August 2002 Reviews

Louk

Scooter - Nejassa [Sheffield Tunes / Edel]
I will be fair and say that I did not really rate the "Logical Song" by Scooter at all, with that in mind it is unfortunate that the follow up "Nessaja" is near enough identical but a bit cheesier. Featuring remixes by "LMC" (also known as Mostiko favourites Orion Too) and the legendary "Flip + Fill". Covering a German Fairytale written by Peter Maffay and Rolf Zukowski, the "Extended Mix" is a fairly commercial track with some cool percussion and synth stabs before launching into a nice Awex style bassline. This leads into a cool synth underlay before the tune drops to let some extremely shocking vocals come in along with the typical MC'ing that is on each Scooter production. Not really my sort of thing at all! The "Clubstar UK mix" mix is even more chart orientated, slowing down the tempo slightly with some very bouncy percussion, this mix will be ideal for fans of the Radio Mix of "Logical Song". On the flip is the "Flip + Fill Mix" and they turn in a quite uplifting reworking with some very uplifting synths, its a shame as I am not keen on the vocals but if this was an instrumental it would be awesome. Finally is the LMC mix which is a fairly different reworking, keeping some cool synths and also managing to lay off the MC'ing so much. All in all, I'm not impressed by this one at all but if you are into commercial stuff you will no doubt love it.

4-Motion - Over 4 Me [Solar]
Release number six for Dorset's excellent Solar Music label is a track that's been receiving a fair amount of hype recently and has had limited release on both Bass City and Slinky before finally settling on Solar Music. There are two mixes on offer of "Over 4 Me", the Original Mix isn't very good at all. Starting with some OK percussion the tune then leads into a horrible bassline and the vocals from an old "Kiwi Dreams" tune that really does sound shocking. A terrible riff comes in and this mix is DEFINITELY not my sort of thing at all. On the flip "Formula 7" do a slightly better reworking taking on a more uplifting trance form, kicking off some cool synth parts and OK percussion, the break is reasonable until the vocals come in. When this happens you realise this is a pretty poor remake and again isn't my sort of thing. I'd recommend checking out the Nasty Boyz Release that's also from this label instead. Horrible.

Nasty Boyz - Overdrive [Solar]
This Production comes from the "Nasty Boyz" (also known as Darren Styles + Mark Breeze) and is a follow up to their "Feel My Desire" track from the end of 2001. First up is the "Club Mix" which starts with some quality percussion, and excellent sweeping FX and good bassline. The tune breaks to let some effected vocals come in over a pretty nice synth underlay before a mental riff comes in. It is pretty clear from this track that the two have produced hardcore before as there is a very similar arrangement to hardcore tunes by the two. This isn't a bad thing though as it is still a quality track. On the flip the "Original Mix" is very similar to the Club mix with the only noticeable differences being it features a Rank 1/The Mystery Style supersaw riff and has a tougher feel to it. All in all here are two very cool tracks from Dorset's Solar label that are really worth checking out. Noiice!

Flesh + Bones - My Time Has Come Remixes [Sookie]
Producers Wout Van Dessel and Regi Penxten (also known as Milk Inc and other aliases) return with another tune under their "Flesh + Bones" alias. The very successful "I Love You" managed to find it's way onto Multiply recordings in the UK and I can see this production going the same way. With three mixes on offer, the Systematic parts mix of "My Time Has Come" is a fantastic slice of uplifting trance, with some tough and frenzied percussion. As well as this some quality vocals are added as well as an excellent riff which really does some major damage. A real crowd pleasing tune. On the flip, "Terrapin" take on a more electro inspired mix which sounds to me like a production from the 80's. It does feature an excellent saw riff though. Finally The Extended Vocal mix is a full on stomper with some very odd percussion. Definitely for the more weirder crowds. My advice would be to stick with the Systematic Parts mix. All in all though this is one quality three tracker and let's hope a UK release is imminent.

Onorno - Love To Love You [Mostiko]
This release from Onorno is an extremely strange production indeed. Entitled "Love To Love You", I have to say that in all fairness the "Phase 4 Mix" of this track is extremely shocking, featuring some horrible vocals and synth underlay, extremely strange percussion and a riff that sounds so terrible that stopping the record at this point proves to be the most logical option. All is not lost as Next up is the "Brian Koner Remix". This is a reasonable trance attempt with some very catchy synth parts in but it still features the vocals from the original. Finally on the flip is the "Tom De Neef Mix" which is out and out quality, taking on a more techno influenced role like Tom's other productions this track has some excellent percussion, nice synth stabs and once pitched up a few percent definitely proves itself to be the best mix on offer on this one. All I have to say is if buying this one, avoid the "Phase 4" mix!

Minimalistix - A Forest Hard Trance Remixes [Sphear]
After a recently large amount of hype, Mostiko in Belgium have decided to unleash two more remixes of "A Forest" by Minimalistix that promise to be Hard Trance. "Nord vs Bonka" are up first and their mix starts with some solid drums and a rock hard bassline, a very punchy synth underlay comes in along with a string part that sounds out of place in a tune and a synth riff that is OK but not that good in my opinion. On the flip and the "DJ Garry Mix" starts with a very cool 303 riff that leads into some really odd strings that do not really belong in my opinion before launching into some chopped up synths that really sound uplifting along with vocals of "Into The Trees" and another quite cool synth part that follows. Definitely the better of the two mixes in my opinion but in all honesty they aren't really that necessary, still not a bad attempt at all but I prefer the Progressive remixes!

