Loukas' Music Reviews
June 2001
Wahey! Been reviewing for 12 months now and what a way to celebrate this with an excellent track from Trance Communications.
Reviews from 02/06/01
AJ Gibson presents Ghosts - I Always Loved You [Trance Communications 012]
Favourite Track: A
Future Chart Position: Yes - 10
Additional Comments: Nice, Deep Progressive 2 tracker from Tim Stark's Trance Communications label.
Overall Rating: 8/9
Full Review: Trance Communications are a label who's output has always been of high quality. They have recently enlisted the production talents of Free Radical, Drax &emp; Scott Mac, not to mention label boss Tim Stark's own Project with Steve Helstrip as Rapid Eye but this track comes from AJ Gibson (aka Andrew Jones and Mickey Skeedal). The "Ghosts Mix" of this track starts off with effected birds tweeting and a really weird fx loop which is combined with a pounding kick drum. The Drum patten becomes complex as a conga loop is added and already you get the feeling that this is aimed at DJs like Seb Fontaine. Dark strings kick in which give the track a nice twisted feel and the FX loop really emphasises this. The track breaks down into just the strings, the twisted fx loop and an "I love you vocal". A saw synth which works really well comes into action and when the track kicks things start to get really funky. The track drops down again shortly to introduce some stabs and I can imagine those darker progresssive/trance djs Loving this. The "Darksyde Mix" kicks off with the classic "Funky Drummer" Drumloop and a hard kick and sharp drum programming lead into just a kick and bassline with some claves. The drums become change as close hats lead into just an open hi hat and clap. The "I Love You" vocal makes another appearence and this mix is for the more harder dancefloors if the original was too soft. This is emphasised by a really odd synth riff that comes as a suprise with 303 stabs added. A low synth drone kicks in which lead into the breakdown where the claves are on their own and a supersaw riff comes in which is filtered around. This mix is intense even in the breakdown and when the track builds up you can imagine how this is. It even replaces a snare roll with a kick roll instead! This is a change from Trance Communication's usual style but I'm not complaining as both mixes impress me and please both soft and hard DJs. Keep an eye out for this as I can see a label like Spot On licensing it. Nice and Twisted.
Release Date: T.B.A
Reviews from 04/06/01
Traction - Assault [Nutrition 072]
"Assault"
I give this track 6 because it's nice and odd but doesn't do that much.
These are my first words after I heard this track: Hard, Twisted Trance.
I like this type of music (Very Very Much / Very Much / A Bit / Not): A Bit
Well, Let me tell you about this record: Strong kick drums and a simple melody ensure this track will be
stuck on your minds.
"Datamodelling"
I give this track 7 because it's very accessible and nice and pumping. A bit like a harder production by Scott Mac.
These are my first words after I heard this track: Funky Dutch Drums
I like this type of music (Very Very Much / Very Much / A Bit / Not): Very Much.
Well, Let me tell you about this record: It's a really funky hard track by Dutch Producer Folko that I'm sure'll go down a storm.
"Simplex"
I give this track 9 because it's: really good and definitely worth a charting.
These are my first words after I heard this track: It should have been the A side.
I like this type of music (Very Very Much / Very Much / A Bit / Not): Very Very Much
Well, Let me tell you about this record: It's a really energetic trance song with a funky drum programming and a catchy synth riff.
Full Review: Nutrition in Holland enlist the production of "Folko" from AMP International for this intense 3 tracker. "Assault" is a track which is very hard and similar to what a label like Overdose or Fog Area would release. Starting with a very hard kick drum and bass this track already gives the impression that things are going to be intense. Hi Hats and Claps kick in which leads into a really odd buzzy siren like riff. This leads into the breakdown and when the track starts up again unfortunately nothing much else happens but for those who are into the minimalistic you will probably love this. "Datamodelling" starts really intense too with some very odd drum programming. This leads into the bassline and the drums become more layered. This breaksdown for some hell of a sudden stabs. There is a bit more variation than on "Assault" with the stabs but it is still quite simple. Flipping over to "Simplex" and this starts with a less harder kick drum and it has some really funky loop &emp; Hi hat programming. This breaksdown but then leads back into a simple trancey bassline. A really nice saw riff comes in which will definitely do damage on dance floors. Nothing much happens in this track but with a groove like this there doesn't really need to be much going on. Definitely my favourite of the Three.
