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Meller - Rockable (Tribal Vision, November 2005)
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pr0fane
Multiphase
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Posted : Nov 8, 2005 22:42
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Artist: Meller
Title: Rockable
Label: Tribal Vision
Format: CD (Jewelcase with 12 page inlay and DJ-insert)
Released: November, 2005
Cover: http://217.160.138.169/pic_b/tvr1cd004_b.jpg
Review:
After 3 compilations containing a mix of progressive house and progressive psytrance for both the night and daytime, the promising new Czech label Tribal Vision is ready with their first artist-release: the new Meller album "Rockable", also containing 5 remixes - mostly by some well-known artists from the Tribal Vision roster. Meller consists of the two German DJ's Mel and Scherer, and while it perhaps isn't the most well-known act on the progressive scene, they have a bunch of releases in their biography, including a full length album, "Solar Drums", released last year on AP Records.
So ... 5 tracks from Meller, and 5 remixes of those same tracks - Looks like a quite interesting concept. Let's see if it can live up to Tribal Visions high standard so far.
01. Rockable [140 BPM]
"Rockable" opens the album with a short and very strange intro, which frankly made me consider if my copy was damaged. The bassline kicks in after only 1 second, and is banging psychedelic "German" festival progressive from the start - not really that groovy, and with a few very cheesy guitar-samples and some heavy percussion. Didn't really appeal to me.
02. Fatboy [140 BPM]
Things get a bit darker with "Fatboy", which is less of a daytime festival tune than the opener and more a nighttime progressive stomper. Some gloomy pads set the atmosphere, but the most dominant element is the male theme sample "I am the great thick rockboy...", giving the track some distinctiveness - but not enough to really make me appreciate the track overall.
03. My Favourite Man [140 BPM]
Up next is "My Favourite Man", and to me it's definitely the most interesting of the original tracks. A very corny sample of a drunk guy, which sounds like a cutout from an old live jazz-recording, is the theme of the track, and it really works like a charm, giving the track a nice, humorous touch - add to that some fairly funky and catchy grooves and the result is a quite good outdoor groover.
04. Phase Nacht [140 BPM]
As the title implies "Phase Nacht" takes the album back into the night territory, and it is definitely the most minimal track on the album, with a tight bass and a very static groove. Some of the percussion works quite well, but what is up with that random, out of tune melody? Didn't really like the track, and for me it was a low-point on the album.
05. Aurora [135 BPM]
Things improve a great deal with final original track "Aurora" though, the most laidback and mellow track so far, and one of the standouts. The male "I feel something wonderful" sample seems perfectly chosen for this nice little morning beauty, filled with blissful pads and sweet melodies. By far the most pleasant of the original Meller tracks, and also my favourite.
06. Rockable (NASA Remix) [140 BPM]
First remix is by Danish NASA, who's really established himself on the scene in the last couple of years with releases on Iboga, Plastik Park, DOMO, Com.Pact and Tatsu - just to name a few. His version of "Rockable" has more melodic layers than the original, and can best be described as a fluid mix of progressive and psychedelic full on. Cool remix, although more loyal fans of NASAs sound would like it better than I did.
07. Fatboy (Rinkadink Remix) [140 BPM]
One of South Africas absolutely finest exports, the wacky full on producer Rinkadink, is up next with a remix of "Fatboy". The result is really something special: powerful yet never stressful full on, super funky and groovy, and the theme sample has been tampered to perfection. This is the kind of tune that people will remember when looking back at a party - very quirky and original stuff, I totally love it.
08. My Favourite Man (Tegma Remix) [140 BPM]
"My Favourite Man" is remixed by Tegma from Sweden, and they've given it a more full on approach, not as dark and techy as their latest releases on Tribal Vision and Moonflower, but pretty close to the lighter style on their "002: avant.garde" album. Basically a pumping full on/progressive trance crossover remix, with the groovy and melodic breakdown as my favourite part. Great work.
09. Phase Nacht (Etnoscope Remix) [140 BPM]
Etnoscope is up next with a remix "Phase Nacht", and as usual from these Swedes their version track is very heavy on their trademark: rolling live-percussion. Their remix is much better than the original, with a very organic atmosphere, and a sound very suitable for a nighttime forest set. Not a very surprising or ground-breaking remix, but solid work nevertheless.