Project Ex - Buggin Me [Wanna B]
This release by the mysterious "Project Ex" kickstarts another new label from the lot at Cheeky Charas in Torquay. With mixes of "Buggin Me'" provided from three of their main artists Max Hall, Darc Marc and John Darling, there is enough variety here to keep the majority happy. First up is South West legend Darc Marc with his "Antidisko Mix" who delivers an extremely uplifting funky techno mix. In this mix he manages to chop up the vocals along with a very catchy bassline similar to "Feelings For You" by "Cassius" and solid drum programming that really works well. On the flip and "Max Hall's Break Mix" is unsuprisngly a breakbeat mix, sounding very cool indeed with some stabs that add a very dark twist to his mix. Finally is the "Phish Funk mix" provided by John Darling (also known as Silverknight) and this is a very uptempo track that sounds ace and no doubt a hard house DJ would probably favour this mix. All in all here are three very cool tracks to choose from. Check it out.

Mike Nero - Drop Out [Diamond Wight]
The first release of several from producer Mike Nero this month kicks off with this release, which is also the first of many tracks to come from Torquay's Diamond Wight label. Kicking off with "Drop Out" and what we have here is a relentless hard trance track featuring a tough kick drum, a nagging synth underlay and various other elements before letting a very odd synth riff come in that works quite well. Next is "The Fly" which is very similar in arrangement except that vocals are added and a completely different riff is used as well as the tune being much more simplistic overall in my opinion. Finally is "I Loose My Mind" which is a very nice and uplifting track, featuring a very cool synth underlay as well as some mental strings and a very cool riff, this one is definitely set to do well in my opinion. Three very cool productions on this one! Definitely worth a listen if you like your trance!

Silverknight - Heaven [Solid Choonz]
The first release for Torquay based "Solid Choonz" label comes from Silverknight (also known as producer John Dalling, who has been really busy this month by the look of things). With two mixes on offer, The "Hard Mix" of "Heaven" is a very nice Hard House track with some excellent and pacey percussion alongside a cool bassline, MC vocals and sirens. The tune drops to a vocal of "Bring Me To Heaven" and an extremely mental riff comes in which really is uplifting and when the tune kicks off again you know this is a winner. On the flip is the "Original Mix" which plays more with the stabs on the "Hard Mix" also featuring a new hoover riff which works a treat. Definitely one of the best hard house releases of late and what a fantastic tune to kick off a new label. Check this out when released if you like hard house. Brilliant.

3 Of Us - Eclipso 1 [North Technology]
Hailing from Italy, this production kicks off the North Technology label which is based in Devon. With four tracks on offer, "Eclipso 1" is a very odd track with some strange percussion, an OK bassline and a riff which really doesn't fit well in my opinion. Not really my sort of thing at all and the tempo is a bit on the low side. "Eclipso 2" is slightly better, with some funky synths and some harder percussion along with some mental FX but again the tempo is a bit too low on this one too and the track lacks any real energy. On the flip and first up is "Protagon" which is a pretty dull production, featuring some synth swirls and very odd sweeps that do not feel right along side a pretty hard percussion section, this is again a very weird production. While finally is "Darkside" which is very full on with some acid stabs along with a cool riff and a very dark string breakdown, this is definitely the best track on this release. Not the best first release but it is still worth a listen.

Mike Nero - Feel Free [Diamond Wight]
The second release for Diamond Wight is again by Mike Nero and with these three tracks he definitely shows a huge German influence in his production. On the A side is "Feel Free" which has a very cool kick and synth underlays that nag away on top of a pretty sharp bassline, this leads the track into the breakdown where some dark strings come in and an extremely weird riff. On side B, first up is "Dreams" which takes on a more melodic form with some cool 303 stabs, a synth underlay that works well as well as fantastic strings and a really good riff. Definitely a very impressive track. Finally is "Let The Bass Kick" which has spoken vocals, an odd 303 riff and and breakbeats on top of a pretty cool arrangement. The only thing is this mix seems to lack any serious energy but it is an OK production all the same. Stick with "Dreams" and you can't go wrong on this one!

Darc Marc - Dirty Drums [Rough Diamond Dark Blue]
South West legend Darc Marc is the producer for this, the first release on Rough Diamond's Dark Blue label. With techno being the theme, "Busted" is a fantastic track with lots of mental FX and some conga percussion that really makes this track stand out. This track alone is worth the full price of the record. Next up is "Ctrl K" which incorporates some hugely effective bell sounds on top of a simple percussive groove and this is definitely one for those who like something a bit different. On the flip and first up is "Just Before I Go" which adds breakbeats on top of some mental FX and layered percussion which really works well. Last but not least is "ASP" which features a mental synth riff that has been seriously effected on top of a nice percussive work out. It is nice to know that another Devon bod can make music as twisted as this release demonstrates. Excellent Stuff!

