The Vault: Psy and Acid Reviews 1998-2000

Mino - Jabiluka - Phantasm (2/16/2000)
Another example of the more melodic side of the newly twist into the progress in trance. Drivy bassline, beautiful non-ethnic trance melodies and groovy sound can define both tracks in this vynil. I prefer Jabikula, exellent builder to lauch the ppl higher with a positive spirit. It is progressive beautiful song which will help the un-initiated to enter on the realms of the night and to understand the more twisted nature of deep psychedelia. Recomended (Arjuna)
Various - Deck Wizards DJ Dede - Psychic Deli (2/16/2000)
The latest addition to this prestigious saga of releases. As you can expect from the creator of MDMA from Israel you are in for a full force night boom! Defenitelly one of the best releases of the late times which clearly shows not of the psy Israeli sound is pre-package and commecialized. My personal favorite is Drumatrix from Absolum… a sharp trancer which drags you deep into a hypnotic energyfield full of surealist thoughts. You just choose if you want to let go and get deeper into the experience… I can see fluoronauts jumping to the stars with this one inside a thumping big club (Arjuna)

Tristan - Audiodrome - Twisted (2/16/2000)
From different reviews of events, Tristan has a emerged as a rediscovered star of live perfomances and DJing. His new album combines elements of the weird, original rhythm patterns and a subtle introduction of tristans style to the new progressive trend. The album in general sounds slightly flat. The track which stands above all is Perimeter, which completelly saves this release. A rollercoaster ride without any safeguard for your thoughts. Hang on, feel the rush and defenitelly turn that 30,000 watt system. (Arjuna)

Spongle - Are you Spongled? - Twisted (2/16/2000)
A defenitelly cult piece of vynil. What can you expect when Raja Ram and Mr. Posford get together? Well this release is a masterpiece. Limited pressing of 2000 have made it a collectors item. All the album is original, a complete journey into years of psychedelic adventures locked in the mind of these artists and downloaded straight into the machines. Down tempo dubby ethereal sounds which transport us to different places around our strange planet, a different perspective and a very subjective interpretation. This is one of those classics psychdelic electronica has produce in its history. (Arjuna)

Cydonia - Anaconda Remix/April Fools - Atomic (2/16/2000)
Mr. Psaras, Steve Ronan and Iain Rive, delight us once again with the super twisted hard sounds of their dark psychedelia. First thing that cought my eye on this release is the label techno underneath the atomic logo… Made me think how this release would sound. April Fools includes a hard grungy guitar by Austin Gayton. This track is not my cup of tea and it did not really lift me, still I think it was produce in the most pure bangin’ style. On the other side, Anaconda is the pure gem of this release. Heavily industrial, it takes you straight into the night. Throbing basslines, constantly changing patterns and full on sound that will satisfy any lovers of the dark sounds. My only complaint is the last breakdown, it just turns and slaps you with tons of screaming sounds. Some eardrums will blow up! Overall a more than average release, but below their amazing blue room album.

NEW! Various - Mælstrom Fifth Flight - Flying Rhino (10/29/1999)
I bought this comp. after reading several review claiming Flying Rhino was back in the psy trance realm and releasing music with a punch. I gave several listens to this album and it feels at least fresher than Fourth flight, and a light extension of the Flying Rhino style. I personally like the Bamboo Forest track Wave Table. It sounds mean, like a tidal wave approching the beach. I getting closer and closer, with all this energy on reserve ready to explote and level the ground. (Arjuna)

NEW! Peak Pilots - Smelling trap - Spiral Trax International (10/29/1999)
The third and best release from this label, Peak Pilots is my favorite track for October 1999. Low lying basslines, great kick and push from just un-imaginable sounds in the exact same line a COP El Nino. It is a no-fluff production which keeps on reminding us of the urbar and techno influences in the ever evolving sounds or psy trance. This track is so raw and fierce it will make your grandmother scream! I want more of this stuff!!!! (Anybody out there?) The b side not so fierce, but it comes really through, with excellent basslines and atittude. A release which should conquer our darkest desires and the hearts of all of us night trancers. See the stars and teletransport yourself to other worlds after you purchase this ticket. (Arjuna)

NEW! Kuro - Ghost EP - Flying Rhino (10/29/1999)
I will start with my favorite track from the Fourth Flight compilation Freexone. Finally available on vynil, if you did not run fast enough to get the CD, run faster this time. This track keeps that industrial urban megapolis sound. Not to energetic but deeper than a backhole collapsing space and time. Huge machine like sounds with get you fast into the matrix and it will be difficult for you to come back. But, even if Freexone is an amazing release and you turn the vynil to play the track which gives name to this release, all your questions about Trance Master Kurosaki will be explained beat by beat. Well defenitelly blown away by an immaculate release, a freigh train of organized digital madness which will never stop for you to react. Thick, pounding bassline drives the japanesse psychedelia and directly implants it into your cerebral cortex to maximize sensation. Another Masterpiece from One of the pioneers of trance. (Arjuna)

Spiral Active Project - Spiral Active Project - Krembo (10/29/1999)
After being a lil dissapointed with Psychedelic Vibes 4, this release has brought back my confidence in Zoo b’s label. What an amazing Quality piece of vynil, keeping that GMS sound, Yakov works with several artists, including Simon Posford and DJ Goblin to bring us to a land of rocking bliss. Fresh and original every track blew my mind with carefully crafted power. My favorite Subshaker, produce the tunnel trancer to travel to another fast pace fractally developing reality, constantly awaking senses you thought were lost. Get it Zoo b guarantees no dissapointment. Read my lips! I will wear down the groove of this record as I play it million times during my set (Arjuna)

NEW! Mumbo Jumbo - Kinda Weirda (Monster Detunage Mix) - Psychic Deli (10/29/1999)
If you heard the original on Transient VII your know you are ready for a subttle journey with deep sounds, amazing percusion and a clear but full sound. In this release, this track has lost some of the depth to give way to a full power rolling bassline and tons of more energy. It still keeps the funk, but it looses the light synths for some more serious night sounds. I like this release but it doesn’t quite rip through my thoughts. The b side is more tech trancey and mellower, with a bouncey bassline, tons of digital tweeked sounds and quality percusion. To me it sounded Flying Rhino Like Overall a good purchase and a necessary release to have for a complete collection of pieces of art (Arjuna)

NEW! Noma - Nothing Was Working - Acid Casualties (10/29/1999)
I got this release a month ago, and I have listen to it carefully. Well If you are into the atmos sound and the clear power roll from a driving full bassline, this is you king of release. My only complain is that the build takes to long for a short finally, which leaves you lingering for more. The nice female samples, which give the title to the track, a super tight thick kick and a light acid 303 sound, provides this release with an stratospheric banging trance sound. The B side is not as full on and has not cought my attention as much a Nothing was Working Another quality production fromthe Spiral trax sub label… which shouts Buy ME!! (Arjuna)

NEW! Passenger - For all Man Kind - Phonokol (10/28/1999)
Guy Zukrel embarks in his first solo release. 1/2 of MFG and creator of many past full on tracks has produce an album on the more melodic and progressive side of things. The tracks retain some of the depth and quality, but it defenitally does not take me as high as previous works from MFG. It also slightly enters the realm of the prepackage songs but without being overwhelmingly commercial. My favorite track Tempo starts promising that the storm will rise from the horizon of the desert. The wind lifts the sand and runs towards the party… Mysterious sounds echo in the night wind, which project its strength on our bodies to take them higher and higher. A good CD, but nothing new in this one. (Arjuna)

NEW! Xerox - Freestyle - Hommega (10/28/1999)
I was a lil scared after reading the Hom-mega official release post on the 604. I heard that Xerox spent the last year teaming up with Israel’s finest to bring forth this wonderful Electro-Joy. I just gave a couple of listens and it sounds hollow and without magic. There is nothing going on in this CD, just the usual rolling basslines and typical resosnance kick very tight and super clean digital high hats driving the tunes. The music feels pre-packaged and ready for a standarized market and mass consumption. This is nothing like human race… It feels like the Fluff has also taken over Xerox. If you are heavily into Israeli trance try it out. I guess I will file this CD in the dungeon. (Arjuna)

NEW! Various - Psychedelic Vibes 6 - Trust in Trance (10/28/1999)
The number 6 in the series bring us mostly tracks previously released. If you missed X-dream’s single Comming soon, or The Delta’s Travelling through the speed of though, cydonia’s Lightning Rods, Miranda’s Mars Needs Women… grab this one. It has a couple of Xtra tracks which I did not see before from Trilithon, One world one future and Ameland Isle of trance. They did not impressed me that much… (Arjuna)

NEW! Various - Trance de Eivissa - TIP World (10/28/1999)
Another magnificent an oroginal presentation from TIP. They have not stopped to surprise us with new mutations and fresh ideas from other corners of the galaxy. I would say this CD could have an edge on the quirky side. For me personally it is unfucking belevable without being all the way full on. I guess it was the sweet mediterranean breezes and the good hearted island vibes of Ibiza which inspired this comp This trance ambient comp is another classic and another must. (Arjuna)

NEW! Pleiadians - Family of Light - Dragonfly (10/28/1999)
The long awaited CD from Max Lanfranconi, Maurizio Begotti and Andrea Rizzo will twist you thoughts with the purest italian fierce attitude and uplifting sounds. If you liked IFO get ready for another huge rollercoaster ride where slowing down is not allowed!. From the moment the CD starts playing you know your money was well invested since the return from the content of this gem will produce joy for years to come. Merope, the first track, previously released on an old Dragonfly 12″ awakes the power within the goa spirit… And this is only the intro The music acceletates through the CD as fast as possible to get you deep into the immaculate compositions on the dark and night side of things. Perfect basslines, ever changing rhythm sections with the typical 808 sounding kicks and contantly mutating crystal clear sounds will convince you if I don’t. The only complain is that it took so long to release this CD it sounds a tiny bit dated. But do not let me discourage you, ordered now and you will thank me later! My favorites Alcyone mellow but very clean and Atlas which can blow my mind millions of times in a row. (Arjuna)

Noosphere - Radiated - Twisted (8/25/1999)
The long awaited project delivers a toned down progressive package, falling into a more melodic and toned down album compare to other releases from the members of X-Dream, like COP or the latest 12″ “Comming Soon”. I heard so many comparatives and I have to agree that this album sounds older and less evolved than “Urban Alien” except for a couple of tracks. Nevertheless, you will enjoy the great X-Dream Basslines and perfect production. (Arjuna)

Infected Mushroom - Intelligate - Shiva Space and technology (8/25/1999)
The “new” sounds from Israel are taken from the deserts of the Middle East and recorded on this piece of plastic with a clear evolution in sound and concept. Big and tight resonance kicks, experimental psychedelic and noisy melodies, and drivy basslines complete a package which feels that needs further development. This is the beginning of a new chapter for the babas in Israel. (Arjuna)

