Here you will find some latest trance and progressive trance records reviewed by DJ Tim "Rockafella" Stark!
Last Updated by:Tim, 5:21 PM
A multitude of odd names spread across this four track white label, which has been raising a few eyebrows of late. 'Tempus Fugit' kicks us off with a bonkers organ sample, which quickly melts into a doubly powerful bass and drum build. Dropping down into a soloed and distinctly unusual piano drop it slowly builds back up to a furious climax. 'Rattlesnake' is next up with another curious intro (quite how were supposed to mix these I have no idea!) before opening the throttle to allow the disco loops and driving arrangement do the damage. 'Helicopters' on the B-side allows more of a build before employing horns and synths to fire things off. A very strong debut from Quija.
4/5
TS
Jan Johnson, old golden tonsils herself, is once enjoying a renaissance at the hands of UK producers. Alongside the forthcoming re-release of her finest hour 'Calling Your Name' on Platypus we have 'Flesh 2002'. Noel Sanger provides the new remix in a deeper style backed by Tiesto's remix from late last year. Noel dubs up Jan's vocals for the intro throwing haunting effects over to increase the mood. The breaks are nicely judged episodes making quirky use of the chopped vocals. In a deeper trance style this works reasonably well and as part of a raft of remixes would serve a real purpose. However as it appears to be a stand-alone item it might make it a little optimistic to increase its chart position from its last ride out.
3/5
TS
For a while it appeared that this belated follow up to the mighty 'Sunrise' might have got stuck permanently in pressing hell. A full six months after it was given to Scott Bond as an exclusive for the last Gatecrasher compilation, we are finally seeing some copies emerge. 'Accession' is a stomping slice of trance split nicely in to two halves. The build is all picture perfect programming dropping nicely into a lusciously dealt breakdown. Scant female harmonies overlay the superb pads and chords to highly engaging effect. Out of that it pumps into euro trance terrain with a hugely energetic riff, well-placed key changes and stunning piano respites. Long overdue and fingers crossed in a store near you very shortly!
5/5
TS
One of a plethora of tracks slated to launch ID&T's new Hardstyle trance label. Mr Diablo has been turning out the odd track here and there for five years or more now. 'Cloud 9' is a fairly punchy number which seems to be paying some reference or other to 'ResuRection' in its initial moments. A morbid and overly satanic vocal drifts into play which, to be fair, is more disturbing than anything else! 'Acceleration' on the flip is a monster, male vocoded, hard trance/house excursion. Loads of the usual staples are in place alongside enough fresh ones to give it credence. Well worth looking out for but probably more for the b-side.
3/5
TS
Following the stunning 'Epic Monolith', Mirco De Govia returns with a utterly worthy follow up. Many would have predicted a path of remix credits and co-production work post 'Epic'. Apparently Mr De Govia enjoys such a lucrative job outside the industry and music is mealy his pleasurable pastime. A rather good (if unusual) maxim for these excessively corporate times. Anyway for that reason alone 'Things That Matter' has taken longer to reach us than one would have expected. Following on from where his debut left off, 'Things' is another power trance number packed full of effects and reverb that will delight floors across the country. The riff appears to start off a touch unconvinced before lifting off into a stunningly beautiful arrangement. PVD favourites Kyau vs Albert provide more goodness on the remix. Initially less euphoric but none the less highly provoking, it doubles as the perfect complement to the original.
5/5
TS
Once the pairing of Tiesto & Ferry, it now appears that the partnership has morphed into Mr Corsten & one John Ewbank. It matters not; the pedigree should still see us through to a happy conclusion. The bass drum and percussion are quickly joined by a mild pitching synth and then backed up by a far more powerful one. It drops into a melancholic and vaguely Barber-ish mid section before throwing its full weight in and exploding back off into full blown euphoric territory. While it might not be Ferry's most original moment it's hard to see it failing on ANY trance floor in the UK. Hiver & Hammer line up to put down the remix. The beats are immediately tougher and packed with vigour. The breakdown is largely the same, playing on the heart-rending chords to very strong effect. Outside of that their production is slightly more shifting than the original. Choosing between the two though will be a style decision over the actual quality of the mixes. Top stuff!
4/5
TS
That motley duo of James Christopher and Ashley Casselle (Ashtrax) debut on Fuju with the rather lovely 'Midnight Sun'! Featuring the vocal delights of the modestly named Tyrone 'Visionary' Palmer, this housey groove is top stuff indeed. Chugging it's way through the first three minutes; it takes the very briefest snatches of vocal to introduce Tyrone's tribally appealing lyrics. From there on in production and lyrics blend seamlessly for a very enjoyable trip. Apparently already working up a storm for the Digweed's & Fontaine's of this world, and in all likelihood for you too!
5/5
TS
Two mixes on the mucho hyped S.D.B. from the Cream / Subusa link up.
There can't be many funky jocks not spinning this record at the moment. With these new interpretations I imagine that a good few of us who prefer it darker and tougher could well fall into place as well. Oliver Klein keeps the tempo down while adding aggressive bass and filtered synths. Slicing apart the vocal, he weaves it in and out of the production for a fine floor effect. Over on the other side Doublefunk retains the disco sentiments but couple it with a pleasing pumping nature. A convincing pair of variations for one of the summer's finest offerings.
4/5
TS
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |