Loukas' Music Reviews
July 2001
Erm one name to kick off the month... ROADRUNNER :)
Reviews from 05/07/01
M&emp;M Project Feat M - Wide Anthem (No Name Trance 014)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Energetic 4 Tracker from Belgium's Roadrunner with mixes from their leading artists.
Best Mix: Second Mix
Full Review: Straight out of Belgium comes this track from M&emp;M Project. There are mixes here from two of Belgian's finest trance producers "DJ Gert" and "DJ Garry vs FTW" and the track looks impressive. The "Coaster Vocal Mix" of this track starts with tough drums and various mechanical and industrial sound effects. Gated Chords and Sweeps accompany a bassline and a supersaw is played with. A synth underlay and the first verse kicks in and the tune builds up to the chorus where at this point the tune sounds a bit like a production by Rank 1 and is certainly full of energy as 303's are added as well. The Track dies down to just the supersaw it becomes gated as the chorus comes in. When it kicks in the track is definitely aimed at the more commercial dancefloors. "DJ Gert's Tribal Trance Mix" starts with some conga and FX loops and builds up into a funky track with a nice bassline and funky drums. Strings are added and the track builds into the breakdown where the Gated Synth from the original comes in and after this not much happens. The "DJ Garry vs FTW" mix starts with a really odd loop and Mauro Picotto style bassline. A 303 filters into the track as does strings from the original. We get the feeling the gated synth riff will fade in when the vocals start but instead we are introduced to a new riff. Saying that though the synth does come in but at an octave lower. This mix is good but I prefer the "Second Mix" in which mechanical drums come in and the track is very much like the "Coaster Vocal Mix" but I don't think the vocals are included. A good Four Tracker from the popular "No Name" label.
Release Date: T.B.A
Evil D - He's The Devil (Mostiko)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Hard trance track that reminds me a bit of "Olive Inc - Contact" The FTW Clubmix is really good and the others are also worth a listen to.
Best Mix: FTW Clubmix
Full Review: Mostiko deliver this track from producer "Evil-D". Mixes yet again from the usual suspects at Roadrunner. The "DJ Gert Remix" starts with a simple bassline and some reverbed Rim-Shots. Claps are added alongside some synth underlays and the track progresses and the drums drop where the synth underlay comes in. This carries on till the breakdown where some really odd vocoded vocals come in and the riff filters in and the track is very intense. The "FTW Clubmix" starts with like the DJ Gert mix but a really odd pitch bent loop comes in and introduces the vocals in full. A really nice synth underlay comes in with some strings and this track is on the more trancier tip. The Riff is very nice and works well with the track. The "DJ Garry's Single Note Mix" starts with a nice drumloop and some "Booms". The Bassline kicks in and the track breaks down into the riff off the "FTW Clubmix" little else happens in this mix but yet again it doesn't need to. The "FTW remix" starts with a really good start and a synth underlay which in my opinion is an octave higher than it should be and irritates me. A new melody comes in alongside some gated chords and the track carries on to the breakdown where the vocals come in. Another Supersaw riff makes an appearence and all four mixes are worth a listen to but the "FTW Remix" is definitely one to watch.
Release Date: T.B.A
BBC Traxx - The Truth (No Name Trance 012)
Reaction: I will always remember this, absolutely crazy
Comments: Wide variety of mixes from slow &emp; melodic to a full on speaker attack - Brilliant
Best Mix: Franky Kloeck Mix
Full Review: Another track from "No Name" this month by "BBC Traxx". Ok I admit, The thought of some of the BBC actors making a track did cross my mind but I've been informed it's not. I've already heard this track before and have been charting it for months. The "DJ Gert" mix starts with a chugging loop and some rim's and builds up into a quite progressive number but when the kick comes in the track becomes pretty full on. Everything dies down till a vocal comes in saying something along the lines of "are you ready for the truth". The kick drum comes in with some different industrial FX this time and a really dark bassline fades in. The vocal repeats and then the track sounds like "Stinger" by "Riva" only much better. The "DJ Dimi" mix starts with some really hard tribal drums and a pitched up kick with a filtered 303 playing the bassline. The Industrial FX off the original are included and the track drops to some sweeps which fade in with the vocals. The Flanged Riff which comes in borders on cheesy with it's synth underlay but it isn't that bad. I'd recommend wearing a crash helmet before switching over to the "Franky Kloeck mix" as it's an understatement saying it is pretty full on. Hard kick drums start off the track and the whole track consists of just percussion loops, fx and vocals from the original. The track drops where an "Azzido Da Bass" like sweep introduce the mad FX loop which is the main part of this mix. When the track kicks in with claps and full drums you know this one is definitely Intense and is very good to say the least. Wicked 3 tracker, It's already been released so I recommend you go out and find a copy now!
Release Date: T.B.A
Mr Vinx - Livin' On My Own (Sphear)
Reaction: It's the worst thing I ever heard
Comments: "Freddie Mercury - Living on my own" - Did we really need a remake of this ?? I don't like this at all, way too cheesy!
Best Mix: DJ Garry vs FTW Mix
Full Review: This is another record from Sphear in Belgium. The title of this made me worry and I had reason to. I'm sure those of you reading this can remember the track "Livin' On My Own" by "Freddie Mercury". Yep this is a remake. In the "Airscape Mix" the track starts with some good trance drums and builds up into some strings. When the vocals kick in I'm being honest when I say that it was hard resisting the urge to take the needle off the record. I kept it on and when the tune built up I was crying with laughter. Awful track. The "Mighty Clubcats Mix" is funky and I prefer this to the original as it has only a small selection vocals but it's very monotonous. "DJ Garry vs FTW Mix" I was quite impressed with as it showed very little relation to the original and was quite a hard groove to it hey also put in a nice string breakdown but it's not as good as their other work. The "DJ Gert Mix" was quite dark, it employs some "Zombie Nation" electro drums and bassline. It also has a hard gated riff which works but it does little else apart from that. Overall I'd definitely give this track a miss unless you are a serious die hard fan of Sphear. We definitely didn't need this to be done!!
Release Date: T.B.A
Equator- Al Ritino Frenetico (No Name Trance 018)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Uplifting Track with Spanish influences - very upbeat with a variety of mixes.