Various - Psychdelic Krembo 4 - Krembo (8/25/1999)
Defenitelly better than Part 3, this psy/acid trance album if full of good surprises. If you follow the 12″releases by Krembo you will have doubles now of the Psy Sex releases and the remix by Quirk on the classic by Edi Mis and Chakra, X-file. This compilation is not for the weak at heart, but for the ones on harder edge like EON or slide. Every track is raw, with awesome basslines and a clear and distinct Israeli feel. I love the Edis Mis track “The Mask”… dark, acidy, dirty, hard as fuck and can roll your mind to heaven. Again if you follw Krembo’s discography you will know what Zoo-B has ready for you. (Arjuna)

Manmademan - Desire - Flying Rhino (8/25/1999)
I was really excited to receive this released because ppl were comparing it to the 21-3 release “Angel Hair.” I was also hearing Flying rhino was returning to a harder more psychedelic sound. I guess my imagination ovecame the reality. This release dissapointed me, it is not bad, but it is not comparable to Angel Hair in any sense. The melodies are weaker, there is a clear lack of energy and drive. If you are into (very) mellow progressive psy you might want to get this one. (Arjuna)

D.I.M.O. - Modulator - Hadshot (8/25/1999)
Following Screec Hadshot shows us a clear example of minimal techno trance. Drivy bassline and Aries style simple tweek out digital psy sounds. I felt the music was drony and souless, but I can see if you guys are into the Flying Rhino side of things you might enjoy this vinyl. (Arjuna)

Various - Psychedelic Demons (Volume 2) - Zoomshot (8/25/1999)
Downtempo beginning for an outrageous compilation with plenty of unrealed gems… finally and officially out of the DAT Mafia circle and at the reach of the fluoroheads. After the introduction from Soma, The Grouple Syndrome gets us into gear. Guitar driven alternative psy trance with a immaculate rolling bassline and super tunned accute sounds. Also found on Tantrance 8 this track can rip anyone into the wickedest levels of insanity. Akanoid continues blasting quality vibrations with a full on straight forward repetitive trancer preparing yourselves for the real gem in this CD. When you reach Xenomorph and Akasha Project you enter the trully minimal psychotic trance. Extreme psychedelia slaping left and right energy, driving basslines, and old school feelings. For those who did not Aquire the Children of Paradise Album you will be pleasantly surprised with “Fairy in the Dragonforest” which perfectly tunes your mind and body for the materpiece of this precious comp. Chi AD enter this comp. with the loud sound of an space out drum and a sweet girlie voice guiding you to the flame of Eternal life. In the most banging style a tight kick drives you to the explosion of magical mines of electronic gems. Slowly surrounded by perfectly designed trance tunes we are driven higher and higher. Earth becomes smaller as we get deeper in vast darkness of space… close your eyes and enjoy a trip you will never want to end. Subtle dark, minimal and beautiful summarizes one of the most complete and amazing compilation I have received lately. This is not only fo CD lovers, but for Goa/psy devoters. PS: Check the packaging of this CD.. Unbelievable (Arjuna)

Baloonheads - You Like This/I Want You - Ballonheads 2 (7/26/1999)
Written and Produced by Ramos, the Geez, and Mr. Hyde, these cuts follow in the direction #1 has set forward: iron industrial style driving acid techno! “I Want You” features a stomping kick and some deep, raw, warping sounds that drive like a monster into a hard tribal break - then add the moving 303 bassline and you’re off for one of the the thickest techno stormers of the summer. “You Like This” has a similar plot structure yet will also blow your mind…once again you’ll think thick, kicking, and percussive…this song has an even sicker 303 and a deep “You Like This” sample! (t zero (A*C*I*D)

Ant and D.A.V.E. the Drummer - Hydraulix 1 - Hydraulix (7/26/1999)
This new Truelove offshoot has a wicked debut. As you’d expect its all about the drums and darkness. Very techno-ey, basically a deep percussive journey. The flip sees the boys crankin’ into something a bit more naughty…same drums and darkness and then a minimal acid line fills some of the space…nice. If the more techy stuff is you bag, jump on this, you’ll love it. (t zero (A*C*I*D)

Gizelle - Enter the Funk/Does Fire Burn - Organgrinder 11 (7/26/1999)
Organgrinder is continuing along with a more old skool approach again on this release. Both songs are trancey acid drivers that have that urban, minimal funkiness that I love from Gizelle. Both tracks are fun, but I’ll take “Enter the Funk” with its tight composition and good building drive. Orange Peel is releasing older stuff on the label and I think maybe these are some old Gizelle tracks too. Still well worth it. (t zero (A*C*I*D)

Ramos and Hyde / D.A.V.E. the Drummer - That Old Chest Nut - 4 Tune (7/26/1999)
As you’d expect, both of the tracks here are 110% drum, but there is a bit of stand-up-ishness because the tracks lack really meaty driving basslines and midrange acid that would make them Ballonhead material for sure. But the loss focuses the drums…and what drums they are. I like Side A more because it DOES have a naughty and repetitive techno acid line though…and the percussion builds and morphs around this entrancing acid pattern…guaranteed to set you off to a distant metallic la-la land. (t zero (A*C*I*D)

Various - Goodfellas - Medium (7/16/1999)
Well with a line up like, Oforia, Tim Shuldt, Space Cat, Chi AD, Evolution and the previous gem released in the EP from Amorphous, I was expecting an incredible tech trance compilation. And it was tech trance, but it lacks on full on energy from all of the artist. This CD is quite flat and I imagine very innovative for ppl involved in the tech trance scene. Most of the CD is pretty minimal and it does not say that much. It is good to have and to listen but it will not get much club play from me. A must have if you are into the new flying rhino sound… if not collected or do not even get it… and get the EP which has the best track (Arjuna)

Kox Box - Forever After - Matsuri Productions (7/16/1999)
Kox Box release is a highly evolved production from his previous abum. The tracks are cleaner and less psychedelic. Maybe is a representation of the desperate search by Matsuri to find a new evolution in the psychedelic trance world. Koxbox explores different landcapes and sounds, and to me return to his Harthouse background introducing several hard trance elements into this new release. This CD or LP is a collectors item. (Arjuna)

Various - Full On Audio XTC - Hom Mega (7/16/1999)
I expected more from the guys on Hom Mega after Israliens. This release, the third on the Full on saga, sounds commercialized and weak. There is nothing new or innovative in this CD. The songs follow a defined formula saturated with melodies and classical commercial paterns. My favorite is Children of the Doc ‘Police 106′ (Goblin Remix) which sounds more evolved and crisp than the rest. Still this track is not terribly superior to the original released on the Trance Mix 9 compilation. (Arjuna)

300 Mics - 300 Micrograms EP - Microgram Recordings (7/16/1999)
The new side label from Spiral tracks serves as an outlet for Sweedish hard trance with a slight psy feel. If you are a goa head and it is hard for you to deviate from the well define psychedelic circle then forget about the releases on Microgram. 300 Mics is a clear example of big, thick and powerful hard trance in the wake of the good old times of Now! Records, Noom, No Respect… with a style closer to Acid Trance. I will mix this in my psychedelic set but it carries a complete different, but good, vibration. (Arjuna)

Cydonia - In Fear of a Red Planet - Blue Room Released (7/16/1999)
Another act/group which was silent for a while until it came out with this package of red piramids and deserted landscapes from the once water and life filled twin planet MARS. Cydonia can be defined as wicked uplifting music with enough energy to take us to Mars and beyond. Dino Psaras, Steve Ronan, and Iain Rive define full on madness In an album which describes evolution and traditionalism in the Goa sound. It was about time Blue Room Released woke all of us up with this precious recording. A must (Arjuna)

Various - Psycho Tropic - 3D Vision (7/16/1999)
When I dropped my needle through this album for a quick browse I was quite dissapointed because I then thought it was another commercial attempt to commercialize psy trance. After further listening I realize I was wrong. This album contains some orgasmic psy elevators… They take you to ground level at Heaven and beyond. Psychotic wizards will drive this amazing sounds to the mortals at the dance floors around our humble planet. In some tracks you need a breakdown to slow down to our mellow life and to feel the ground for a second before they throw us back into hypersonic fractal gates and a world of saturated bliss. You choose your style, the is enough good tracks to choose from. For me Elixir and Absolum have penetrated my neurons to play second by second with my brain chemistry. (Arjuna)

Various - Chaishop - Aries (7/16/1999)
A completely new label to bring out the vision of the mail order store at http://www.chaishop.com and the dintict minimal machine sound from Aries. The whole compilation is pretty flat techno trance. Exept the un-fucking-beliabable tune from Phoetus which is such a slim power techno trancer that can drive a dance floor to the furthest corners of our galaxy. Breakdown after breakdown the music… baseline, percusion and full on microscopic digital sounds…. build the energy higher than expected. I would get the whole compilation for this digital fierce track. (Arjuna)

Quirk - Quality Control - Matsuri Productions (7/16/1999)
Mr Mark Allen and Tim Healy… feeling super quirky put out this amazing album which includes most of his 12″ quirky releases. This album contains the most amazing deepest trance patterns mixed with funky psychedelia and a note of quirky fun. While you rock in a tunnel trancer he will turn into the funkiest guitar sample… Quirk is quirk!! No doubt about it. The vinyl includes X-File (qui Remix from Chakra and Edi Mis from Israel, Wah wah wah, Glam Slam and more. Well if you want a ride into Mark and tim’s heads this is you ticket. (Arjuna)

Various - Halluci-Nations - TIP World (7/16/1999)
Well TIP is back ofering us an up to date perception of the present of psy trance music. From Goofy, to mind blowing, and slightly crossing a thin line into techno trance, this compilation is a must for any psy head. All the tracks surprise me one way or another and are filled with a new type of energy. Completely unique. If you are into power trance this will not be your cup of tea… but if you are in the search of newer and imaginative tracks get it!!!!!! while supplies last. (Arjuna)

Filthy Beast - degemerate - Psychic-deli (5/14/1999)
Taken from the new combo album, ‘psychedelic electronica 2′. This is
Tim from Quirk, and label manager John. Very progressive in style,
full-on sounds that will move any psychedelic trance floor. Very
intense lead, and good for us DJ’s out there in the mix. (Glen - omnipotent eye/Psyquarius/UK)

Lou Maximiser - a good bug is a dead bug - ?mark rec (5/14/1999)
Been around for a little while, and been in my box for a while with out any plays. Should have got this out, it’s a wicked track. Sounds, once again, are very groovy, with even a little touch of hard house in there. Bass line keeps the rhythm well, why some high pitch synth plays around over the top. Gets your butt wiggling once again. More suited to morning sets I think. (Glen - omnipotent eye/Psyquarius/UK)

