Loukas' Music Reviews
May 2001
May kicks off with some excellent Tunage from Purple Eye in Holland!
Reviews from 09/05/01
System F vs Armin - Exhale [Tsunami 028]
Favourite Track: A
Future Chart Position: Yes - 2
Additional Comments: Excellent 2 Tracker from 2 of Trance Music's Leading Producers.
Overall Rating: 10
Full Review: Those of you who regularly see my reviews will probably think I'm biased towards the Purple Eye label a bit. This is not the case it's just that nearly every single track I recieve from them is top quality. System F's Ferry Corsten and Armin Van Buuren are two well respected trance producers. Kickin off with some fx which lead into a hard hitting bassline and gritty drums this track is pretty much recognisable as a corsten production already. The Underlaying bassline kicks in over some more drum programming. A synth melody kicks in and is doubled up at a different pitch. This drops out to the bass which is filtered, leading into the breakdown where some signum like strings kick in. Everything drops down until a really strong, reverbed and well produced riff falls into place which hits the spot at +8 and some more. The rest of the track kicks in and by this stage I've got an intention to annoy the neighbours by sticking this up so loud. To describe this as Intense is an understatement and I can have confidence in saying that this will get licensed to a major as soon as possible. This carries onto the second breakdown which by this stage I can say Tsunami are onto another winner here. Side B has a remix by Combined Forces (another label I'm keen on) progressive house superstar Sander Kleinenberg. His mix starts off with some a deep dubby bassline and some fx. This leads into some simple drum programming over the dubby bassline. This drops down as a simple synth melody and this carries on to late into the track where things get a little grittier to say the least. This mix is probably going to be favoured by DJs like Timo Maas and Nick Warren. The A side remains my favourite as It's Happier and appeals more to me. Watch it Explode very shortly and do damage like "Out of the Blue" did.
Release Date: T.B.A
Medicine Men - Wake Up [Carnal 005]
Favourite Track: A
Future Chart Position: Yes - 16
Additional Comments: Stabby Hard Trance track acting as a wake up call
Overall Rating: 7/8
Full Review: Speaker Terrorists "Medicine Men" return with another hard drum attack. "Wake Up" starts with a hard kick drum and builds into some more complex programming and unsuprisingly a "Wake Up" vocal. A buzzy bassline and a click kick in to the track which leads into some rides and a conga style lead. This dies down into some Jungle samples which kick into a really weird buzzy synth line and another twisted "wake up" vocal. The track kicks in from there with the synth line being much more intense and altering in pitch. Some sharper longer synths fade into the Conga lead which fades into the second breakdown and a the riff is chopped up some more. This is another intense track and is a definition of the weird Carnal style sound. The B side remix starts with some more accessable drums and the "Please Wake Up" Vocal. A Mauro picotto style bassline kicks in with some very twisted synths scattered around the track. In the breakdown the synths are on there own being filtered and when everything kicks in this track like the A side is mad. It's not the best thing I've heard to come from the Carnal label but It's still worth a listen if you are into the labels usual stuff. Out now.
Release Date: 07/05/01
Reviews from 12/05/01
The M Experience - Rock Ya Body [Redemption Test Pressing]
Name: Louk
Residencies: N/A - List of places where review will be is at the bottom of page.
Personal Reaction: 10/10
Chart Position: No 2 for chart for week 21/05/01
Crowd Reaction: 10/10 (It's reviewed)
Comments: Top quality track with an Excellent remix by Shock records' Butch &emp; Sundance... Definitely one to watch.