Release Date: T.B.A
Ecister - Inclination [Nutrition 073]
"Inclination"
I give this track 8 because it's good.
These are my first words after I heard this track: It's Only for the Headstrong.
I like this type of music (Very Very Much / Very Much / A Bit / Not): Very Much
Well, Let me tell you about this record: It's very Intense with some odd synths.
"Detonation"
I give this track 8 because it's like the A side which was good.
These are my first words after I heard this track: Hard trance track which strong drums.
I like this type of music (Very Very Much / Very Much / A Bit / Not): Very Much
Well, Let me tell you about this record: Nice breakdowns on this with a good bassline and strong drums.
Full Review: Nutrition have been a busy label this month. This track is produced by someone who is becoming quite well known dutch producer. Maureece Pinkster, who started off using Impulse Tracker to create his productions has recently been in Hugi Disk-Magazine and is starting to become well known in the Dutch hard trance scene. He is also behind the i-MPact releases that recieved reviews from me last year. "Inclination" starts with some Underworld-style drums and this track also has sharp hi hats. A strong reverbed kick comes in and you can tell this is a Maureece production. A short but loud Beep loops until the breakdown where it filters into a really sharp pitch bent riff that suprised me. When the track kicks in it's very intense and i'm sure harder DJs would really love this track. A simple little track which doesn't do much else but yet again this month sees another set of simple tracks. "Detonation" on the other side leaves me a little worried as it is very much like the A side. A change in the pitch bent synth though and an additionally nice trancey Saw-Synth riff comes in and a really effected and flanged vocal which makes this track my favourite of the two. Maureece has certainly been working hard since his last release last year and this is certainly evidence of it.
Release Date: T.B.A
Fun 4 Two Feat Larenzo Nash - Standing On Top [Nutrition 074]
"Extended 2001 Mix"
I give this track 8 because it's A really intense hard trance track with cool vocals.
These are my first words after I heard this track: Mad Full-on track with Good Production
I like this type of music (Very Very Much / Very Much / A Bit / Not) Very Much
Well, Let me tell you about this record: The hoovers on this track are lethal and yet hard to resist.
"Traction Mix"
I give this track 9 because really bouncy.
These are my first words after I heard this track: It's Bouncy and catchy.
I like this type of music (Very Very Much / Very Much / A Bit / Not) Very Very Much
Well, Let me tell you about this record: It's a really bouncy hard house track which has a hint of dutch production and a really funky bassline. I like this.
"Hardgroover Mix"
I give this track 6 because it's just a bit too hard for my liking.
These are my first words after I heard this track: Very Hard &emp; Full On Track
I like this type of music (Very Very Much / Very Much / A Bit / Not): A Bit
Well, Let me tell you about this record: It's very hard and if you like it intense It's definitely your thing.
Full Review: Dutch producer Folko makes another appearence this month on Nutrition. This time using a vocalist who's appeared on my reviews before. Information wise I don't have much to go on as the reaction sheet was in Dutch. The "Extended 2001" mix is really hard with hoovers being filtered around over a strong kick and bassline. Larenzo Nash's vocals on this track like all others are hard as hell to work out what he's saying but it just adds to the intenseness of the track. The track breaks down shortly and kicks in again to a really messed up hoovers that sound like they are from old dutch hardcore tracks from around 1990. Folko remixes his own track under his "Traction" guise and this mix really appeals to me. Kickin off with a filtered drumloop that made me thing that my record player had packed in then a really funky drum pattern kicks in with the vocals. The bassline comes in and this mix is starting to sound like a Ferry Salee tune I had a while ago on Combined Forces. Then the tune drops to just the kick and bass as the rap fully kicks in. The twisted hoover riff from the A side is replaced with a more hard house like hoover/synth and is played around as this track becomes very catchy. The "Hardgroover" mix starts very much like a track that'd fit on the BXR label with hard pounding drums. The rap introduces a hoover riff that sounds like the stuff Mauro Picotto used to produce and when I say this track is Hard I mean HARD. The 3 tracks in all are very good and My favourite is the Traction mix as it is really bouncy and catchy. Keep em coming.