Orichalcum - the egg ‘cracked’ remix - DAT (5/14/1999)
A excellent remix, sound production is fantastic. The same lines are there from the original except a lot fiercer. Sounds move around your mind ripping through you head, incredible. Some really dirty low sub bass lines drop in and out of the mix here and there. Changes rhythm quite a lot through out the track from 4\4, to broken beats and back again. Would have to chose the party wisely to play this, very twisted! (Glen - omnipotent eye/Psyquarius/UK)

Phreaky - techno prisoners - Atomic DAT (5/14/1999)
Dino, Avi, Ofer, and Steve Ronan return for a full-on night-time assault. Excellent bass line with a catchy groove to it gets the floor moving straight away. The track moves through various parts of playing & tweaking of the over all sound, like backward beats and loss of bass. The finale of the tune comes in with a big synth line that rocks the crowd hard. (Glen - omnipotent eye/Psyquarius/UK)

Vatious - Musica Psychedelica Scandinavica - Spiral Trax (3/26/99)
In the most clear and pounding Swedish style, once again Spiral trax takes us into the forests to visit the spirits from the past. Full on trance my friends, that will propel you beyond the Northern Lights. A must for Djs who like the strength a well as imaginative psychedelic sounds from other worlds. Like the chill into your bones in a humid winter night, this compilation will invade your body and mind. I guess DJ Anti has it very clear about the future of psy trance in Sweden, and luckily we can get a taste of it with this vynil. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Paulo and Sad Bastard / Arkatek - Almost There/Cutoff Fingercy (Defiant 002) (3/25/99)
The cover of this single has a distorted flouro-green image of somebody in the process of viciously administering (with closed fist) a bruising skull-rap session on some other poor soul in a headlock. A very reasonable image for the philosophy of this label’s music: absolutely rough, industrial, urban, dark and bangin’. The fact that Skyride Recordings’s Arkatek appears on Side B can give you a very good feeling for what to expect on this release. (Someone said Hardcore Techno?) The drum elements are really going apeshit on both cuts and the raw acid, I think, could probably make skin rust if played above 5000 watts (I now make the oath that I will pursue this claim ASAP). If you are into hard techno don’t miss this evil number. Who’s responsible for this deviant artifact? The New North Label Collective. Check for more info at: http:www.lostsheep.com/defiant. (t zero (A*C*I*D) (A*C*I*D))

Mark Tyler - here comes The Hitman (Antidote 1) (3/25/99)
Another evil gift delivered to us from the deepest trenches of underground acid techno Infectious Distribution, Antidote is bound to be a nasty and ‘avin it label like the rest. This record has two mixes of one song. The B-side remix is compliments of Tarball and Lungbutter, aka Rowland the Bastard and the Geezer, aka Roland Peel and Guy Mcaffer aka deranged acid maniac A and his Dr. Frankenstein. Mark Tyler’s original is more techno-y than the translation on the flip yet both are driving acid techno monsters; industrial strength acid techno that would test any club in Florida but would be excellent in a dark and evil wharehouse party. (t zero (A*C*I*D) (A*C*I*D))

Ovilon “This Is The Shit” (Intensiv) (3/25/99)
You get 3 versions of the mix (making it “These are the shits,” I guess) and I’d say the label side full-length is more “the shit” than the other two although all are intelligent club numbers (not Euro trance). The original two mixes are written and produced by Chris Liberator and DJ Highnio and are easily mixable with your favorite progressive EVEs, PvDs, etc…But beware, B2 is a downtempo breaks mix. I’d like to focus on the A side remix by Gy-Ro (Chris Liberator and Dave the Drummer) which is the reason I got the record. The composition features some good deep club trance and of course, is better than most of the deep trance of its kind because the percussion is way more complex and riding. The song is repetitious and not a strong climaxer (infact, the whole cut is really based on slow building drum elements) so its fun to mix…watch the crowd be lulled into a very smooth groove with this one. For progressive stuff, I haven’t been let down by Undercover Music’s Intensiv imprint yet. (t zero (A*C*I*D) (A*C*I*D))

Dream Waver “Boost” (Tripomatic Techno) (3/25/99)
Tripomatic is a division of Bonzai Music and this release has the same feel as Bonzai Progressive. Dream Waver delivers the drivy progressive with precision, but things get a bit cheezy on both songs with the “Good Evening” echoing sample. Another good club trance release though due to the drivy double-step bassline and the intelligent hats and claps, not to mention the repetive exhale-breath sample that makes for really beautiful moments (it “breaths” through virtually the entire song on the B remix). Also, the intro on the original is classic anthem-style with ethereal synths flowing in full force. This song will blow away any fashionable club on South Beach and will leave socialites vulnerable to a harder melodic attack. (t zero (A*C*I*D) (A*C*I*D))

A10 : Unlucky for Some (Mind Over Matter - London 013) (3/25/99)
X Side: Beautiful building melodic trance that will bring tears to your eyes. Holy riposte! We’re talking a CLASSIC bounce off the breakdown. A simple synth progression gives the sound a Euro feel, yet it doesn’t cheez out really. Typical structure: drivy build, breakdown, onslaught, in comes the acid, another breakdown and climax, and the whole shebangin’ truckload ride-out to a slow meltdown. Check out this label if you haven’t already, and if you have…tell me what else is good on this imprint. This is my first taste and ME LIKES. Y Side: John Doe’s Maag-Area Mix is lots of fun cheez. I can’t take this side seriously and the reason that the flip is so good makes the record worth it. Very funny nu nrg processed imitation. (t zero (A*C*I*D) (A*C*I*D))

Various - Zep Tepi - Chaos Unlimited - (12/2/1998)

Zep Tepi brings us back the positive melodies and vibrations, which have gotten our feet propelling, since the magical sounds of psy-trance have been conquering the world. Starting with the sounds of Mindfield inviting us to cross the portal into a mystical world of colourful and emotional creations. Darshan starts the starship engine into hyperspace with another powerful solar stormer. The first planet we land, Somaton, is full of joy. Dancing people welcome us to observe the sunrise in between the mountains as the warm kaleidoscopic music echoes in the mountains. As we travel through the jungle and the night fills the planet with the much needed darkness, the fluoro tribes begin their strange rituals. The Druids Jaïa and Gill, Hunab Ku, Anamist and Analog Pussy, take us into a journey through the dark minds of the gods of the forests. As the sun transforms back the land, we arrive in time to view the new born day with Chi A.D. and Asura. This CD will take you in a full circle. Every track is different and filled with quality. This is a must!!! (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Various Artist - Resonance Mood - Matsuri Productions (7/28/97)
Another complete compilation from Matsuri Productions. Wicked twisted tracks for the lovers of the real psychedelic. This comp includes the classic from Growling Mad Scientist Jaws, Manmademan with Athalon, Lunar Asylum with Shadow Five and many more goodies. My favorite track is by Deflo, Tio Mate,packed with LFO tweaks, many layers of tweaked alien sounds, mutating bassline and a powerful drivy rhythm section. I can guarantee you will hear the aliens in this one. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Darshan - Mind Merge - Flying Rhino (7/28/97)
I do not know if this guys are new composers in the galaxy, but the truth is if they are new they have started with a big bang. This 12 will be guarded by my best warriors and will be preserved in immaculate condition for future generations. These two extraterrestrial tracks fulfill all the deepest and darkest desires of anybody involved in the meditational, spiritual, and energetic psychedelics. The rolling bass line is soooo present, the rhythm section is so clean and complete, the samples are profound and intelligent, and the multi layered melody shines in many different ways. Enlightened composers enlightening a humble DJ. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Noosphere - Carpe Noctum - Blue Room Released (7/28/97)
This is one of the best 12″s the label Blue Room have release lately. The A side Carpe Noctum is a minimal track with not that much juice. However, I can see other DJs enjoying the powerful driving bass line and the simple drum section. The gem appears on the B side. It all starts with an elaborate introduction, with complex earthy sounds and strings, and the voices from the techno monks at Anjuna and Goa. A classical clean trancer with all the ingredients to fly high: the bubbly 16 note bass line, perfect and simple trance rhythm section and highly intelligent sounds within the melody. A must in any DJ’s bin. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

V/A - Senza Volto Compilation - Eve Records (8/7/97)
All who listen to and appreciate melodic trance will cry with joy when they hear this triple by Eve records. Containing previously unreleased cuts, remixes of old songs that appeared on the ‘mysterious’ Eve albums of the past, and new original mixes, this compilation consists of an amazing array of trance techno wizardry. Cuts like “Grand Hall” and the Half Fat Remix of “One Time” display the albums get - up - and - go harmonic philosophy and feature the album’s twisting, void - like breakdowns and inspirational, driving build - ups. Acid pounders like “Definition of a Track” (the Dave Craig mix available also on Eve 10), and “Lord of the Universe - Moving Remix” expose the highest ranges of synthesized sound as they pound away at the lower depths of bass as well. All and all the album is bright, dynamic, and a must. Get it while you can. P.S. Don’t forget to check out Master Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US’s interview with Eve’s Steve LoPresti in our interviews section.((t zero (A*C*I*D)))

“Cafe Del Mar” Remixes - Energy 52 - Bonzai Progressive (8/15/97)
As one of the most beautiful melodic trance songs ever composed, “Cafe Del Mar” receives several new translations from Bonzai highlighted by Oliver Leib’s two remixes on the b side that are classic representations of his style containing ethereal cello synths and hip flipping acoustic kicks. If you like the new LSG double, you will love these mixes. They are perfect as an opener for a harder set and the positive vibe makes them sweet fruit for the wake - up portion of a morning mix.The two other mixes, one from Ivan and the other by Sharim Jey and Andre Strasser, are too housey for my strictly trance musical taste. Fortunately, the Leib remixes more than account for this.((t zero (A*C*I*D)))

VA - TIP Singles - TIP (8/15/97)
A more minimal psy - trance is exposed for the future of TIP based on their recent, huge, triple release “Singles” which contains cuts from upcoming releases by the Infinity Project, Total Eclipse, Green Nuns of the Revolution, and Growling Mad Scientists. The whole album pumps, but I feel the Total Eclipse cuts pushing more bounds (of course these albums are meditative and require months, years, even milleniums to psychically decipher). “Transparent Mind” is a more minimal mix (remember, that’s still tons of sound in psy - speak!)
that deals with distorted synths and overloaded thumps the only way psy - trancers know how: by cranking it up. Check out the intense tweak surgery that is conducted on the eastern melody in this one and the wicked slides into never never land. “Can’t Do That” clairvoyantly transmits the same compositional philosophy and has amazing 16 beat melodic measures that mutate into whammy - style flanging oscillations of raw, alien thrust. The upcoming Total Eclipse album is definitely going to be an alien encounter I’ll be
sure not to miss.((t zero (A*C*I*D)))

