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Perfect Stranger - "Free Cloud" (Iboga rec. oct O8)
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aden
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
81
Posts :
212
Posted : Oct 17, 2008 23:47:46
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Artist : Perfect Stranger
Title : FREE CLOUD
Style : Progressive Trance
Label : Iboga Records
Release date : oct 2008
Format : CD
Tracklist
1. Clear Vision 07 [128 bpm]
2. Stardust [130 bpm]
3. Simple Cells [133 bpm]
4. Sweet Water Dolphin [126 bpm]
5. Easy [128 bpm]
6. Free Cloud [127 bpm]
7. No 1 [133 bpm]
8. W [130 bpm]
As Iboga celebrates its ten-year anniversary, one of its stars, Yuli Fershtat, has come out with a sixth artist album under the guise of Perfect Stranger. This impressive number of releases, not to mention the two compilations and many singles released at the most respected labels, gives an idea of his outstanding stature as an artist. From his early years —his BLT project, and the early ’90s trips to Goa— he’s been committed to his love for Trance, which is as ‘dance’ as music gets. But a generic label would not do justice to the depth of his heartfelt music which transposes feelings from across the wide range of human emotions. His demanding standards regarding what our man qualifies as the “art” of sound have led him to appropriate today’s trend, undoubtedly Techno, which he also DJs with a rare understanding and acute intelligence. This new album presents the latest development of his music that has never failed to embody the zeitgeist. I’ve listened to this new instalment many times. Time is up for a review.
1. Clear Vision 07
For 3 mn, Clear Vision progressively builds up to the launch of a solid backing bassline that chugs along, eventually picking up a nasty distortion. An ominous voice sample, taken from “7 Years in Tibet”, treated with filters and reverb, flirts with a simple melody that oscillates between candor and sarcasm. In that respect it somewhat takes up the blueprint of the previously released BLT track remixed by his friend and partner on the decks, A. Balter. As you might expect, precise detailed production is de rigueur, enhancing the unique atmosphere, which bears traces of a discreet techy influence. Everybody should know by now that the Kiwi duo Fiord has recently given an outstanding rendition of this hybrid of minimal tech-trance, which, I must admit, exerts a strong attraction and has slightly overshadowed the original. Fine opening though.
2. Stardust
Stardust also opens with another long build-up, with a bare kick first entering the dance and later ushering in a bouncy bassline with dark undertones which firmly establish the groove until the track truly comes to life. Then the track slightly switches : the rattles of a string-like lead accentuate the discreet techy register but soon are soon interrupted by a break that launches a beautiful distorted pad and a kind of “catch-me-if-you can” looped melody. It dances up and down the scale with real elegance and lighthearted fx. A really nice, deft construction that explores the soulful side of PS, with strong potential to be revealed by up-and-coming remix avatars.
3. Simple Cells
Simple Cells clearly has its sights set on the dancefloor : a throbbing bassline and gritty serpentine lead combine with woodblock and bell chimes, and are punctuated by a recurring, echoing zooming sound. They all converge towards a long (more than two and a half mn) demented crescendo, very much in the vein of today’s tech register (Selway, among many others, having written the longest I know...) that will make the crowd wiggle on and shout. The overt reverence and reference to techy devices contribute to a simple, yet effective, dancefloor tool.
4. Sweet Water Dolphin
Already favoured amongst hi-profile DJs, this composition thrives on another hip-shaking groovy bassline and pitch-shifting string lead, with a little catchy percussion flourishes. But the strong asset of this track is Yuli’s ability to build up mesmerizing, epic soaring loops, cleverly articulated onto a perfect construction which delivers a hot summery feel and locks you from start to finish. In terms of dancefloor friendliness, this just might be the most sparkling jewel in the crown.
5. Easy
Next comes another sky rocketing and spiralling journey, also a winner among prog DJs. “Easy” hinges on the same successful ingredients as in the above. The hypnotizing loops are, this time, modulated all the way through, and backed by growling synths which stage the appearances of guitar-sounding riffs and catchy woodblock stabs. A first break highlights PS’s sense of humour, as suggested by the comic “easy” voice sample; while the second abrupt collapse into the theatrical break(down) adds a comic twist. Again, the construction and orchestration all conspire to make this track rock smartly and deliver 11mn of truly inspired dance floor moments!
6. Free cloud
The eponymous track of the album develops in a more lyrical vein thanks to a chorus-like vibrating pad that floats around a tight chiming percussive arpeggiated theme which is vaguely reminiscent of a D-Nox & Beckers (or N. Fake) hit from last year. However, tracing the influences is beside the point : it’s all about contained or lighthearted feelings, in the vein of PS’s hit tune Ode ao Sol. After the climactic break, the final echoing and stuttering pad accentuates the emotional edge. It’s deep, funky with hints of techno. It is designed to be a sweet, morning trance anthem.
7. No 1
The emotional register is further and more profoundly explored in this 11 mn, ambitious composition, the longest of the album. Initially, distant bleeps converse with an ominous, almost spooky theme, unfolding an eerie beginning in a rather melancholic register which soon unveils a deep pulsing bassline. But things get more complex with the introduction of an acid-drenched, distorted and pitch-changing lead interacting with the whip hits of a synth line. They build up a state-of-the art progression which all tees up a final break that unleashes a twisted emotional charge and cleverly stages the return of the rhythm which wallops back, while a candid and modulated melody trumpets a more optimistic grand finale. Someone once confessed to me that he almost cried during a PS live at Sonica. I bet this one will do the trick again. Hats off Mr Fershtat, this is a very powerful tune, the kind that will have the hairs standing up on the back of your neck, a feat which very few manage to achieve.
