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Antix - Wanderer, Iboga rec, 06/007
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aden
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Jun 19, 2007 14:34
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Artist : Antix
Title : Wanderer
Label : Iboga Records
Type : artist album
Style : Progressive Trance
Format : MP3 and CD format
Catalog # IbogaCD49
Release date : june 22, 2007
Distribution. Twohandsdistribution.com
Tracklist :
1. Red Robin (128 bpm)
2. AK is Burning (128 bpm)
3. Circade (125 bpm)
4. BHD (126 bpm)
5. Flock (127 bpm)
6. Blew (130 bpm)
7. Seven Seas (127 bpm)
8. Forward (126 bpm)
Antix are brothers Barton and Hayden Strom, from Auckland New Zealand. Their Progressive project is one of the most acclaimed in the mundillo of Trance and Electronic Music. Their resume includes two artist albums, Lull (2003), Twin Coast Discovery (2005), a rmx album simply titled « Twin coast remixes » (2005), signed by the cream of Progressive producers, all of these published at Iboga. Besides these main releases, they have released heaps of fascinating tracks at labels such as Flow, Spiral Trax, Plastik Park, Plusquam, and more recently, a few remixes at Open rec. and Tribal Vision. After being one of the few producers to successfuly reshape the progressive sound by integrating prog-house influences, they recently started a side project named Fiord, that explores the more Electro-House/Minimal styles. Next to this important discographic activity, they are hailed as one of the most in-demand live act touring the world and can boast to be NZ’s most exported musicians. Expectations are huge regarding this album. Let’s see if this new release from the duo meets them.
1. Red Robin
The opening track starts almost like a follow up to their recent output; only the second half integrates a plain beeping motif that vaguely sounds minimal. A very solid build up progressively integrates layers of micro sonic complexity together with the sweet tonal changes of the lead: distant soft echoing pads, smothered vocal snipets, whispers, low growls. The bass comes in after a few sequences, deep, very deep rolling, wrapping the whole soundscape in a foggy afternoon, Northland autumn mist. The production is stunning right from the start, and has definitely gone up a scale. Classy intro!
2. AK is Burning
The second track creates a more laidback mood and injects a distant electro echo in the thematic treatment with some loops of rolling synth that build a deep minimal groove. The break sends the panting theme to more trancey horizons towards the end with nice layers of melodic themes intertwining over quirky gurgles. Maybe not the most original here, but still a fine lighthearted late morning track.
3. Circade
With Circade, the album takes, in the first bars, a more techno approach with its repetitive single note scansions, only altered by a short tonal modification. The mood is minimal with glassy droplets dripping on a distant yet infectious howling lead, while the voice sample exhales a spooky feel. The bass seems to stem from a rejuvenated Maurizio-like dub beat. At 125 BPM, this amazing blend of containment and rhythmic effectiveness just does wonders, and I’ll be damned if you don’t feel like jumping 3 feet over the ground when listening to that. This is highly creative and futuristic minimal Trance that will devastate the dance floor this summer.
4. BHD
The blend of minimal-electro theme and trancey elements, such as the blinking beep in a tone reminiscent of their last album, is taken to a further level in this piece. The reverberated serpentine line maintains a good amount of atmospheric mood and balances the otherwise prevailing old school electro-tech flavour of the track. A very convincing mix of stylistic influences, bathed in unique Antix light.
5. Flock
With this track, they take a repetitive minimal theme to sweet tonal evolutions and conversation with a counter motif that has the tone of a subdued vocoded voice in the mist. The compelling rhythmic section does not fail to build a mellow, deep, minimal groove. Not only this is their most emotional piece so far, but it is a smooth, elegant and creative fusion of styles raised to state-of-the-art levels. Fascinating!
6. Blew
The fact that Blew was originally featured in the Nuance compilation released by Iboga at the end of 2006 should not dampen our admiration for this piece. It’s the fastest track in the album cruising at 130 bpm and it rocks! Everything in it conspires to make it a flawless groover: whether it be the sublte changes in the forceful drive of the bassline, the tiny stabs of percussion, the subdued vocal snipets, and, last but not least, the cool guitar-like riff: they all take you for a great ride, and make it a dance floor magnet. Choice!
7. Seven Seas
It’s about time to pay a tribute to the unmatched talent of the duo in matters of arrangement and orchestration. The track starts with the juxtaposition of contrasting tonal motifs: one rather sweet and undulating, the other acid and funky. Then, it gradually incorporates layers of rhythmic nuances to build a kind of Electro melancholic depth, yet playful at the end, echoing with as many sonic details as the myriads of shades of green in the Kiwi bush.
8. Forwad
As it often does, it all starts with a kind of eerie foghorn, then a soft electro-house kick bass combo sets the pace for hypnotic pads to reverberate over deep, minimal grooves. As the bass strengthens towards the end, the track gradually builds a nuanced, smooth and dreamy atmosphere that also yields a strong emotional colour. A great finish for an outstanding album.
Bottom line
The recent import of minimal-techy influence has lately raised a very intersting and heated debate about how much artists should abide by the dictates of fashion. Concerning this album, however, the answer is quite simple. This is a 200% Antix album. They haven’t given up their signature groove and unique atmospheres. Rather they have integrated with mastery and virtuosity the minimal arrangements and fused them with their sonic identity to the point of perfection. I guess you could call that Minimal Trance. If you believe God and/or the devil lies in the details, you’ll find out how much NZ has nuanced the brother’s work: « Fiord » probably stems from the geography of the South Island, « AK » is most likely Auckland, and « Twin Coast Discovery » is the name of the gorgeous road that circles Northland. Living so far away probably helps to keep a healthy distance from the fad of the moment. Notwithstanding that, the main success of the album is due to their immense talent. This is a milestone album, my favourite of the year. It will make waves for many months to come for sure. Get it!