Eve 15 - Eve Records (8/15/97)
I don’t even feel like reviewing these newer releases — its always the same story. Hard, beautiful, charging melodic trance. Every record has its own personality. Track 1 has a cool build up melody that changes into a sliding acid tweak. Track 2 features a long, orchestral intro that carries a slight aftertaste of psychedelia. Check out the wicked journey that occurs during all of the numerous breakdowns in this slice. The final build has a screeching synth composition guaranteed to drive you and the crowd mad! (But its a lovely lunacy)((t zero (A*C*I*D)))

Shaolin Wooden Men - Trickster EP - Matsuri Productions (9/5/97)
Jungle? Well, well… Surprise!!! Dark Psychedelic drum and bass!! And when I say psychedelic I mean psychedelic. Extremely wacky, weird and dark is the definitions of the track that gives name to this E.P.. For those of you who like to experiment with the far away boundaries of shape and form this 12″ should be yours. I personally like more the compositions which experiment torwards the styles of earthy full on dark trancers. When I got this E.P. I thought it was a step forward in the mutation of psychedelic music, but clearly it is not a consolidated final style. My favorite is Retinal Circus. If you are into Hallucinogen you will like this one. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Anestesia - Global - Blue Room Released (9/5/97)
Let’s start with Global, a track which start pounding with a powerful resonance kick, full bassline… Then the melody kicks in… It represents another small step into the development of new ideas in the known arena of the psychedelic trance. Global is not quite there though. It lackson the cohesivess of Noosphere, Kox Box, The Delta… Turning into the B side with hope, we find a hard trancerwhich from the beginning tells you loud and clear: TRIP WITH ME!!!. And then you ask yourself: Where did the energy go? I though this 12″ was going to be better, much better than what it really is. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

VA - TIP Singles - TIP (9/5/97)
Excellent compilation of the tracks coming up in future releases for TIP. This compilation reflects the tendency of psychedelic trance to drift away from Goa and to become more psychedelic and trancy.The Alien technological sounds will bring you closer to an “out on space” experience more than a tribal earthy trip.Within this triple pack you will listen to tracks by stablished artists like Infinity Project, Total Eclipse, and Green Nuns of the Revolution, and the awesome new talent of Growling Mad Scientist. My favorite track. Herd Rush, by Growling… provides a feeling that can only be described by the word, enlightning. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Shiva Chandra - Mendrum - Peyote Records (9/5/97)
Lately Peyote has been releasing slower, and more minimalistic, tracks. It is a different direction for this label. I personally enjoyed the tracks from this 12″. As they build to accelerate, slowly but surely, the crowd to warp speed. “Libelula” the B track is my favorite, with heavy drums and a drivy bassline: “Ladies and Gentlemen start your brains!! And enter the subspace tunnel of your preference. The trip is guaranteed.” (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Eve 20 - 23 - Eve Records (5/29/98)
Boom, bam, bam, boom…and Eve 20 - 23 have arrived. The busy people are in a frenzy with Gargano touring Canada and the North East US. These albums represent a new direction for Eve, more techno and resonance, more raw harmonies and early Eve synths and less romantically building string sections and climaxes. Eve 9, 12, 16, and 5 still reign supreme for me, if you like THAT Pablo Gargano you may see these records as a transition period…you’ll still be gratified with Gargano’s masterfully entrancing percussion segments. And each record has at least one tech-trance track and one techno track. Eve 23 A is tops for me in this set of releases. With a drivy bassline and signature Gargano drums it’s an excellent, drivy, low-profile track. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Telica 6 - Telica (5/29/98)
The B side would have been better without the cheezy sample: “Nobody is wastin’ nobody…and that is a miracle… and miracles is the way things ought to be.” But the song is a clean, hard bangin’ trance - acid stomp. I just can’t get over the weak sample. #2 is wicked on the flip, but this record isn’t nearly as good as Craig’s earlier Telica release that blew my mind. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Arrakis - Medusa 1 and 2 - Fluid Recordings (5/29/98)
As with Fluid’s earlier release “Octavia,” this record has impecable sound quality. Both songs follow in what is becoming the Fluid grain: excellent, romantic, building, progressive trance. The B side is a bit naughtier, but I do mean just “a bit.” Excellent.(t zero (A*C*I*D))

Brain 11 - Brain/Manifold (5/29/98)
Brain 11 bores me. Others in the series have been more creative, dark, mean, etc…Really, this cookie-cut release made me snore. Don’t waste your money. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

X-Dream - Brain Forest - Blue Room (5/29/98)
S.T.O.P. the breeze from the past and enchant the inhabitants of the forest with A HARD ROCKING PSYCHEDELIC? Good B side with a clear old-psychedelic rock-feel to it… Good but not surprising unlike the other side. Brain forest even tweacks the pixies hidden in the shadows. Do not get me wrong, they do not suffer from an induced paranoid schizphrenic state… no no. They are just adoring the metallic touch of the glowing music from the druids of the waves… A MUST! and not just because they are X-dream “The group”, just because the pixies told me… shhhhhhhh (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

X.I.S. - X-ploring Inner Space - Nephilim (5/29/98)
I was always scared of this almighty label. They tend to take you into the psychotic passage… no warning, no colorful intros, no effects to enhance the ambience… no la la la laaa bull. This EP can represent one of the many directions of psy-trance. Another passage into raw metal swinging through our little and weak brain cells ahhhhhhh!!!!. But there is one track on the B-side which balances the… swinging metal and a controlled, and harmless, visit to the unknown. Well there is a catch… a paradox of life… the title of the mellower of the tracks, in terms of brain cell activity, is schizophrenic. I love this one… the real deal(Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Charlie Don’t Surf/PHarmacy - Insanity - Havok 003 (7/29/98)
Oh Lordie!!! These tracks are rockin! Bow to the kickin’ speakers or pay the price. Its acid techno that tests the highest heights. CDS’s Mother Night on the label side is written and arranged by DJ Mick Beatle and it takes no prisoners. Steamy and pounding kicks and a driving hard acid line builds this one to a siren sample breakdown and then “BLAM!” you won’t know what happened, but all the channels on the mixing board are slammed to the top and the track rocks on. Get ready for the same on the PHarmacy side, acid pounding with a shattering reverberated drum kick. In the true hard acid vein, this album sounds a bit distorted and dirty at any level, but its proof-positive that all beautiful things aren’t pretty. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Citizen X - Running Out…Of Time - Technogold (7/29/98)
Classic building club trance that dares to become Euro-style but never breaks in with the weak Euro anthem synth lines. This one stays darker and driving with good echoing chorus sounds that paint a classic tonal wash behind simple, yet interesting arpeggiated melodies. Good drivy bass line too. This charger is safe and will guarantee members on the dance floor. Beware of the sample repeated through the song “Oh yes I’m running…out of time…feel the ecstasy…feel no boundary” that scares the song toward a Euro-style feel, but Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US tells me its a classic sample. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Nad’s Lab - Deepalized II/Gatomatic - Time Unlimited (7/29/98)
I had begun to loose faith in Time Unlimited. Housier releases and more club happy tracks have been the trend, but this release goes back to the earlier sounds of Time Unlimited darkness. A deep kick, a hat, a driving dark melody, a climax, a riposte, a new addition, a rebuild…it fits the mold but made me grin for Time Unlimited again. One side has a good dark driving version of Deepalized, the other side has two very nice ambient songs that still have a lot of movement utilizing a lot of overlapping progressions and intelligent hats, cymbals, and ethereal, flowing, filtered synth work. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

M-Zone - Observer One - New Plannet (5/29/98)
M-Zone gives all of his fans something to enjoy on this one. 3 tracks…one deep progressive track, one trancecore song, and one hard trance number. They all do their thing in the way one has come to expect from M-Zone. Observer One is the hard trance number and it is raw and rockin’. Don’t expect much soft, beautiful, fluffy bullshit here. Its right to bull-market business with a cannon kick and excellent, rolling, razor sharp keyboarding. Its layered and intense, a good song to make people into maniacs on the dance floor. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Pablo Gargano - Girotondo - Eve (7/29/98)
I’m going to take a critical stand on this album because I thought it would be more than it turned out to be. It has nothing to do with artistic expression or talent, but more with what I guess could be lack of time or other circumstances. If you are a Gargano buff you’ll love this release just like you love everything he has on Eve and Metropolitan. Let’s begin with what I thought was Gargano at his best on the album…Side C and D are both excellent. On C, Chamber of Dreams has a rolling bassline, excellent layers of tech-sounding synths, and classic power in the climax…there is also Gargano’s masterful theme control where one song ends up sounding like three. State of Progression is even better on D, it features pounding drums and a reverse high-hat plus a typical, perfect Pablo Gargano bass line. The song builds with raw arpeggio accents and…you guessed it…a theme change to a drivy explosion. Now the rest of the record is excellent in the same way. They all have new sounds, developed and experienced compositions, yet sometimes the record falters for other reasons. Gargano has been known to use somewhat cheesy voice-samples in the past and Call Waiting has one that says “There’s a call” that is on the border. But its easy to avoid this one because of the fat bass-line and pure genius evidenced in the rest of the track. The Ultimate Frontier has one that says “We’re pushing the ultimate frontier here” then “Pushing” over and over again which reminds me too much of a bad restroom experience than a call to gather on the dancefloor. Later it adds “time to take your medicine” which sounds sort of corny too. Other questionable issues on the album include a blank spot where possibly another track could have existed, an ambient song that seems like pure filler, and the A/B vinyl which is simply a repressing of the so-called “Limited edition” Eve 20 which obviously isn’t as limited anymore. General consensus on the trance mailing list has been that this LP doesn’t come close to equalling Eve’s first LP Senza Volto. I agree. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Liquid Art - Magnetic North/Tracker - Hook (7/29/98)
A good percussive build starts Magnetic North, then a happy little melody…then the song really starts. In comes the bouncy and swinging bassline! Hard and absolutely ace. Enter the intelligent blended percussion, then the classic Hook-style synthesizer arrangement and we’re off to another Hook success. Tracker is a minimal tech-trance number that has that deep, dark, depth appeal that for many labels has provided room for experimental growth towards techno. This one has soul and sounds large. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Herwig Maurer - Cyklik Remixes - Zoom (7/29/98)
Zoom produces acid techno that redefines, in my view, a new sound in trance and this release is the tranciest one I’ve heard yet (which doesn’t tell you much since my first was Zoom 40, only 5 records ago). Its all about depth of sound for this label and the Breathe Remix on A is a great example. With fading echoes and very big, slow, and reverberating bass line movements this song uses double hat taps and filtered claps to keep the energy high. The samples are always nice and washy and Breathe (which, yes, has the word “breathe”as a voice sample) follows suit. A solid release for Herwig Maurer and Nuw Idol (his remix on the record is the A side). (t zero (A*C*I*D))

