May 2002 Reviews

Louk

Wireless - Skyswinger (X-Plicit)
This is the first release that has come to my attention on the X-Plicit recordings label and what an impressive track it is. Produced by Wireless, the three tracks on offer are in my opinion some very nice Progressive House tracks with an uplifting, Summer influeced feel to them. Kicking off with "Skyswinger", this track has some excellent percussion, a really nice bassline and some very cool synth sweeps that work. It definitely is a summer tune and no doubt will get some huge hype during the summer. A quality track. Next up is "Aqua Transparente" which is quite funky with some cool synth ideas and nice percussion but the track is a little lacking in energy and in my opinion would sound much better at a faster tempo. Finally is "Hypnotic Ride" and this is another cool track which in my opinion sounds quite similar in style to "Step Back" by "Silverblue". A very uplifting number with some excellent melody ideas are what make this track so nice. It is fair to say that this release should definitely be checked out when released and I will definitely look out for more. Nice one X-Plicit.

Convergence - Conversion (CMYK)
What do we have here? It appears to be another release on Dutch Tech-House label CMYK. Their "Devotion" compilation mixed by Don Londi has been the most played CD on my stereo in ages and now they return with this production by Convergence. First up is the "Frame Mix" of "Conversion" and this is a very twisted slice of tech-house with some excellent stabs, tight and funky percussion and cool synth programming. It's a real simple, yet cool and effective track. Next is the Original mix and this takes on a more bouncier form, with one of the best basslines I have heard on a track in ages it really did make me want to leap about my room after hearing. Finally on this three tracker is the very weird "Peptides" which sounds as if it was influenced by some rave tracks from the early 90's. A very cool track and all in all this is an extremely good release. Check it out as soon as possible. CMYK Strike again!

Protocol - Atocha [Progressive Remixes] (Prognosis)
Another production from Prognosis this month. Coming from London based producers Protocol (also known as Pathogen and Control Zone), this two tracker is another thumping progressive house track. The original mix favours some tribal drum programming over a cool bassline and excellent synth sweeps. This works its way into some really good synth parts that break the track down to a quality riff that reminds me of "Positive Education" by Slam a little. On the flip, Charlie Mike's "Earth Loop" project have done a mix. Keeping things a lot more minimal, this mix starts with a new bassline and lots of FX sweeps. The kick then comes in with a gated string pattern and the track then drops into just the kick and the bass. All sounds wicked so far. During the main break of the track, there are some very nice chords which work well with the riff and all in all you know this is a good production. Deep and Dark, what more do you need! Good Stuff!

Earth Loop - Firework (Prognoisis)
The Sussex based Rebel Vinyl collective have established a new Progressive House label and this release from Earth Loop (Charlie Mike) really is an impressive track indeed. "Firework 135" is out and out quality. Having some mental percussion, spaced out fx and a wicked bassline you are already hooked. Some synth underlays come in before the track breaks down into a breakbeat and a really dark synth line. When everything kicks in again this is one for those die hard progressive fans....Noiiiceeee!! "Firework 130" on the flip is a more techy number which plays with a conga loop and has more of a minimal feel to it. Adding a really dark bassline and 303s this track again is set for the more deep and dark DJs. I personally like both of these tracks loads and when they are released I definitely recommend checking them out. Fantastic tracks.

Rapid Eye - Circa Forever (Trance Communications)
One of the most consistant labels around, Trance Communications, return with this production from Steve Helstrip (of the Thrillseekers fame) and label boss Tim Stark. On the A Side, Iberia's Mainroom Mix of "Circa Forever" has some bouncy percussion and bass parts along with a twisty synth underlay that breaks the track down into a wicked string part. The melody that follows is sheer upliftance and kicks the track off nicely indeed. Nothing much else is added but the track sure does sound good. No doubt this will be huge in the summer. "Rapid Eye's R.E Mix" on the flip adds a few new underlays to the Mainroom Mix but generally doesn't feel as uplifting as this version has a more laidback feel to it. Definitely one for those early mornings. Nice!! I'm sure with the list of upcoming material on their site that this label are going to really spoil us this over the next few months.