10. Aurora (Vibrasphere Remix) [132 BPM]
Last - but certainly not least - we get a remix by one of my personal favourites, the Swedish duo Vibrasphere. They have a very distinct sound, an extremely smooth and caressing mix of ambient and trance, and it's a perfect match to "Aurora", which was already the mellowest of the original tracks. Vibraspheres remix has an even more laidback groove than the original, and generally the sound is very epic and uplifting, almost suitable for a set by Tïesto - but I can't really say that it's a bad thing. Totally amazing and enjoyable remix.
Bottom line:
As a stand alone album, I would have considered "Rockable" a pretty average release. The 5 original tracks are decent, but not much more - the production isn't always as clear as most have come to expect from the best progressive psytrance in 2005, and generally the musical content isn't really that impressive either. The release is definitely saved by the remixes though - all the remixes are of fairly high quality and pretty different from the originals, with especially Vibrasphere and Rinkadink standing out with some truly stunning reworks.
All in all "Rockable" is pretty good - quite diverse, with a mix of morning and night progressive psytrance, minimal, and a twist of full on as well. If you have liked Mellers releases so far, I guess you shouldn't hesitate in picking it up. Otherwise buy it for the remixes.
Favourites:
3, 5, 7 (!!), 8, 9, 10 (!!)
Verdict:
7/10
Links:
Tribal Vision Records: http://www.tribalvisison.cz
Meller: http://www.meller.de
DJ Mel: http://www.dj-mel.de  DJ pr0fane (Iboga Records) | Multiphase
www.sunrisesupplies.com | www.iboga.dk | www.soundcloud.com/pr0fane |
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Acidhive
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Nov 9, 2005 00:04
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I totally agree with you on this one Profane. Aurora is the best track by far on this release and for the most part the remixes are better than the originals. What I don't like in some of the tracks is the usage of sampled voices used over and over again. Are they trying to hypnotise me with it? Well, it ain't working. It only aggrevates me. Aurora and the remixes lift the album up a little though. 6/10 from me here and you should definately have a good listen to samples before buying this.
"Subconscious unravels at the point of death, and all time it has known erupts into a moment. As death extinguishes us, so we become it."
[Esoteric: Subconscious Dissolution Into The Continuum] |
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krelm
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Posted : Nov 9, 2005 01:30
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I'll write something more detailed soon, but my initial reaction is similar to what's been written so far. The original tracks are OK, but nothing special. But the remixes are fantastic and really do make the album. Especially the Vibrasphere remix - good god, what a piece of music! This goes up there with their track "Infusion" (the original plus the remix that was also on Tribal Vision) as their best work of all time. These guys still have it.  The Tegma remix is also a ripping good time. FULL without being full-on.
Anyways, I'll post something more coherent in a few days when I've had the chance to really absorb the whole thing.
-----------------
Dr. Krelm DJ Mixes and Broken Symmetry archives - http://www.krelmatrix.com
Broken Symmetry on MCast - coming in 2007.... |
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Dance N Dust
Dance N Dust
Started Topics :
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Posted : Nov 12, 2005 16:41
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best track for me so far is the:
7)Fatboy (Rinkadink Remix)
and 10) Aurora (Vibrasphere Remix) that i thing is realy great remix..
good production of sound ans mello
good luck tribal vision
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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J
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Nov 14, 2005 20:00
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Great Review!!!
From a great production also!!
Loved the album!! Very solid work!!
Agree with u Asher! Vibraspehre rmx is the best one IMO!!! 
Ualaaa!!
it
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Acidhive
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
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2014
Posted : Nov 14, 2005 23:44
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Been listening this some more and I have to say some of the original Meller tracks have grown on me. The remixes are still the best though. But, since I'm liking it more now I'm cranking this up to 8/10 and this IS a good buy
"Subconscious unravels at the point of death, and all time it has known erupts into a moment. As death extinguishes us, so we become it."