ADEN
Related links
www.iboga.dk
www.antixmusic.co.nz
www.myspace.com/antixfiord
Get it:
Progressivetunes.com
Beatport.com
trackitdown.com |
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Slater
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Jun 19, 2007 17:21
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Really great stuff, my favourite Iboga CD in the last few years. I simply love this detailed production.
 Out now:
*V.A. - Vanguard vol. 3 compiled by Duca & DJ Slater |
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DJAmanita
IsraTrance Junior Member
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Posted : Jun 19, 2007 20:15
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This will end up one of the best progressive albums of the year and one of the best that Iboga has put out for a while. I have been working on a full and proper review and will post that soon however I just had to say how fantastic THIS Antix album is NOW!
Different then the last album this is next level music.
*Warning this is not Goa trance but it IS fantastic trance music with intelligent production and a deep soul. If you liked Lull then this one is sure to make you smile. |
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Dovla
IsraTrance Junior Member
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Posted : Jun 19, 2007 21:58
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Quote:
| On 2007-06-19 20:15, DJAmanita wrote:
*Warning this is not Goa trance but it IS fantastic trance music with intelligent production and a deep soul. If you liked Lull then this one is sure to make you smile. |
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hmm, I wonder which Iboga release you could label as Goa trance anyway 
gave this one a spin a few times and I must say that the production quality and the level of detail in this release is simply astounding...and it really does grow on me after a while, after the first listen I wasn't as impressed as I am now...
oh and whoever did the cover artwork...I love it....simply brilliant!
DJ Dovla | Interchill Records, Flow Records
www.dovla.info |
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Glen.C (Iboga Rec)
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Jun 20, 2007 02:02
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DJ Buju
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Jun 20, 2007 13:24
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Another home-made strom classic!
Beautifull album. |
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pfc
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Posted : Jun 20, 2007 13:32
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simply brilliant!!!
no more words to say... |
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Sandoz
Started Topics :
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81
Posted : Jun 20, 2007 16:51
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As usual, a true Antix release, beautiful grooves, great production and heart. Along with Vibrasphere the best album this year so far. Nice to see that they still have a lot to show us. Keep going. |
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xfalabella
IsraTrance Junior Member
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Posted : Jun 20, 2007 22:58
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The cd is very different from usual Antix
but this is the new trend
ive enjoyed a lot...some techno beats,minimal & progressive
prime art from auckland
my favs :
Red Robin (!!)
Ak is Burning (!!)
Sevens Seas (!!!)
nice review
www.myspace.com/vfalabellaprogressive
www.enigma.art.br
www.spintwist.de
AEROSPACE - STEREO FLIP IS OUT !
KHAINZ - MODUL8 is OUT! |
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LigaLize
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Jun 21, 2007 01:17
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Great album
Very Low bpm music,liked very much
i will be happy too hear them live 
Dance is - As a matter of fact, socially admissible public analogue of the sexual act :)
http://www.myspace.com/djligalize |
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duyoush
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Jun 21, 2007 15:42
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I like this album alot!
yesterday had the plesure of listen to it.. i cant tell yet what are my fav tracks here..i need some more times to listen but defently top production ,sound & idea's..
Thanks to Antix Brothers for allways keeping the high standarts !
And to iboga offcurse..
For sure an album that worth to buy 
Cheers
"The external world became changed as in a dream and colors became more glowing.When the eyes were closed,colored pictures flashed past in a quickly changing kaleidoscope.what had caused this condition?"
Albert Hofmann Laboratory Notes (1943) |
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DJAmanita
IsraTrance Junior Member
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Posted : Jun 22, 2007 01:52
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Quote:
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On 2007-06-19 21:58, Dovla wrote:
hmm, I wonder which Iboga release you could label as Goa trance anyway
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None, but I hate when a progressive album gets panned over and over because its not "KILLAAAHHH" full on style.
I have been working dancefloors HARD with this Cd. Fantastic. |
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NextWorld
IsraTrance Junior Member
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Posted : Jun 22, 2007 10:56
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uh oh...I think this one will need a few more listens. I´ve heard it for the first time this mornig, and i have very mixed feelings.
I have been an Antix fan since their first EPs, Lull ist still one of my favourite Prog Albums ever. For TCD, it took me a few listens but after all, its nearly as good and some tracks even better....
I can hear how much creative work was put into this Album, how many little details are worked out to perfection and how much love was put into every song. Now this release to me is somehow missing some...Power? (Not that killargh style), emotion?
i can´t put my finger on it right now, and i hope i can dig this Album as a Antix release should be digged after a few more listens, but at the moment i think its following a musical trend that kind of bores me....
my favourite track was Blew, and as mentioned in the review, it was released before, which is clearly recognizable.
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exotic
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Jun 22, 2007 13:32
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With every listen it grows on me 
Some really stellar moments in there. dont have a favourite track yet
Time will tell when this gem has unwrapped itself slowly and wisely. missing plug-in |
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snick
IsraTrance Junior Member
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Posted : Jun 22, 2007 18:26
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cant move 7. Seven Seas (127 bpm)
from my player!!!
love this track!!! |
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