Technology - Degrayed [North Technology]
Torquay's finest techno label deliver their second release and with top producer Luke McMillan at the controls, you know you are in for a treat. First up is the quality "Lucid Afterhour Dub" of "Degrayed Energy" which includes a really evil bassline on top of tough funky drums as well as some really strange vocals that add to the madness of the track. This is definitely for fans of something a little bit different and has certainly won favour with me. On the flip, the Original mix is mental, concentrating more on the percussion with the help of some manic stabs and a generally frantic feel it is no suprise that this peak time techno track has won favour with the likes of Mark EG and Judge Jules. A fantastic release definitely worth checking out. North Technology are proving themselves to be one of the most credible techno labels around. Excellent stuff!

The DJ Producer - Kriminal Breakz [Kriminal Breakz]
Taking a rest from producing Techno, Luke McMillan dons his "Producer" guise once more for this doublepack which kicks off Torquay's very oddly titled Kriminal Breakz imprint. The two records on offer are full to the brim with quality samples and breaks that fans of Hip Hop and Breakbeat will definitely like. The samples included on this record are definitely strange, featuring vocals, fx and a whole lot more and I recognise a fair few of them from Hard House tunes of late. While the breaks are pretty cool in their arrangement and certainly work well. Definitely one for those who like something a bit different or would like to scratch Eddie Halliwell style!

Urban Assassins - Drum Reclamation 1 / Deck Weaponry 1 [Urban Assassins]
For their second release, Torquay's Urban Assasins imprint provides yet more essential samples and loops for Breakbeat DJs and those who want something to sample. What is on offer on these two records are a whole selection of excellent breakbeats, scratches, and so much more. Quality stuff indeed wth all sorts of breaks at varying speeds that really will go down well. Very impressive stuff and certainly worth purchasing if you want something to scratch with! Good Stuff!

Silverknight - Feel The Pressure [Rough Diamond Light Blue]
Release number two for Rough Diamond's Light Blue imprint enlists the production talents of Silverknight, Rowland The Barstool + Little Satan + Mark OD as well as Dean Chester. First up is "Feel The Pressure" which is a pounding hard house track, featuring a really dubby bassline as well as evil stabs, twisted vocals and hoovers, you this one really caters for fans of those who like it really hard. Next up is "Techno Funk" which features some breakbeats along with, a very strange bassline and stabs that really work well, as well as this the tune includes the a pretty cool synth for the riff that Cortina made famous in "Music Is Moving". The tune breaks to allow some crowd samples to come in and a belter of a riff. Definitely a really uplifting tune. On the flip and first up is a remix of "Bottom" and this track adds some ethnic vocals on top of a pretty frantic arrangement. Featuring Hoovers on top of some hectic percussion, this mix is OK but doesn't really do a lot for me though in all honesty. Finally is a remix by Chester which is quite weird, adding some very twisted 303s and evil hoover stabs on top of some really pounding percussion. It is fair to say that this mix is definitely intended for those who like a stomp! All in all here are four pretty cool hard house tracks that will certainly get you stomping. Good stuff!

Darc Marc - C'est Du La Balle [Rough Diamond Dark Blue]
Darc Marc returns this month with this very interesting three tracker on the Rough Diamond Dark Blue label. Kicking off the release is "Hot & Wet" in which Marc borrows some of the acapella to "The Realm" by "C'hantal". As well as this there is a mental bell melody and some fantastic percussion that really adds to the track. On the flip and "C'est Du La Balle" is a funky workout with tonnes of cool percussion and a simple synth riff that nags away and sounds so good. This is definitely just a simple and effective techno track that works really well. Finally is "Twisted Funk" adds a simple 303 like riff on top of some fantastic drum programming. The break on this is also fantastic with some new filtered synths that really add to the track. It's clear that all this guys produtions are set to do damage and It's fair in my opinion to say that he is without a doubt the UK's answer to Kay D Smith.

The Twizt - Compulsive Kleptomania Volume One [Urban Assassins]
This release is another cool doublepack of DJ Tools from Torquay's Urban Assasins imprint, featuring DJ Twizt of the Groove Criminals. Twizt has selected 38 odd electro and break loops for this album and I can definitely say that the track "Lessons In Hi-Fi" on one of these records is the funniest thing I have heard in ages. There are a whole range of pure breaks or tracks with other instruments in them too but one thing is for sure and that is that every DJ into scratching and breaks should have one of these records with them. Quality stuff and no doubt you will hear these tracks used in other productions soon enough!

Silver Knight - Bring The Bass [Rough Diamond Light Blue]
Kicking off another sublabel of Devon's Cheeky Charas Collective, producer John Dalling (under his Silverknight alias) delivers two hard house tracks for Rough Diamond's Light Blue imprint. First up is "Bring The Bass" which is a pretty cool uptempo hard house number, featuring a cool bassline and quirky vocals along with some dark stabs and percussion, this is definitely a track intended for those who like things a little bouncy. On the flip is "The Stomper" which is very strange, featuring some effected percussion loops as well as the classic "Drum beats go like this" vocal and a really odd bassline as well as an even stranger synth, this is one that doesn't really appeal to me in all honesty but is still worth a listen all the same. Stick with "Bring The Bass" on this one. All in all a reasonably good first release from the Torquay collective.