DRP - Invasion (Trance Communications)
Things are getting better by the minute for Oxford based Trance Communications. Not content on spoiling us with one good release this month they have decided to license this beauty from Start Stop Recordings in Belgium. The "Invasion Remix" of "Invasion" is a very nice slice of trance that sounds influenced by the classic "Firedance" tune on Harthouse. An Uplifting riff is the order here with some awesome percussion and a very nice bassline that combine to make this track sound so good. The track then changes half way through into something which sounds so good that it's hard to resist dancing to it. On the flip the "Original Club Mix" is another uplifting number with the 303s at the ready over a wicked bassline and well thought out percussion. Some very cool strings break the track down to a quality piano break and when the riff comes in this is another belter. To sum things up, two wicked tracks, from a wicked label, what more can you ask for? Definitely worth buying this when released.

Project Mayhem - Hammerhead (50:50)
Based in Tumbridge Wells, 50:50 recordings return with release number two (the follow up to "Salmon Ravager - Dazed Dreamer"). Produced by the Brighton based Project Mayhem team aka Sergei and Kieron, this full on slice of Trance definitely impressed me on first listen. The A side starts with some full on percussion and FX loops that lead into a build up where a quality synth underlay comes in before introducing the bassline and hoovers. The track breaks down and the riff starts to come in along with vocals of "Are You Ready". The track kicks in and things definitely fall into place nicely. You can't go wrong at all! Calling this manic is an understatement. "Jellyhead" on the flip is more of the same but some of the melodies of "Hammerhead" on the A side are played with along with a synth line that reminds me of "Kicks Like A Mule - The Bouncer". The siren riff that follows is definitely manic and definitely lives up to the uptempo A side. It's safe to say 50:50 have done it again!

Rising High - Paradise (50:50 Green)
The first release on 50:50's new offshoot comes from the UK production team of Paradise. The Kenny Hayes Ibiza Mix of "Rising Sun" starts with some very cool percussion which leads into a nice bassline, where at this point the arrangement sounds a little Lange-like. A quite cool synth underlay leads into some nice strings where the track then breaks down. Some vocals come in which really do sound awful in my opinion and spoil what started off as a promising track completely. The Friction Mix takes a more laidback approach with some more breakbeat influenced percussion and nice underlying synth melodies. The vocals are still on this mix and yet again do not do any favours. While the Radio Edit is a more commercially orinetated mix that sounds quite cool except for the vocals of course. All in all here are three tracks which really do sound nice, it's such a shame there isn't an instrumental mix for any of them.

Smurreff - Check My Bass (Fevah Trance)
Release number 11 for London's Fevah trance collective comes from the characters from Top Television show the Smurfs. Ok, that apparently isn't true, what I meant to say was this track comes from Smurref who is, to my knowledge a Dutch producer. No doubt if Pappa Smurf made a track it would be wicked, but anyway, here are two excellent slices of trance which are set to impress. The Original is a very uptempo number with some very nice vocals, nice gritty synth parts and a general full on feel that works a treat. When the riff comes in during the breakdown, things sound very cool! "Paul Glazby + Paul Janes" Mix on the flip toughen things up a bit with some very manic hoover like synths and the synths underlays from the original. The track drops to some chord changes that sound quite weird on this but when the riff comes in things sound that bit better. Two very cool tracks indeed and Fevah are proving to be quite a name to watch.

Zippora - See The Sun Part 1 (Byte)
The excellent Byte Recordings retur with this two part release coming from Belgian vocalist Zippora and her producer Eddy Weyns. The Original mix of "See The Sun" is a cool trance track, with a nice swingy feel to it. Some very cool synth parts over cool percussion and a funky bassline. The vocals really add to this track and it is quite nice however there are better mixes on offer. Next up is the Acapella which is just asking to be used somewhere! Quality vocals. The Sylver remix on the flip is a darker take on the original with a very nice intro leading up to the break but after the break theres a riff which comes in that I'm not totally convinced about. The Original Radio Edit is of course a shortened version of the Original Mix and no doubt will be played by loads of Radio DJs. I can really see this track becoming very succesful indeed.

