and grand as in the original mix. This remix is more of a builder whereas the original is a full-on peaker. Astera is a name I've noticed lately but this would still be the first production I've heard from him. Again a good sizzling acid line which makes the track move a bit. The bass is less aggressive in this mix but instead you get a good doze of melody. Probably more suitable for radio shows or home listening.

Verdict
A good release for the 'Digital' imprint. Quite surprised by the Astera rmx which really takes the melody to new hights. On the other hand I would have expected more from Cesar who usually makes some top notch productions. The original is a super tight peak time trancer which is what you could expect from Truby.

Out: 10/08/2009

Nu-Depth
Sean Truby

864

Polls and Reviews / Breakfast - Air Guitar [Flashover]

« on: August 06, 2009, 04:02:27 pm »

He's back again and once again on Flashover Recordings. Casey Keyworth aka Breakfast is ready with his solo record number 6 on Ferry Corsten's label. In my most recent Breakfast review I rated "Remember / After Midnight" to a 10/10 and I'm excited to find out if this new track is on the same level. The new track is called Air Guitar and has already recieved support from many of the major trance jocks. This time there are no remixes or b-side, just a single track which should be quite sufficient since we are dealing with Breakfast.


Review

Air Guitar
Air Guitar isn't on the same level as Remember or The Horizon which I would classify as Casey's biggest hits. It doesn't possess the same peak time feeling but I don't think he intended to replicate those either. Air Guitar is a nice feel-good 'opener' which builds up in its own facion. It contains the classic Breakfast elements, which are the semi-soft kick, the warm bass and the fluent melodies. The latter making his productions especially unique. This track diverts from the other big Breakfast productions in the break, where a guitar is being introduced and slowly being covered by a distorted lead. It gives the track a sort of rock edge instead of an euphoric feel. But again, I think Breakfast is telling a completely different musical story this time which makes it different.

Verdict
Casey can still pull off some big tracks and this tune has some good qualities. As one might sense from the review, I'm not particularly excited, but it is hard to do a follow-up to a major record and my judgement has been affected by this without a doubt. The standard is still high though in this production and many of the Breakfast effects n tricks gives the track a kick. If you dig the Breakfast sound, then this is highly recommended - 8/10.


Out soon!

Websites:
http://www.flashoverrecordings.com

Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/flashoverrecordings
http://www.myspace.com/cookbreakfast

865

Polls and Reviews / Reconceal & Andy Blueman - The World To Come [Perceptive] Review

« on: August 03, 2009, 04:54:32 pm »

Andy Blueman opened 2009 with his chart topping EP called Sea Tides. These days the shelf life of trance records usually are a few weeks to 2 months but top jocks like Armin van Buuren and Tiësto are still playing out Blueman's Sea Tides. I'm quite certain that people will remember Andy Blueman when they look back on 2009. So far Andy has remixed for artists like Waterspark, Robert Nickson and Ferry Tayle & Static Blue and forthcoming remixes are for Motionchild & Will Holland and Armin van Buuren. I did a short interview with Blueman back in January where he told me he was slow at composing but now the remix jobs are rolling in, and this collaboration with Reconceal is here. Andy Blueman isn't a stranger to the Perceptive Recordings where he so far has had all his singles released. Reconceal also is no stranger with this being his second single on Perceptive. Right now fans are patiently awaiting the next from Andy and the hype around this tune had already begun before the tune was even revealed. Let's take a closer look at this release which has two original mixes; one from Andy Blueman and one from Reconceal. Remixes comes from Onova and Alex Pich.

Andy Blueman:
"Expect a very epic break again, similar to Neverland."
"To be honest, it's better, there is much more going on in this song and the break is even stronger and more emotional."

The first mix is the Reconceal Mix and this mix is in your face from first bar. The graduate percussion build-up has pretty much been skipped. From 3rd phrase the bassline is being thrown at you and the melody starts to get going. Sadly I feel that this mix is simply too aggressive and messy and the things get slightly corny with the choirs used. Big big pay-off but nothing that gets me excited. The Andy Blueman Mix feels alot more cleaner compared to the other version but still very energetic if you compare it to his other productions. Punchy bassline, rolling aggressive percussion and a well-structured build-up - you are definitely being taken on a ride here. And as promissed, a nothing short of grand and epic breakdown with a bit of that moviescore theme, as heard in Neverland. The fans will love this without a doubt. On to the Onova Remix; as usual we're dealing with an energetic stormer. I'm feeling a bit of better mastering around this one - the sounds feel much more clean and you really get to taste the individual elements he's thrown in there. Brilliant sizzling synth lines, shots and a good rolling bassline. The breakdown isn't far from the style in the originals and it really does not fall behind. The last remix is from Russian producer Alex Pich. It's a slice of deep, slightly groovy, hypnotic progressive trance. The whole track mainly relies on the arp/lead, the bass and the kick drum - it's not a super exciting remix but I'm sure this will please some of the prog lovers out there - perhaps some of those who enjoy the sound of Arthur Deep.