Best Mix: A1 Mix
Full Review: Another track from Belgium's "No Name" Label. I Have no idea if the artist &emp; track title is correct because I can't read the writing on the track. The "A1" track starts with a pretty full on drum attack and builds into some energetic strings. A nice bassline and synth underlay come in and this track is something a little bit different. Some spanish vocals come in alongside the gated chords and this track is the sort to put a smile on your face and get you dancing. The "A2" mix is an edit of the "A1" mix. The "B1" mix starts with some simple drums and bass and introduces a full vocal track alongside the gated chords off the A side. Some pianos are added alongside a flamenco guitar but that's it really. Like on the A Side, the "B2" mix is an edit of the "B1" mix.
Release Date: T.B.A
Steve Morley - Sacred City (Sphear)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Hard + Driving trance track from the bloke behind "Reincarnations" (a big favourite of mine) - definitely one to look out for.
Best Mix: 33t Version
Full Review: Sphear records haven't had a bad year by the sounds of things. Particularly seeing how big "Minimalistix - Struggle For Pleasure" has become. They have enlisted the help of excellent dutch producer Mustafa Alici (aka Steve Morley) to produce this track and he's done quite a good job too. The "33t Version" starts with a conga loop, some simple drum programming and builds up into a nice trance track which is a bit like his remix of "Feel So Good" by "Jon The Dentist vs Ollie Jaye" on Tidy Trax. A very nice synth underlay comes in with some strings and this track soon becomes very melodic. A really odd riff comes in which works really well giving the track an eerie edge to it. When track kicks in it's quite good. Not as good as Steve Morely's other stuff but still a reasonable attempt. The "45t Version" starts with some nice strings and a drumloop and the track immediately kicks in afterwards. The track builds up like the "33t Version" and is drops to the breakdown where the riff comes in. This mix is exactly like the 33t Version except only four minutes long. Both sides of this are brilliant tracks and would work for more mellower trance DJs.
Release Date: T.B.A
DJ Bailar Project - Life Is A Game (Mostiko Denmark)
Reaction: I will always remember this, absolutely crazy
Comments: Kick ass track !! Already recieved huge support locally and those BBE stabs havent ever sounded that good !!
Best Mix: DJ Garry vs FTW remix
Full Review: I've heard this one to death but it was so hard to find a copy and finally one comes my way. From the instant I heard this track it drew my attention with its BBE stabs and very nice vocals. The "Lost Witness Mix" starts with some really odd tribal drums and claves and builds up into a decent bassline with beeps. Rims and FX are added with some stabs and the track drops down to some of the vocals then comes back and builds up. The breakdown occurs and the vocals come in, in full with some cowbells and the riff. The track builds up and it's quite a deeper number. Flipping over to the mix by two producers who can't really do wrong judging their past tracks this month.. "DJ Garry and FTW", This mix starts with some excellent drum and bass programming and a really nice supersaw with some BBE stabs. The track drops down to strings and the full vocals then the riff comes in and is interrupted with some synth arpegiatos and a drum roll frenzy but fully kicks in before the track has built up. When the track comes back in it's definitely one to get you moving to. Brilliant track, well worth all the hype it's recieved locally. The orignal from Danish Producers "Bailar Project" is quite odd with the riff being at double the speed of the Garry and FTW remix then slowing down to the normal speed and bulding up. The track is very good but very commercial and it's length of 3 minutes is quite annoying. Excellent track though. Definitely one to watch and fully deserves the 10.
Release Date: T.B.A
Orion Too - You And Me (Mostiko)
Reaction: I heard already better things/I'm not really convinced
Comments: Simple but quite cheesy trance track from the Mostiko label with mixes from all their usual suspects.
Best Mix: DJ Gert Mix
Full Review: Mostika return with this track from Orion Too. The first mix on the A side is by DJ Garry vs FTW who collectively and Individually are two of the busiest producers of the moment and most of their output is definitely worth a listen. Their mix starts with strong kick drum and bassline. The kick is then combined with a harder distorted kick drum and gives the impression that damage will be done. A twisted female vocal saying about "Shadows of Minds and Rainbows of times being only you and me" leads into a really dark and twisted siren. The siren is filtered with and some mechanical fx are added. Then all of a sudden a broken up supersaw riff and twisted vocals come in and lead up into nice and hard trance track. The "Extended Mix" starts with pretty full on drums and a synth underlay works which although it sounds cheesy works very well if the "DJ Garry vs FTW" mix was too intense. The vocals are added in full and the supersaw riff comes in where expected. This mix is a bit on the predictable side. Flipping over to what I expected to be cheesey, the "DJ Gert Mix" is quite hard with a different riff and hard drum programming which definitely takes no prisoners. The track dies after building up to a drawn out supersaw in which the vocals are triggered over. The track builds up and it is definitely something intense, while the "Instrumental" mix is just the "Extended Mix" with no vocals unsuprisingly. A reasonable effort.
Release Date: T.B.A
Darling Nikkie - Sugarcane (Mocca)
Reaction: I heard already better things/I'm not really convinced
Comments: A bit too funky and not enough diversity in the mixes for my liking apart from the Shai Remix
Best Mix: Shai Remix
Full Review: Roadrunner offshoot Mocca deliver this 4 tracker. The "Borderline Twins Remix" would make a good Sing-a-long track but unfortunately doesn't really appeal to me . It starts with a guitar loop and funky drum programming with some organs but with the vocals you can see this is aimed at the charts or the house dancefloors. Really irritating Rhodes chords feature in this mix. The "El Negro Blanco Mix" is more the sort of thing for me as it doesn't have so many cheesy elements and it would work as an intro to more tribal house sets. The "Shai Remix" starts pretty minimalistic with just a simple drum pattern, a bassline and vocals. A really odd synth comes in and this is definitely not what I was expecting compared to the other mixes and this mix would work more in sets by DJs like Mauro Picotto or anyone playing the Tech-Trance sounds as this track is pretty full on with sirens and everything but it doesn't do much at all. The "Jade 4 U" mix is full on breakbeat mix and considering the past productions I was very dissapointed and this mix didn't stay on long. This is the sort of thing you'd expect to see on a television advert. I'd stick with the Shai remix or the "El Negro Blanco Mix" as they are quite good but the other two mixes I wouldn't touch at all.
Release Date: T.B.A
Syndicate Of Law - Early In The Morning (Mostika)
Reaction: I heard already better things/I'm not really convinced
Comments: Again, a bit too funky for my liking but I prefer this to the "Darling Nikkie" track.