Zippora - See The Sun Part 2 (Byte)
Byte return this month, with the second set of mixes of "See The Sun" . Immediately after the excellent "Flying Madness" track, Soho's Dub kicks off the mixes on offer here. What we have here is a very uplifting trance track with some very nice drum programming, a mental build up that leads into the excellent use of vocals and strings that sound quality. Reminding me a little bit of "Stringer" by "Riva" but sounding around 10 times better I don't think you can go wrong with this mix at all. The Soho Remix adds the full vocal track to the dub mix and this is the better of the two as the vocals really do work with this track. The JVR Mix is similar in style to the other two mixes and sounds very nice but something overall is lacking in my opinion. However stick with the Soho remix and you will definitely be onto a winner. Definitely going to be highly supported by me in my charts.

Eric S - Dance With Me (Playground)
This Funky House three tracker comes from the Scandinavian Playground Music imprint. I must admit I'm not really that keen on it but it does have it's good side. The Mojalators mix uses twisty disco loops over tough percussion and a cool bassline, however the one fault with this mix is the vocoded singing which really does sound horrible. The Dub mix doesn't sound that bad either, featuring some live guitar parts along with some great percussion and a funky bassline. The vocals featured in this mix are filtered really well too and it is set to impress. The Club mix is exactly the same as the Dub mix but it features more vocal parts by Gayle. All in all here are three quite cool slices of funky house. Check it out.

Pulsar Crew - Fast Forward To The Madness (Solar)
Dorset based Solar return with release number 5. Produced by the Pulsar Crew, "Fast Forward To The Madness" originated on the German EDM label and has now been released on Solar with a new mix from label owners the Klubdoctorz. The original is without doubt one of the strangest tracks I have listened to in a while, having a breakbeat as the main percussion feature along with very twisty synths, spinbacks and a riff that is bound to mess with your head, this is definitely intended for the insane DJ to play. I'm not complaining however as I think it's a brilliant track. However, the Klubdoctorz mix on the flip I wasn't so keen on. Taking a more harder interpretation on the original and generally lacking overall in my opinion I wasn't that impressed with this mix. It isn't bad however and i'm sure lots will like it, but it didn't do that much for me at all. So stick with the A side as that is definitely worth a play. Nice one.

Tammi - Mon Super Love (Neo)
This release from Neo is a slice of House featuring the vocals of Tammi (who provided vocals for "Out Of Control" by Darude). Remixed by the very oddly titled "Sleaze Sisters", this track has it's good and bad points. Filtered synth stabs, a simple bassline and a shuffly rhythm lead into her full vocals. This then leads the track into a synth underlay and then the track breaks letting a filtered disco loop fade in. A synth riff follows which sounds cool. At this point the track sounds OK but doesn't do really do that much for me. Hopefully the house mixes that follow will impress me as this track was a bit of a letdown and I am definitely aware that Neo are capable of much better.

Starshine - Moonlight Night (Altitude)
Release number seven for the Dutch FTM sublabel is a very cool release indeed. Having a more uplifting and trancier A side and two different styled flip this production has a bit of everything. The A side mix of "Moonlight Night" has a very pounding drum pattern, a really nice bassline and strings that breaks the track down into a piano part that works well. The vocals and riff that follow sound excellent and are extremely uplifting. The B1 takes a harder approach to things. With extremely tough percussion, the track leads into the strings off the original and a new riff comes in that reminds me of a Cygnus-X production from a couple of years ago. A very good production. Finally, the B2 starts extremely well with a funky bassline that really works with some cool techno-inspired drum programming and a riff that is very catchy. Overall though the track lacked something in my opnion, but has some good ideas. All in all this is quite a nice release and is worth checking out. Good stuff.