[Esoteric: Subconscious Dissolution Into The Continuum] |
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Lior_machine
Started Topics :
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Posted : Nov 15, 2005 11:52
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I want my copy, this album looking good, is a BOMB ¡¡ :hide: :ya: |
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DeathPosture
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Nov 18, 2005 16:23
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Meller - Rockable
Cover: http://tinyurl.com/cazxh (front) + http://tinyurl.com/7khnm (back)
Artist: Meller (Germany)
Title: Rockable
Format: CD (jewel case w/12 page booklet)
Label: Tribal Vision Records (Czech Republic)
Cat. #: TVRCD004
Distribution: Psyshop.com
Date: November 2005
Track listing:
01. 06’32” Rockable
02. 07’38” Fatboy
03. 05’46” My Favorite Man
04. 08’34” Phase Nacht
05. 08’17” Aurora
06. 10’28” Rockable (Nasa Remix)
07. 06’43” Fatboy (Rinkadink Remix)
08. 08’44” My Favorite Man (Tegma Remix)
09. 07’30” Phase Nacht (Etnoscope Remix)
10. 08’12” Aurora (Vibrasphere Remix)
.m3u-playlist: http://tinyurl.com/d6ntz (all tracks!)
Review:
Tribalism ^ Tribalism Remixed
Tribal Vision Records from the Czech Republic are out with the second album from German duo Meller… Marco Scherer & Dirk Herrmann (DJ Mel) released their debut album Solar Drums on AP Records in 2004… I haven’t heard that one, so I don’t really know what to expect here… But it’s Tribal Vision – a label that has yet to let me down, and the roster of remix artists are nothing short of impressive… So my hopes are up!
Let me take you thru the tracks…
#01: Rockable [140 BPM]
“Welcome to the future!”… The title track breaks open with a cut, futuristic voice sample alongside some spacy percussion and tribal beats… The whole thing is seasoned with a cascade of electro-elements making this a very Schiller-like track… This is perhaps a little too housy but generally pretty harmless… Easily cross-over potent stuff!
#02: Fatboy [140 BPM]
The guys up the ante on the second track which is easily much more forceful than the first track… Darker and more pounding… With a naïve fluffy melody thrown in just to freak you out! Also the haunting, repetitive voice samples are among the best I’ve heard in a while… Very original! Yeah, there’s definitely some experimentation going on here… I really like it! Sweet, sweet track!
#03: My Favorite Man [140 BPM]
“Ladies and gentlemen… Ahhhh I know I'm drunk now, I forgot my favourite man sitting over 'dere, his name is...” This is definitely my fav’e track here… Banging, tribal progressive trance – drenched in bubbling electro sounds and dubby beats! Very, very original… Repetitive yes, but so very hypnotizing too – and funny! The vocal experimentation is so very well-executed… And the only flaw this track has is that it’s too damn short!
#04: Phase Nacht [140 BPM]
This is bleak, progressive night trance… More minimal than the previous tracks, but not minimalistic in the 2001 kinda way… Digital-tribal drums and metallic percussion make out the rhythm section and generally this is a very hypnotic track… The soundtrack to a massive stomp-session! A Blechtrommel style stomp fest! A solid track!
#05: Aurora [135 BPM]
“I feel something wonderful!” We take it down a notch for the last original Meller track… This is deep, groovy progressive trance… Rich in texture and with a wonderful old-school synth-melody… Very familiar in all its floating glory… Would mix well with Antix or 12 Moons I’m sure… Nice track, but a little too generic for my taste… I mean – that final run is too Balearic innit?
#06: Rockable (Nasa Remix) [140 BPM]
And here’s the remix by Danish producer NASA .Mikkel Rasmussen (one half of Gnome Effect) has extended the track notably and completely revamped it… Gone are the most commercial pitfalls, and this is leaning more towards progressive morning trance… A hybrid of fluffy melodies and grittier full-on elements… Without the cheese factor! A very mature and constantly evolving track… I dig it!
#07: Fatboy (Rinkadink Remix) [140 BPM]
Open up and loose yourself! The fatboy is remixed by UK-based South African producer Rinkadink (Werner Van Jaarsveld)… I really liked both his albums, and his unique full-on touch seldom lets me down… And sure enough, this is a tranced-up remix which bears very little resemblance to the original… The sampled has been tweaked even more along with the melodies… Funky, edgy full-on – impressive indeed! I like the original slightly more though…
#08: My Favorite Man (Tegma Remix) [140 BPM]
And now for the Tegma remix… Swedish producers Omar Chelly & Jason Orfanidis released their second album 002: Avant.Garde on Candyflip earlier this year and for me that’s still one of the freshest hybrid-trance albums of 2005… And I’m happy to say that this remix is very similar to the style of that album – the balanced blend of teKknoid progressive trance and melodic, edgy full-on… Add the sweet, sweet flavour from the original Meller track, and you’ve got something close to a winner! Yeah – this remix compliments the original track nicely – and they are equally good!
