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Jimmy Van M – Balance 10
EQ
The 10th edition of the brilliant Balance series is carefully created and crafted by Jimmy Van M and he has turned in 3 mix CDs just for your pleasure. CD 1 is called “Downtempo” and is a journey through some of the pioneers in electronic music such as; Brian Eno, Bill Lasweel, Future Sound Of London, Coldcut and Depeche Mode. CD 2 takes the tempo up a bit to “Midtempo” and you are treated with tracks from Cocture Twins, Speedy J, Aphex Twin, LCD Soundsystem and Saint Etienne and a remix from Underworld. The final disc is “Uptempo”, and Jimmy steps up the tempo with tracks from 16 Bit Lotitas, Loafer and remixes from Trentemøller and Def Jaguar”. The result is worthy of its 10th edition celebration and Jimmy Van M has done a great job going back in time and collected some fantastic tracks that still are as strong as when they were released. (CA)
Rating: 9 /10
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Fitalic – Atomic Atmosphere
Tribal Vision
Finally the debut release from Fitalic sees its release on Tribal Vision. For some years now Robin Fitter (Fitalic) has released a long string of tracks on labels such as Vapoure, 19Box, Pengea, Sprout, Konseption and Bedrock. With “Atomic Atmosphere” Robin shows that he has moved forward and that he masters many styles kicking off the album with the very beautiful and atmospheric chilled track “Lost In Space” after which launches you into the melodic epic trance track “Liquid Motion” with a progressive edge that surely will move any trance floors – wow this a brilliant track. “Atomic Atmosphere” is a deeper and darker track. It’s also the single release from the album (with a Thomas Penton remix) and is yet another example of the sheer brilliantness from the Dutchman. The album is full of great deep progressive tracks that will set any deep trance / progressive floor on fire. I can only say one thing – go get this fantastic album – this is perhaps the best artist album of the year. (CA) Rating: 10/10
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Tilt – Vaults
Lost Language
Well what can I say. Tilt has done is again. After the release of their successful “Explorer” album in 2005 the boys have been going though some of their old stuff and collected a bunch of tracks and remixes that never officially has been released before now. Some of the tracks on this release was produced under the “Explorer” recordings but was scraped from the release at the end. The most interesting track on this release is without doubt the Supernatural remix of “Invisible”, a track sort after by my many after Paul Okenfold used on his Essential mix in 1999. Other gems on the album are the previous unreleased track “Come Closer” written by Madonna from The Ray Of Light period and the Re-activation mix of Angry Skies, a track that was planned to be the follow up single to “Invisible”. But Tilt had to release it under singer Maria Naylor´s name, due to the change of music direction within the label Hooj Choons that they were signed to. Tilt has been one of my favourites for many years and I strongly recommend this release. (CA) Rating: 9/10
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Solarstone – AnthologyOne
Deep Blue Records
Solarstone aka. Andy Bury and Rich Mowatt have for more than a decade treated us with some of the most innovating trance tunes and still sounding fresh today, setting the standard of what trance was all about in the mid nineteen’s and is still leader of the pack in the new millennium. AnthologyOne showcases Andy and Rich´s productions spanning back to their amazing debut release on Hooj Choons label “The Carling”, the classic club anthem “Seven Cities” and also includes collaborations with talented vocalists like Jes Brieden on “Like A Waterfall”, Ben Lost on “Jump The Next Train” and Elizabeth Fields on “Speak In Sympathy. CD 1 is sequenced very nicely and you nearly have the tracks in their own whole rights and CD2 is mixed and here you also get the V-One remix of “Seven Cities” and the Midway remix of “Solarcoaster”. In 1999 they started their own record label Deep Blue Records and together with Solaris Recordings they are releasing this amazing compilation that oozes of nostalgia and some of the best trance tunes ever made. AnthologyTwo and AnthologyThree are scheduled to follow this release in 2007, consisting of Solarstone’s finest remix work and ambient works respectively.