Chill Factor - Crowd Breezer (Altitude)
This 3 Tracker from the Altitiude label based in Holland is a very nice slice of trance. The mix on the A side starts with some tough chunky drums and a nice bassline. This leads into a synth underlay and the track drops into a really cool 303 and a mental riff comes in. Sounding very nicely produced this is one you can't go wrong with. The B1 mix sounds very cool with a nice bassline and percussion that works a treat. Having a really industrial "Flight-643" like synth that is played with throughout the whole track, the track has some very good ideas but the one negative thing is it does feel a little to repetative and basic. The B2 mix is similar in style to the B1 but adds more melody and gives the track a different turn which works well. The track sounds brilliant during the second breakdown where the bassline is filtered with and I am very impressed with it. Another high quality production from the Altitude label.

Visionaire - Ease The Pressure (Altitude)
Hailing from FTM records based in Holland, this release from the mysterious "Visionaire" is so good that it made me turn my amplifier on full. I must admit I was leaping around my room dancing to this one as soon as I heard the A side. Kicking off with manic percussion and a nice bassline before leading into a string part, this track drops to the break which just plays a simple synth underlay and then the track kicks back into a really odd riff that definitely makes you smile. Another very nice synth part comes in around three quaters of the way through the track and it goes without saying this is one to look out for. I can see DJs and fans of the deeper stuff loving the flip, what is on offer here is a pretty full on number right up to the break, when a really weird synth fades in sounding very similar to a car for some reason. This is then cut around with to make a quality spaced out riff. The second break is mental too where the synth is played with for a while before kicking the track off again. What more can you ask for! This track will have serious support from me in my charts. As soon as it is released you should all immediately buy it!!

Marco Botelli - Q Point (Altitiude)
Altitude records in Holland have been very busy this month by the sound of things! This release from Marco Botelli (also known as John Van Dongen of Andromeda fame) is a very uptempo and full on trance track. Having a very nice introduction and some wicked industrial FX on top of a grinding bassline and punchy drums you can't really go wrong with this one. When the track drops into a really frantic riff during the break and kicks back off again, total madness occurs and this one is definitely set for big things. First impressions of the flip side weren't that good as the arrangement is generally a lot weaker than the A side. This mix uses a "House Music" vocal on top of some pretty tough drum programming and an odd 303 unerlay. The riff is still here but doesn't sound as good as the A side but this mix still has some good Ideas. Stick with the A side on this one and you can't go wrong at all. Nice one Altitude!

Ernesto vs Bastian - Lonely People (Altitude) Produced by DJ Ernesto and Bastian, this two tracker has been the receiver of a lot of hype recenlty with Judge Jules, Pete Tong, Matt Vinyl and Tom Costelloe supporting it here in the UK. However to be honest, I am not really convinced about the A side at all. Entitled "Lonely People", this track begins really well with a nice progressive groove and some excellent FX and stabs here and there. The break on this track is however particularly shocking and the vocal that comes after ruins the track completely. However all is not lost as on the flip is the particularly wonderful "She's Drifting". A very nice track similar to "Lonely People" but without a break and vocal that ruins it and more of a funkier track with some excellent industrial sounds that really work well. A really frenzied break follows and my advice is to definitely stick with this one. How good is that!!!

Joe Kelly - What's Happening (Redemption)
For his Debut release on Redemption recordings, Joe Kelly (who also records as JK Theory on labels such as Heavyweight and Nukleuz) delivers this cool two tracker that shows a sign of influence from the German hard trance sound of late. First up is "What's Happening" and this is a track with a cool bassline, some acid sweeps, tough chuggy drums and a weird vocal that repeats the title. I really like the break but to be honest I really expected a bit more from this track. On the flip is "Arora" and this is a fantastic track with a really catchy melody as well as some hard as nails percussion and a very nice Bassline. In my opinion, this production is definitely one thats due for success in my opinion. All in all this two tracker is a very impressive debut from Joe and I can't wait to check out more stuff by him in the future. Check it out when released.