#09: Phase Nacht (Etnoscope Remix) [140 BPM]
And who better to remix the stomp fest tune than Swedish tribal-trancers Etnoscope? Yeah, the drum-trio consisting of Martin Colin, Rasmus Alanne & Ludwig Engelbert has taken the most obvious rhythm section from the original track and added loads more percussion… This is totally funky and instantly dancefloor friendly… Ancient rituals carried out live in front of a dancing crowd! Another sweet, sweet remix to a sweet original…
#10: Aurora (Vibrasphere Remix) [132 BPM]
And to finish things off we’re treated to a remix by legendary Swedish producer duo Vibrasphere (Rickard Berglöf & Robert Elster)… They’ve taken the somewhat commercial original and fluffed it up even more… But! … They’ve done it with style I reckon, and I simply can’t stay grumpy when listening to this… The beats are a little less well-polished, and the groove-factor has been upped a great deal and I tend to wiggle my toes more to this remix than to the original… A great way to end this remarkable album!
Yes – remarkable is about the best damn label I can give this CD… I really, really like it. The original Meller tracks have some really cool vocal experiments going on… Usually I’d quickly grow tired of repeated samples, but for the most part they work really well in this context… The remix concept is pretty damn cool and for the most part, all tracks are good here… There are no bad tracks at all – and it’s not like the remixes outshine the originals… Not at all – they are equally good! I also like the subtle mix of styles here… This ranges from fluffy commercial beach-trance to banging, electro-ridden psytrance… With everything in between!
The woody artwork is neat, and again Tribal Vision Records treat us to a fat, informative booklet with info on all participating artist – and the usual handy, easy-rip DJ slip is still there… Quality all the way! I strongly recommend this album to fans of progressive trance with rich tribal-, full-on and groove-crossover potential! It’s pretty fucking solid! Enjoy!
Favourites: 2(!), 3(!), 4, 6, 7, 8(!), 9(!)
DeathPosture
External links:
Meller: http://www.meller.de
Tribal Vision: http://www.tribalvisison.cz
Discogs: http://www.discogs.com/release/558206
Wirikuta: http://tinyurl.com/apfw7
Psyshop: http://tinyurl.com/at4b3
Chaos: http://tinyurl.com/dw8dn
Saiko: http://tinyurl.com/dhlw6
Juno: http://tinyurl.com/d32hm
On really romantic evenings of self, I go salsa dancing with my confusion... |
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Nathan
IsraTrance Senior Member
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Posted : Nov 18, 2005 16:26
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gr8 album!
-=The Meaning Of Life Is To Give Life A Meaning= |
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PKS
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Nov 21, 2005 09:44
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Tribal Vision Records has become one of my favourite progressive trance labels in a short time, releasing pretty high quality all the way, including a fat booklet with informative text and nice cover arts. This time we get the second album by Meller (Marco Scherer & DJ Mel). It is almost a compilation, because the other half of the compilation are the same tracks remixed by other artists.
Meller "Rockable" Tribal Vision Records 2005 (TVRCD004)
1. Rockable
2. Fatboy
3. My Favourite Man
4. Phase Nacht
5. Aurora
6. Rockable (Nasa Rmx)
7. Fatboy (Rinkadink Rmx)
8. My favourite Man (Tegma Rmx)
9. Phase Nacht (Etnoscope Rmx)
10. Aurora (Vibrasphere Rmx)
The first half of the album are new tracks by Meller. Quite massive, drifting progressive trance tracks, with some tribal influences here and there. My favourite of these is track 2 (Fatboy). A pumping track with some interesting use of vocals. Track 5 (Aurora) is also pretty nice, with some floating melodic parts, perfect for the morning. Quite fluffy, but not too much. Nasa (Mikkel Rasmussen) has remixed the Rockable track. He gives us some atmospheric vibes and drifting progressive vibes. Rinkadink from South-Africa is known for a more full on style. Here he gives us a remix of the Fatboy track. A massive full on version, with quite rough sound. Not exactly my cup of tea, so I prefer the original here. Tegma (Omar Chelly & Jason Orfanidis) from Sweden gives us a remix of My Favourite Man. This one goes quite massive, somewhere between progressive and full on. A little bit harder than usual from Tegma. Another strong Swedish progressive trance group, Etnoscope, has remixed the Phase Nacht track. They give us their typical style of tribal progressive trance, with tribal drums etc. Stumping track with floating vibes above. Builds up slowly. Vibrasphere, also from Sweden, finishes this album with a remix of the Aurora track. One of my favourite tracks on this album. I like the way Vibrasphere deliver a beautiful, still trippy and groovy style in their tracks.