Release Date: T.B.A
The Shrink - Devistating [Nutrition 075]
"Non Vocal Mix"
I give this track 5 because it's very catchy although the rap is very annoying.
These are my first words after I heard this track: Odd track with a very weird siren.
I like this type of music (Very Very Much / Very Much / A Bit / Not): A Bit
Well, Let me tell you about this record: It's got a really annoying rap but apart from that It's passable.
"Vocal Mix"
I give this track 3 because it's got a really really bad MC vocal.
These are my first words after I heard this track: Definitely NOT my thing.
I like this type of music (Very Very Much / Very Much / A Bit / Not): Not
Well, Let me tell you about this record: The A side is OK but this mix is the same with a really bad MC vocal.
Full Review: You can nearly always trust the Dutch for quality releases. Since I started reviewing early last year most of the tracks I reviewed have come from Holland and they usually get really high scores. Unfortunately there are one or two exceptions and This track is one of them. I'll be honest when I said I thought this would be really good considering the past few releases but when I played it... well you can guess. The "Non-Vocal" mix starts very promising with a trancey 303 line and a strong kick drum combined with some stabs but it all leads into a breakdown with a really odd rap which annoyed me to say the least. The track carries on till just after the vocals in the breakdown where a really evil siren comes in. A nice hoover riff kicks in later on though and For all those that loved "2nd Opinion/Are You Ready" you'll love this probably but It doesn't do much for me at all. Flipping over to the "Vocal mix", the track is as above but with a really really awful MC vocal saying "Do You Like It Harder... LET'S GO!!" And by this point i'm cringing and by this point I tore the needle off the record in rage. Pure cheese, Come on Nutrition - I know you can do better.
Release Date: Summer 2001
Reviews from 12/06/01
Lemon 8 - The Inner Sanctuary Sessions (Part 3) [Basic Energy 146]
Favourite Track: A
Future Chart Position: Yes - 10
Additional Comments: 2 different shades of progressive house from the twisted dutch production team of "Lemon 8"
Overall Rating: 9
Full Review: Dutch label Basic Beat have delivered 2 quality progressive tracks this month. The Basic Beat company runs many sublabels all of which produce a variety of styles from house to techno. I first noticed Lemon 8 (Harry Lemon) after he did a track for Tripoli Trax and they did the remix of Solid Sessions - "Janeiro" which I reviewed about twelve months ago. This two tracker is part three of Lemon 8's "The Inner Sanctuary" album and after hearing this I would like to hear the other parts. "Pressure" kicks off with a very nice pad sound and a simple drum programming with a warm bassline. The drums become complex as Claps and Hi-Hats kick in with some FX and vocals of "Pressure" scattered around. The Pad makes the track flow into just the kick and bass where a very nice trance-like riff comes into action. The track continues like this until the riff filters out and only makes brief appearences until the track ends. "Future Funk Express" starts with a really odd drum intro which may prove problems when mixing. A complex drum pattern builds up which definitely will get you moving in no time. The kick dies down as a vocal is introduced and some more drums and fx are added with some claps to go with it and when the track kicks again in again Funky is definitely the word. The track carries on until the second breakdown where a really nice choir synth is added and this track starts to remind me of "Have I Told You" by "Voodoo Dildo" on Wellwicked. An odd stab is filtered around with as the track builds up. This is definitely intense but it's also very funky progressive house. I can see DJs like Timo Maas and Sasha amongst others playing either one of these two tracks as they cater for pretty much anyone into progressive house.
Release Date: T.B.A
Nemesis - Frequency Modular [Basic Energy 146]
Favourite Track: B2
Future Chart Position: Yes - 13
Additional Comments: Funky and uplifting progressive tracks from Dutch label Basic Beat.
