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V/A - Opus Iridium (2xCD - Uptempo/Downtempo) Suntrip Records mar 2008
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AumShantiAum
IsraTrance Junior Member
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911
Posted : Apr 12, 2008 00:57
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lovely album, goatrance is tooo beautiful!! I have to say my favorite tracks are the Filteria and Artifact 303 tracks. The Artifact 303 blew my mind away, such a powerful goa track. This cd makes me wanna take off my shoes, run outside and dance under the sun!! Well done Suntrip Records, keep the new school goa flowing!
bOM Shanti |
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famiable
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
19
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201
Posted : Apr 18, 2008 08:53
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Recently played the Shakta,Afgin, Ajna and Radical Distortion tracks at a gathering in Iowa and got amazingly intense emotional reactions from the crowd to all of them....
Just proves that Goa is very good at pulling heart strings in people:) and I love that ....go Suntrip!!!!
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rich
IsraTrance Full Member
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103
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2184
Posted : Apr 18, 2008 19:48
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Beautiful cover art. But I need the music now! Is there anywhere to buy this for download?
Thanks!
Shakta!!! Like someone said, awesome way for him to come back!
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Suntrip Records
Suntrip Records
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54
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129
Posted : Apr 18, 2008 20:57
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Sorry, no online (legal) downloads available at the moment, we'll work on that soon... (or you just buy the cd...  )
The artwork is actually made by my mum (just as Apsara, Twist Dreams) www.margotschaefer.com
Thanks for the (heartwarming) reactions, keep'm coming 
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BrettFromTibet
IsraTrance Full Member
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749
Posted : Apr 18, 2008 21:32
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I would very likely buy this IF there were a lossless, non-DRM, lower-than-CD priced downloads. Otherwise... no. It's time for a digital music revolution!
p.s. really miss the emotions and deep psychedelia in Goa music that I find lacking in proggy, dark and full-on. |
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Pip
IsraTrance Junior Member
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149
Posted : Apr 26, 2008 22:08
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Haven't heard this until now, but i gotta say.. this compilation is AMAZING! reminds me about what it was i like with goa, when i started to listen to trance, and the cover! Oh my god! That's pure psychedelic art, that's for sure. Thank u suntrip! for this stunning release..
 "The Only Good System.. IS A GOOD SOUNDSYSTEM!" |
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Jon Cocco
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
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Posted : Apr 30, 2008 23:49
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V/A - Opus Iridium
2008
SUNTRIP RECORDS
CD1 - Uptempo
1. E-Mantra - Voyager II - 10:26
2. Shakta - Ten Times Around The Sun - 6:32
3. Filteria - Birds Lingva Franca - 9:32
4. Artifact303 - Feelings - 9:24
5. Ajna - The Art of Happiness - 9:12
6. Radical Distortion - The Dreamer - 7:37
7. Afgin - From The Heart (Tribute to Wonderboy) - 10:17
8. Ethereal - Moondawn - 11:02
CD2 - Downtempo
1. Mindsphere - Frozen Sleep | 8:03
2. Solar Fields - Confusion Illusion Remix | 7:27
3. Electrypnose - ChillinBerlin | 10:59
4. E-Mantra - Secret Prophecy | 7:12
5. Aes Dana - Lysistrata | 7:57
6. Asura - Altered State | 7:26
7. SiebZehn - Bongalore and Beyond | 8:11
8. Astral Waves - Contemplation | 9:36
9. Ra - Road To Shiraz | 6:06
Opus Iridium kicks off the first Goa-Trance album release of 2008. It's a double album. One side includes various types of exclusive, Uptempo Goa-Trance tracks (highly danceable). The second disc is more on the Downtempo and Chill side. Inside the case, including the front and back cover is an exceptionally well done and researched eight page insert. This includes an introduction of sorts that discusses real Trance, not the mainstream stuff they call "trance" that is generally not psychedelic music. I'm talking about the music we love. Suntrip Records did a wonderful job showcasing the chronicles of New-School Goa-Trance in each of its currently finished, respective years in the 21st century. Also present is some beautiful artwork and photography.