K 90 - This is the Future/Pure Energy - Telica (7/29/98)
In a world of questionable releases, Telica has created what I feel is their strongest single to date. Since I’m reviewing this after Telica 10 has been released, I’m putting this one at number one in the set (arguably versus the inaugural Telica 1). These two tracks have all the good Telica traits. Dark, beautiful club trance. It’s heavy with sound and copies the style of Eve’s best trance releases in compositional strategy. Don’t miss this one…I guarantee it’s a good hard trance investment. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Tibet Team Franfurt - Will I Dream?/Survive - Time Unlimited (7/29/98)
Time Unlimited is back my friends!! Daniel Boist and Thomas Franke give it a good go around on both sides of the vinyl. Will I Dream (you know the sample is there!) is classic, dark, and intelligent. Its a build up song that has one big climax that the whole track orbits. Check out the divided stereo washes on the way to the top of the ride and then put your hands up and drop into the controlled yet exciting acid climax. Survive is intense too with dark melodies, a coming-to-get-you percussive attitude, and great surprises in store. Absolutely classic, the magic has returned. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Various - Neighbourhood - Medium (2/16/2000)
Psychedelic tech trance. I think it started with sibilant and x-dream. Purely digital, minimal, alien, with exagerated basslines the last evolution of this sound bring us a new german release. I defenitelly has a new evolution closer to the progressive side of things, and it yells a clear statement: Goa is part of the past. Fresh and innovative is the beginning of a new concept in trance. A concept which is invading scandinavia and germany. The two tracks which stand the most out of this double vynil lie in the same side next two each other. Prex, a bass junkie’s dream, pushes with very subtle changes in melody a massive groover. Chi AD, closes this release with an epic psy trancer. What starts building as a dark night beast, explodes in a morning celebration of the end of a long adventure in the urban world of the pure sound of the machine. Overall it is a great release, comparable to A Progree in Trance on Transient. (Arjuna)
Man Made Man - Karahana - Phantasm (2/16/2000)
In the most progressive style, Man Made Man, Sonya Bailey & Paul Baguley, infect us with a nice set of minimal melodic digital bliss. Kaharana, plays with our sanity starting with a chidilsh laughter, looping over and over until a purely trance sound conqueres the air. Great drive, nice paterns for this floorfiller. Still I miss their old full blown melodic spells which enchated all of our hearts Gold Dust did not catch my attention so much. This single is a must have, as a flag for the psy progression of the sound in the late 90s. (Arjuna)

New! Mittelstandskinder Ohne Strom - Bug - Velvet (10/29/1999)
This is the second release from the label Velvet, who have brought the mind blowin albums from COP and Chi AD. MOS is clearly the perfect example of techno trance with a kick of something extra. They have a more anague feel to their music, but it still sound fresh and innovative. Within this personalize style you will find a nitch in this album for all tastes. I personally think it is less lethal than Chi AD in the uplifting department and less technologically advance than COP. However, they, M.O.S. achieve a perfect balance in that inbetween space for the perfect combination of hard trance and techno, with a spark of psychedelic. My favorite is Unearth, since it revives that old school feel to create a full blasting goa trance track. Highly Recomended (Arjuna)

NEW! Chakra - Resurrection - Optimus (10/29/1999)
Well Chakra can still bang it in style. This is one of the best releases which I have received for Israel in the past months. I prefer the b side track Search for God from Liquid Metal feat. Chakra. This whole track is unbeliavable, full of strengh and energy, as well as reaching good depth and abstraction as the throbing bassline and hard kick drill you brain to let the psy surface melodies interface directly with your nervous system. It finishes with a nice subtle beautiful blow up, while the strengh continues driving. Defenitelly a mixing song for the night travellers. Enjoy! (Arjuna)

NEW! Darshan - Spectra LP - Flying Rhino (10/29/1999)
First they should call this “LP” EP or Sampler since it only has four tracks in it. Now lets start the review If you have the previous single you will have a clear picture of this release. Very minimal and chilled out trance, in the most clear progressive techno style. It feels as if they had taken the source for the strength of this group. I guess we will need to wait until their hair grows back and they release an LP on dragonfly I dislike most of this album except for a zooming shocking low flying twisted trancer called nexus plexus. Fat bassline, darshan magic on the high hats and percussion…. and xtremely big ass screaming binary coded sounds transmitted into analogue through huge banging speakers. I personally would have bought it for this track, now the choice is yours. (Arjuna)

NEW! Reefer Decree - O.tonin - Iboga records (10/29/1999)
WOW! What a release! Asimmilating all the latest technology the first release from this label carries on the new trend of percussion madness and tech feel to the music. All the way from Denmark, you can hear the congas loud across the air. On 506 and long sample introduces you with instructions to get you ready for what is comming. What seem s it is going to be another bouncy trancer, these track takes off into a land called paradise. A perfect balance in between hard night and early morning, the journey takes you to flying synths lines and relaxing lunar landscapes. The b side O.tonin, is more in the bouncy line of things, with outstanding production and killer twisting sounds. (Arjuna)

NEW! Etnica - Polar EP - Spirit Zone (10/29/1999)
After, what I though it was, a weak release by the Italian masters, the polar EP takes us back to that full on night sound Etnica spoiled us with. The first time I heard Mind Altering Drugs I was blown away, the production is so fresh and innovative. Tons of layers of different precise tweek and processed digital mayhem, with a huge driving kick and a fierce bassline. All the percusion builds you up to extraterrestial landscapes. The breakdowns should be hang in contemporary museums, mutating and ripping apprt samples which will take you to an imcredible frenzy following dibelive from your ears. The b side a lil more chill, but another brainstormer which will wake up any crowd around the world with the universal language of accute composition and perfect musical sense. Etnica have demostrated me that the wizards can still innovate and blow us away with an unbelivable fresh and uplifting sound. Trance is alive in this vynil!!!!!!! This is the lost magic you have been Looking FOR! Overall my favorite of the year. (Arjuna)

NEW! Various - DJ Sampler RTTS Shamanic Trance - Return to the Source (10/29/1999)
The return to the source albums have always distinguised themselves for their different sound, most of the times original and exciting. This DJ Sampler contains tracks from Slide, Paradise Gaia, Moksha and Cosmix. This release is not my style. The tracks seem to go nowhere, very minimal and repetitive. There is one morning track which has a nice ambience to it, but again I feel the overall quality of this release is inferior to previous one from this label. (Arjuna)

NEW! Mystica - China - Baloonia Ltd. (10/29/1999)
I personally do not think much of this release. China is weak and flat, a track that tries so hard to be psychedelic, and ends up to be another melodic cheese anthem. The B side Roni’s Guitar is a mellow morning wannabe with again cheesey guitar riffs and no overall direction. No Further Comment YOUR honor. (Arjuna)

NEW! Psychaos - Cause and Effect - Atomic (10/29/1999)
After I gave Joti’s album a couple of listens, I have reallize on the depth and time demanded to decipher its power. It is hard and full on, defenitelly dark night music for the initiated. The productions is immaculate, Joti’s sound and different rhythm patterns are obvious trademarks. Still the album keep that industrial techno sound from atomic, another gem for the collection. When I really get deeper into the album I will add to this review. (Arjuna)

NEW! Various - Digitale (Compiled by DJ Dado) - ?Mark (10/28/1999)
Another top notch and fully wicked CD from the french masters. From the packaging to the content you can perceived such a defined influence from french techno. Tech trance to maximum exponent, minimal motifs, enhanced percussion, some fierce basslines are what define my two favorite tracks Venom “One Night Stand” and Deedrah “Le Hasard & La nécesité.” If you do not like minimal, machine oriented techno trance, dark and mean this comp. will not agree with you… I love it! (Arjuna)

NEW! Chi-A.D. - Anno Domini - Velvet Inc. (10/26/1999)
After wondering how the combination of tech trance label Velvet and full on melodic stormers Chi AD would interact together, I received this CD to answer all my questions. I sat down, I lighted up the candles and I relaxed. I pressed play on the CD player and boom!! I am slowly introduced in a magnificent positive atmosphere, floating on space, moving slowly… I wonder… Is this Chi AD, so fresh, dark and spaced out. Melodies hidden in the depths of a huge sea of artificially altered sounds… Slowly the energy propells you higher and faster. This is just the intro to the album!! We step into the present interpretation of The Flame of Eternal Life… the previous mix was released on Psychedelic Demons 2 on Zoomshot. A full on melodic stormer which cought me by complete surprise in that comp. This version turn up a notch the energy level in for this new Velvet album. Not as full on as the original but really driving what could be a sundown or a sunrise. Good vibrations to take off or land, to or from hyperspace (The night journey). The sun is gone the night tribes fill the forests, beaches, deserts… to dance under the full moonlight. As the name of this track indicates, Pathfinder guides you deeper into the real gems of this CD. We are getting closer to complete acceleration. Hypnotic female chants introduce you through the light portals into another world. It sounds like a celebration and a welcome call to the night. Finally, your body floats in between kick and kick… as you float full of joy celbrating life kick by kick you push the limits and try to reach the moon with your soul. This can be the perfect description of the magnificent banging gliding beginning of Moonart. The moon as a backdrop to thousands of ppl from you human tribe dancing and flying, projecting shadows in the distant mountains. We chill and reflect with Shadow Spirit, fifth track on this album. We looks at each other faces, still amazed from the last dance. We have landed in a new planet to meditate to get ready for the next journey. Guitar and Drums break the peace and attrack our attention. We start moving slowly. Beautiful melodies invade our souls as the hidden voices within the sounds speak to us. Time to travel further, back into the night. Blasting a fierce bassline and a flying rhythm section with a massive 4×4 kick driving and breaks Myopic Utopia and Redivider guide the different hypnotic melodies to get higher and higher. This track is one of my favorites, full of sound & energy. It is not the usual psy, but new and fresh psychedelic trance. It is not the typical Chi AD sound, but it still have that immaculate uplifting sound. GET IT or DIE ;))))) (Arjuna)

Chi-A.D. - Celestial - Blue Moon (8/25/1999)
One word could define this 12″: Bliss. Both sides are amazing. Celestial is just another masterpiece from Chi AD. You will suddenly feel surrounded by misterious melodies, which will pull the most intense human emotions out of you deepenst and most secret corners of you spirit. And then you turn the vinyl, and curiously you explore the groove. Can there be more? the needle drops and the world changes around you once again. the sounds morph slowly as the underlying melodies become aparent. Surrounded by beautiful colours in a surreal world you land in paradise for a few seconds. The breakdown lifts your heart softly to through you back in the most uplifting blow up I have heard in years. Have I convinced you? Get this 12″ you will never regret it. (Arjuna)

Children of the Doc - Impossible Vortex - 3D Vision (8/25/1999)
Finally, my personal favorite from Israliens on vynil. If you are into vynil do not let this gem escape your hands. Also beware of the new track on the B side, so innovative and representative of my current favorite Israeli band. When this guys get into the studio with the purpose to condense every single electron onto an explosion of quality digital tweeks psy trance. Strong basslines, which drive every single particle of sound, superprocessed digital metalic melodies and crazy neurons bouncing and singing of pure joy. Do not even think about missing this 12″ or the Aliens will punish you (Arjuna)