Full Review: Birmingham based Redemption are a label I had only heard from 4 days ago. After an tip off from Off It's Face boss Neil Roberts, I decided to check them out and it's an understatement to say I was impressed by what I heard. So straight away I contacted label boss Bhaskar and this lovely T.P came in the post today. The "Butch &emp; Sundance" mix on the A side kicks off with a breakbeat and 303 line with an extra strong kick, this progresses into more complex drum programming. A simple bassline with a really resonant synth leads into the breakdown where a simple riff kicks in alongside raps of "Break it down and get ya into the groove" Kickstarting and Stopping the track before it kicks in again and when it does the track is pretty hard to resist dancing to. A new riff comes in which definitely appeals to me and this leads into a female vocal of "Rock Ya body" and leads into the second breakdown with a very intense buildup. When the riff filters in with a different, more trance like synth you get the feeling that this track will do serious damage wherever played and is definitely peak time material which comes with a strong recommendation from me. The "Original Rave Mix" starts with some strong drum programming and nice oldschool stabs to which the killer riff from the remix is used but doesn't work as well as the A side's full on madness. When the track kicks It sounds a bit like a harder Signum production as Some nice strings come in which lead on to the 2nd breakdown where a gated synth line and "Ooohh Rock Ya Body" vocal occur. Not as good as the A side which is nothing short of excellence but this side is still very worthy of a play. This record has already had interest from Jon Doe and other Top Djs like Danny Slade, Lee Haslam, Superfast Oz and Mark Wilson (Disco Brothers). Definitely one to watch.
Release Date: June 2001
Microbe - XIT2Nowhere / Freezing [Redemption 015]
Name: Louk
Residencies: N/A - List of places where review will be is at the bottom of page.
Personal Reaction: 9/10
Chart Position: No 11 for chart for week 21/05/01
Crowd Reaction: 9/10 (It's reviewed)
Comments: A harder German trance track reminding me of material on Overdose and Drizzly. Top stuff.
Full Review: Redemption deliver another track this month, produced by Christian Stein and Tino Hufeld aka Microbe/Dark Moon. Dark moon have already had loads of success after their remix of Marc Et Claude - I Need Your Lovin last year and have featured on Redemption already with their tracks "Zeitreise" and "Virtual Minds". This two tracker promises to have "an evil German trance edge" and theres no way I can disagree with that statement at all. "XIT2Nowhere" starts off with a hard kick drum and some claves and a strong clap, which leads into a hard german style bassline, synth underlays and some added fx. A swirly synth underlay is filtered around and some short stabby bleeps come in. When the breakdown kicks some excellent strings fade in which are very nice and a riff not unsimilar to Cosmic Gate - Fire Wire sends the track into a 303 line and the track kicks in again with the riff in full. Very Twisted and Evil yet very appealing material. "Freezing" kicks off with some african jungle noises and a strong kick drum which fades and is speeded up. This leads into an even stronger kick and hard bassline amongst some "Freezing" vocals and complex drum programming. An excellent arpeggiated synth line kicks in which leads the track which is filtered around until some stabs introduce a really weird riff that definitely works well with the track, when the track kicks in again expect to be blown away by this track. These two tracks are definitely aimed for the more intense floors and DJs like Alex Ball, Mark EG &emp; Scot Project will most likely be giving this track full support in due course. Quality.
Release Date: T.B.A
Reviews from 21/05/01
Green Court feat De/Vision - Take My Breath Away (Remixes) [Logport 005]
Favourite Track: A1
Future Chart Position: Yes - 4
Additional Comments: Both Chrome &emp; Corvin Dalek do Excellent Reworkings on this top trancer.
Overall Rating: 10/10
Full Review: The Logport label have over the last few releases maintained a consistent feel of trance and progressive house music that isn't immediately accessible first time but when you listen to it a few times you wonder why you would have dismissed it in the first place. "Chrome's Romance In New York Mix" starts with a strong kick and clever drum programming which leads on to a catchy organ and hypnotic bassline. This leads onto some supersaw stabs and fx coming in before the track introduces the vocals (provided by Steffen). The vocal line itself reminds me of Marc Almond and combined with the bassline this track grows on me. The Track kicks in after the vocals are filtered but no riff is introduced yet giving the impression that this is aimed at the trance crowds who arent keen on breakdowns, more on getting into a groove. Some excellent strings kick in with the chorus of the vocal and this is one class track which leads into the bassline and organ again. When everything kicks in I can say that this is one seriously hypnotic track fully worthy of a 10/10 on its own. "Corvin Dalek's Wet &emp; Hard Mix" has very industrial drums starting it off which lead into a dark and deep bassline. The drums become more complex as snippets of the vocal are teased in, this carries on as the vocals are in full and a dark synth line comes in. This is very deep track and there isn't an evident breakdown. A good mix which is aimed at the progressive dancefloors. My Favourite is Definitely the Chrome remix, stick with that and you can't really go wrong. Excellent track from the Logport label.