Overall Rating: 8
Full Review: Rene van Dijk is the producer behind this 3 tracker on Basic Beat sublabel Basic Energy and each of these three tracks are really funky tracks with hints of House, Trance and Techno in each one. "Frequency Modular" starts with a simple kick drum and an FX loop. Some fx sweeps and a funky bassline fade in, so does a nice funky drumloop. This track also has a really really twisted computer FX loop which is a really odd idea but adds a certain kick to this track. Little else happens in this track but it doesn't really need to. The track ends with just the funky drumloop and a conga off the track. "Techno Upstairs" grabs my attention by the name as most people know I'm mad on any techno release. Techno upstairs starts with another funky drumloop as a nice synth is filtered in. This is joined with some strings and choir-synths. The drums on this track are very complex and it shows a strong influence of techno. "Rocksolid" starts with a filtered kick drum and bassline which i'd recommend listening to with compression on. Some really funky synths and sweeps kick in where the track becomes very trance like and really appeals to me. All three tracks are worth a mention as they like the Lemon 8 track will cater for anyone into the progressive sound at all. Keep it up.
Release Date: T.B.A
Anaconda - Fuego / Magia [Bomboza 004]
What Do You Think (Slammin / Good / Bad / Ugly): Bad
DJ and/or company name: Louk
Remarks: erm... Odd!
Overall Rating: 4
Full Review: Ok, Now everyone who reads these reviews should know my opinion about Purple Eye. Unfortunately this two tracker isn't good at all. When I played the A side, "Fuego" started with a breakbeat and conga loop and throughout i'm wondering when the track Is actually going to kick in but then the record ended with me looking very puzzled. Where's the kick drum?! A really nice bassline is added with a buzzy synth that with some decent remixes I'm sure would go down well on trance and house floors but with the track as it is I can say I do not like this side at all. "Magia" starts with a nice string and a spanish/indian vocal. A good bassline kicks in and this track sounds a bit more like it. The kick is much higher than usual but it could still be mixed. Some rides fade in as do some gated synth lines. When the riff kicks in in full it is a very odd track but Thankfully nothing majorly dodgy yet. That is until a really bad pitch bent string fades in and I can't listen to this track seriously without cringing. Just when I thought it It couldn't get worse it does when the vocal is added and short clips off a violin. Not my cup of tea to say the least but I'm sure Purple Eye will return with better things.
Release Date: T.B.A
Reviews from 13/06/01
Various - Rebel Vinyl Singles Sampler No 4 [Rebel Vinyl 1005]
Favourite Track: Charlie Mike - The Grind
Future Chart Position: Yes - 8
Additional Comments: Excellent trance from London based Rebel Vinyl. Streaming Samples available from http://ww.rebweb.co.uk
Overall Rating: 9
Full Review: Part one of a two part CD sampler this month comes from Rebel Vinyl label based in London. The label is fairly new to me but after a tip off from a friend I went searching after them and was very impressed. The CD kicks off with "Restless Heaven" by "Security Blue". The Original Mix contains a nice bassline and 303 with some excellent vocals and gated strings. The riff that kicks in really suits the track and works well. The Remix starts with a breakbeat, some phased sound fx and a 303 line. This leads into a bassline, some hoover like stabs and a really odd beeping noise thats flanged. This leads into the breakdown where the gated strings kick in and some claves build the track up again. In my view, this mix isn't as good as the original. "Secret Desires" by "Raymondo + Charlie Mike" is the next track on the CD and starts with a strong kick and tribal drums.
The drums progress as Hi hats, Rimshots and Claps are added which lead into a 303. This leads into the breakdown where the riff filters with well thought out pads. The track kicks in again with the riff and this carries on until just before the second breakdown where the pad is on its own and the 303 and the riff filters in again. It doesn't do much else but doesn't really need to. "Secrets" also by "Raymondo + Charlie Mike" has a similar drum pattern and feel but plays more with some pads and a warm bassline. The lead is filtered around and this track feels very dreamy and I swear I've heard it on a TV show before. The riff appears and this track also doesn't do much yet need to. "Hydrante" is next by "Igniton". Starting off like a tune by myself the tune pretty soon becomes a very complex monster of a track. A hard trance riff appears withh a bassline and this track is very full on. "Space Rider" starts with a very irritating fx sweep but this leads into a warm bass riff and odd synth loop. Pretty soon the track progresses into something very deep and would go down well for the deeper dancefloors. A really nice riff comes in and this works well with the rest of the track.
"Charlie Mike" returns again on this CD with "The Grind" which starts with some beeps and simple drum programming but it isn't very long before this becomes very complex and 303 stabs come into action. A one note bassline comes in with some stabs and this continues with a really odd and twisted riff which adds a certain weirdness to the track. My favourite track on the CD is the excellent "The Grind" also by "Charlie Mike". This track starts with a really moody bassline and decent stabs that really get me moving. This track also introduces a flanged underlay and a very jumpy riff which is excellent. The riff is played using a 303 and this gets crossfaded into a very stabby instrument which simply gives the impression that resistance is futile and who am I to complain! This track has had DJ support from Chris Davies, Kev KGB Bird, Steve Blake and many more. You can stream this track and all the others at www.rebweb.co.uk and I seriously recommend you do.
Release Date: T.B.A
Various - Rebel Vinyl Singles Sampler No 5 [Rebel Vinyl 1006]
Favourite Track: Charlie Mike - Psycopath
Future Chart Position: Yes - 12
Additional Comments: Part two of the sampler CD from London based Rebel Vinyl. All Tracks can be streamed at http://www.rebweb.co.uk
Overall Rating: 8
Full Review: Rebel Vinyl have certainly been a busy label if this sampler is anything to go by. The stuff on this CD is just as good as the first one. Sonny Dare (an anagram of producer and DJ Danny Rose) kicks off the CD with "The Escape". This starts with a simple drum pattern and industrial samples. Loops are added and in time this track leads into a really warm pad in the breakdown and a very nice synth riff with a flanged bassline underlay. The Hedway remix starts with a 303 riff and a tribal drumloops. This leads into some flanged strings which don't sound too nice but in time the strings die down and this track is a deeper track which becomes pretty full on in the second half when a piano breakdown is added with a really nice riff. Clive Mead who must be one hell of a busy producer dons his "Charlie Mike" guise yet again and gives us "Psychopath" which is a pretty spot title on as this track is very twisted. The track starts with a simple eerie synth riff and some twisted fx which lead into a very hard as nails kick drum and vocoded vocals. More drums are added as the track progresses and in time a bassline is added and the track becomes pretty full on.
The track becomes very evil when a very odd gated vocal comes in with a very weird riff but I really like it. "The Train (Haunted Hoovers Mix)" starts with some hi hats and claps and just when you think the kick is about to begin a really odd and dark string comes in. Some twisted off-key samples fade in with an evil piano and scary vocals about taking peoples eyes and hands. The track finally starts and goes straight into the breakdown where a really odd and buzzy synth filters in. At about three minutes in the track is definitely a good point to start mixing in as a one note bassline begins and the track took just too long to start. Juno Hoovers fade in and help to give the track a very dark edge and to sum this track up if you like it dark and trancey then head straight for this.
"Logical Progression" by "Raymondo" starts with a strong and punchy kick drums and sharp hi hats and within a minute the track leads into a underlay riff. The track has little else in it up until three minutes when a really nice riff comes in which if pitched up a bit would probably do damage on many a dancefloor. The "Acidic Mix" bears very little relation to the Uplifting mix but goes full on with 303s all over the place doing damage. A really nice string breakdown with odd tribal drums occurs and this track definitely is worth a listen or two. "Matron" by "H2SO4" (Sulphuric Acid) starts pretty slow and deep and Is defiantely aimed at the progressive dancefloors with a choir string carrying the track through most of its journey and odd synth loops added. In the breakdown a really buzzy saw synth is added and tweaked with to full effect and this track will definitely lock you into a groove.