DJ Mill + Manuel T - Destiny [UFO UK]
For their first release, UFO Recordings' UK imprint have decided to release this cool hard trance track by Italian producers DJ Mill + Manuel T. With three mixes on offer, the "Raptor Mix" of "Destiny" is a damn good stomper of a track, with very catchy synth underlays, typically hard percussion and a nice warped bassline. Vocals repeating the title and a quality string break follow before madness kicks in. The "Hard Mix" reminds me of Schwarze Puppen's stuff on the Overdose label, a harsh kick drum and a very odd buzzy synth on top of a SHOKK style bass make this one so good. Featuring a Lock 'N' Load influenced break, things sound wicked when the melody kicks in and already this has had a fair bit of hype from the Italian copy. Finally the "Original Mix" is similar to the "Hard Mix" but adds a few new synth parts that work well and the kick drum sounds extremely hard on this mix too. All in all this is one seriously quality release that fans of Hard Trance will love! Essential!

Luke McMillan - Mixed Reactions [North Technology]
After the quality "Degrayed Energy" by Luke McMillan's "Technology" alias, this two tracker from Devon's North Technology label is a belting slice of Techno that is intent on causing serious speaker damage. First up is "Mixed Reactions" which features some manic reversed synths along with some pretty frenzied percussion and a seriously effected bassloop. As the track progresses a cool synth riff comes in and the track sounds quality. "Delayed Reactions" is my favourite of the two, being a much more hectic yet funkier production with the synth riff from "Mixed Reactions" sounding much more in place here as well as some new stabs that are added. All in all this is a quality production and it is fair to say that both cuts are seriously impressive and no doubt fans of techno and other stuff on this label will like these just as much. Definitely worth checking out!

Project Ex - Buggin Me Remixes [Wanna B]
After the very cool first release, Wanna B have decided to returns with the remixes. The Phish Funk remix is here again for those who missed it first time around and it still sounds as uplifting as ever, but also are two other remixes. First up is the "Tribal Mix" which takes on a more laid back house approach. Featuring conga drums and the Cassius style bassline thats on the other mixes, this tune adds some filtering synths and a deep and dark bassline while playing around with the vocals before finally kicking in around half way through the vinyl. Definitely the oddest remix of this on offer but still quite nice. Finally is the "Phish Funk Edit" which is a three minute version of the Phish Funk Mix. I'm guessing that Wanna B are intending this track to do very well commercially too. Anyway, all in all here are another three cool remixes of "Buggin' Me" that are definitely worth checking out if you liked the first bunch.

Mike Nero - Funky Tune [Diamond Wight]
German producer Mike Nero has been extremely busy this month considering the amount of releases that are around by him. This is release number four for Torquay label Diamond Wight and first up is "Funky Tune" which is a very strange track, having some very cool percussion as well as several spoken vocals and a nice synth underlay, the tune then builds into a pretty annoying riff with a frantic snare roll to go with and when the tune kicks in you know fans of the Dutch sort of sound (for example Klubbheads or DJ Jean) will love this track. Next up is "Hard Bells" which is a very dark track, featuring a very strong kick as well a grinding synth underlay, and unsuprisingly a bell riff that follows which is extremely distorted. Finally is "Victim" which is a bit more uplifting, featuring a nice riff as well as several other good synth parts on top of some hard as nails percussion, this will no doubt go down well with fans of the usual hard German trance stuff. Good Stuff

Raptor - Killer [UFO UK]
Release two on the UK imprint of the Italian UFO label features four extremely nice trance tracks that are also extremely varied. I have no idea who the artist is but "Killer" sounds like it was produced by a cross between Mauro Picotto and Awex. Featuring a hard bassline, a catchy synth underlay and spoken vocals over some seriously dark percussion. The riff that follows i'm not too keen on to be honest but apart from that this is a good track. "Entity" gets the 303s at the ready with along with some swirly synths and some hard percussion that you've also come to expect from this label. The riff on this is a little annoying but all is cool apart from that. "Is This" starts off with some sirens before building into a very odd synth riff over a Picotto-Style arrangment before launching into a mental riff. The break on this is very strange! Finally is "Fill The Generation" which is my favourite track, starting with a very hard kick and cool bassline, some hints of the riff are given before the tune breaks, in which spoken vocals come in and the riff fully kicks in. A very quality production indeed. The UFO label is proving to be very promising and hopefully future material will be just as good.

LA Project - Double Lives [Own World Traxx]
With this three tracker, Producer Andeas Paul provides the first release for the UK division of Own World Traxx. First up is the "Club Mix" of "Double Lives" which is a full on speaker assault, having a fantastic riff along with tough percussion and a break that really does the damage, you can't really go wrong with this mix at all. In the second break when the electro beat comes in confirms that this is going to do major damage. The "Uplifting Mix" is similar to the Club Mix yet has some not so hard percussion and doesn't feel so good to the Club Mix in my opinion, still a good remix though. Finally is "Punching Ball" which is a quality funky trance tune. Featuring some excellent synth sweeps over some cool drum programming and a really dark synth riff during the breakdown, this track definitely has the right elements and works a treat. A very impessive first release. Check it out!