Phoetus - Sparkling Soup - TIP World (8/25/1999)
New remix of one of my favorite tracks from the TIP World Comp. Halluci-Nations. This vynil offers you the two current choices of Funky breakbeat psy trance (the original mix) and the full on breakbeatless masterremix. My dreams became true… the remix sound to me like the perfect deep into the night dark trancer. Beware mind altering music ahead!! (Arjuna)

Various - Electroset - Atomic (8/25/1999)
As I slowly drifted away from “Kiss the Future” I was able to get my hands on this new evolved and spanking new Atomic up-to-date sound. Atomic compilations always surprise me, since they always have three outstanding tunes and the rest falls in the realm of the average or the relatively experimental. The tracks that do catch my ear into a world of industry and machines are from Phreaky and Antidote. Both dark and right into the present beyond techno psy sound. Comparable to PAPS and other hard dark amazing releases. Electroset is a must for any psy DJ ready to expand the knowledge of the advanced party traveller, and to enhance the trance effects. Sit back, Relax and enjoy the extreme sounds. (Arjuna)

Various - A Taste of Nephilim - Nephilim Records (8/25/1999)
I have never got really deep into Nephilim, but this compilation just twisted my mind so many times around that be sure I celebrated. It starts on the lighter melodic side with Har-El Prusky. Monosubstance follows with a intense fractal emotional passage increasing the bio-rhythms of the CD… This track is my favorite and worth the purchase of this compilation. On the darker side of the long nights we can highlight XIS and Kopfuss Resonator… Hang on and feel the twists and turns as the light and heavy sounds syncronize your thoughs in complex mathematical experiences. XIS track includes the usual breakbeats, which slow down the pace, but add incredible variety to this faster-than-light bassline and rollercoater acid ride. Buy, buy, buy… How many good songs can they release on 1999? (Arjuna)

Choci, DDR, Geezer - 303 Power Remixes - Smitten Remixes 5 (7/26/1999)
The original by Chris Liberator and Geezer gets some new touch up paint here and I must say DDR’s “Dry Beaver Creek mix”(you sick fucks!) IS BANGING! He takes the best elements from the original, the sweeps and slides, the REAL kick and sample…no bullshit here. Building from a dry kick the beginning builds to a club trance bass-line and claps, the song goes apeshit from there in acid trance bliss the way you know Smitten does it best. Beaver Creek has never heard anything like it, and the cowboys would feel rightly fucked up if they ever did, now Dry Beaver Creek, that’s a different story…whuh? It’s ace, buy it. (t zero (A*C*I*D)

D-Noiser - I Lose My Mind - Brain 19 (7/26/1999)
ARE YOU READY?! Brain has a new look and some new sounds and everything is they way you’d want it to proceed. The strongest points of Brain releases have always been the thunderous, reverb kick, the raunchy and blatant 303 pattern after the silent, empty breakdown…more raw than a speeding bullet, able to leap tall buildings in a single tweak…etc…but seriously, DaBrain always got the highest and most piercing tones in the acid kingdom captured on vinyl and we wouldn’t want these parts to change…and they don’t. Instead they work in more panning and percussion on this single. Both mixes have drivy bassline elements too (but don’t worry, we’re not going too far). The overall product is an exciting experimental feel, as if new filtered and gated doors have been opened. When you listen a few more times you’ll feel assured that your old Brain remains but that someone has plugged a few more electrodes into the cerebral cortex and turned the switch to “11″. Butt down’t yoo seee, itz gawt one moah! Check out the TB mix post breakdown acid line. Holy Brain matter! (t zero (A*C*I*D)

Darkman - Mad Gay Mafia - VCF (7/26/1999)
Andreas Mishka offers for sacrifice two mixes of the same song on this single. Both sides have good clean acid trance power. The featured voice sample in both tracks is used in a way that really doesn’t cheese out or get too NRG-style though when you read it you wonder how this is possible. The sample in a warped tone says, “this is fuckin’ trippy” and we must admit that the strange voice speaks truth. The effort is to warp the mind and go to crazy full-on places here. The only real difference in the two versions is arrangement. The “ProPlusAcid mix” starts with the kick and bassline drive and introduces the sample and the a-melodic horn loops midway through the track. On the other hand, the “This is Fucking Trippy mix” starts with the horns and sample. Both mixes are good floor-fillers and you’ll love the flanged climax after the breakdowns. (t zero (A*C*I*D)

Jay B - HA28/Killer Moon - 37 Gods (7/26/1999)
HA28: This track replaced K90’s Boscaland release some weekends ago to start the set off and it was a wonderful beginning. From silence, a big swinging sound comes nearer and nearer, like a wind, and as it passes BOOM…and then it dissapates to silence. This happens again. Then again. Then again. It really works, and when a drum roll starts the song off with a drivy bassline charge you know you have an excellent acid trance winner. The rest of the song is a pretty straight forward, clean, and euphoric acid trance pounder that will guarantee new citizens to your dancefloor community. “Killer Moon” is also a good trance tune that has a Darth Vader sample, but I won’t tell you which one. (t zero (A*C*I*D)

Various - ‘Velocity’ Fourth Flight - Flying Rhino (7/16/1999)
The new and ‘improved’ Flying Rhino have geared all their arsenal in this new compilation. Strickly techno trance with a calmer progressive sound, which crossovers with other club styles. Still if most of the comp is not my cup of tea, James Monro perfectly knows how to tickle our mind. I personally like the KURO track FreeXone. Tsuyoshi’s friend from Japan and one of the Godfathers of trance creates an mutating trance beast with incredible depth and huge basslines. Factory sounds and perfect digital Harmonies! (Arjuna)

X-Dream - Inter-Corporal Stimulator/Coming Soon (7/16/1999)
Finally the 12″ is out for our delight… I feels like an apetizer for the LP which will lie on our bins hopefully soon. X-Dream have pressured into this vynil two different styles into this two different tracks. Coming Soon is dryer and flater compare to the full on angelical machine on the b-side. Iter-Corporal Stimulator cought my ear with a sliding accented bouncy bassline and breakbeat mayhem all driven by a flat muffled kick. A perfect combination contrasting eternal machines and the beauty of human chorus singing, which repeats over and over taking you to dreamland. This 12″ has been worth all the waiting time (Arjuna)

Gangguru - Dreamtime/X-3 - 3rd Mind Records (7/16/1999)
This is the third release from this label and I only want to know where I can get the other two. Dreamtime is a screaming psy monster, dark, unpredictable… but the Bside with X-3 is the track that really caough my inner ear, incredible trance… not so psychedelic. The track rolls with a baseline eating our thoughts and moving our muscles. Spacey super clean sounds appear from beneath as raining gems with emotional beauty. I love the evolved old school feel from this track, which has put it in a permanent spot in my record bag. (Arjuna)

Cydonia - Lightning Rods/King of New York - Blue Room Released (7/16/1999)
I was going to pass on this 12″ since I was getting the Album, but Lorien at Chaos Unlimited called my sanity and indicated that the track on the b side was really good and was not pressed in the album. You do not know how right she was A dark uplifting night trancer which satisfied my most obscure mixing thoughts. This track sounds fresh clean and terribly psychedelic. Thick kick and an on/off rolling baseline fill the VU meter to compression levels. Maybe it does not carry the enegy all the way, but the lack of acceleration is balanced with tons of surprise breakdowns and immaculate composition. Get the single if you have the album it is worth it all the way. (Arjuna)

Children of Paradise - COP - Velvet (7/16/1999)
Finally a full length from the side project from the almighty x-dream has been released. It includes the classic Alien Nation 1 & 2, previously released in Blue Room Released, and some new track that I guarantee will put a smile in your face. In the most powerful style, this album will take you deep into the machine manipulation and programing to get the most far out breakdowns and tubular trance trips. My favorite is El Nino, which will evoque total madness of electronic flow to explode through the speakers wiring our minds. Is this the result of several years of study of Humans by the Matrix. This song proves there are aliens on Earth playing with our minds. A must… sorry A MUST with capital letters. (Arjuna)

Various - Sonic Anarchy - Aquatec Records (7/16/1999)
I have been waiting for a new compilation from Aquatec for years and finally it is here!. Absolutally Avin’it trance. Nope it is not Acid techno, psychedelic trance, hard trance, alternative trance… It grabs the best from each style, glazed it with and old school feel and voila! Full on dark stormers The track start in unusual ways and slowly rise you over the stratosfear and then BANG! you are rinding crazy paterns and full on basslines. This album originality and tradition, it is a gem from the Xtra Underground label Aquatec. Check Mr Resistor’s and Freak Discipline’s tracks… WOW! (Arjuna)

Various - Transient 7 - Transient (7/16/1999)
As the cover expresses the number seven in the magnificent series is compile by Jean Borelli. Expect a lighter refined percusive and exquisite psychedelic sound from this compilation. It is defenitely a new sound… more techy and groovy. Once more another deep mutation for artist like Mino Vaknin & Sangeet, Pete Martin, Stephane D, Bilbo Bagginz & Mitch Davies, James Munro & Pete Martin, Dag Wallin, Paul leddingham, Kristian Thinning and Jean Borelli himself. For me there is nothing extraordinaire in this comp… and I hope is not transients attempt to closely turn into Flying Rhino’s territory. My favorite Mumbo Jumbo & DJ Kuma “Kinda weird” which softly spirals in to deep percusive energetic madness. (Arjuna)

Weirdo Beardo & Logical Bomb - quest for the last perculator - DAT (5/14/1999)
Well, this is what you may expect from that Weird bloke with a beardo. Total scando psychedelica. There is a line in this that will rip straight through any dance floor. I’m just a little worried that the sound system might blow, it’s so high pitched and loud at one point it could make ears bleed, nice. Logical bomb gives this a little of there own style, some funky sort of groove. Not so twisted as weirdo beardo’s solo stuff. (Glen - omnipotent eye/Psyquarius/UK)

DJ Mael - exploder - DAT (5/14/1999)
Hard fast dance floor track here. Sure the crowd wouldn’t stop all the way through. Typical 3d vision stuff, I also think it maybe released on their next combination album in may. So you can wait tell then and listen to it your self. (Glen - omnipotent eye/Psyquarius/UK)

Ofer - aquatect - DAT (5/14/1999)
Best tune I’ve heard from Ofer in a while. Better for morning I think. Very groovy sounds that really cut through the mix well, excellent production. This would have any trance floor wiggling their rears when played at the right time. (Glen - omnipotent eye/Psyquarius/UK)