This album is quite interesting with those remixes by some top artists in the progressive scene. Not everything here fits my taste too well, but we sure get some strong progressive tracks here anyway.
PKS
More reviews at:
http://www.trance.net
CHILL TRIBE
CTRCD01 QUALITY RELAXATION
CTRCD02 RELAXED JOURNEYS
CTRCD03 EAR PLEASURE
CTRCD04 WOMBATMUSIC - Shameful Silence
CTRCD05 POLYPLOID - Grow Your Own
CTRCD06 IAN ION - Gringo Locomotion
CTRCD07 SUNKINGS - Before We Die |
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westbeach
Started Topics :
0
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2
Posted : Nov 22, 2005 01:40
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the new album is better than before one... people love this sound! Great
Gian
visit the new ambient italian website
www.westbeach.it |
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clown
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Posted : Nov 23, 2005 20:48
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Suspekt
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Nov 24, 2005 03:57
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Tribal Vision continue their amazing run of success this year with the release of the new Meller album – Rockable. An interesting concept, “Rockable” is part album, part remixes cd- 5 original Meller tracks, remixed by some of the most sought after artists in the world today, including Tegma, Vibrasphere, Etnoscope, Rinkadink and Nasa.
The last Meller release “Solar Drums” was highly critically acclaimed, but I must admit I wasn’t the biggest fan of their sound going when it was released. “Rockable” is a welcome update to their sound for me- the ideas they explored in the first seem to have reached a level of maturity and I think it works very well now. Great tribal percussion, an original bass-groove and some interesting production puts this release streets ahead of their debut for me.
The CD opens with the pulsing title track “Rockable”. Welcome to the future all-right! Dirty funky bassline with some amazing percussive work and grindy leads. When I first popped in the player- I thought- if this is the new Meller- ROCK ON. Psychedelic progressive rock music- full voodoo shakedown? If that makes sense! Anyways, when the bassdrop thing comes at the end you’ll know what I mean. Amazing stuff!
Fatboy takes step back a step from the opener with some lovely winding psychedelic melodies- but don’t think this one is soft hearted. The bassline is nothing more than a winding bass-frequency, and its probably the deepest of the originals on the album… The same direction but a more subtle approach. Tidy. “My Favourite Man” picks up the throttle a bit- but keeps it definitely on the groovy side, wicked tribal percussive elements and some a voice sample that I would vote as one of the best of the year. At one point you’d swear it was a dub track- until the winding bassline and beat kicks back in- definitely the “catchy” track of the album of the album for sure. I could hear this played nearly everywhere from out in the bush to at any club in the world.
“PhaseNacht” returns to a deeper level- has a vibe that reminds me more of some of the older Meller stuff. Fans of Etnoscope’s work will no doubt love this as well (they are the artist remixing it later on the album- I can definitely see why!!!). Percussive driven, tribal trance music. Fans of older minimal stuff will no doubt delight in this as well. “Aurora” is the last of the original numbers on the album- it takes a more mellow, emotive note. Wavering pads and twilight melodies, definitely one for the afternoon hours. It’s been a great scope of the new Meller style this release, be it only 5 tracks, and this one shows not only can they rock it, but they can certainly add an element delicious melody as well. Well done I say.
The remixes are certainly not shabby either, with world reknowned artists like NASA, Rinkadink, Tegma, Etnoscope and Vibrasphere on board, how could you really fail? NASA’s “rockable” remix doesn’t loose the pace of the original, but has added the groovy melodic rhythms NASA’s new work is becoming famous for. I’d have to say this pair compliment each other and this a very worthy remix.