Mark Tyler - Unknown [North Technology]
No Entry's Mark Tyler has certainly made a name for himself recently and with releases like this one on Torquay's North Technology label it should be evident why. The three tracks on offer don't have names as yet but "Track 1" is a pounding techno track with some fantastic FX, percussion and a mental synth riff along with some ride cymbals that really work a treat. "Track 2" takes on a much more noise based arrangement having nothing else but solid percussion and quality FX all the way through. At around half way into the track a fantastic FX riff comes in that no doubt will cause havoc. Finally is "Track 3" features on one of the most twisted basslines I have heard on a tune. The result when combined with tonnes of speaker shattering percussion and manic FX had me stomping around my room in no time at all while listeing. Defintely one of the most innovative techno EPs I have heard in a while!

Hyperterminal - Ascension [Rough Diamond Pink]
For their third release, Rough Diamond's more trancier Pink offshoot enlists the production talent of "Hyperterminal". The Original Mix of "Ascension" is a seriously uplifting track, with some excellent percussion, a cool synth underlay and this leads the tune to the break where a cool piano comes in along with a quite catchy riff. All in all this is very nice production. Next is the Radio Edit which is unsuprisingly a condensed version of the Original mix, it is evident by this mix that the tune is aiming for the more commercial crowd. Finally is "The Transformation" which is fantastic. Starting off with some frantic drums, a very cool bassline and a wicked synth underlay, the tune then carries on to introduce some lush strings and then drops to the break where a mental riff comes in that works so well. When the tune kicks in again you know this is a winner and will go on to do well. Quality track, my favourite of the three.

Mike Nero - Control Me [Diamond Wight]
Release number five on Torquay's Diamond Wight label (which appears to be solely output for Mike Nero's productions) are three more tracks by the man himself. Kicking off with the "DJ Loop Mix" of "Control Me", what we have here is a very cool trance track in the style of the Axwax label, featuring some mental 303s as well as a nice piano part and cool vocals, the riff that follows after the break sounds quality too. The "Hardtek Mix" is a much more darker number, with distorted 303s that sound really good as well as the riff sounding much harder. The one problem I have is that this mix doesn't have enough energy in my opinion but is still worth listening to if you like something a little different. Finally is "Strange Days" which is fantastic, with tough and funky drum programming as well as a bassline similar to LFO stuff and a quality synth riff and stabs that do major damage this one is really set to impress. Definitely my favourite of the three! Fantastic

Luke McMillan - Backwash [North Technology]
Torquay's Technology label manage to spoil us this month Judging by this release. I have no idea who the artist is, just that the five tracks on offer all are of a very high quality and sound awesome. First up is "Backwash" which is a pretty minimal number with some excellent percussion and a synth loop that is effected with throughout the whole track. "Class A Rogue" is much harder with extremely frantic percussion and a metal riff that lets whoevers listening know that they are way out of their depth! A mental production. "Darken" is a pounding number with a bassline and and synth sweeps that are set to overkill alongside tonnes of distorted percussion. While my favourite track on this release "Elasticity" plays with a seriously funky bassline along with the usual distortion and hecticness that you come to expect from this label. Finally is "Theme From" which isn't as uptempo but has some very dark synth parts that when combined with the manic percussion and the nice floatier riff that comes in two thirds of the way through you know will cause serious damage. What a fantastic release!! Definitely one of the best to come from this label yet!

Soho - Flying Madness Remixes [B2]
After Judge Jules, Paul Van Dyk, Jerry Bouthier and many others got on the case with the original, it wasn't going to be long before Soho's fatastic "Flying Madness" had vocals put to it and the result is this blue vinyl from Byte. The vocals add a new class to the original which is definitely one of the better tunes that I have heard this year and no doubt this one will end up in the Top 40 if a UK label license it. The Club mix is still here for all those who missed it first time around and that lead riff still sounds as fresh as ever especially on the nice and funky arrangement you've got with this one. All in all this is one production that you know is worth checking out and is certainly worthy of all the hype that it has received recently. A fantastic two tracker and no doubt Byte will have a huge success with this one. Definitely buy it when released and you will not go wrong at all! Fantastic Stuff!

DJ V.I.R.U.S - All Your Bass [Recover]
The excellent Recover label prove that they have been working overtime recently with this excellent doublepack that arrived on my doorstep. With "Prime Mover" and "Thomas Trouble" stepping up to provide remixes, it is Prime Mover who give us a fantastic trance mix with a very cool synth underlay, energetic bassline and quality percussion that really sounds good. The tune drops to some strings and a breakbeat before launching into the riff which at this point you know madness will occur once played out! On the flip and Thomas's Mix is very hard indeed, featuring some excellent and very effected synth underlays as well as a warped bassline and solid kick, the riff that comes in is very strange indeed. Not as good as the A side in my opinion but still worthy of a listen. Both mixes have a rather funny "All your bass are belong to us" vocal which adds to the tracks well and this record definitely is two good mixes of the track. Quality.