8. W
The album closes on another sweet, trancey ballad, with plenty of gritty loops nicely contrasting with more shimmering ones, and with the shiny reverbs of an uplifting, beautifully crafted arpeggiated string melody. The signature swinging bass/kick combo, together with additional shuffling synth work, ensures the right momentum for this sun-filled concluding anthem.
Bottom line
High expectations hovered over the release of this album, and I’m pleased to announce that it meets them, and more. This opus oozes with PS’s idiomatic style and talent, and rejuvenates progressive by successfully and smoothly incorporating today’s sound. It straddles moods of Techno and Trance whilst constantly maintaining a melodic and highly emotive core. In that respect (and without being unjust to earlier cross-over attempts) it is a genre defining album in its own right which encompasses truly inspired moments and sets the bar high. The perfect mastering by Ido Ophir enhances the fine orchestration and detailed production, the length and breadth of Yuli’s creative capacity. Add to that Bakke’s celestial cover work illustrating the “Wild eyed boy from freecloud” – an accurate visual metaphor for our man –, and you have a truly outstanding package, a must have for any serious electronic music aficionado.
ADEN
Related links :
Perfect Stranger on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/perfectblt
Perfect Stranger fanpage on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Perfect-Stranger/10109749055
Iboga Website: http://www.iboga.dk
Iboga on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ibogarecords
Iboga Records group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7523410676
Progressive Tunes: http://www.progressivetunes.com
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kobi-(LOUD)
Chain Reaction
Started Topics :
10
Posts :
145
Posted : Oct 22, 2008 04:51
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I got a copy from yuli 2 month ago and ive got to say that this one for me is one of the best cd's of 2008 !!! ,
and the best one of yuli (imo)!
amazing groove , beautiful structure, massive amount of psychedelic , magical melodys
and KILLER on the dance floor
congrats on this one my friend u gave our scene
a freash breeze of quality music , and as we all know ...WE REALLY NEED IT !!!
PEACE OUT
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Nectarios
Martian Arts
Started Topics :
187
Posts :
5292
Posted : Oct 22, 2008 08:50
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Djones
IsraTrance Senior Member
Started Topics :
267
Posts :
1766
Posted : Oct 22, 2008 10:48
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I'm having great hopes for this album.
2008 Progressive has been miserable so far. |
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Tula
Started Topics :
1
Posts :
603
Posted : Oct 23, 2008 13:05
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first of all - good review 
second - its good album, Stranger made effort to sound different than last one.. but somehow along the way I didnt like it that much, its a bit dry and minimal, but that is only my taste hehe 
although last one is boom 
anyway, I wish him all the best and huge success with this release
cheers
 LIFE Is Just The Choice Between FEAR and LOVE.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1fDq9LnzFk |
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tHuJoN
Freakulizer / Khainz
Started Topics :
115
Posts :
932
Posted : Oct 23, 2008 19:59
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soulsphere
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
21
Posts :
216
Posted : Oct 23, 2008 22:55
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Without any doubt the best album I heard in 2008...
Thanx Yuli for keep blessing us with your talent... |
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bricktop
Started Topics :
1
Posts :
147
Posted : Oct 24, 2008 14:26
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unbelievable sounds in this album...one of the top of 2008 if not the No1
peace
one toke over the line sweet jesus :> |
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Djones
IsraTrance Senior Member
Started Topics :
267
Posts :
1766
Posted : Oct 24, 2008 16:23
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Awesome album really!
Finally some good music released again.
Together with VA Sea of Vapours, about the best Progressive albums of the year.
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Domingos
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
36
Posts :
292
Posted : Oct 25, 2008 19:19
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Absolutly one of the best minimal albums ever!
Yuli is a sound master!
The songs and the music that i portray, Comes from the heart and comes from the mind, That makes it, that makes me feel that i'm blurring? The right information. |
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Yotam(Paganka C.)
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
12
Posts :
339
Posted : Oct 26, 2008 11:09
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TOP NOTCH !!!
I`ve listened to it at my home...
I`ve played it on the dancefloor...
FUCKING A !
Definitely one of the best album this year.
Keep it up bro, all the best ! |
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Glen.C (Iboga Rec)
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
52
Posts :
686
Posted : Oct 27, 2008 00:37
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Dovla
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
43
Posts :
748
Posted : Oct 27, 2008 01:15
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FUCKING A! indeed...
pure bliss this album...loving it from start to finish, no bad tracks here, I can't pause any track when I have to do something, I can't stay still listening to it...thanks Yuli...I really needed something like this
DJ Dovla | Interchill Records, Flow Records
www.dovla.info |
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ProgMoon23
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
127
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1644
Posted : Oct 27, 2008 03:17
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The album of the year. 
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reeps
Started Topics :
3
Posts :
22
Posted : Oct 28, 2008 10:35
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this album is friggin massifv as!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
reminds me of trentemoller - the last resort.
:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:
top production too!!!!
go go go!!
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