Rinkadink’s Fatboy remix is the most eclectic Rinkadink tune I’ve heard in a while. Definitely on the quirky style, and I think its great seeing some artists more involved in the “full-on” scene crossing some boundaries and working on remixes like this. I know full on friends who bought the cd for this track and were surprised and very much liking the rest of it as well. Tegma’s working of “My Favourite Man” is ripping- I can imagine this on quite a few dance floors in the coming months. Tegma’s new music is only getting better by the day- and I’d have to say this is one of the highlights of the whole cd for me. Wicked.
As I said earlier- it’s almost as if the original was screaming for an Etnoscope remix, and here it is. They take the tribal thing to a greater level than what Meller did, with an added element of some windy kind of melodies toward the end. Fans of older etnoscope will no doubt appreciate this one for sure. Closing the cd is the nothing short of amazing Vibrapshere remix of Aurora. I’d have to say personally this is in my top10 of the year so far, it really does it for me. The amazing emotive elements in the Meller are extended into a beauty of a track- Vibrasphere are one of my all time favourite artists and this is the best I’ve heard in a long time. It only leaves me waiting for the new album!!!!
Tribal Vision have certainly made a different concept work in this release- Meller- Rockable is an interesting journey though the Meller style, with some workable and eclectic remixes thrown in. It’s clear to see that Meller will be a force to watch from now on, and I look forward to their next full release. Progressive Acid Rock Trance!!! The cover art was great as per usual and as a whole Tribal Vision have hit it on the head once again.
7.5/10
Open Records, Australia
www.open-records.net |
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Basilisk
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Dec 5, 2005 23:14
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Meller’s Rockable is an awkward creature, not quite an album, compilation, or single; five original tracks appear alongside five remixes of the same. This is Tribal Vision’s fourth release, following up on a string of highly successful compilations. Meller appeared on the first Tribal Vision compilation Urban Legends with Valhalla, which I was very impressed with. Last year’s debut album Solar Drums established Meller as one of the more original artists on the scene, fusing elements of progressive psychedelic and tribal techno with vocals of varying styles. I skipped out on it after hearing some of the vocals, which I found to be an inane distraction from the underlying goodness of Meller’s psychedelic rhythms. With that in mind, I wasn’t too sure what to expect of Rockable. Tribal Vision have once again done a great job on the packaging, with fold-out liner notes and some great artwork. 78 minutes of sound are also packed on to the disc, maximizing value. Here’s how I responded to the music itself…
The title track Rockable kicks it off with Meller’s characteristic fusion of progressive groove, tribal drum textures, and mysterious atmospheres. Squelchy melodics and a distinct scratchy noise work with the straight-forward bass rumbles to create the rocking vibe. There are some unsettling resonances associated with the oft-repeated sample “welcome to the future”, and at first it is hard to tell whether this is intentional. The song lacks a significant hook and the arrangement seems slightly sloppy at times, but it could get a dancefloor thrashing.
Fatboy disappoints expectations with a rumbling minimal groove that gains distinction through a rather muffled set of lyrics that repeats over and over again. Infrequent appearances of great spooky melodies proves that the producers haven’t lost their talent, but I find that they aren’t applying themselves here. This is dull, unbalanced, and poorly arranged.
My Favourite Man takes a more humourous angle with a drunken sample that once again repeats ad nauseum. Aside from a weak plodding beat, clockwork percussion, and a restrained funky bass note, there isn’t much going on here as well. Disappointing. despite the vaguely jazzy character which might otherwise intrigue me.
Phase Nacht is the first track here that sounds like a completed work. This has a highly technical rhythm accentuated by plenty of tribal drums. There are no real melodies to be found here as the focus is on percussive forces, manifesting an energetic tribal techno fusion. Unfortunatly it is a mediocre track made redundant by the superior Etnoscope remix.
Aurora is a total surprise, and the best of the original tracks from Meller. Never before have I heard a soft side to this group, but here it is! A peaceful grooving rhythms layered in thick shimmering clouds of emotive sound flows across the minutes, conjuring deep feelings with a delicate approach that is rare to hear. They’ve also managed to feature a sample without making it overbearing - the aptly chosen “I feel / something wonderful”… the result is serenely beautiful!
