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Duca - After Dark album review
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lara
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Sep 14, 2008 00:00:58
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Good day, good evening,
A direct flight to Serbia into the base of young composers. Fruitful land, fruitful works, and even better releases. Also known as Anax, Dusan Sekic aka Duca is surely included in the list of artists that doesn't need introduction. Most of you know when and where he was born, as well as the kind of sound he treats us, DJs and the audience worldwide. Starting with harder sound and with age, as we grow older, we're more with a softer hearts and emotions are being expressed more, and we enter the sound that has no "child sickness" anymore. 
Under the serious label "Tribal Vision", we received a serious album named "After Dark" which is characterized with motives before and during the dark. The release for the club and open parties. In addition, as the artist went from words to deeds with sounds, I shall as well in description.
1. Snowman
I the very beginning, a big objection. The track is TOO SHORT. It is of standard length, and even more than that, but firstly I am not a global critic. I review the album from the personal, so to say, "Home entertainment" aspect, and for my taste, it's short. If it was bad, it would be too long, which makes my first "objection" my actual opinion of the track. If we go dubiously into the elements, I will emphasize that the track's theme intrigued me a lot. The duration of the track specially fitted. I love when the simple theme lasts long; because it means it is has exceptional notes no matter how light they are. The rhythm is standard, as it should be. It is the best when the accent of innovations is put on other elements of the track, because people quite often exaggerate the rhythmic innovations and they ruin the track, which, with its theme, had a tendency to be good. It seems the simplest way to express the innovations is on the rhythm, but in fact, it is the hardest. Thank God, this guy knows that unwritten theory and made this sound experienced.
The warm up!
2. Canadian Vista
Surprisingly good, or should I say excellent, techno rhythm in the very beginning. This is one of those that raised on 145 draws "the squirrels out of the trees". Squirrels, as we in Croatia call those "techno maniacs", which is for me a positive slang, but everyone experience it differently. As for me, the tempo of the rhythm of this track is exceptional. With the coming of the bassline, I double affirm that it is more than exceptional. Even with this minimal sound, the track isn't minimal. With massive groove, it is far from minimal. Just because it contains the small number of elements, which confute the upcoming samples further in the track, it cannot be characterized as minimal. If I had to make a bald assumption, I'd say it is a more progressive version of tech house. Super boring lead is definitely one of the elements that force you to stomp. Now, when I say "super boring", I don't mean really boring, but "very good boring", but let's not get into that right now. I think most of you will understand what I wanted to say.
Drive!
3. Astronaut
The follow-up in the same manner, as far as the track's beginning go. In some moments, thanks to these congas or tams or whatever they are, the rhythmic brings me closer to those moments in 90s and good old hits like Frank Tomiczek, Westbam, Motte, Felix, etc. Electro bassline sets this track on higher level and, of course, starts the engines. It is interesting for me that split on the break, but I would like to hear that in the club, even though I can get a clear image listening to it at home, sometimes the song can deceive, but I'm not saying that is the case here. I just wish to hear it in the club. This is one of those songs for the set between the hits, to keep the atmosphere after the euphoria and set ground for the next highlight which is about to come.
Splendid!
4. After Dark
The album carrier. Hah, the claps. Maybe there were in the previous tracks, I can't remember now, but they surely welcomed me here. I love when they stick old school for me and don't bring philosophy into it with all those hyperspace breaks and splits. Tell the essence and let's have a blast, and not to have to translate and anticipate the music. At least I am that simple regarding that. I will chase breaks in Drum (d'n'b) where they belong, right?
Exceptional filter on the theme, as well as the entrance and the continuance of the theme with the rhythm. A genuine cocktail ride. The only difference with the previous three tracks, this one isn't the one to deserve the title name. Far from it being bad, but the predecessors were better, that's all 
5. Ducaralho
Hehe what a track name lol. I would like to know what's behind the name, and behind the track is the wind on the rhythm, according to the beginning It would be cool that track remains just as a groove part and become something like a DJ mix tool track. Short "chorus through" theme, to call it like that, in my opinion would fit better if it didn't exit that chorus. It would sound more techno. Nothing's wrong with it with full bass treatment, but for my taste an entry fly in moment would be ideal to continue. Of course, it thrilled me when that moment actually repeated multiple times through the track. The back-melody is fantastic, and any comment on that is needless. The stretch of the sound is standard way of SFX tricks that works every time, or at least I haven't heard a track where it didn't fit. So far, this track is the calmest one, but it is also the most aggressive one. It is not the classic aggressiveness, but it carries that sharpness in the theme, which is enough to clench the jaw without any opiates 
6. 120
Perhaps it would be good if there were a break beat of some sort in the middle of this album, to shift the course of the rhythmic, and after that bring on track with the next one. If we look at the album as a whole, and we review it as such, then the conception of the tracks view like that. It is, again, just my opinion. Maybe someone would play the 1st, then 5th, then 8th, then 6th, etc.