Release Date: T.B.A
Tony Walker - Fields Of Joy [Drizzly 2012]
Favourite Track: A1
Future Chart Position: Yes - 7
Additional Comments: The Tsunami track from December returns with an excellent remix from Flutlicht
Overall Rating: 9
Full Review: The Drizzly team in Germany have been on a Licensing spree recently it seems. It was a delight to recieve this track again (having already been sent it in December on the Tsunami label). It caught my attention immediatley due to the new remix by Flutlicht. Flutlicht's Reworking starts off with some strings which lacked in both the other mixes and leads straight into a hard kick drum and punchy clap with a simple bassline. The bassline becomes complex as synths and fx are added with some strings. This breaks down to just the synth fx and bassline where the strings fade in again and a really strong riff is introduced which feels inspirational especially when the Sun is shining. The kick drum &emp; bassline combines with the riff and this track is definitely an improvement on the other two versions. The riff doubles up and sounds even happier and more energetic than before. Flutlicht are fast becoming one of the shining stars in production after their excellent Icarus track which is still in my top 10, three months on. The Ferry Corsten mix is very similar to what De Bos has produced before (as De Bos and Sound Check). A very simple Juno 106 style drops down for a short, more accessible instrument for the riff and a string breakdown being added too which works really well. The Original has had a lot of positive feedback and is similar to something Veracocha would produce. Very well produced(nice and tight bass and drums) and definatley a good riff. However the track does go on a little too long and is a bit overhyped in my opinion, it also lacks a string breakdown which would have been ideal at one or two places in the track. Check out all 3 mixes but the Flutlicht mix comes with a strong Recommendation from me.
Release Date: T.B.A
Native - Feel The Drums [Drizzly 2010]
Favourite Track: A1
Future Chart Position: No
Additional Comments: Sub Standard Drizzly Release which isn't my cup of tea.
Overall Rating: 5
Full Review: Flutlicht deliver another remix this month on Drizzly again, This time they work on a track licensed from Slinky in the U.K. Their mix kicks off telling us to "Feel the drums and listen to the sound". Some industrial drums occur over a strong kick and this leads into a pulsing bassline with shakers &emp; snares. A very twisted pitch bent synth line comes in as the drums become more tribal and complicated. The track dies down to just the kick and bassline where the track filters into a 303 line and a sharp synth, this kicks and the track is intense to say the least. Reluctantly, I flip over to the "Public Domain Mix" as I don't have a high tolerance of their productions. Starting off with a kick drum and the "feel the drums" vocal being filtered, this track actually starts quite well. Until the 1 note bassline kicks in and the track sounds really dark and twisted. Especially when the vocals come in and a dark hardcore like synth lead comes in. This carries on to the second breakdown where a breakbeat is added and some dark saw synths come in to add to the evil feel of this track. The "Original mix" starts with a kick, a conga drumloop and some fx. The bassline kicks in and when the synth underlay comes in it doesnt suit the bassline and the rest of the track but doesnt bother me too much. The vocal kicks in and a really evil string line kicks in to which I've pulled the needle off the record and have one word of warning... AVOID. Thankfully the Flutlicht mix is passable cos without it I'd seriously avoid this track.
Release Date: T.B.A
Tukan - Light A Rainbow (Remixes Part 1) [Drizzly 2013]
Favourite Track: B1
Future Chart Position: Yes - 11
Additional Comments: The Excellent track returns with remixes from two popular producers.