NASA opens up the second half with a remix of Rockable, showcasing the fat sound character he’s been developing in 2005. After Legolam I have been consistently impressed with all of his singles, and this one is great as well. Deep synthetic grooves and richly resonant atmospheres flood the speakers with a distinct psychedelic flavour; this is a total overhaul of the original! There’s even a new sample thrown in which makes my eyebrow jump: “pullin’ out your thing like that, I oughta bitchslap you from here to leviathan!” If you’re as keen on the massive sound of NASA as I am then this is sure to please.
Rinkadink was the perfect choice to rescue the abyssmal Fatboy from the cutting room floor. This remix is a high energy cyberdisco anthem crafted with the South African wunderkind’s original touch. Annoying vocals from the original are transmuted into catchy phrases after being manipulated to their full potential by this software virtuoso. The messiah of modern rave has done it again! No one’s sure whether you’d lump this in with psytrance anymore (probably not), but it does make for some big stupid grins on a pumping dancefloor.
Tegma is another artist in peak demand right now, and their remix of My Favourite Man continues their push into uncharted creative territory. Fat synthetic beats and an addictive rolling bass line are slathered in deliciously precise tribal rhythms. It drifts for a while, but once the funky breakdown snakes in with the big lead near the middle, the gloves are off! The development of the song is no less exciting, as Tegma builds on the themes of the original to manifest a righteous combination of groovy funk-fortified percussion and epic electro-flavoured leads. It’s another peak quality offering from one of the best acts on the progressive psychedelic circuit today.
Etnoscope are masters of organic tribal techno grooves and they put their famed skills to great use while remixing Phase Nacht. The first three minutes see the development of the beat with only minor hints of future themes. A snarling medley of dark and light melodic elements springs from the murk of the central bridge, setting the mood for the rest of the song. Sleek and highly polished tribal trance at its best!
A master of silky smooth progressive grooves, Vibrasphere is the perfect choice to remix the refreshing morning groover Aurora. The message is essentially the same, but the underbelly has gotten such a rigorous revitalisation. The production value is immeasurably superior, but nothing has been lost in the translation. If anything, we are now being taken deeper into the clean and tranquil realms of morning light. This final remix is a perfect way to finish things off.
Albums with this split format are particulatly uncommon in the trance scene, though there may be good reasons for this. A consequence of the format is that the album has a very uneven flow, making it much less suitable for home listening. With this in mind, and despite the flaws of the release, it is unquestionably a lucrative selection for DJs. Tribal Vision could hardly have picked more suitable artists to rescue Meller’s original material, which does not meet the quality standards I am accustomed to from this label. Aurora is an interesting diversion from the usual Meller sound, but the rest serve no real purpose, as they are eclipsed by the skillful remixers in every instance. Rockable remains an above average release on the merits of the great musicianship displayed in the second half of the album, but it’s really far more suited to DJs than the general listener. If you need something to pad out your progressive psytrance collection this is certainly a possibility, otherwise you may look forward to hearing the gems of the album hammered on dancefloors in the near future.
Favourites: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Rating: 6 |
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ND
ProSect
Started Topics :
44
Posts :
919
Posted : Dec 24, 2005 15:22
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At first I wasn't sure about that CD. I got back to it today and realised I enjoy other tracks as well and not only few of the remixes.
Rockable is an intensive techno funky tune, good percussion and synths. Something I would like to groove to on the dancefloor. Fatboy, My Favourite Man and Phase Nacht are very original, analog alike, harsh and kinda funny. They sound not well produced and mediocre. Aurora is the more dreamy one, very nice atmosphere.
NASA Remix is very acidic and synthetic, a good mash up of psychedelic and the more progressive sound. I really love the Rinkadink Remix, this artist is one of the ones I love from the more psychedelic side. Energetic tune, with amazing vocal work as Rinkadink knows how to do. A highlight. Tegma Remix is something to be played on party as well, very massive and fat, cool flanged lead by the end. Etnoscope Remix is tribal like allways, something that carries you inside the forest nights. The last track is my favourite, the Vibrasphere Remix is very uplifting, something to enjoy in the early morning, great work.
Overall its a fresh idea, the remixes are something that most of the usual psychedelic progressive listeners can enjoy, while the originals are definitely matter of taste. The album cover is something I've really enjoyed.
ND
www.prosectorium.com Without Deviation, Progress Is Not Possible.
www.andivision.com
Sound Field / ProSect / Sonify / Radio Mess |
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