Best Mix: Bank Robbert Mix
Full Review: This is Another Funky record from the Mostika label. The "Snake Attack Mix" mix of this starts with a very cheesy beep and little funky guitar loops. The drums kick in and progress with some spoken vocals as the guitar loops are filtered. Little loops of scratching come in alongside sirens and pretty soon this is a funky track based around the guitar loop. Later on in the track the full vocals are filtered around with. This mix is a bit too funky for my liking. The "Bank Robbert Mix" starts with a simple kick drum and conga programming, it builds up into a funky filtered loop and some female spoken vocals in time it builds up into the full vocal track along side some guitars. This mix is better but still is one of the funky things I am not into. The "#3 S.L Squad Mix" is very similar to the "Bank Robbert Mix" but with less variation and the "Original Mix" is the most lacklustre one of the lot and I do not find it very interesting. Saying that though if laidback house music is your thing then you will probably love this.
Release Date: T.B.A
Nord - Positive Negative (No Name 008)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Distorted vocals and a hard track combine to create this full on monster!!
Best Mix: Zafiro Mix
Full Review: Another track from No name this month and is this full on or what! The "Zafiro mix" starts with a really twisted bassline you'd expect in an old rave track and vocals of "Positive" &emp; "Negative occur as the track builds up and all of a sudden dies down with a loud crash and just the vocals. A mad synth comes in with a snare roll and this track takes no prisoners at all. The track kicks in and is full on madness... Especially when the bass comes in as well. Wicked track. The "Original Mix" is quite a driving repetitve trance track with a more laidback tune than the Zafiro mix but still with the vocals. I like this it would definitely work in some mellower sets. Some screams and a supersaw stab kicks in. The track builds up from the breakdown with a mad snare roll and when it kicks in you know this is intense but with a mellow side to it too. The "Second Mix" starts with simple drums and the "Positive... Negative" vocal and some nice deeper drums. It employs a really buzzy synth to use as the lead and would be the sort of thing that Seb Fontain or some other DJs would play in a hard and deep set. All in all a wide variety with all three tracks being full on with a varying of speeds. Brilliant track.
Release Date: T.B.A
Reviews from 17/07/01
Sensei - Lose Your Mind (Breathless 002)
Favourite Track: A
Future Chart Position: Yes
Additional Comments: Release number two for Breathless...this time produced by Andy Manston (Perpetual Motion).
Overall Rating: 9
Full Review: The Breathless Label have over the last twelve months built up quite a hype for themselves. Judging by this track by Andy Manston, the label know what quality is. Label Boss Louis Mears had been saying to me to look out for this track as it was a good one and it definitely lived up to expectations. There are two mixes on offer here, the first by "Perpetual Motion" which is actually Andy Manston himself and Julian Napolitano. This mix starts off with strong and funky drum programming and a nice bassline. Pads and a synth underlay kick in and the track drops the kick drum to build up tension then builds up and is pretty full on. Vocals of "Lose Your Mind" occur and a new synth line comes in which combines with the track and builds up to the breakdown. A nice moody riff that comes in and along with the gated pads builds up. When the track kicks in with the riff, it's pretty hard not to dance to and has a well thought out arrangement which certainly works. The Original Mix has a harder edge to it as 303's are added and the kick drum is harder. A gated synth kicks in and the track sounds like a track you'd find on labels like Overdose or Drizzly with a german sound. The riff comes in with the "Lose Your Mind" vocals and builds up. When the riff comes in with everything else you can tell that this is a harder mix that DJs who play "hard trance" would definitely love. Nothing much happens in this mix but it doesn't really need to. An Excellent two tracker from Andy Manston and no doubt Breathless will have another good record with more to come. Check out http://www.breathlessrecords.com for more info.
Release Date: T.B.A
Unknown - Super Dream Team (Mastive 001)
Reaction: I will always remember this, Absolutely crazy
Comments: Excellent 5 Track ep with varying styles of Trance.
Best Mix: B2
Full Review: New Roadrunner offshoot "Mastive" delivers this 5 track EP and to say it covers a bit of everything is an understatement. The "A1" starts with a nice Rank 1 like string which is stopped and a hard beat with congas come in. Then a Gabba bassdrum and evil bassline come in alongside a "Welcome" and "It's time to change your mind" vocal. The tune then dies out to a string breakdown and a riff which comes in. This builds up but then the track introduces a gated siren riff with a 303 and goes all like a Mauro Picotto Production. The "A2" starts with a Police S.W.A.T team vocal going "OK team follow my command - lock and load" with a Gunshot. A really nice and dark bassline comes in along with a funky drum pattern. It's not long before a synth underlay copies the bassline and the track is very twisted. Nothing much else happens apart from changes in vocals but still this track works well. The "A3" starts with a nice and shuffly drumloop that builds into the Klubbheads bass and it's no suprise that this producer is dutch. The track goes into some nice reverbed stabs and sirence. Definitely aimed for to be a crowdpleaser. Ethnic vocals are added and the track is very bouncy. The "B1" I listened to and it sounds like a mick take of Des Mitchell's "Welcome To The Dance" ... even the vocal is similar but still it is a nice trance track. Check it out and see. My favourite is the "B2" starting with some very hard drums and nice uplifting synths and basline the song builds up into a full blown speaker attack and drops to "Are you ready for the avalanche" vocal and the track cutting the synths off earlier then lengthening them again. All in all this EP is definatley worth a play - I can't wait for more output from Mastive if it's like this.
Release Date: T.B.A
DJ Coby cs Thomazz - The Mutant (Roadrunner White - TR 6006)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Hard club attack which goes really trancey - and does the job well.
Best Mix: B1
Full Review: Roadrunner deliver this white from DJ Coby and Thomazz. The A1 mix starst with some nice strong drums and a hollow bass sound. This carries on for a while as a synth is filtered around with and this carries on to the breakdown where some nice pads are added with some spoken female vocals about skeletons and mutations. A really nice riff filters in but combined with the rest of the track I expected something a little stronger. Still it's not a bad mix though and is worthy of a listen. The A2 takes things a little funkier with nice shuffled drums and a cool synth underlay. This builds up to the breakdown where the riff comes in. When the track comes in this is much better than the A1 mix and the riff is gated which works well. The B1 mix is my favourite mix, it starts with hard kick drum and bassline. Mechanical FX and hi hats are added alongside a really tough drum loop which gives the track a gritty edge. Some synths come in as the track builds up to the breakdown. The underlay continues with some short synth stabs and this builds up with a siren. When the track kicks in this is really like it!!! Full of energy and it works a treat. Nice hard trance track which works well. Recommended by me.