"Crowfoot" also by "H2S04" starts with a tribal drum loop and a within a minute you hear all sorts of mad patches and fx and in the breakdown a really screechy fx pad teases in the riff. When the riff kicks in though you know this track is going to be a winner. On This cd my favourite track is "Psychopath" by "Charlie Mike" but all tracks are worthy of a listen and you can do just that by listening to the streaming audio files at http://www.rebweb.co.uk.
Release Date: T.B.A
LBJ - Breaks &emp; Tech [Fraction 001]
Favourite Track: B2
Future Chart Position: Yes - 14
Additional Comments: Nice and Dark Release from new label Fraction
Overall Rating: 8
Full Review: This record from new label Fraction is produced by LBJ (Lazy Bones J) and s definitely very odd. They assure us that the future will be primarily issuing quality deep techno and trance. "Closed Systems" starts the EP with a simple breakbeat and a menacing bassline and eerie chords give the track a really twisted edge. A really evil timestrecthced vocal leads into a very trancey bass which gives the impression that if a 4/4 kick was added this could become quite a nice trance track but the track becomes a full on breakbeat monster and is something that a trance producer would produce on his or her day off.
"I.C.U" begins with a really odd and funky bassline which leads into one of the most twistedest drum patterns yet. An odd synth lead comes in with a booming kick drum and the track takes on a really odd turn. "Bassline" starts with some off the wall drum programming, a hard kick is introduced and this track starts sounding like a production by Underworld. A distorted vocal and nagging synth line leads into some warm chords and an excellent lead kicks in which really does the damage. Stabs like those used on Schiller - Das Glockenspiel come in as well and the track stands out so far. Miika Kuisma's "Subliner" project deliver a remix and the track is much more funkier and the riff is given an added edge and it is definitely my favourite track on the EP. definitely look out for this label if you are into anything deep.
Release Date: T.B.A
Tripnotic - Tripnotic [Fraction 002]
Favourite Track: B1
Future Chart Position: Yes - 16
Additional Comments: Odd release from Finnish label Fraction.
Overall Rating: 8
Full Review: Fraction return again with another slice of Dark and Moody Tech Trance. "Mirage" starts with a really pounding kick drum and conga loop and leads into a progressive track with warm chords added. A very trancey synth line filters in and a nice M1 piano is added to give the track an extra edge and when the track kicks in fully you have a really deep progressive number on your hands. "Delusion" starts with a really funky tribal beat and odd synth stabs and underlays are added right up to the breakdown where an uplifting riff comes in with a happy edge to it unlike most of the stuff on this EP. The Track lives up to all expectations when it builds up and does the damage. The "Fraction" remix of "Mirage" starts with a groovy drum beat and bassline which leads into some close hi hats and punchy claps. Gated chords are added and this track is already sounding good. This leads into a very nice synth underlay and the riff off the original fading in. This track is also very good but Delusion has to be my favourite of the three. Check it out.
Release Date: T.B.A
Reviews from 14/06/01
Taktik vs Soul Searcher - Just Can't Get Enough [Taktik Test Pressing]
Name: Loukas P-H
Town/City: Plymouth, United Kingdom.
Personal Raction out of 10: 9
Audience Reaction out of 10: 9 (it's reviewed)
Are You charting it: Yes at number 6 from this week.
Comments: Both tracks recieve Full comments below.
Full Review: Another new label appears on my doorstep this month. This time it's a sublabel of the very successful Continental Records in London (home to Electrique Boutique and Boyos). For a first release to say I'm impressed is an understatement! Taktik have taken the vocals from "Soulsearcher - Just Cant Get Enough" and put them over two excellent trance tracks. I'm not going to say who the producer behind Taktik is but those of you who listen to this track should be able to pick out elements of this track that have been used in their other productions. The "Fantastic Phase Mix" starts with simple drum programming and a bubbly synth line. This leads into a strong kick and punchy drums. Snippets of the vocal appear on top of a really odd piano sample and the track leads into the breakdown where some warm pads appear and the riff filters in. When the track builds up this is a sure fire winner. The "Le Nord Mix" starts with some hard drums and an odd fx sample which leads into the bassline and punchy claps. A dark and moody synth underlay comes in which makes us think we aren't going to get away from this one lightly. A hard analogue synth riff filters in and leads into the breakdown where the synth underlay and the riff we hear in full. Strings are added as the track builds up and after doing so it's safe to say that this track takes no prisoners. Expect DJ interest from all the Big Names who were lucky enough to recieve this Test Pressing as it is well worth a listen!!