DJ V.I.R.U.S - All Your Bass Remixes [Recover]
Recover return again this month, this time with two more mixes of "All Your Bass" by "DJ Virus". On this record, my favourite producer of the moment "K90" and "La Brisc" both do some quality interpretations of the Original. K90's mix is definitely the one for the trance crowds and no doubt fans of his usual production will love this. Featuring a fantastic synth underlay on top of a cool bassline, percussion that will guarantee a stomp and the "All Your Bass...." vocal, this is set to do serious damage and this fact is more evident than ever when the string break down and riff come in. What a brilliant track! The "La Brisc" mix on the flip is a hard remix with a grinding bassline, a mental synth underlay similar to that on K90's mix and the riff which really works well on this mix. Again these two mixes of the track are quality and they are definitely worth checking out. Nice one Recover!!

Prime Mover - Prime Mover EP [Fevah Trance]
I must admit I haven't really taken much notice of Prime Mover's production work before but what with two fantastic tracks and remixes by them arriving on the same day I certainly am going to start to look out for them. With this two tracker on the very cool Fevah Trance label we are treated to two very uplifting trance tracks with a hint of something different. "Black Dogs" is a pretty uptempo number with a fantastic bassline, some nice percussion and a breakdown and riff that works extremely well for those who like something a little different. You can tell that the producers behind this track are into their techno! On the flip is "Tribal 2002" which is a very strange tune, featuring some hugely effected synths along with tough percussion and a very strange break this tune isn't really for me, so my advice is to stick with the original on this one but still give the flip a spin as it is an OK track just a little too weird!

The Freak - Addictive [Jinx UK]
Dutch producer The Freak certainly has been having a good run of things recently and he returns on the Jinx UK imprint with this production. Sounding though he has taken a change of style, the "Hard Mix" of "Addictive" is a solid track with a very hard kick, effected bassline and stabs along with some very cool percussion and spoken vocals. This is followed by a riff that seriously will knock all the remaining sense out of you. Definitely one for the Harder Trance fans. On the flip and the "Original Mix" is not so hectic but still features some cool stabs and some quality percussion. A very odd filtered riff comes in along with the riff which is played around an octave lower than the Hard Mix and this sounds more like a typical The Freak production. The A side is my favourite on this one and DEFINITELY look out for this when released. This label can't really go wrong at the moment as Mark Norman's "Tell Me" cut is also worth looking out for.

Pneumatik - Brunch 2002 [Jerk]
This is the first release that has come to my attention from German producer Pneumatik (also known as Robert Natus). With three tracks on offer, it is evident to the listener that Robert likes complex techno using the most varied sounds around as well as making the most noisest productions too. First up is "Brunch 2002" which has one of the loudest kick drums I have heard in ages, combined with a very odd synth stab which takes place throughout most of the track and razor sharp percussion. This is a very cool track indeed. On the flip, first up is "Schaukelpferd" which has some frantic but very cool percussion as well as a simple melody that loops away throghout most of the tune. Some 303s are added but thats all there is on this one but it still is a fantastic techno tune. Finally "Randor" is similar in style but reminds me more of a Jeff Mills production, with a looping riff and sparse percussion as well as serious pitch shifting, this again is a very nice techno production. All in all every track of this three tracker is worthy of a play and it is evident that Jerk are still at the forefront of cutting edge techno.

Kay D Smith - Psychodrill [Form]
You can always count on Kay D Smith to provide something that will terrorise your neighbours. This is exactly what you get with "Psychodrill". The title track is a manic techno tune, with his usual hard bassline and gritty percussion. As well as this you are treated to a very noisy synth riff that eats away at your ear. Quality stuff. On the flip, first up is "The Freaky" which is extremely fast paced. Featuring some very complex percussion, a cool synth riff as well as tonnes of distortion, this works wonders when up nice and loud. When the track breaks to play around with a drumloop this really is set to impress. Finally is "Esa Hisa" which takes on a more trancier form, featuring some spoken vocals that get chopped to pieces over a typical hard as nails arrangement, you can't go wrong with this release at all. Another quality Form production!

E-Mission - Electric [Axwax]
The legendary Axwax label return with this production by Adam Egerer and Michael Fusseder under their "E-Mission" guise. First up is the Zone X Club mix of "Electric" and this is a very uplifting trance track. Featuring some quality acid riffs along with speaker damaging percussion and effected vocals, this is designed to cause havoc. After the first break you think the awesome riff that follows is it but this isn't the case as a second riff comes in which knocks all the remaining sense out of you and had me stomping away. What a quality track! Definitely one of the best tracks I've heard this year. On the flip, first up is the very Zombie Nation inspired "Surrounder Mix", which takes on an electro form with a saw bassline as well as various arpeggiated synth sounds and a lead riff is extremely catchy. Finally The "Knochenbrecher Mix" is an extremley cool trance track, featuring an Awex inspired bassline as well as tough drum programming, this mix is pretty much a combination of the other two mixes with the addition of a monster riff which works well. All in all with three mixes to chose from, my favourite is the huge Zone X Club Mix but the other two are equally worthy of a play. A Fantastic release which simply must be bought!