Release Date: T.B.A
M - A Forest (Earth 001)
Reaction: I heard already better things/I'm not Really Convinced
Comments: Odd Trance track from the mysterious M
Best Mix: B
Full Review: Vocalist M returns to kick off another new Roadrunner Arcade offshoot Earth records. The A side mix starts with a strong kick drum and a short catchy underlay which leads into a nice bassline. The first verse kicks in an the track sounds like a track from 1980's from Marc Almond or somebody else. It is quite catchy though and would get radio play if a radio edit was made. The track still sounds dated up until the string breakdown when a really nice trancey riff comes in that does the damage. The track then sounds a little bit like CRW - I Feel love which isn't a bad thing and would definitely make for a more calmer sound than the full on trance there is. On Side B there is an instrumental mix which to no suprise removes all the vocals. A good track which would definitely work well to more commercial audiences a radio edit was made.
Release Date: T.B.A
Synchronizer II - D-Day (Roadrunner White - 23203076)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Excellent A side - the rest of the tracks arent so good but worthy of a listen
Best Mix: A1
Full Review: With a name like that you expect something nice and evil. Yet this is more funkier than evil. The A side mix starts with a nice hard kick drum and bass with some zaps. Hi hats come in and the zaps become more frantic. This carries on all the way till the breakdown where some very nice pads come in. A vocal track comes in alongside a riff which is building up and when the track kicks in you get something very energetic that is hard to resist dancing to. The A2 mix starts with a wooden bass and more of the same as the A side with zaps and FX. This carries onto the breakdown where a really eerie synth comes in. This is joined with the weirdest snare roll and when it kicks in this is intended for the harder dancefloors. Nice and scary. The B1 mix starts nice and hard with strong kick drums and some nice strings. This leads on into the bassline which is pretty full on. A very good synth underlay comes with a "Come to mayday baby" vocal and the cutoff is played with. The breakdown comes in and the track when it kicks definitely would go down well. I can see lots of Local DJs playing this. Check this EP.
Release Date: T.B.A
Frank T Wallace vs DJ Garry - Keep It Burning (FTW)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Funky one side, Full on the other! what more can you ask for!
Best Mix: Second Mix
Full Review: Mostika return with this production by the production team of FTM vs DJ Garry. I think there is an error with the pressing of this track as there are supposed to be three mixes yet I can only find two. The A side mix starts with some nice funky drums and vocals which sound like Celeda who sang on Danny Tenaglia's "Music Is The Answer" kick in. A buzzy synth underlay comes in as the drums progress. This carries on till the breakdown where the vocals are echoed. The track builds up introducing a new synth riff and when it kicks in it is a funky groove. The B Side mix is definitely better.. Starting off very much like DJ Garry and FTW's remix of "DJ Bailar Project - Life Is A Game". This track builds up adding some driving synth underlays up until the breakdown where they filter out. The vocal comes in and builds up with a frenzied snare roll and a one note synth riff. When the track kicks in the riff changes and creates a nice and full on trance track. These two producers seem to have a knack as everything they produce is worthy of a listen. Take a look for this track it is recommended.
Release Date: T.B.A
Rego &emp; Filipo - Upside Down (Sookie 001)
Reaction: I heard already better things/I'm not really convinced
Comments: Simple trance track with a choice of vocals or instrumental
Best Mix: A1
Full Review: Roadrunner certainly have been a busy label this month and this track by Rego &emp; Philipo starts off a new project. This Two tracker from another new label "Sookie" starts with some simple drums with industrial fx layered on top. A bassline builds into a simple one note synth riff. The synths drops down to just the bassline and a "Looking at the world upside down" vocal. A new synth line comes in and the track builds up. When it kicks in theres some more synths and the first verse comes in of the vocals. The track drops to the riff and builds up with the vocals. This track doesn't have much in it at all. On the other side there is an instrumental mix which doesn't have that much in it either and completely strips the vocals of course but apart from that it's definitely an OK production. I wonder what other stuff on this label will be like
Release Date: T.B.A
Vinno Ricci vs FTW - The Ultimate (Roadrunner White - 23203056)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Well thought-out + produced trance 3 tracker from the Belgian team.
Best Mix: B1
Full Review: Belgian label Roadrunner deliver yet another track this month this time from one of the busiest producers around, Frank T Wallace who has teamed up with Vinno Ricci. The A1 mix of this track takes no prisoners right from the start with a full on hard kick drum and warped AWEX like bassline. A flanged synth underlay comes in and leads the track up to the breakdown where just the snare drum and rimshots continue. The kick drum comes in and a very odd and unexpected hoover like riff accompanies it making you wonder what is going on. Old rave vocal "This is the ultimate and I can't go for it" makes an appearence. The B1 mix starts very trancey with a nice bassline and synth underlay. This builds up into a breakdown with a very odd vocal track. Rimshots and Snare drums accompany the synth riff and this track fully has it and is hard to resist dancing to. The B2 mix is very similar to the B1 mix with a different synth underlay. This track is a very intense 3 tracker and should work well on harder dancefloors.
Release Date: T.B.A
B-Koner - Progressions (Roadrunner White - 23203086)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Driving progressive track that is a bit on the weird side!!
Best Mix: A
Full Review: This two tracker is (if you cant tell by the name) a nice slice of progressiveness. A strong kick drum and eclectic hi hat &emp; Fx programming make for some weird listening. Especially when a whining synth alongside some warm pad sounds kick in. This carries on to the breakdown where the strings fade in along side a nice driving synth riff. This really is a nice progressive track which is well thought out. The B side Starts with more progressive drum programming and a swirling synth. This builds up to the breakdown where things are nice and dark with a high string. When the track kicks in there are some vocals and the track carries on adding mechanical fx and hi hats right to the end. These are two very good progressive house tracks that I recommend.
Release Date: T.B.A
Absence - Be One (Absence 001)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Nice energetic trance track with some cool vocals
Best Mix: B1
Full Review: Roadrunner start another new label this month which starts off with "Be One" by "Absence". The A side starts with a kick and bass with some distorted vocals fading in. A synth underlay kicks in which is filtered around with and the drums progress. The drums die down briefly as mechanical FX sounds are added and then come back in. This takes the track up to the breakdown where some eerie strings come in and the vocals saying "We can Be one" are used to full effect. When the track builds up and comes in it is a dark progressive groove. The B1 mix starts with a simple drum pattern and mechanical FX. This builds up as a funky drumloop is added alongside some 303s. The track stops where a synth filters up when the vocals come in. When the riff comes in and the track has built up this is a pretty full on trance track with a lot of energy. The B2 mix starts with a mechanical drumloop and a nice bassline. Drums kick in and so does a nice mellow synth underlay comes in with the vocals. Some gated strings come in and this carries the track on to the end. This is a nice track which has a well thought out arrangement but my favourite is the B1 mix. Check it out.