Verdict
You can't win them all; I'm saying this cause I was only really feeling 25 % of this release. It's important for me to mention that I have followed the Perceptive boys from the very beginning and their success-rate has been phenomenal. However, I think Andy stayed true to his words and he took that breakdown even further compared to Neverland. Onova is the one to go for however, and this just might be one of his finest remixes ever, so make sure you check that out.

Beatport: 10/08/2009

Perceptive Recordings

866

Polls and Reviews / Evave - To The Stars [Enhanced Progressive] ASOT support!

« on: August 03, 2009, 06:38:58 am »

Out Now!


Audiojelly
http://www.audiojelly.com/singles/276014

Beatport
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/181877/to_the_stars

DJDownload
http://www.djdownload.com/artist/Evave/767102

Junodownload
http://www.junodownload.com/ppps/products/1443085-02.htm

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

867

Polls and Reviews / Redd Square - Digital Acoustics [Monster Tunes]

« on: August 02, 2009, 06:46:58 pm »

Available Now:
http://www.audiojelly.com/singles/279907

868

Polls and Reviews / Ferry Tayle & Static Blue - L'Acrobat [Enhanced]

« on: July 31, 2009, 08:38:28 am »

Shameless bump

Original and Andy Blueman Remix are in the Beatport Trance top 20 - w00p

869

Polls and Reviews / David Forbes - Sunrise [Fraction Records]

« on: July 28, 2009, 06:40:40 am »

Out Now:
https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/183381/sunrise#app=1c03&a486-index=0

870

Polls and Reviews / David Forbes - Sunrise [Fraction Records]

« on: July 27, 2009, 05:51:46 pm »

Former member of the well known Public Domain project David Forbes is now having his fourth release on Fraction Records. In the past David has had releases on an impressive list of labels including Eve, Armada, Oxygen, Full Tilt, Detox, Vandit Digital, Reset and Monster Tunes. His style is usually euphoric, uplifting and/or techy. He has also shown a softer side of himself with one of his latest remixes which he did for Pulser on Maelstrom (one to check out!). On this record there is two original mixes, a remix by the boys from Austin, Texas known as Tritonal and Tom Sela & Harris Briggs who released "The Day Will Come" on Fraction last year.

Original Mix / Sunrise Mix
The previous Fraction releases from David have all been tight but still not revolutionary in any way. And he does play a safe card here but the production speaks for itself. It has the right ingredients and the build-up is effective. I had a bit of a nostalgic moment as the chord progression reminded me of the old F&W productions from around 2004 - and that certainly is a compliment by the way. There is also a Sunrise Mix to go with the release which is basicly "Sunrise" in an aggressive form with a much brighter melody.

Tritonal's 'Air Up There' Mix
This one is bit of a techy affair from Tritonal which is something new as far as I know. The mix does still have the 'classic' airy, light and melodic Tritonal atmosphere that they are known to put accross in their 'Air Up There' mixes. I think the distorted lead they pull off is a little too much to be honest and it reminds me of the stuff we see all the time from labels like Reset. The melodic touches and the vocals that they add here and there still makes this a worthy remix. Not completely convinced yet not dissapointed.

Tom Sela & Harris Briggs Remix
I might as well lay down my cards; this is without a doubt the most appealing and interesting mix on this release. The mix kicks off well from the beginning with breakbeat percussion and a windy atmosphere in the background. The nice little unique perc shots are nice details and with them, the big main bass kicks in. An acid line starts to build - slowly - and rises graduatly, and this combination of bass, dark haunting melodies, percussion and acid is just pure orgasm. As well is the occasional delayed hi hats/cymbals/synth shots (whatever it may be)  that wanders accross the track. In the break we get the full breakbeat spectrum and it works quite well - kinda wondering if the setup is completely homemade or if it was sampled. After the break it's back to acid and the track slowly fades elegantly.

Verdict
Overall a good release from Fraction. The Tom Sela & Harris Briggs Remix is by far the best. I think the boys have spent an awful lot of hours in the studio on this one and it paid off in my opinion. It's a very slow yet exciting remix and probably too slow for the mainstream crowd. So I basicly expect most people to disagree with me on this one but it really is good and at first I thought 9 minutes would be overkill but it is well-structured and well-produced not to mention it breaks with the norms of todays scene. I'm guessing the boys has got a lot of their inspiration from some of the stuff Way Out West, Digweed and Sasha played some years ago. Excellent remix - 9,5/10. David's Sunrise Mix also isn't half bad. His melody works and his production skills should make this suitable for the club.

Exclusives available from 28 July


Fraction Records