Infected Mushroom - tomy the bat - Dragonfly (5/14/1999)
Really getting in to their style of late, hard kicks, fat bass, and strong melodies that are not that Israeli at all. This tune has some serious sounds bouncing all over the place. As the bass line shifts up and down gears so does this weird strange female sounding melody, gets me every time. The end of this track picks up with huge a power line but then drops a little in my opinion with a typical Israeli melody. But still a wicked track. (Glen - omnipotent eye/Psyquarius/UK)

F.A.T - itchy n’ scratchy - X-dream remix - DAT (5/14/1999)
Oh yes, you’ve all heard the original now x-dream have remixed it. Starts very similar to the original, with a bit more crisp percussion. After the first break comes a large chugging x-dream style bass line. Fatness! The tune now rolling along with those intense sounds from the original ripping through your head. Another break brings another change. For the last part is the major difference in this remix. A wicked melody comes in with a well tweaked 303 line. Huge energy track. (Glen - omnipotent eye/Psyquarius/UK)

Atmos - bad to the bone - Flying Rhino (5/14/1999)
Once again Atmos prove to me that they make excellent music. Rolling bass and kick with wicked snappy percussion that moves in and out of the mix. Great dancing tune as the sounds really layer and a haunting melody that make my hair stand on end. Over all an uplifting track, that really builds. Best thing I’ve heard from FR crew for a while. (Glen - omnipotent eye/Psyquarius/UK)

Pyrotech - Burn Hollywood Burn (BoscaBeats) (4/6/1999)
This EP features two mixes of Burn Hollywood Burn. The original mix is by Mark Tyler, the remix is by Johann Svenson. The “Burn Hollywood Burn” classic sample, of course, is present. Mark Tyler’s original is the harder of the two (how’d you guess), and features a raw M-Zone-style hardcore muffled kick (without the trancecore speed though). If you like Mark Tyler, this’ll be one of your favorites. He brings in the raw driving acid and masters the percussion incredibly, hidden beneath are little tweaks and blips of psychedelia but the tune stays urban, manacing, and in the vein of good hard club trance. Svenson’s mix is more straight trance style without the breakbeat techno elements of the original (the kick isn’t as hardcore either). This mix is reminiscent of what you might find on a good Hook release. A straight 4-4 build, a great bassline, basically its a track that is very accessible to mainstream trance enthusiasts. The climax is awesome and high. Not to be missed by folks who haven’t taken the full plunge into the world of acid techno and are still clinging to the solid trance floor-fillers. You’ll get a bit of both on this EP. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Dogs On A Rope - Buzz Saw (Organgrinder 7) (4/6/1999)
I’ve come to the conclusion that this buzz saw is a menace to the environment and could eradicate the Brazilian rainforests in 8 minutes flat. Two mixes of the same tune and all I know for sure is that the Geezer-mafia must be in full effect. The original doesn’t waste any time, the racing synth slides and the acid sputters forward, just like, well…just like a buzz saw…the kick absolutely rips and it is no time before the acid starts cutting down everything in sight. Some good tweakage here, some layerings there, stereo panning…I sort of feel like…well, like somebody is chucking a bunch of buzz saws at my head. The breakdown blasts off with the echoey sample “It’s going to give you a buzz” and suddenly I want off this ride because I get the sensation that they are beginning to aim the flying saws directly at my head. This song is absolute acid trance madness, but the force is organized and coming straight at you. The Kids on Drugs remix: imagine what I have just saidabout the original with a big gel-cap of acid doing its dirty work on your soon-to-be-lopped-off head. Different sample here says: “This is fucking political.” These guys need to take a long vacation. If you don’t know what “absolutely ‘avin it, mate” means, you soon will after listening to this track…that is of course if you survive. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Solar Quest - Acid Air Raid (Tracid Traxx) (4/6/1999)
The original mix, licensed from Choci’s Chewnz, is the most amazing drawn-out acid intro I have ever heard. Layered, spacy, echoing acid that just teases and builds until the kick slides in a few minutes after the beginning of the song, then its time to take a flight on operation Acid Bomb which mounts, releases, mounts, releases, dropping diverse, snaring carpet bombs the entire 12:00 track duration. The flip features a Silent Breed Remix that also has a really wicked, spacey intro and some really psychedelic acid and funky breakbeat experiments (its trance though, with a “T”). These tracks, written by George, are must-haves for those interested in being blown away by different stuff. The original on this release is the keeper; a pure-powered ultra-classic that my grandkids will tell their children about one day. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Tarball and Lungbutter - Sonic Eruptor (Bionic Orange 5) (4/6/1999)
First of all, if you like clean, solid, acid trance with straight 303 and 909 elements in your face…buy every Bionic Orange release you are lucky enough to spot. This release is no exception. Rowland said it only took him and the Geez 2 hours to create Sonic Eruptor, the raw sound attests to it…its a good ol’ acid trance pounder, but man…its still drivy as fuck all!!! The percussion is good and the breakdown is dangerous. The flip side’s Mindsweep Monofest IS in mono…but its a crankin’ party-style acid trance buster nonetheless (no nu nrg cheez guaranteed!) (t zero (A*C*I*D))

D.A.V.E. the Drummer - Strictly Underground (Smitten 24) (4/6/1999)
You gotta love it! More under-control Smitten, with the typical Drummer percussion and acid licks. Two songs are featured on the EP and they’re both ace Smitten beauties. Strictly Underground is the A-side and has a straight 4X4, a dark voice sample mumbling “Its the underground,” and a killer yet simple rocking-horse style bass-line. The song also uses a sample “scratch and throw” turntable sound to spice up new measures. This song isn’t going to burn down the house, but its an awesome dark and vibey techno trance number that takes you places. Wicked! The B-side features a hard, but closely-guided techno stomper with the typical revolving measures and repetitive techno percussion. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Rowland The Bastard - ABC 303 (Bionic Orange 006) (4/6/1999)
Another release up-to-snuff from Bionic Orange. This EP features two mixes of the same tune, one is identifiably more techno-minded while the other has the more drive-building trance features. Both are off the hook with rockin’ dry acid melodies. The trancier cut clobbers you with layers of unfiltered acid, but its definitely party material…again no cheez…we likes. As usual…get ‘em while you can! (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Rowland and Simon - The Spinebender (Bionic Orange 003) (4/6/1999)
Ooooh the early style…this EP features three songs with a very old school feel to them…the release features I Can’t Stop composed by Simon Frankland which sounds a bit dated now, but is still fun and pounding with lots of energy and unfiltered programming raw and in yer face. Oscillator 2 is a live take which is a POUNDING hardcore number for sure, but the “live” aspect of the sound makes the tune more fun just to listen to rather than to mix. Spinebender is a classic ride though and features some great 303 squelches. Check out the cowbell!!! As usual, excellent fun stuff from the crazy fuckers, but obviously the most recent releases are more mature child’s play. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Dimension 5 - Limitless Dimension - (Blue Moon U.K.) (3/25/99)
If you enjoyed Dimension 5′ album, transdimensional, this is a must for you. Another release that evokes the old school feel of melodic trance. Not so psychedelic, but oh-so-beautiful melodies will invade your mind as millions of arpeggios take you through the waves of the unknown. Positive vibrations! (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Orange Peel - White Label Remixes (Organgrinder 9) (3/25/99)
Definition of Organgrinder 9: Jammin’ minimal percussive techno-trance with old skool slaps and digs. These two cuts are funky fresh…The Peel told us that they were tracks inspired by old skool breakbeat and he ain’t liein’ because both tracks are heavy into some older sounds. The A side has a drivy little kickdrum build to a breakdown that utilizes a classic “human beatbox” loop then booms forward with what I’d say is becoming a staple Orange Peel stuttering bassline ride out. The B Side is always fun to play to the expectant acid-techno crowd as a starter…the song begins with roving bass swipes and breaks stabs that echo and retreat reminiscent of the sweet simplicity of early DARK jungle. A tight little looped amen break and claps that reverb into tomorrow really start to make you wonder whether Orange Peel has retreated to Dom and Roland-land, but then, finally, the meaty kicks start plugging away. It’s an excellent dark builder and its a breather at the same time…Orange Peel commits one of Rowland the Bastard’s self-proclaimed original sins though: only one of the two tracks carry the naughty 303 acid. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Punk Floyd - Punk Floyd Have Landed (Smitten) (3/25/99)
One of the hottest acid techno/psychedelic live acts, ready to tour North America this summer, Punk Floyd comes forward boasting evidence of the UK/USA parcelled-subject grammatical difference hidden with the LSD beneath their sweaty hairbands. “Has landed” stateside, “have landed” in Ukkieville, ohh who gives an acid derivative, the music is what matters and these folks ain’t proper in the head anyway you dice it!!! Punk Floyd’s first double EP features Umbergumba, Maison D’Etre, Analogue Fest, and PF ITA. Anologue Fest stands out as the most ‘avin it stormer and is exactly what the title implies, an absolute celebration of swarming, filtered, psychedelic madness and its all happening on the synth end. The kick is steady while the raw acid sounds get inside your brain. It’s a strategic attack of wave upon wave of psychedelic techno that both Napolean and Jimi Hendrix would be proud of. You’ve got to call that art. The other tracks are mellower and just as amazing. Though they all sport the 4X4 steady kick, they have funky drum and bass elements hidden within (Pink Floyd connection…ah ha!). All and all its an incredible techno ride…every psychedelic techno die-hard should add this to their collection. Half the fun is identifying all of the Pink Floyd evidence laced inside. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Gizelle and Dirty Blonde - PVC Perversion (Havok 08) (3/25/99)
I knew when I found out that South Park was going to air in the UK that acid techno artists would soon be hit with a mother load of sample-able profanity which would forever emblazen Kenny and his numerous, bloody deaths in the minds of innocent techno tribes all over the globe. In addition, one of the first vicious stones was cast from the region I’d expected it would: Havok Records in Manchester. The sample, repeated and echoed beneath the hard ripping acid, “You…Dirty…Bastards!” is appropriate enough. Odds are you are a dirty bastard, listening to this tune you’re bound to be not only dirty but sweaty and probably confused in the mass of early morning ‘avin it maniacs melting in ecstatic joy around you. Havok soups up another brilliant release (9 is out now too…review coming) featuring all-female composers. Since my release is unmarked, I’m not positive who composed what, but both tracks are mackin’. Havok releases are always dark, pounding, acid trance kickers with lots of sound. The marked A-side on this release is incredible. The breakbeat intro storms forward with a bouncy base-line…check out the deep, washed out samples and the WICKED off-time acid line as it filters in and out. The flip has the South Park sample and is equally raw and charging, the rebuild storms in with a smashing glass sample. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Exciter Corps - A Day At The Races (Cluster 025) / Ice Pack - Pope Juniper (Cluster 026) (3/25/99)
The difficulty with Cluster releases is to weave your way, if you have the inclination, between the full-on hard techno numbers and the drivy, building, techno trance cuts — both of which regularly appear on the imprint. Both styles amaze and entertain the hell out of me, but I originally got interested in Cluster after the appearance of Gizelle’s No Attitude release on Cluster 15 which has a more trance-y structure than some others. These releases fall into the hard techno group. Brilliant, hard, and charging repetitive techno but, in my opinion, nothing really exciting or new. The Cluster, True Love Collective norm. Check out the unofficial Cluster site at http://www.dfuse.com/suf. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Geezer - Dusthead 2000 (Smitten 028) (3/25/99)
Guy Mcaffer is a sneaky codger and this release has more brilliant production from the acid techno “man with the masterplan.” The acid is somewhat under-control and the kicks are punchy as fuck which makes it a viable builder. I like this style of acid techno, it’s classier maybe, where the 303s are still ‘avin it but they’re not grinding the brain into fine powder. Dusthead 2000 is an ace cut full of good percussion…excellent building techno. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Rowland the Bastard - Richy Harris Used My Daughter (Smitten 025) (3/25/99)
Read our interview of Roland, who will be returning this summer to kick-ass in North America for a third time in two years. His label Bionic Orange is pushing out crankin’ back-to-basics acid ditties and in the meantime he’s releasing wonderful acid trance on labels like Smitten, Antidote, etc…. Richy Harris is a whopper that starts with a very slow percussive build…then the drivy acid lines start to fade in slowly and the song just explodes full of acid-trance. Fun for the whole family, I promise! The good thing is that Roland knows how to keep a lid on it until just the right moments…then blast off. Its intelligent carpet bombing. Excellent. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Various - Israel’s Psychedelic Trance - TIT - (02/1/1999)
After listening to this CD many many times, I come to the conclusion Trust in Trance have a clear concept of their direction towards the future of Israeli trance. Still full on, and keeping the multi-layered melodies pumping the fast travel to the tunnel trancer. Trance in not about a common issue, it overlaps the depth of the past with the technology of the future. It represents a search of happiness using our best machines. Sound from the ultraspace and the desire of thousands of trancers to a trip with more excitement. No gliding allowed, only fast Doppler shifted stars stretching as we accelerate faster than light. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US) Eve 17 - Eve Records (7/28/97)
Eve could perfectly be the icon for melodic trance in 1997. I have not come across a bad release from this label, and they continue producing high quality traditional-melodic trance. Eve 17 is another must have with beautiful string breakdowns, intelligent analog and digital melodies and great bass lines, as well as a traditional enchanting pulsating rhythm, which will make any crowd dance anywhere were trance is a driving force. Melodic trance is not usually my cup of tea but Eve Records have demonstrated once more that modern traditional trance is original and alive in 1997. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Lord of Chaos - Electric Mistress - Transient (7/28/97)
It is dark, the fluorotribe morphs into the different shapes of the night, the aliens have parked their transports and join the party… The energy flows with deep hard kicks, clear and powerful signs telling you there is a long way to complete the journey. This record clearly contains two night tracks ready to conquer minds and souls. Simple melodies hard pounding kicks is a remainder of the flexibility of the creations of the psychedelic techno
scientist. If you are into late night dark tunes this is a MUST.