(CA) Rating: 10/10
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Exhibition 4
Lost Language
The forth Exhibition compilation from Lost Language is another great trip through the world of trance, breaks and progressive at its best. CD1 is mixed by Jay Burnett and he takes you on a trip, starting out slowly with Peter Martin “1984” quickly he raises the tempo with tracks from 16B, Probspot, Gil Norris, Derek Howell, Peter Lazonby and Benz & MD. CD2 is mixed by newcomer Episodic and includes tracks from Leama & Moor, Medway, Lustral, Odessi og U&K. The compilation includes a lot of old Hooj and Lost Language tracks and it is great to hear that they are getting a new and well deserved life. Ignas mix of 16B feat. Morel “Escape (Driving To Heaven)”, Luke Chable mix of Medway “The Bassline Track”, Lustral “Everytime” in a Chocalate Uncle mix and Pete Lazonby “Sacred Cycles” mixed by Derek Howell are all included.
(CA)
Rating: 8/10
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Hybrid – I Choose Noise
Distinctive
Well what can I say – the masters of breakbeat are back with their third album “I Choose Noise”. Mike Truman and Chris Healings aka Hybrid have made an album that surpasses their critical acclaimed 1999 debut album “Wide Angle” and their brilliant 2003 release “Morning Si-Fi”. Hybrid has never been afraid to use strings in their music and it gives the tracks a haunting atmosphere and a fantastic basis for them to build their sounds, it’s almost filmic, very catchy and at times dark and mysterious. On “I Choose Noise” they have worked with the likes of Kristy Hawkshaw, Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction and Porno For Pyros), John Graham (Quivver) and Hollywood composer Harry Gregson-Williams. The album consists of a mixture of instrumental tracks like “I Choose Noise”, “Last Man Standing”, “Hooligan Spirit”, “Choke”, “Keep It In The Family”, “Crean Stalker” and vocal tracks like “Dogstar”, “Falling Down”, “Just For Today” and “Until Tomorrow”. “Until Tomorrow” showcases what a fantastic singer John Graham (Quivver) is and “Falling Down” is an amazing track with vocals by the wonderful Judie Tzuke and is perhaps some of the best work that Hybrid have ever done. Amazing album lads – I also choose noise if this is your definition of noise. (CA) Rating: 10 / 10
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Sonic Cube – Filter
Tribal Vision
Sunic Cube is created by Daniel Müller and Ueli Schill that are the produces behind the progressive trance outfit SONNENVAKUM and Tobi Wirz the man behind GREED and the SOG Records label. In 2003 they released their amazing self title debut album “Sonic Cube” and now in 2006 Daniel Müller and Ueli Schill without Tobi Wirz (he was busy making his own debut album “Temptation”) has created yet a master blaster of an album filled with amazing progressive trance tracks. You can hear that Tobi Virz isn’t on this album and this can especially being heard in the compositions of the tracks, they are not so dark and experimental as they were on the debut album. But it doesn’t matter, Daniel Müller and Ueli Schill have showed that they can stand on their own feed. They has created a sound and an album that only can be highly recommend - a must have album in any progressive trance record collection. (CA)
Rating: 9 / 10
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Dark Globe – Nostalgia For The Future
Global Underground
No doubt that Global Underground has evolved over the 10 years they have existed and they have been a mayor factor in shaping our view and understanding of the ever-changing club scene with their world renowned mix series. Over the years Global Underground has also released artist albums, such as UNKEL, Lostep and latest albums from Sissy and The Remote. The newest instalment is a fantastic album “Nostalgia For The Future” created by Pete Diggens and Matt Frost under their alias Dark Globe. The album features collaborations with Amanda Ghost, Boy George, Television’s Tom Verlaine, Julie Thompson, Imogen Andrews, and more. The music style is a blend of downtempo, electro, breaks and pop. The first single to be released from the album is the amazing “Break My World (Featuring Amanda Ghost)” and from my point of view it’s a little masterpiece, a perfect blend of break beats and superb song writing. You simply have to listen to this album - it is brilliant. (CA) Rating: 9 / 10
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UNKLE – Self Defence
Global Underground
James Lavelle's UNKLE outfit latest offering comes in the form of 4 CD limited box set with 40 tracks. The tracks are mainly remixes from UNKEL´s critical acclaimed “Never, Never, Land” from 2003, hence the sub title “Never, Never, Land Reconstructed And Bonus Beats. But the album also features a new track “Burn Your Shadow” featuring Ian Astbury from The Cult on vocals and in 3 different mixes including a signature mix by Junkie XL. There are 14 never before released mixes on the album including the bootleg mashup of Moby “God Moving Over The Face Of The Waters” and “In A State”. Another delight on the album is Way Out West brilliant remix of “Reign” here you get vocal and the instru-mental mix, this is also the case with Sasha´s mix of “In A State”. Some might say that this is just a way to compile all the mixes and release it – jep you are right, but this an awesome set and if you look at the price, then there should be no doubt in your mind that this is a release that you must have. (CA) Rating: 9 / 10
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Shiloh – Bleed
Baroque Records
An amazing release from the Canadian brothers Colin and Justin Moreh also know as Shiloh. Since their massive debut on Baroque Records breakbeat sister label Electrofly with the track “Will U Ever Come Around” they have been in big demand amongst the biggest DJs in the world. “Bleed” is the result of 18 months hard work. CD 1 Red Cell; consists of original recordings by the brothers and CD 2 White Cell; features collaborations with Luke Chable, LP, Ozgur Can and David West. What Shiloh here has created is an encapsulating journey into a mixture of breakbeats, progressive and house music with a fantastic atmospheric and melodic feel to it. No doubt that Shiloh with “Bleed” has created an album that will earn them a place in the top of the leader board between BT, Hybrid and Way Out West. I can’t parse this album enough, the quality and the pure pleasure of listening to this album will mesmerize you. (CA)
Rating: 9 / 10
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Greed – Temptation
ACDC
At long last one of my all time favourite producers releases his debut album. And what a release it is – you might know Greed for tracks like “Strange World”, “Gentle Rain” and “Promises” and you won’t find them on this release. Greed (Tobi Wirz) has moved on and his sound is now harder and darker – but you can still hear it’s Greed. The rolling sounds, the build up of the track and breaks are there and the great melody lines that captivates you are still very present. On the album he has worked wonders with Andre Absolut on the massive “The Other Side”. With Kasey Taylor he has made the deep and hard hitting “Hardface” – both tracks with a great melody line. On the album he also has worked with Mental X and Tango and you can also encounter his remix of Atmos “KNS”. I can’t praise this album enough – if you enjoy progressive house music and you have been searching for that album, that will and can make you happy in a scene that has gone electro – then this is it – your search is over. (CA) Rating: 10 / 10
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Audiofly – Undulation 2
SAW Recordings
The second release in Satoshi Tomiie´s Undulation mix series features Audiofly behind the decks and mixer. Audiofly consists of Anthony Middleton and Luca Saporito and is a hot production / DJ duo quickly earning their spot in the limelight. They have released tracks and remixes on labels like Mobilee, Kickboxer, Low Pressings, Deleted Records and Saw Recordings. Their mix consists of tracks from the likes of Sebastian Roya, Martin Buttrich, Kaliber 4, X-Press 2, Stan Lebowsky, Stephan Bodzin, Layo & Bushwacka! and two tracks from Anthony and Luca themselves under their deeper and more minimal alias Audiofly X. The whole mix is a trip through dark and deep minimal tech house with all its sound landscapes, effects, bleeping sounds and pulsating rhythm that start out slowly and develops throughout the mix. (CA). More info 
Rating: 8 / 10
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Electric_02 mixed by King Unique & Nubreed