Excellent carpet theme. I noticed that this album dominates with beautiful themes. I already said that it has more or less standard rhythm, and with every right, I believe it's the way it should be, otherwise the entire story and the unity would be shattered. I see that just like when a super skilled drummer goes to solo in the middle of the song that is intended to be more calm and sparse in nature. He shows his skills, but at the wring time and in the wrong place. Therefore, Duca's moves on the rhythm gets the highest mark from my part, if we separate elements of the tracks individually.
Oh, and to note that the lead at the end of the track didn't click for me on the previous theme, but that is again a matter of taste.
Good!
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http://www.soundmute-recordings.com
http://www.facebook.com/smrecordings
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lara
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
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Posted : Sep 14, 2008 00:01
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7. Diploma
Is this the moment when the artist graduate? Maybe the artist himself didn't think about it, but if you ask me, this track title automatically gives impression, for me and me alike, that this is, in fact, "homework". The timpani bass section of technoic character so far proves it, as well as its continuance. Totally excellent section. The track threatens to become a favorite, and I'm becoming more and more surer that our visions about the track names match. This, let's call it, rubber theme should be fatter just for a shade, and it would be perfect. I like the echo effect of the reverb on those little congas and following rhythm samples a lot. However, that is secondary relevant thing. The main relevant thing is the drive. Definitely!
The club is calling you!!!
8. United Nations
More electro than the rest. Definitive conclusion. No matter the resemblance between bassline's colors, in every song it detains individuality. By the way, the track has an excellent background for some Miss Kitten vocal. Maybe Duca could, in some future works, deal with some of her acapellas. I think it would be a great remix, as well as an excellent promotion of the project itself. Under the makeup of the new age, lies the former sound of the 80s, and that is one of the big scores of the artist. In the end, even the track title fits into my trip as I listen to it.
Way to go!
9. Zakon
This track sounds totally like a radio version of the original track. Now, someone might ask how and why. Well, I'm not saying it is not club music, far from it, but according to my separation, or grouping, which track goes where, I would sort this one into radio stack for album promotion. This one even sounds like the one you would do a video for. At least I'm experiencing it that way, which doesn't mean someone else might as well, right? It is probably because it is more close to that sort of composition domain. It marks off with this calm story, which is more for home listening. Let's just say that the vocal version of the track do better in clubs and could be even put as maxi single on an EP.
Very relaxing moments.
10. Hit the targets
We can hear a bit of trancy moments here. Positive. Is that the influence of the raps in the past? It's like Chicane and Pink Progressive influences overlap. Definitive morning favorite. This one would be a very good choice for chill sets, in a sense when you shift from beatless or break phase to the more flat sections of the rhythm.
I like it a lot.
11. Last One
Just like the title says. I expected an ambiental track, as the last three progressed in taking the atmosphere off to a calmer level. Regardless of that, the story remained to "float on the clouds". I like the entry of the bassline from a filter of some sort, silenced with the mild hint of the hats. The theme was craftily extracted on the minimal break, which generally thrills me, because not everything is in savage bursts. On the so-called breach of the break section, the path that track continues is unexpected which is for every praise, but in any case my personal opinion is that he could go on with a slightly different composition because the drive of the bass on that section a bit empty and the section is in accordance with the track, but is long for that kind of bassline. There the flow was breached, but not significantly changed to disrupt the story, which is quite good. I find the ending of the song a bit short.
Mostly cool track.
The album is completely told in very good manner. The order of the tracks is almost perfect. When I say almost, I mean that it needed a small break beat moment in the middle to break the 4x4-album terminology. A lot of new techno influence, some trance moments, mostly old school and exceptional instrument approach.
From my point of critic, "After Dark" leaves good impressions. Relaxing, danceable, listenable, with beautiful themes and loads of drive. Many different styles that overlap discreetly and don’t breach each other's space they represent. I can only grade highly that kind of combination.
Sold!
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http://www.soundmute-recordings.com
http://www.facebook.com/smrecordings
http://www.soundcloud.com/soundmute |
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Glen.C (Iboga Rec)
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Sep 14, 2008 02:03
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vasanta
Started Topics :
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Posts :
78
Posted : Sep 18, 2008 15:12
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great release...my favorite is 4,6
Great rewiev Lara |
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Duca
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
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84
Posted : Sep 18, 2008 23:43
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s.h.e.e.p.