DJ Merly Dee - Paradise [Planet Traxx]
Germany's Planet Traxx enlist the production talent of DJ Merly Dee for this trance production. First up is the "Silent Stream" mix which starts with a hard bassline over some very cool percussion, an uplifting synth underlay comes in along with spoken vocals of "Let your mind become Paradise". The tune breaks into some very nice strings before letting a monster of a riff come in. Sounding similar to a production by Flutlicht, this one is really set to impress as well. On the flip the Original Mix is very strange, having some cool ideas, this mix doesn't really do that much for me in all honesty as it lacks any real energy comepared to the Silent Stream mix. Finally is the DJ Synergee mix which is rock solid, featuring a very sharp kick drum, overdriven acid lines and a punchy bassline, this is seriously intended for the hard trance DJs around. The riff that follows after the break quality and I really rate this mix too. My favourite mix on this one has to be the Silent Stream mix but if you like it a little harder then stick with the DJ Synergee version.

Alex K Katz - Nachtspiele [Composure]
German lunatic Alex K Katz delivers another three tracker for the Composure label that, if you are unaware of the man's sound, is set to cause some serious damage and certainly annoy the neighbours. First up is the very dark yet pounding "Nachtspiele" which features one of the hardest kick drums i've heard on a techno track along with some fantastic percussion and a very catchy bell riff which certainly works a treat. Next up is "Schlaflos" which features a really odd string sample on top of some very hypnotic percussion and a grinding synth. That's all there is on this one but again it works very well. Finally is "Time Elapsed" which is extremely dark, featuring some growling synths along with more of the usual techno percussion and a very effected riff that sounds amazing, this is another one that is certainly set to impress. A quality three tracker, nice one Composure!

Matt Cassar - 7 Days In 1 Week Remixes [Captivating Sounds 048]
Captivating Sounds in Holland have decided to join in what most labels appear to be doing and releasing a remake of "7 Days In 1 Week" by "BBE", this has to be the best of the bunch in terms of recent remakes in my opinion though. With "Dirt Devils" up first, their mix is a relentless speaker attack which is extrememly uplifting at the same time, having a very nice break on top of a quite hard bassline and percussion, this will please the Hard Trance DJs. The "Radio Edit" is basically an updated version of the original, with a very tough kick drum and very cool riff while still keeping a minimal arrangement. This is outstanding stuff! The "Silverstar" mix on the flip adds some vocals to their mix which really doesn't sound that good at all. Finally is the "Wild Frontiers Mix" which is quality, adding a new underlay to the riff which is extremely uplifting. It is fair to say that if you missed the Original a few years ago then definitely buy this remake! Fantastic

Oceanlab - Sky Falls Down [Captivating Sounds 045]
Producers Jono Grant, Paavo Siljamaki and Tony McGuiness team up with vocalist Justine Suissa for this production on Holland's Captivating Sounds label. On side A is the Original Vocal mix which is pretty much similar to their stuff as Above and Beyond. With a quality bassline over seriously punchy drums and a very cool synth underlay, when Justine's vocals come in they work well with the track. The break on this is quality and without a doubt the riff is extremely uplifting! On the flip is an instrumental mix for those of you who find the vocals on this a bit too commercial for your liking. All in all this is another quality Captivating release and my favourite mix of the two is the vocal mix, so stick with that and in my opinion you will not go wrong at all and can see why this track has been worthy of the hype it has received. Quality stuff, I am extremely impressed! Nice one Captivating.

Major League - Wonder Where You Are 2002 [Captivating Sounds 047]
When the original of this first surfaced back in 2000, the DJ support was huge and thankfully captivating sounds have done the very wise thing of updating it for 2002. Produced by DJ Tiesto and Armin Van Buuren, it is the turn of Lost Witness and Kansas to provide remixes. First up is Lost Witness' Vocal Mix which is an extremely cool trance track, featuring some quality percussion and the riff from the original as well as fantastic vocals, this really is set to do damage and will no doubt win favour if you liked the original. The "Kansas Mix" takes on a much more progressive turn, adding calm but sweeping synths on top of a nice midtempo arrangement, this works quite well but isn't as good as the Lost Witness mix in my opinion. Finally there is a Lost Witness instrumental mix for those who do not rate the vocals. With all this to choose from my advice is to stick with the Lost Witness Vocal mix. Another excellent track.

J-Bee Project - Touch Heaven [Hypnotica 002]
The second release on Oxford based Hypnotica recordings comes from the mysterious "J-Bee Force" and from the first listen you can see that both of these tracks are very cool and uplifting productions. First up is the "Original Club Mix" of "Touch Heaven" starts with some cool percussion before a mental synth underlay follows along with a very nice bassline and chopped up vocals. When the full vocals come in, you know this is going to be a winner and this is definitely the case when the track breaks and the riff comes in. On the fip and the "Silica's Broken Beats Mix" starts off with some tough chuggy percussion, keeping the track much more minimal with only a bassline and some vocals, this isn't a bad thing as when the track breaks, breakbeats come in on top of some quality strings and it is evident this mix is another quality production too. Excellent stuff!