EQ
The second edition of EQ´s new mix series “Electric” features two diverse outfits - King Unique and Nubreed. The new edition is somewhat a departure from the first instalment that featured Gavin Keitel at the helm and the platform for the compilation is more for exposing new talents and upcoming stars of tomorrow, than its for exposing electro house to the audience. King Unique (Matthew Roberts and Matt “Watkins” Thomas) takes on CD 1 and has created with their “dirty house” mantra a subtle house mix that really takes form after track 5 and features tracks from Booka Shade, Francois Dubois, Sascha Funke, Thomas Schumacher and Extrawelt. Australian outfit Nubreed (Danny Bonnici, Michael Walburgh and Jason Catherine) breaks down CD2 with their layered break beats and crazy beeps and chunky riffs with tracks from the like of Plump DJ´s, Speculam, King Roc, Alex Kenji, Danny Bonnici & Dan Managan and Nubreed themselves. I must admit it’s great to be exposed to some new music and for me unknown artists. (CA)
Rating: 7 / 10
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Limelight 2
Tribal Vision
From the Czech based Tribal Vision label comes the second Limelight compilation of some of the hottest producers on the progressive trance scene. The CD is compiled by label boss DJ Slater (Michael Smetana) and he has done an excellent job in including new and upcoming producers and well-known names from around the world, spanning tracks from Roman Rai “Inspiration”, Fitalic “Manufactured Miracles”, Ryan Halifax “Give &get2, Tegma “50.000 Watts”, Sonify “Groove Seductive”, Greed vs. Sunic Cube “Divine”, Brisker & Magitman “Stricke Back”, Solead “Lay Down” and Vibrashere “Floating Free”. The tracks are not mixed together and are on the compilation presented in all its glory. Progressive trance lovers – this one is for you – go and get it. (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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Luke Chable and Danny Bonnici - Hiddenform 001
Hidden Form Records
From the new Australian label Hidden Form Records comes a feast of a mix extravaganza of breaks. Luke Chable and Danny Bonnici (Of Nubreed fame) were behind the fantastic “RIDE” track that was released on Alternative Route and now they have joined forces and put together 14 tracks making this a hell of a ride into the world of breaks. In the mix you can find; Daniel Taylor “5 Ur Ears”, John Morgan & Kevin Shiu “Acid Brownies”, Each “Broken Bitch” (Martinez Mix), Brisker & Magitman Feat Electra “Feel Me” (Twisted Mix, Zen Kei “The Blast” (Gregor Tresher Mix), D-Nox “Seven Hours” (Martinez Mix), Robert Babicz “Mister Head”,Lifelike & Kris Menace “Discopolis”, E Gum “Stop 2” (Dexter Mix), Lostep “Little Peaking”, Kalle M “Dom” (John Dahlback Us Mix), In-N-Out “Eq-lizer” (Steve Angello & Sebastian Ingrossi Mix), Danny Bonnici “Break Da House” and Luke Chable “Swedish Meatballs (I Don't Know)”. (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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Shrivastava
Distinctive
Boston born musician and producer Jamie Shrivastava has here released a collection of material recorded between 2003 – 2005 – in his own words: “Sleep -This represents the merger between today’s music technology and yesterday’s school of rock.”. “Scratches on my Gold - A love gone bad, not just between lovers, but a love for our present world. I wanted to create a mood that would be both fierce and beautiful.”, “Dancing with ghosts - My dad passed away in 2002. Dancing with Ghosts is in memory of him.”, “Everythingz4gotten -It’s about being born without indifference.”, “Shadow me - My imaginary emotions if I’d fallen in love with a vampire”, “Smoke - The idea is that although you have your dreams. Your reality is pulling you down, and the only person who can get you out, is yourself.”, “Slightly sometimes -A simple story about infatuation”, “Wasted - Too many drugs, a sea of paranoia and seclusion.“ , “Tunnel Vision - A schoolboy crush that stuck around for far too long.” and “Good times -a tribute to the rock n roll life style. Life is just one long party”. An album that took me with surprise and is hard to describe and to rate – you have to experience this – to find out what Shrivastava is all about. (CA)
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