S.H.E.E.P.
Started Topics :
74
Posts :
507
Posted : Sep 25, 2008 09:41
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first of all...it was worth to wait the long time
for this masterpiece! Some really strong tracks
are in there as well as some intelligent groovers
with very nice atmospheres!
I can´t wait to play it out LOUD
Thanks and greetings
oli
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www.myspace.com/oli_inkognito |
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juggler
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
114
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255
Posted : Oct 6, 2008 06:49
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Duca – After Dark
Tribal Vision Records
Track list:
01. Snowman 06:43
02. Canadian Visa 06:39
03. Astronaut 06:42
04. After Dark 06:15
05. Ducaralho 06:45
06. 120 07:16
07. Diploma 08:00
08. United Nations 07:26
09. Zakon 07:13
10. Hit the Target 06:30
11. Last One 06:21
Review:
After lots of releases in compilations from various labels, here comes the debut album from Duca, released on Tribal Vision Records.
The first track – Snowman – starts the album in a deep and dreamy way...it has a fat and groovy bassline, some morning-oriented synths and leads, all very quiet and atmospheric.
Track 2 is called “Canadian Visa” and is one of my favourites here...groovy bassline with an electro touch, some squeaky sounds and noises, the build up is very progressive and has a really nice construction.
“Astronaut” comes a bit more faster...strong and fat bassline, lots of percussions making a good rhythm, some industrial synths and noises giving an energetic and darker effect, all joining with a kind of a machinery-atmosphere.
Track 4 “After Dark” is the title track, and in my opinion, is a bit like the name - a track for listening in the first minutes of morning, when the sun comes up...it has some nice and pacific melodies, nice rhythmics, all mixed on a funky structure.
“Ducaralho” is another masterpiece and one of my favourites too...it has a really suspense and darker atmosphere, strong kick bassline, some night industrial sounds with lots of effects, the rhythmics are very danceable too, perfect.
“120” is the more slowly here and a bit mellower compared to the last one...it has a kind of a minimal progressive structure, fat and distinct bassline, perfect for ending a party or a dj set.
Track 7 “Diploma” comes in a more trancey-style...groovy bassline, some rhythmic percussions and hihats, bright and distinct leads, all involved on a mysterious and hypnotic build-up.
“United Nations” has a trancey and chained bassline, well constructed breaks, some acid sounds mixed with some sophisticated and digital noises, all with a tech-house touch.
For track 9, Duca choose “Zakon”, returning to a more deep and morning mood again...it has a smooth bassline, some bright and dreamy leads, soft rhythmics, all very relaxed and pacific.
“Hit the Target” is again a softly and deep track, creating that feeling that the album is almost ending and the sun is almost shinning...the atmosphere is soft and quiet, with some floating sounds and pads, nice for listening at any place, in any situation.
For finishing the album, we have “Last One”...it seems like another great “sunshine track”, with some deep synths with bright notes, funky and minimal bassline, some industrial noises in the back, nice ending.
In my opinion and speaking in general, Tribal Vision bring one more time a great release for all tastes, ranging from the more pacific and soft tracks like 9 and 10 to the more heavy and dancefloor-oriented like 2 or 5, all with a really great production quality.
8/10
Pedro Gaspar aka Juggler
www.myspace.com/djjuggler
DJ JUGGLER (United Beats Rec. / Crystal Matrix)
http://www.facebook.com/djjugglerpt
http://www.facebook.com/jugglingpt
http://www.facebook.com/freakyfiction
http://www.facebook.com/techtwistpt |
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Dance N Dust
Dance N Dust
Started Topics :
83
Posts :
419
Posted : Oct 10, 2008 17:56
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Good album by duca
Some techno style mix with electro..
Most of the cd was flow to me and I like it.
Best tracks: number 1 "Snowman" because of a nice pad and the melody, this is more of my style
And number 9 Zakon, 10 and 11, nice way to end the album
Very nice cd cover and a good mastering work.
Very recommended …
All the best to tribal vision.. good work and good production again..
out now:
Aumrec – Before The Beginning ,EP
V/a Beat Wins , Compiled by DJ Asherun
Embargaa - Slova . EP
www.myspace.com/dancendustrecords |
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Nathan
IsraTrance Senior Member
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3605
Posted : Oct 11, 2008 16:14
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mess
Started Topics :
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Posts :
107
Posted : Dec 14, 2008 13:57
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great release ! |
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