AJ Gibson + Mickey Roland - Fall Into The Night [DaCoda]
For the third release on London's DaCoda label, we see top producer and GodsKitchen' resident AJ Gibson team up with producer Mickey Roland and the result is two fantastic slices of extremely uplifing trance. First up is the "Diva Mix" which has some quality percussion as well as a driving bassline and a very cool synth underlay. Parts of the female vocals come in that work well with the arrangement so far and when the track breaks a very uplifting riff comes in that really works a treat. When the track kicks back in the vocals are in full and this one will definitely go down well with fans of trance music who like their vocals too! On the flip, the "Reverb Mix" which takes on the more progressive approach. Featuring some quality drums as well as a bassline that's extremely hard to resist dancing to and cut up vocals, the tune then launches into a hugely effected synth and the bassline in full before kicking back off again. When it does you know you are onto a winner with this mix too. Seriously, this track is hard to resist nodding along to. Extremely good stuff indeed!

Lunar - The One [PH Level 002]
Middlesex's PH Level label really impressed me with their first release (the mental "Everybody Oscillates" by "Lunar") and now they return with another Lunar production. With two mixes on offer, the "Jay Walker Remix" of "The Pulse" is a hard as nails trance track with a very German influence. Kicking off with some odd percussion before a hard bassline comes in, the track features a reasonable synth underlay before some cool gated strings and a very strange riff come in. The track takes a long time before kicking off again and this is irritating but apart from that, this mix is ok. On the flip and the Original is sheer quality, with some tough punchy drums, manic 303s, a cool bassline and mental synth underlay this is really set to impress and it is only as the riff comes in that you realise how mental this one is going to be. AWESOME!!! If you liked the first PH Level release, you will more than likely love this! Quality Track!

Three Kings - Tokyo [Overdose]
Produced by DJ Sakin and Schwarze Puppen (German techno wonder Andreas Kramer + Thomas Pogdal) under their "Three Kings" alias, this two tracker is a quality slice of uplifting trance. With the "Russenmafia Mix" of "Tokyo" starts off with a mental bassline and very cool percussion, as well as the "Binary Finary Stab" that has cropped up in a lot of recent trance tracks. The tune drops to introduce a guitar riff before this changes into a 303. During the break another guitar part comes in before some quality strings and a very uplifting riff follows. The arrangement at this point is similar to that of "Colours" by "Skysurfer" which is a big favourite of mine. On the flip and "Vancouver" starts off with a dark string part and then launches into a really cool bassline, synth underlay and percussion. The tune builds up to the break where a very strange yet uplifting riff comes in. This is a very good production but again feels like it is lacking something. Still check it out if you are a die-hard overdose fan.

DJ Overdog - It's Not Over [Pulse]
Release number 58 for Pulse, the sublabel from German Masters of Hard Trance that are Overdose, comes from DJ Overdog (an alias for producers A Adam and Stefan Glund). First up is the "Mass In Orbit Mix" which starts off with a very pounding kick drum and FX before going into a very evil vocal as the bassline kicks in. What impresses me about this mix is the breakdown where the vocals are completely cut up as it sounds fantastic when the tune comes back in. A very cool grinding synth comes in as the tune breaks to let a really nice synth riff and some 303s come in, but when the tune kicks in again it feels as though there is something lacking in terms of energy. On the flip is the "Psychomenia Mix" which uses a fair amount of evil, ear splitting synth parts on top of a very hard arrangement before launching into a mental rif which really works well. If you like hard and noisy trance I really recommend you check this track out! Excellent!

Human Blue - Essence (Transient)
For their 71st release, London's Transient label have enlisted the production talents of Human Blue. First up is "Essence" which starts with some very cool strings and some simple chuggy percussion before progressing into a nice kick and bassline. A very nice synth underlay follows as well as some synth stabs that really work well with the tune, this leads into a mental synth riff and it is no doubt that fans of progressive house will love this one. On the flip and "Proggy Froggy" is quality, featuring a really twisted bassline as well as some fantastic percussion and layers of fx and cool synth stabs that sound awesome. As the track progresses, the percussion becomes a lot more complex and some really twisted synth and FX come in that add to the track really well. As you can see I really rate this production and if you like your deep and driving progressive house, then this one is definitely for you!

Moonshine Feat. Byron Stingily - Shake Your Booty [Black + Blue]
This release on Neo recordings' Black + Blue sublabel, features the production team of Moonshine (who provided us with productions under the aliases of Milky and Plaything) and enlisting the vocal talents of Byron Stingily. With four mixes on offer, this release is a remake of an older tune from a few decades ago. The Extended mix is a downtempo number with some catchy vocals and percussion, however I am not really keen on it at all. The Jam + Face mix is a more garage inspired mix with some cool synth parts but again this mix doesn't do much for me. The "Sleazesisters Mix" provides a more uplifting house mix which works quite well and I am quite impressed with it. Finally is the "Jam + Face Dub" which takes on a much darker feel, with a very nice bassline and reasonable synth work. All in all I am not really impressed with this release compared to the other Black + Blue ones.

Louk