Microbe - XIT2Nowhere / Freezing Remixes (Redemption)
After the huge amount of hype and serious radio plays by the likes of Judge Jules, Colin Tevendale and many more, this excellent release by Microbe (also known as Dark Moon) for Redemption recordings is back again with mixes from Germany's Mind One and Fevah's Owen B. The "Owen B Mix" of "Freezing" is a quality slice of uplifting NRG with some very punchy rhythms and a cool bassline as well as Owen making cool use of the stabs off the original mix and the weird and hypnotic riff. All is very good and this track got me dancing as soon as I heard it. On the flip the Mind one remix of "XIT2Nowhere" is also very cool, puttng into play the cool riff from the original mix along with a harder arrangement of percussion and bass, this track really is set to impress. All in all an excellent two tracker on the Redemption label but what do you expect? This label really do have their finger on the pulse of seriously hot trance.

Joe Kelly - Liquid Sky (Redemption)
Another one on Redemption this month from Joe Kelly, with "Liquid Sky" being a grindingly hard trance number. Starting off with a cool mechanical loop, this track then drops to let a Kick and Bass come in. Some very nice chords and an odd synth underlay are added as the track breaks down to a particularly catchy and uplifting riff. A monster build up occurs and the track kicks in without the riff which comes in later. A cool production, but my favourite has to be the particularly wicked "Industrial Dawn" on the flip. Kicking things off with a wicked loop and a very punchy kick things build up nicely when the bassline comes into play with some synth underlays that work a treat. This carries on till the track breaks, where a particularly wicked string pattern and very cool riff definitely make this one a tune that you know should do damn well. What a quality production. Check it out.

Yelmo - Now Or Never (Detonator)
Coming from a man who can do no wrong if you consider his releases as Weirdo, Butch And Sundance and Airwave. Dom Harding returns after the monster that was "Rockin It" with this two tracker which is unfortunately going to be the last ever release on Detonator. The Summer mix is very impressive. Being very energetic with some seriously deranged synths over a nice bouncy arrangement this one is set to do major damage with the hard house or the UK style trance fans. On the flip there is the Hard mix which reminds me quite a bit of "7 Years" by "Chac" (which is another Dom Harding production). This is typical Airhead with soaring synths over a cool shuffled arrangement that no doubt is going to go on to be huge in my opinion. All in all here are two quality tracks catering for both sides of trance and considering this label haven't put a foot wrong it is good that they've ended on such a good track. Nice one Detonator.

Alpha Breed - Beyond The Moon (Combined Forces)
The Dutch wonders known as Combined Forces return with new mixes of one of my all time favourite trance tracks. "Beyond The Moon" by Alpha Breed first appeared back in 1999 and now there are two quite cool new mixes which come from Freejack. His "Progress Mix" begins very deep with some wicked percussion and leads into some synth parts which work so well it defies logic to try and explain why it is so good! The Original mix sounds even fresher than ever with a really nice introduction and a very uplifting riff. I recommend anyone who hasn't heard this track to check it out because it really is worthy of a spin. Quality through and through. Freejack's Energy Mix was a little bit disappointing in my opinion. It has a very nice introudction but drops to the break and overall feels like something is missing. My advice is to definitely stick with the Progress and Original Mix. What a mental track this is!

San Project - Xel Ha (Combined Forces)
Another one from the Combined Forces team this month. This time coming from the San Project production team. "Xel Ha" is a very nice progressive track with all the elements in the right place (so to speak!). Nice tough drums, a really funky bassline and fx all over the place combine to make this one sound very nice indeed. Some wicked strings come into play along with a really eerie riff and this one leaves you screaming "NIIIIIIICE!!!!!" after first listen. Already having a wide range of support from Danny Slade, Paul Matthews, Fred Numf and Armin Van Buuren things look good for this mix! "Deep" on the flip is also pretty cool in places but doesnt really stand out much in my opinion. Taking on a more minimal approach, this house track has a very nice bassline and cool percussion, but the synth parts that follow do not do much for me at all. Definitely stick with Xel-Ha. Check it out!