Overall Rating: 8
Full Review: CJ Stone is someone who's tracks always remind me of someone elses, his remix starts with a simple drum pattern and a sine wave playing the melody off the synth underlay from the original. This kicks into a very Lange like bassline. The vocal comes in as the drums become more complex and even more like a Lange production. The synth line which comes in after this is similar to a DJ Tiesto remix. When the breakdown comes in some very nice JP8000 style strings come in that really work well with the vocal. When the lead comes in the track works quite well and caters for the more radio friendly sort of DJ. The "Wippenberg" mix starts off with a really hard kick drum and hard house style programming until the really strong bassline comes in which leads into the vocal and where I said that the synth line in this track also reminds me of Tiesto, when the track dies down into the breakdown the riff and underlay filters down into some strings and the vocal, the track builds up with some Rank 1 Strings and at this point it is hard to resist dancing to. Check it out.
Release Date: T.B.A
Tukan - Light A Rainbow (Remixes Part 2) [Drizzly 2013R]
Favourite Track: A1
Future Chart Position: Yes - 11
Additional Comments: Tukan reappears again with the excellent Green Court mix and A darker ATB Reworking.
Overall Rating: 9
Full Review: If you take a look at my reviews from December last year you`ll find out how keen I was on the Green Court mix of this track, to say it is excellent is an understatement and everything I said then still applies. The only problem with it in my view is that it is too slow at 0 percent but with added pitch it is a killer. ATB's mix starts with a strong kick drum, an odd synth and a chugging loop. The breakdown has a sharp 303 over a breakbeat and a frequent breathy stab. The vocals kick in as well and after the build up the 303 is played with over the breakbeat and stab. This carries on to the Second Breakdown when some signum like strings are added. A really simple and cheesy riff comes in where I decide this definitely isn't the mix for me. Check out the Green Court mix... Top Track.
Release Date: T.B.A
DJ Worris - Spiegelbild [Planet Traxx 2016]
Favourite Track: A1
Future Chart Position: Yes - 9
Additional Comments: Hard Techno from the Planet Traxx label
Overall Rating: 9/10
Full Review: Ooh this I like!! Spiegelbild starts off with a hard kick drum and twisted 303 riff and this leads on to a very complex drum pattern. The breakdown has a very Sven Vath like synth which really appeals to me, combined with a nice underlay, in my view this track is like some harthouse stuff revisited. A really dreamy and twisted vocal kicks in which leads into the track becoming harder. A metallic synth comes in and gets filtered down which is evident that this is some decent hard techno. The track ends with the nice sven vath synth and the twisted vocal. "Goodness" starts off with an odd kick drum, an open hi hat and some rides. A weird effected drumloop is added and this leads into the breakdown where just the loop and the hi hat occurs. A "For Goodness Sake" vocal leads into the track becoming intesne with a hardcore bass drum and some metallic fx. A synth underlay that sounds like it's come from TV show the twilight Zone is added and this track is seriously intense but I really like it. Why this is on Planet Traxx is a shock but a good one all the same as both of these tracks are quality techno reminding me of some harthouse material. Definitely one to watch for fans of labels like Construct Rhythm, Form &emp; Jerk.
Release Date: T.B.A
Reviews from 25/05/01
Comanova - Wishful Thinking [4 Fingers 015]
Favourite Track: A1
Future Chart Position: Yes - 6
Additional Comments: Lush Ibiza Style Trance Track from Purple Eye Offshoot 4 Fingers
Overall Rating: 10/10
Full Review: Purple Eye in Holland have been releasing tune after tune recently, incase you havent noticed I have been giving most of their recent output high marks and this is no exception. 4 Fingers output is hard to get but I'm not complaining as I get it all free and in advance.. such is life :) Their last release was licensed to Code Blue in the UK and I can see this going in a similar direction. Kicking off with a synth underlay and cool drum programming this track leads into some very nice synth work, funky drum programming and off beat basslines. A really dreamy vocal comes in and loops and reverse cymbals are triggered as a really nice riff kicks in. As the tune progresses strings are added which lead into the 2nd breakdown. This is so obviously intended for Ibiza dancefloors and It's a track which shows Summer time is here again. The B Side kicks off with some 303s and simple drum programming and builds up to the bassline and stabs. The track Leads into the synth underlay from the A side and takes a more moodier approach than the A side. Some strings kick in during the breakdown and the vocals are sung over an electronic beat that makes use of Roland 808 drum sounds. A different riff to that of the original comes in and the track really kicks off. This is intended for those who find the A side too happy for their liking. The other mix on the B side kicks off with hard drum programming and a nice bassline. Some underlay synths kick in and the track breaks down to the strings and a drumloop with the vocals over the top. A really twisted synth riff comes in and this mix is for those that like tracks to be different. I can see all three mixes doing really well in Ibiza as they cater for all different tastes. My recommendation goes with the A Side as it is Top Quality.