Release Date: June 2001
Space Cadet - Space Cadet [Lifting Cars Test Pressing]
Favourite Track: A1
Future Chart Position: Yes -
Additional Comments:
Overall Rating:
Full Review: Lifting Cars are a label who release very rarely but when they do they knock out a killer of a track. Their latest release "Med Club - And Some" is a serious favourite of mine and I've been charting it for most the year. This suprised label boss Craig Daniel when I told him this and he sent this TP to me. The A side starts with a simple synth/bassline and a kick comes in with some strings. A flanged 303 comes in as does a synth underlay and and the kick dies out for a second but comes back with a mad drum pattern and gated synths. And it sounds very happy, the track filters down into the breakdown where a really cheesy lead comes in and "Calling Occupants of Inter Planetary Life" vocal comes in. I'm ignoring the cheesy lead on this track for once though because it is quite a good track when it kicks in and the riff isn't there when the track kicks in and everything goes mad. The B Side is the same as the a side but with a breakbeat and is much more intense. A really odd synth arpeggio(I think) kicks in and the track is weird yet full of energy. In the breakdown, the riff is an octave higher but when it kicks in it also isn't the riff isn't included which is good. Very energetic two tracker from the Lifting Cars label. Watch out for it.
Release Date: T.B.A
M.O.R.P.H - Maximum Overdrive [CGR White 002]
Favourite Track: A
Future Chart Position: Yes - 4
Additional Comments: Mind Blowing Hard Trance Attempt from CGR.
Overall Rating: 10
Full Review: Woody Van Eyden's Clubbgroove label only releases a few records per year but when they do get released they are very very popular. I first heard this track 3 weeks ago in a local record shop and I immediately got on their case and pretty soon a copy came on my doorstep. This track I reckon will become pretty huge over the next few weeks. Produced by M.O.R.P.H who are men of mystery as far as I Know, "Maximum Overdrive" starts with a kick and a flanged conga loop, pretty soon the track works as the bassline kicks in and the drums become complex. Acid stabs are added and vocoded samples of "Maximum Overdrive" give the track a really odd feel. The drums build up to the breakdown where a seriously intense riff kicks in - hard and fast with a bouncy edge just how it should be! The track builds up and when it kicks in will definitely do damage. The track then drops down to just the Drums and bass as the "Maximum Overdrive" speech comes back and it builds up again to lead into the riff and the drums. This is intense and the higher it's pitched the better! Definitely look out for this as it's probably been released already.
Release Date: T.B.A
Nino Lopez Project - Experience [CGR 014]
Favourite Track: B
Future Chart Position: Yes - 17
Additional Comments: CGR are back again with another intense track with a mellow trance edge.
Overall Rating: 8
Full Review: Another Release from Woody Van Eyden's CGR label has delivered the excellet M.O.R.P.H - "Maximum Overdrive". The A Side on this track starts with a deep kick and funky drum loop, a really odd 303 loop fades in amidst some punchy hi hats and this track locks you into a groove in no time. The track then fades down into a really mad siren and it changes completely into a really hard trance monster with off the wall stabs and panning. The 303 loop fades back in and the track breaks down into a really nice string pad, some police speech and a chromatic riff as the 303 leads the track back in. Ouch, this is intense. The B side starts with some rimshots, a deep bass and another loud kick drum. Hi Hats kick in and a synth underlay is filtered around with. An evil 303 underlay comes in as do some really nice strings and this track is really starting to build up into something nice, the police vocals off the original make an appearence on this as does the chromatic riff. When the track kicks in fully, a very nice choir synth is added and this track and the twisted 303s lead the track into the second breakdown which leads up to the tracks outro. Excellent! Keep Em Coming!