Release Date: T.B.A
Montini Traxx - The Sound Of Innocence (Roadrunner White - 23203026)
Reaction: I will always remember this, Absolutely crazy
Comments: Three Excellent trance tracks from the Belgian team.
Best Mix: B2
Full Review: This release from Roadrunner Is another I haven't got much info on at all but it is definitely very good. The A1 mix starts with some hard drum programming and a warped bassline comes in which leads to 303s getting added and the bassline pitching down completely to breakdown and let the strings of the track kick in. As well as this a pitch bent synth underlay and vocals of "Step into the light......the sound of innocence" come in. The track when built up is nice and trancey with a hard edge to it. The B1 I on first hearing thought was a Ferry Corsten production with his type of drums and bass programming. Also strings and a nice synth underlay come in which definitely are similar to his work. This mix is really melodic though and the supersaw in the breakdown works well in the vocals. When the track kicks in it's a nice one to dance to and very dreamy with nice strings. My favourite mix is the B2 mix however which is similar to DJ Garry and FTW's work. It starts with a nice rolling synth underlay and some fx and builds up with some nice strings Drops down to just the strings with the vocals. The riff which comes in is nice and uplifting and works very very well, when the track builds up you know when it kicks in this is a winner. All in all an excellent 3 tracker which I will be supporting strongly.
Release Date: T.B.A
Flickman - Hey Paradise (Roadrunner White - 23203046)
Reaction: It's the worst thing I have ever heard
Comments: B
Best Mix: Hard track from the producers behind "Sound Of Bamboo" - not my cup of tea.
Full Review: Italian Producers Flickman return with this which Roadrunner Arcade have licensed. I'll admit I had already heard this track before being sent It and I didn't like it then. I still don't. The A side starts with hard drum programming with crowd samples and a "Hey Paradise" Vocal. A buzzy synth line leads into the riff and an overlong breakdown. Im not keen on this Mix at all. The B side mix is a little better with a cool start with tight drum programming. Im not keen on the cut up of the "Hey Paradise" vocal which leads into the breakdown and the synth riff that comes in i dont like either. Flickman who have had success with other productions such as "House Of Bamboo" have dissapointed me with this track. Listen and see what you think though as fans of the more commercial sound will most probably love this.
Release Date: T.B.A
Reviews from 21/07/01
Lexos - The Key (Sunrise 014)
Favourite Track: A1
Future Chart Position: No
Additional Comments: Andy Manston produced track which has been licensed to the excellent Sunrise label.
Overall Rating: 6
Full Review: Dutch label Sunrise have licensed this track from UK label Incentive with two new mixes and I'm not convinced about any of the mixes on offer here. The Original Mix makes use of the Pizzaman vocal and goes with the full on approach with a driving riff, emotional pads and a funky driving bassline. Crazy Drummer's reworking changes the riff and has off the wall build Ups and some more elements which didn't do much for me at all. Natural Born Groovers take the funky approach twisting the vocals and adding organs which have a different effect on the track. Certainly not the best Sunrise release but have a listen.
Release Date: T.B.A
Connector - Interference (RR 004)
Favourite Track: A
Future Chart Position: Yes - 6
Additional Comments: Funky full on house track from the mysterious RR label.
Overall Rating: 10
Full Review: RR return after the very succesful "Mystery" by "Mystery" with this track funky track. This reminds me of an earlier Signum production on BPMDance with an excellent funky bassline, reversed synths and tight drum programming. Some Tribal drumloops come in and the track has a very good build up which after carrying on peaks with a breakbeat. The Club Remix on the other side adds a buzzy synth to the A side which doesn't work as well compared to the A side's funkyness. Still - this is one hot track!! Check it out as soon as you can.
Release Date: T.B.A
Gizeh - Wonderful / Feelin' Good (Liquid 014)
Favourite Track: B
Future Chart Position: Yes - 15
Additional Comments: Rob Fabrie's Gizeh Project makes an appearence with this two tracker.
Overall Rating: 8/9
Full Review: Dutch Producer Rob Fabrie returns with this two tracker. "Wonderful" is a very melodic track with a wobbly bassline and Rob's trademark supersaw sound. The melody the supersaw plays reminds me of something oriental and the track also uses a very nice synth underlay and fx. "Feelin' Good" is a really good track, using elements that would make you confuse it with a Paul Van Dyk production. The bassline and synth underlay would fool anyone, it's only when Rob's supersaw comes in you know it is a production by him. Excellent arrangement and production on both these tracks. Check them out
Release Date: T.B.A
Gizeh - Wonderful / Feelin' Good (Remixes) (Liquid 014R)
Favourite Track: A1
Future Chart Position: Yes - 15
Additional Comments: The remixes to Rob's tracks are unleashed and they definitely do the damage.
Overall Rating: 8/9
Full Review: Rob Fabrie is back again this month with remixes of his own tracks. The "Ready 4 Summer Mix" of Feelin' Good is a harder mix than the original, it plays around with the riff and has punchier drums. The Rework of "Wonderful" is very odd as I can't actually notice anything thats been modified in it at all. The "Gizeh's into the deep mix" takes a full on approach updating the bass and drums and making them more accessable also adding wooshes and 303s. A good package all in all and you should listen and give the Dutch producer the credit he deserves.
Release Date: T.B.A
Natural Born Groovers - Kick Back (Sunrise 012)
Favourite Track: A
Future Chart Position: Yes - 12
Additional Comments: Funky "French Kiss" Inspired track from the Sunrise Label.
Overall Rating: 9
Full Review: Both Sunrise and Natural Born Groovers return this month with this two tracker. The "Dub Mix" owes a lot to "French Kiss" by Lil Louis' with the nice funky driving riff used in the original. Natural Born Groovers go manic with the drum programming too with snares and various other percussive samples. In the "Original Club Mix" the drums are a lot tougher with a funkier bassline yet there seems to be something lacking as the riff off the A side is played about with. Definitely stick with the "Dub Mix" on the A side as I reckon you are onto a winner with it.