Orpheus - Stop Singin' Start Swingin' (Continental)
This delightful two tracker comes from the wonders known as "Continental Recordings" based in London. Ran by Jerry Bouthier (also known as the producer behind Electrique Boutique and Zardoz), the main point of interest in this production is the haunting vocal from Malcolm X, which stays with the listener throughout the track and no doubt several others to follow. Appearing on both mixes, the Original is a very hypnotic slice of progressive house with deep and chuggy percussion amidst some of the evilest sound fx around. The track then launches into a particularly cool stab which breaks into a pitch bent synth part that comes really unexpected and certainly scared me when listening. Half way through the track everything filters down into the vocal, and to be fair if you aren't hooked by this point then you are missing out on something quality. After the track filters back up into a really cool acid line then you are assured what a fantastic track this is. The Bass Mix shares similarities with the original but in my opinion loses the parts that make the original so good. For example, the stab has gone and the track just generally feels a lot emptier. Clearly this mix was aimed at the more minimalistic DJs but to be honest if you check the feedback from early copies, you'll find that support for this track is like a who's who of Progressive House. With Seb Fontaine, Parks + Wilson, Futureshock, James Holden and a lot of others all giving both tracks full support, this two tracker clearly is set to impress. Another fantastic Continental Release.

Marc Aurel - Running (Neo)
Neo Recordings return again this month, Delivering a production by Marc Aurel that in my opinion is set to go really far. The Club Mix is a very cool slice of uplifting trance with a wicked underlay on top of some excellent percussion and a cool bassline that really does work nicely. The vocals on this mix are very catchy and no doubt will be stuck on the mind of whoever hears this track. The Dumonde mix is a much more uptempo number, with tough drums, a really full on bassline and some dark strings, this is really uplifting stuff. Parts of the vocals are chopped up during the breakdown and this makes way for the vocals to come in fully and the excellent riff that follows. When this kicks in madness occurs and you definitely know that this is one of those that will go on to do oh so well. There's an instrumental mix of the Dumonde version for those who aren't so keen on the vocals as well as a lovely acapella and Radio Edit. So quite frankly what more do you want!? Check this out!!!

CM2 feat Lisa Law - Fall At Your Feet (W/L)
This release from new act CM2 has three very cool mixes which will hopefully ensure that this track does well commercially and in clubs. First up is the Club Mix which is an excellent slice of Progressive House, with vocals provided by Lisa Law that really work well on the track. As well as this there is some excellent percussion and this track has a really cool bassline and synth underlay. I can see some lighter progressive DJs loving this. Next up is the Extended mix which is a commercial slice of trance. Sounding very similar to that of "Lasgo - Something" this will no doubt stick in your mind after listening. Finally for good measure there is a Radio Edit which no doubt will get severe playing accross the UK's radio station. All in all this is a track which I seriously recommend you checking out and no doubt will do well this summer when released. Excellent Stuff!

Matt Jones - Energy (UHD)
For their first release, Middlesex based UHD have enlisted the production talents of Matt Jones. Kicking off the EP is "Timeline" which is a pretty full on stomper of a tune. Starting with tough percussion and a cool synth underlay on top of a really punchy bassline. This drops to a very cool synth part and then goes into some really odd chords that do not sound as good in my opinion. Then the tune goes into a manic build up and nicely kicks off again. Next up is "Fire" which starts with a really strong and chuggy drum part as well as a long bass note. Some mechanical FX are added and the track drops to just the FX and bass note. In the break some claps are added and the track kicks off again sounding very much like a hardcore tune in my opinion. On Side B we are treated to "Interactive" which has a wicked and very catchy 303 part and drops to a breakbeat over some cool strings before going into a mental riff. Can see all those who play hard house loving this. The best track on this EP in my opinion is "Banging Bass" which is a particularly uplifting track with drums that are hard to resist dancing to along with a wicked bassline, stabs and vocals repeating the title. The track drops to a really cool synth underlay before building adding the stabs and bass of the original before kicking in fully. Once this kicks in you know this is a stomper of a track that is set for really big things. I recommend you check this label and this guy's productions out (http://www.uhd.go.to) as they are seriously worth a play. Nice one!

Louk