Conspiracy Theory - Aural Focus - Phantasm (7/28/97)
After ECT Phantasm surprises us with two clean powerful night tracks. My favorite, Aural Focus on the B side, is packed with complex rolls and break beats which offer a perfect view that these guys are genius in programming these tunes. It slowly builds up to an explosion of pure dark energy that guarantees an all-night party.

Octavia - “Equinox Project” ep - Fluid Recordings U.K . (8/7/97)
It’s hard to say which cut on this record produces more of a crowd response because each mix plays on such powerful acoustical synths and thundering kicks. The dynamic range and bright sound that is carried over on to the wax guarantees that this will be one of the cleanest recordings you will own on record. The Equinox Project is a classic pounding builder that twists the synth harmonies around in full force after every breakdown. Variations on the theme assure that this cut will keep people on the floor. On the flip check out the deep kicks once again. The Visitors is a bit simpler in composition and doesn’t vary as much but carries an interesting timpani break that drives the mix forward and will definitely make you wonder how deep a record groove can get. ((t zero (A*C*I*D)))

One House Nation - Future - Forever Forward (8/7/97)
I often imagine what the A side of this record would sound like in an 80,000 seat arena and it occurs to me that even then it would not be contained. This cut is a rocket. The raw charging kick melds with synths that sound as though they are being pumped through a loudspeaker. The A side of this record is definitely a ground - shaker. When the breakdown occurs, be careful, so much energy is created that it is liable to start a riot. The B side compliments with an equally provacative, yet not so charged cut entitled “Future” and a short and sweet morning thumper by Zone One. ((t zero (A*C*I*D)))

My World - Bismark - Telica (8/15/97)
More than one year ago Stefano LoPresti of Eve said that he and Pablo Gargano were working on a new label and a compilation. The compilation became Eve’s Senza Volto and the new label became Telica. If you have any Eve stuff, expect the same exact vibe on Telica. Telica 2 features three mixes of “My World” including one smashing gem by. . . you guessed it. . . Pablo Gargano. Though the label’s based in England, the song has Italian composers, engineers, and an Italian producer. It features a sample monologue intro and a minimal percussive drum beat. Its probably not the best Telica because itabandons the melodic a bit, but if this is what to expect from the label, its going to be a kickin’ series.((t zero (A*C*I*D))

Quietman - Now and Zen - Platipus (8/15/97)
This beautiful single contains two titles, “Now and Zen” and “Meditate,” yet both cuts work off of the same melody and voice samples. Quietman’s “Now and Zen” is a stupendous single if you love the Platipus style. The songs stay emotional trance and pumping by laying down synth strings and piano chprds while a semi - 16 synth melody runs through it. The breakdowns in both songs are among the best; ethereal and in the clouds and then suddenly full on the floor with a peppery acid trailer daring to come to full force (yet never making the tune an acid track). It’s mellow for the hard trance enthusiast but excellent nonetheless in its ability to stick to its guns and kick ass while remaining beautiful.((t zero (A*C*I*D))

Eve 17 - Eve Records (8/15/97)
Think dark, shadowy breaks being lifted out of fat 4 X 4 kicks. Think intelligent snares. Think soul melting breakdowns and rising, delayed, melodic keyboarding. Think of interstellar propulsion in the form of sound and you have Eve 17. Track 1 on the label side is hard and firing with a mutating melody that receives a little tweak and fade after every bar. The breakdown pulls a double - take which throws the energy back into the crowd in a way that is bound to inspire the dance floor. Check out the wicked alternate version of this song on the symbol side which features a bold breakbeat section and more acidy synths. Track 2 is more mellow. Instead of the beat,
this song’s strong composition plays on shadowy synths and acoustic percussives. ((t zero (A*C*I*D))

Man Made Man - Karmaflage - AAA (9/5/97)
This release is close to the border of being confused with a cross breed in between Robert Miles and Orbital. Man Made Man offers us a progressive journey into morning trance. It is a beatiful happy morning track, but not a good election for the glowing dark night trancers like me. I even think that progressive trance Djs will be happier with the election of this 12″ than morning Goa Djs. Concluding, too mellow and it lacks of the agressiveness of the Goa or psychedelic morning traks. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Xenomorph - Obscure Spectre (The Horror Time Remix) - Koyote Records (9/5/97)
After three amazing releases, Ominus, Underhead and Ecens, Xenomorph dissapointed me. With a track which could be amazing with a slight different arrangement, it represents the example of how psychedelic and Goa trance is becoming closer to be club (discoteque) music. I think of this track more like a crowd pleaser than a spiritual journey into the unknown. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Return to the Source - Sacred Sites - Return to the Source (9/5/97)
What less could you expect from a Return to the Source compilation. Are the tracks are so modern and different, ranging from night tracks, morning melodies and creative psyche compositions. Return to the Source have acomplished what other labels and producers have not. Goa can still be creative music, on the edge in between tradition and innovation.My favorite is Laughing Bhudda, but I promise none of the rest of the tracks dissapoited me. Perfection at its highest point. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Radiotrance - The Russian E.P. - Transient (9/5/97)
I should say both tracks Plasma and Vostok 5 are good in esence, but they are more similar to hard trance than psychedelic. Better, they are hard trance influenced by psychedelic. Don’t get me wrong, I will play them. They are crowd pleasers packed with a burst of energy. Good 12″ but not great!! (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Kox Box - Too Pure - Blue Room Released (9/5/97)
When I heard the original I was a little dissapointed, however the gem was waiting to shine on the B side. While the original sounds dry, where the sounds seem to come straight from the source with no effects, the TIP remix knows how to get the current running throughout your neurons. Ever changing patterns and tweaks, which can easily put you in the perfect trance. The TIP guys know how to combine the old school with the new school in a perfect full on night psychedelic trancer. A must for your bin!! Don’t miss this one. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Somaton - Ouroboros - Celtic (9/5/97)
Choci’s side label, Celtic, has never dissapointed me. This 12″ is another positive surprise which adds to that particular sound which this label has. The B side contains an exceptional remix by Shakta and Ping Pong, but my favoritecomes from the loge side.Sooo!!! psychedelic… This track brings the devils alive from way beneath: in the underworld and makes them dance around the sacred totem as the gods shine with strange shapes from the skies. A total alien dream, just incredible. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Telica 8 - Telica (5/29/98)
I’m satisfied. Smooth, big, drivy slow developing trance that sounds like it is coming to get you. A late night dancefloor thriller. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Chi AD - Exit Eternity/Beyond the Singularity - Transient (5/29/98)
The B side is the best TRANCE song I’ve heard in months. It may not be deemed “psychedelic” enough for many psytrancers, but like the true meaning of psychedelic, this song will take hold of you and build a psychic reality with its evolving use of the synthetic. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Cherrymoon Trax - Alternation - Mindworx (5/29/98)
DJ Buzz’s Romantic Mix is a blast of flowing synths that ebb and flow through the entire 7 minute song; quite anthemic, storming, and hard. Two build-ups draw from a virtual silence and escalate to a roof-shaking pound session. The composition is simple and maddeningly powerful. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

The Adventist - Infinite - Mindworx (5/29/98)
This single contains three mixes. “The Gallery Mix” is an excellent, melodic, hard trance club track. Nothing completely new, but solid and danceable. (t zero (A*C*I*D))

Subcouds - Space Angel - Psychic Deli (5/29/98)
We have travel far to discover the wonders from that isolated cult group… They dance all night long to hypnotic multicolor acid lines in the underworld. Subcouds, the Sweedish masters, have enlightened the gatherings with another creation beyond comprehension… mystical experiences… (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Semsis - Storm in a Test Tube - Atomic (5/29/98)
And finally I found the answer to the infinitesimal! Closing in into a vision of the hectic interaction of the microscopic forms and shapes, morphing and twisting into the ideal. In very few words perfection is in your hands. (Arjuna - Dharma Kshetra Production - FL US)

Submit a comment May 29th, 1998