Release Date: T.B.A
4 Strings - Into The Night (Liquid 019)
Favourite Track: A
Future Chart Position: Yes - 17
Additional Comments: Carlos Resoort dons his 4 Strings guise for this track.
Overall Rating: 8
Full Review: This One sided release from the Liquid label comes from Dutch Producer Carlos Resoort who yet again adapts his 4 Strings guise and produces a follow up to the massive "Day Time" from last year. This track has some simple drum programming and an energetic bassline which lead on to some cool synth underlays and nice strings. The arrangement is very minimalistic as little else happens but apart from a Riff I don't reckon much needs to be added to this anyway and this track has a lot of potential. Check it out when it is released.
Release Date: T.B.A
Sunflowerz - Pumpin The Bass (Restricted 002)
What do you think of it: OK
How did the crowd react: Most Liked It
Your Comments: Restricted deliver this funky and dark club track which does the damage.
Full Review: Dutch company FTM sent me this track and I've already heard Matt Vinyl play it so I knew what to expect. This is a very hard track with a saw wave riff and funky bassline. Oddbod drums and a very ecelectic breakdown make for very weird but bangin listening. The B Side is more friendlier with softer drums and offbeat basslines. The saw riff is still there with a new riff that works well. Vocals and stabs are also used to full effect and it's clear Sunflowerz know how to make a production work a crowd. This is a very nice two tracker that works very well.
Release Date: T.B.A
Expander - Let The Music (Restricted 005)
What do you think of it: I'd Play It A Few Times
How did the crowd react: Most Liked It
Your Comments: Funky percussive groove just how I like erm!
Full Review: FTM return this month with a track on their label Restricted. "C's Original Mix" has funky shuffled drums, a warped bassline and very nice organ stabs. All this is combined with some vocals which sound very twisted but hard to resist dancing to. The Dynamic Dubb toughens up the drums and goes for a harder approach with some stabs that work well and the "Deepbass Dubb" adds a really evil speed garage like bassline to the track which gives it a very dark edge. All three mixes on offer are really funky and are got me dancing. Excellent!
Release Date: T.B.A
Lumination - Don't Want Your Life (Altitude 002)
What do you think of it: I'd Play It A Few Times
How did the crowd react: Most Liked It
Your Comments:
Full Review: After a succesful first release of "Bastian's Dream" by "Ernesto vs Bastian", Altitude are back with this two tracker by "Lumination. The Ernesto vs Bastian remix has a harsh gabber kick, frenzied bassline, mad drums (taken from a certain Safri Duo track) and a really buzzy saw riff that works. The track also has an "I love you" vocal which although has been used to death gives a certain edge to this track. The Original Progressive mix has all the elements off the A side but isnt as intense and it also plays with the conga drums some more. Altitude are a name to watch!
Release Date: T.B.A
Reviews from 23/07/01
No Name Record Present Nameless EP 1(No Name 013)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Mixture of hard house and trance from the ever reliable No Name label
Best Mix: 4 Traxx - Compression (FTW Remix)
Full Review: Belgium's No Name label have had a good year and this EP is a collection of remixes of past releases. "Da Tech Club - Level Spirit (Fiber Optic Mix)" is intense with odd vocals, 808 drums and a nagging synth line. There is no kick drum so this is a problem. "4 Traxx - Compression (FTW Mix)" has a Picotto like start with a driving synth underlay and a warped bass. Some strings and an energetic riff comes in which I like. "Party Crasher - The Jumper (DJ Glenn Mix)" is a track which sounds like an old Gabber tune. Little in it but it has a solid kick and very twisted vocals. "DJ Joeri - Fuck On Cocaine (Liberty Mix)" is a hard trance tune with a spoken female vocal and mad 3 Note buzzy riff. This track is like a tune on the "Fog Area" label. A Good 4 tracker.
Release Date: T.B.A
DJ Franco - The Darkside (FTW)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Twisted trance from DJ Franco and FTW
Best Mix: 3TH Mix
Full Review: The FTW label return with this 4 tracker. The Original Mix is a hard Dumonde/Push style track which goes all buzzy and has a "Darkside is coming" vocal with a Key-Trigger riff. The "FTW" mix is very similar to the Original but has a more frenzied drum build up and changes the riff and synth underlay. The "3TH Mix" has a really twisted Laurent Garnier style bassline and synth underlay. A nice energetic riff comes in as the tune builds up and the vocal is put to good effect. The "Radio Cut" is an edit of the "Original" mix.
Release Date: T.B.A
E-Pact - The Mystery Of Sound (Earcrash)
Reaction: I will always Remember this - absoultely crazy
Comments: "Cosmic Gate" inspired trance track which does the damage no questions asked.
Best Mix: A
Full Review: This is an interesting two tracker. The A side basically takes all the elements of "Cosmic Gate - Fire Wire" and rearranges them into something much much better. The riff on this track is ace and with the vocals makes for intense listening. The B side starts all funky and melodic with a nice underlay and then in the breakdown The track goes all really hard and twisted. This is the first I've ever heard of the Earcrash label but I am definitely going to look out for them now. Two Excellent Tracks that will go down a storm with hard trance fans.
Release Date: T.B.A
Various - Real Retro Classix Part 2 (Mostiko)
Reaction: I already heard better things - I'm not really convinced.
Comments: Hardcore + Gabber tracks from the belgian team.
Best Mix: Ramirez - El Gallinero
Full Review: Part 2 of this collection is full of rave tracks that have really terrorised. "Vicious Delictious - Hocus Pocus" is a simple groove with some looped vocals and congas with some female spoken vocals and guitar loops laid on top. "Ramirez - El Gallinero" is a weird hardcore track with whistles and some twisted Belgian with cheesy stabs - Nice though. "Swat - The Fly Is Dead (Public Domain Mix)" is very very intense.. around 180 bpm of a die-hard kick and mad drum programming with offbeat stabs and vocals of "The Fly Is Dead...YEAAAH" and obscene loops. "Krid Snero - White Line" is a more trancier track with nice stabs and a resonant synth with the overused Amiga 500 sample of "Give Me A White Line". "Marshall Masters - I Like It Loud" is very intense but at around 140 bpm, a strong intense kick with intense stabs all the way and more X-Rated vocals. Hard is an understatement.