Release Date: T.B.A
Oxidizing Agent - 909 State [Silverstar 003]
Favourite Track: A1
Future Chart Position: Yes - 8
Additional Comments: Funky Hard House with some Old School Influences
Overall Rating: 9/10
Full Review: This funky Dutch number is produced by Henry Lookers of the Shrink and Michel Van Der Kuij. "909 State" should be a massive clue to where the influence from this track comes from. The Orignal mix starts with a funky drumloop and a hard bassline. This track then kicks into some raps before the riff from 808 State - Cubik comes in with some crowd cheers. To be honest I'm suprised it hasn't been done before. Hard orchestral stabs are placed in this track alongside all the fx and drums and this track is another Ibiza style track thats set for really big things. The "Shrink" remix starts with hard drums and a tough bassline which leads into some fx and complex drum programming being added. The Cubik riff is then edited and combined with a buzzy synth. The track kicks in and is definitely for the headstrong only. The track dies down to just 303s and a repeated short stab before kickin in again. This mix is definitely aimed for the harder dancefloors and both tracks from purple eye this month I reckon are set for big things.
Release Date: T.B.A
Reviews from 30/05/01
Various - In.Disc Sampler [DKD D-Noy 005]
Favourite Track: B2
Future Chart Position: Yes - 14
Additional Comments: This sampler contains a mixture of trance ranging from commercial to hard trance.
Overall Rating: 8/10
Full Review: Things have been going very well for norweigen based In.disc. Their last vinyl release "To Stay Awake" by Boombox was in my top 10 of the year last year. This record contains 5 tracks that have been licensed to Canada on the DKD D-NOY label. First track on this record is the "Hard Buzz Mix" of Boombox's "Plan of the Devil" kicks off with a strong drum and bass programing and builds into the breakdown where a buzzy synth lead kicks in which is very similar to DJ Taucher's "Bizzarre". A vocal says about the Plan of the Devil and the track kicks in and sounds very intense. The Original mix is harder and more simplistic with 303s added and both tracks with an harder remix would suit the Overdose label very well. Flip over for "Winter" by Icebird and this track is very similar to a cross between Armin van Buuren and DJ Manta with a much cheesier edge so I take it it's aimed at the commercial/club charts. A simple melody and strings lead into a breakdown where a very cheesy melody kicks in which Is catchy too but I feel it's been done too many times before. The "Sharp Mix" of "Siren's Cry" produced by Dream Pirates (aka The Shrink) starts with a very trance intro with 303s at the ready and a synth underlay thats flanged around, this mix is really good but theres an awful vocal which I can only just overlook. This leads into the breakdown where a resonant synth kicks in and so does a Pizzicato line. This is joined with a 303 and the track is well produced. Some excellent Signum Style flanged strings kick in but so does the vocal. The "Edited Mix" starts with a filtered drum loop and kicks into a simple bassline and a synth underlay. A vocal comes in which Isn't too bad compared to the A side but it is a little loud. Another lead melody comes in to which another vocal kicks in which i'm not so keen on. The track stops and a really excellent flanged lead kicks in which is like an earlier Crowdpleasers track or Malice In Wonderland by Pants And Corset and those two were big tracks for me. When the track kicks in it's hard to resist dancing to and is one to watch. My only advice with both the "Siren's Cry" is to drop the vocals as they are awful and the tracks would be so much better without them. All in all This whole EP is qutie good and is defiantely worth checking out. I doubt many copies of it are in the uk so It's probably best to check www.indisc.com or www.d-noy.com for more info.
Release Date: T.B.A