Release Date: T.B.A
Reviews from 20/06/01
Lazy Jones - Let Me Tell You [Carnal 006]
What Do You Think (Slammin / Good / Bad / Ugly): Slammin (to say the least!!)
DJ and/or company name: Louk
Remarks: Hard Trance from the excellent Dutch Production team and not a Commodore in sight!
Overall Rating: 10
Full Review: The Purple eye productions team from Holland are as well as being one of the busiest companies there are, one of the more consistent ones. I look forward to every track I get from this bunch and when they are like this you should see why. The Carnal label kicked off with "R.B.A" - "No Alternative" and these track is sort of the same style with a much harder edge to it. The name Lazy Jones made me think "ahhh this might be to do with the Commodore 64" but It certainly doesn't seem to be. "Let Me Tell You" starts with an odd fx loop and some punchy drum programming. Within time the Medicine Men style bass kicks in and you know this is another strong Carnal tune. The track adds a really nice and dark synth underlay which leads into the breakdown where a vocal of "Let me tell you why you are here" makes the track drop into silence. Then a full on pitch bent synth fades in which takes no prisoners. The track goes kicks in fully and builds up into an excellent breakbeat pattern where some really twisted stabs start up. A different Vocal saying "Let Me tell you once again" kicks the riff in and is a very mad track which should get some serious playings. "Goasaurus" starts with an evil kick drum and some claves and it's not long before a twisted fx loop kicks in giving the track some spice. Evil breathing tortures the listener and doesn't let them stop moving. Within a minute into the track things are getting nice and dark with some excellent flanged stabs and spinbacks. Rides carry on up until the breakdown where a hard house torture stab leads a 303 riff in. Some nice stereo fx sweeps are also added and both sides of the track are worth a play, which makes this two tracker the Carnal label's best release in my opinion. More please!!!!
Release Date: T.B.A
Reviews from 21/06/01
Disco Brothers - Let's Go [DP 025]
Region: Devon
Best Mix: A [Mix 1]
What Are Your Reactions To This Track (Gagging/Desperate/Possibly/Not Tonight): Possibly
Will You Be Playing It At All: Occasional Spins (at my house of course!!)
Which Charts Will You Return To: Wax Magazine (Global Power &emp; Underground Charts sections)
Any Comments On This Track: Let's Go! :)
Personal Rating: 8
Audience Rating: 8
Full Review: DP in London have decided to enlist the production skills of a couple of DJs/Producers who are creating a storm all over the South West of the UK (Where I am from) and no doubt with past tracks the rest of the UK too. The "Disco Brothers" (Tim Cole and Mark Wilson), have played out on quite a few occasions at local club "Dance Academy" as well as running their own Aubergine night in Bristol. This release came with all sorts of info on the producers and a photograph too, although they look a little on the scary side. They've produced two mixes of let's go. "Mix 1" starts with a simple drumloop which filters into a hard kick and funky drum programming. The Let's Go sample from "Everybody In The Place" by "The Prodigy" makes an appearence even though it's been used by every hardhouse/hardcore producer and his or her Amiga. Short mechanical sounds introduce some stabs which cut accross the mix completely and work quite well. The track at this point is quite bouncy and then dies down to just the string and extracts from the stabs and hoover. A monster build up occurs and when the track comes in it's a pretty much surefire winner. "Mix 2" Starts pretty intense with a strong kick, punchy clap and in time a "I got something here.." vocal kicks in with the "Let's Go" sample. A simple driving bassline kicks in and a really effected fx loop is pretty much over the place but it works with the oddness of the vocals which fade in. The track builds up into just the string and short elements of the fx loop and a really booming reverbed kick drum. Also a mad stab riff starts up and when you think the track will kick in, a breakbeat occurs and finally after this it builds up. When it kicks in you know, that this like the A side will works. Both mixes I can see doing well and it's another excellent production from Paul Hallets DP label.
Release Date: 25/06/01