Release Date: T.B.A
DJ Kane - Pump (Sookie 002)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Excellent melodic trance track from the newly formed Sookie label
Best Mix: 2001 Mix
Full Review: Release number Two from Sookie is by DJ Kane. The "2001 mix" is a nice uplifting trance track with some cool 303 programming, nice choirs and punchy drums. The breakdown starts and stops and the riff kicks in alongside Vocals of "Pump the rhythm and let it ride". The original sounds a lot like a Lange production up until the riff comes in. The arrangement goes very lackluster after this and it is too laidback. Stick with the A side it's good!
Release Date: T.B.A
Various - Real Retro Classix Part 3 (Mostiko)
Reaction: I heard already better things - I'm not really convinced
Comments: Hard trance and house classics from the Mostiko label
Best Mix: Control D.C - Retro Dell Diavlo / DJ Johan - Retro Acapella 2
Full Review: Part 3 of The Real Retro Classix has some very odd tracks. "Nagasaki - Scorpio Rising" is a long trance epic with weird drums and buzzy saw melody. The track is a bit long but still worthy of a listen. "Control DC - Ritmo Dell Diavlo" is a track I recognise many samples from and I finally know the name of - Brilliant hard trance track that has a nice energetic bassline and riff with spoken vocals. "The Mackenzie feat Jessy - I Am Free" is a laidback melodic track which reminds me a little of Inner City Life by Goldie for some reason. Simple trance that would be cool to relax to. "Natural Born Deejays - A Good Day" is a nice trance track that has a riff that I have heard before just can't think where. Using 909s. Choirs and an octave changing bassline. "DJ Johan - Retro Acapella 2" is a wicked acapella which would be good to open a set with. Reminding me of "Elements by Danny Tenaglia"
Release Date: T.B.A
DJ Esteem - Destiny (Revelation)
Reaction: I heard already better things - I'm not really convinced
Comments: Melodic + commercial trance from DJ Esteem
Best Mix: Words Of Farewell
Full Review: This is another label who I've only heard of today. This release is a 4 tracker of melodic trance that seems too commercial for my liking. "Destiny" has a simple bassline and warm chords with simple drums and a key-triggered riff. "Staying Power" is a full on energetic track with some claves a nice synth underlay, strong drums and a well thought out arrangement. "My Secret Lovelady" is all over the place which is a shame as it has some potential and "Words Of Farewell" reminds me of some earlier Sven Vath prdocutions on Harthouse.
Release Date: T.B.A
Fiber Optic - Easy Tone (No Name 011)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Twisted trance track from the No Name Label
Best Mix: Extended Version
Full Review: No Name records return again this month with this release. The "DJ Yoeri" Mix is very banging with industrial fx, a pitch bent riff and solid drums. Little else occurs in this mix but it's nice. The "Original" Mix adds punchier drums and a synth underlay. The riff is detuned and this mix is more for harder floors. The "Short" Mix is an edit of the original mix and The "Extended Version" uses really tough funky drums and adds some more industrial fx. Not a very diverse selection in mixes but still worth a listen as they are all good.
Release Date: T.B.A
Various - Real Retro Classix Part 4 (Mostiko)
Reaction: Good Stuff
Comments: Retro Experience from Mostiko with some well known classics
Best Mix: The Age Of Love - The Age Of Love (Stella Mix) / DJ Johan - Retro Acapella 3
Full Review: Part 4 of the Retro Classix EP is another blast from the past. "Le Park - Litchies" is a simple track with a banging kick drum and punchy drums. An organ plays the riff with some spoken french talking. Some metallic fx come in but not much else. "Age Of Love - Age Of Love (Stella Mix)" is a Jam &emp; Spoon produced classic which nearly everyone knows of with its dark loop and "Come on, dance with me...." vocal. Some very nice choirs &emp; pads accompany the string line and the drums are gated alongside the simple arrangement. When the breakdown occurs this is one very very good track and it's no suprise it's become a classic. "Black Scorpion - Empuryon" is a very oddbod track with drum programming all over the place which progress into a really unexpected but nice riff and FX Sweeps. Ireland's "Mr Spring" makes an appearence with "Voyager 3.2" and this is a very simple track with stabs and hoovers alongside a buzzy synth line and simple drums. "DJ Johan - Retro Acaeplla 3" is another brilliant acapella counting down and sending you into a sleep. This is another wicked Acapella you could use to start a mix.
Release Date: T.B.A
Reviews from 25/07/01
System F - Dance Valley (Tsunami 032)
What Do You Think: Slammin
DJ And Or Company Name: Louk
Remarks: Ferry Corsten returns with this fully charged bouncy club attack.
Full Review: I must admit when I got this track today I had already heard from others who had been sent it as well that it was huge. That is an understatement. Starting off with his usual drum style the tune then goes into a really driving bassline like one off an old 80's tune called "I Feel Love". This drops to let the riff come in and when it does, a breakbeat comes in too. A warped synth comes in with the breakbeat but this drops to let the riff build up again and let the tune kick in. When it does you are onto a winner and I reckon this will definitely become huge or at least it deserves to anyway. Full Marks.
Release Date: T.B.A
Reviews from 26/07/01
SL - The Way I Like It (Trance Communications 014)
Favourite Track: A
Future Chart Position: Definitely.
Additional Comments: Excellent trance track from the man of mystery SL with an excellent Drax + Scott Mac mix to follow with.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Full Review: The ever consistant Trance Communications label return with this two tracker. The "Drax + Scott Mac" mix starts with a bassline and filtered drumloops which lead into a very nice synth underlay and the track breaks down into flanged strings. The riff comes in and at this point the production sounds a little Matt Darey like but when the track kicks in this definitely is a deeper trance track which is very different from Scott's usual stuff. I have a feeling I know who SL is and if it's who I think it is then you will definitely be able to spot elements of his production in his mix. Starting with a bassline, shuffled drums and gated synths. The track dies down briefly into a really funky and twisted 303 line and some pads come in. The 303 filters up and when the tune kicks in this is something very funky which is good. Both mixes are worth a play and as expected Trance Communications have done it again.
Release Date: T.B.A
Andreas Kraemer + Thomas Pogadl - Der Racher (Form 013)
Favourite Track: A
Future Chart Position: Yes
Additional Comments: After the excellent "So Wie Es Immer War" these two return to do some more damage.
Overall Rating: 9
Full Review: Overdose's Thomas Pogadl teams up with Junk Project to do this two tracker. Their last track was hard to say the least with twisted spoken German and now they are back with more of the same. "Der Racher" is a looped groove with punchy hi hats, rides and claps and a vocal repeating the title. It also has a brief moment where the kick drops and an industrial FX sound comes in. Intense &emp; Very Weird. "Schnell" is another looped groove with twisted speech. It also has a distorted loop providing a sort of melody to the tune amongst all the FX. "Inferno" had me scared to leave my room, this is real gritty stuff. Loads of Congas and distorted drums over a distorted bass loop. When some metal noises come in you know you are way out of your depths. Definitely going to get charting from me.
Release Date: T.B.A
Nascimento - More Than A Feeling (Nascimento 008)
Favourite Track: A
Future Chart Position: No
Additional Comments: Funky Modjo/Daft Punk style track from the Nascimento Label
Overall Rating: 7
Full Review: The A side of this track reminds me very much of "Lady" by "Modjo" and will probably end up being whistled along to throught the day. A nice funky groove, guitar loop and pitch corrected vocals. A vibraphone comes in at somepoint and this track has a very commerical edge. Thomas Kutger provides a remix with his De-Tox guise and this is very funky with a different edge which vocodes the vocals and adds a more drum programming with an odd bassline. Nothing much from the original remains in this mix. The "Arnold T" Remix is like a laid back trance track with a key-triggered 303 and Indian drums. There is a very nice synth breakdown but this mix is too commercial and a bit monotonous. Stick with the Original or De-Tox mix.
Release Date: T.B.A
KM5 vs Casey - What Could Be Wrong (Real Groove 028)
Favourite Track: A
Future Chart Position: No
Additional Comments: House from the Real Groove label.
Overall Rating: 5
Full Review: Real Groove return with this two tracker. The "Trumpetman Mix" starts with some simple drum programming and builds up into a funky bassline with various parts being filtered and a short saxaphone loop. The drums progress as an organ comes in which lead into a breakdown where some very nice strings come in and the chorus of the vocals occurs. When the track kicks in it's a little funky number but it is a bit weak for my liking. The "Heavydub Mix" takes a funky square wave bass, lots of drums and the vocals and turn this into a quite evil track. When the breakdown comes in this is very dark. When the tune kicks in it is a simple groove right up to the end. Could be better.
Release Date: T.B.A
Junior Jack vs Richard Grey - U Look Fantastic (Real Groove 027)
Favourite Track: A1
Future Chart Position: No
Additional Comments: Another funky tune from the real groove label.
Overall Rating: 6
Full Review: Another tune on Real Groove this month. The "Dawn Madison Club Mix" starts with some bouncy drums and a funky bassline. The vocals come in with a rhodes organ and some guitars. There isnt much else but the tune is very funky. The "Dawn Madison Radio Mix" is an Edit of the Club Mix. The "Regular Mix" gets the filters out in full use and creates a Funky Disco like groove with lots of stabs and strings. This is another Singalong tune that will be playing on my brain over the next few weeks. The "Anthem Mix" is a nice track which pitches up the groove from the Regular mix. Filters are yet again in full use on this track and there are lots of brass instruments in use. A funky four tracker that is a nice summer tune.
Release Date: T.B.A
Dawn Madison - Time Is Right (Real Groove 024)
Favourite Track: A1
Future Chart Position: No
Additional Comments: The clear track returns with more mixes
Overall Rating: 6
Full Review: Real Groove return - First I had this track ages ago on a clear Real Groove Test Press. Now it returns with more mixes. The "JL Vocal Mix" is an uplifting funky track with shuffled beats and guitar stabs with some very nice strings. The "Tiny Tunes Mix" is a bit more tribally in terms of drums but it is very similar to the JL Vocal Mix. The "Original Dawn Madison Mix" is another uptempo funky house track with funky guitars, drums pianos and very catchy vocals. It is a bit long I have grown to like it over the past few months. The "JL Dub-Mix" is an instrumental mix of the JL Vocal mix and it is also a bit longer.
Release Date: T.B.A
Dee Mark - Moonwalker [Redemption 012]
Name: Louk
Residencies: N/a - List of places where review will be is at the bottom of
this page.
Personal Reaction: 10
Chart Position: 2 for chart 06/08/01
Crowd Reaction: 10 (It's reviewed)
Comments: Redemption Return with a track from Germany thats guarenteed to do
serious damage.
Full Review: After months of nagging Redemption boss Bhaskar for a copy this track finally came today. First surfacing on Germany's "Fog Area" label with plays from local DJs, I knew how good this track was and went right after it. I only have a one sided copy but when the full release will come out it will feature a remix from Dom Harding who is half of "Butch & Sundance". So you know you are in for a treat. The Original Mix has it all really, drum programming, a full on synth underlay, 303s and to top it all off a Toybox melody. This drops into a vocal of "I go insane you running around my brain" which is a strong hint this track is German. The track comes back in and builds up into a breakdown where the track fades out then fades into the huge riff, toybox melody and strings. The toybox melody really gives the track an odd edge and It certainly appeals to me. One huge build up occurs and when the track kicks in this is serious dancefloor stuff. Redemption even guarentee that if this doesn't make people yelp on the dancefloor they'll come down and sort everyone out. All I say to that is to look out for this track as soon as possible as its definitely recommended by me.
Release Date: November 2001
Toxen - Nightmare Walking [Redemption 025]
Name: Louk
Residencies: N/a - List of places where review will be is at the bottom of
this page.
Personal Reaction: 9
Chart Position: 5 for chart
Crowd Reaction: 9 (It's reviewed)
Comments: UK's Toxen Project debut on Redemption with this Evil hard trance
effort... lovely!
Full Review: Redemption return with another one sided promo. This time from new signings Toxen. Toxen are Brian Hope and a top Scottish DJ who doesn't want his identity known. Brian Hope has also produced as Tocayo and has a release on the "23:7" label. There is only the original mix on offer on this record but when the full release comes out there will be a remix by Redemption's in house producer Colin McNeil. The Original Mix starts off with a simple drumloop and FX it isn't long before a really pounding kick drum comes in and at this point the track is very similar to productions by Medicine Men on the Carnal label. A really dark synth underlay comes in and the track leads into the breakdown with parts of the riff filtering up and "I Am A Nightmare Walking" voal by rapper "Ice-T". The riff comes in fully and the track builds up and kicks back in. The track continues until the second breakdown where some really dark orchestral strings come in playing a new melody. This is really dark and scary stuff and no doubt will terrorise those who hear it. No doubt I will be charting this to the max. For more information check out http://www.redemption.co.uk
Release Date: October 2001