CD1 - Uptempo
1. E-Mantra - Voyager II starts the album off with a "violent relaxation" blip of astronaut radio samples via outer space, followed by some very crisp sounds, melodies, and a strong kick. This is a very appropriate song to listen to at night. There seems to be many sounds of nature and/or atmospheric parts being tweaked, altered, and echoed to compliment the driving, generally aggressive rhythm. An interesting interlude in the song's center introduces fresh energy, followed by new sounds and melodies into the continuously driving night. I wouldn't say my gripe, but an observation is that the song isn't all that dynamic. It travels one direction, and a good one, but it never shifts or seems to travel elsewhere. A song does not have to have multiple changes of scenery, but often times I've listened to songs that change sound scenery in order to compensate for having less ease building one strong direction. Therefore, as an introductory song I find this a good one. There are some very interesting sounds used, and I like the integration of chaos or displeasing sounds, as far as creativity goes. However I do not find this track as a whole great. It is definitely a darker, more aggressive opening than I expected and in that sense, it works well. B
2. Shakta - Ten Times Around The Sun arrests my attention more than the entire previous song in the opening thirty seconds. I was very curious about this track because Shakta hasn't released a Goa song to my knowledge in years. I own Shakta's Silicon Trip and The Enlightened Ape albums and I can honestly say they are both great. It's interesting to see them create a new-school Goa song after all of these years. This song carries through its psychedelic, bubbly sounds and riffs quite well, until 2:10 where the first really catchy melody stands appears. The beat is gone in the middle for a brief period to front some new ideas, a concept common in Goa because it always seems to work. This is no exception. At around 4:20, the leading melody returns. It's great, and the supporting sounds compliment it. Maybe after all of these years, my expectations of Shakta were just a bit higher because old-school Goa is such a pinnacle in my mind when it comes to music, and Shakta is one of those artist's associated with the golden age of Goa. Nonetheless, a solid number is pulled off here. If the previous song was more spacey/danceable, this is more mainstream friendly/danceable, and that's a very good thing here. B+
3. Filteria - Birds Lingva Franca has been on my mind for some time since I heard the sample. I already liked what I heard, but hearing the song in its entirety often gives a much stronger feeling of completion and clarity as opposed to a sample. I never felt that Filteria's Heliopolis received the full credit it deserved. But I understand that the Sky Input debut was the pill to temporally cure many Goa listeners aches from not having anything spectacular in years at the time. Naturally time went by and after the release of Heliopolis, many listeners wondered if Filteria would release the same highly intense, maximal sound, or something fresh without losing the intricate, melodic spirit of darkness and light (space). This song is a fresh approach to the general sound of Filteria. It feels more Eastern-Indian influenced than the monster, alien space-scapes of previous old-school Pleiadians and Filteria efforts. The ride initially moves along nicely, collecting its energy for the first two minutes until 2:19. WOW. The most catchy (yes, more than the last song IMO) leading melody bursts onto the screen. Both the leading melody and the overall track seems to become more dynamic as the song progresses. Also present is something I love: Key Changes. People (and believe me, there are many) who love key changes in Goa-Trance will be happy with this song. Around 7:20 is an interesting interlude without the beat, that fronts a new and relatable wave of sound fusion. This song seems slightly influenced by the awesome, feel good sound of Khetzal. Regardless of potential and if so, minor inspirations, the track is great. This is the most refreshing song I've heard by Filteria since a song or two was released back in 2006. And I'm really looking forward to the next Filteria album, crossing my fingers that there is even more wonderful and refreshing ideas to come. Maybe I'm overreaching by currently placing this in the A boundary, but in reality (behind our conditioned reality) there really are no boundaries. This is such a fun, catchy, and stimulating, colorful fireball. A-
4. Artifact303 - Feelings is very energetic and complex like the previous song. The introduction is very gentle, warm, and somewhat elegant. The overall song is more emotive than previous numbers on CD1. It's euphoric, dreamy, and very danceable. I want to note a several piece ambient tune, most noticeable past the seven-minute mark. This part deepens the emotion and makes me feel very "still" and "at peace." The way this compliments the song is exceptional because the state of trance is one often not associated with the conscious listening mind when one is actually listening to Goa-Trance. In other words, I feel more in the zone when I listen to this track as opposed to the previous, stylish giant. If Astral Projection was still producing old-school classic's, I wouldn't be surprised if this was one of them. It's such an elaborate and developed journey of excellence; a sonic blast of dynamic energy, infectious rhythm, emotion, and flow. And it is arguably better than the previous melodic rocket. Both that and this number are exceptionally well done gems that exercise their powers as if harnessed by a master technician. Awesome song. A- / A
5. Ajna - The Art of Happiness is an interesting, crisp song. There is a really nice lift off sequence around the 4:20 mark. It moves along at a good pace, but none of its melodies or moments arrest my attention until the build up, climax. That is, until the beat falls out around 5:52. If one moment sounds refreshing and intriguing to me on this song, its this one. Filled with mystery and an interesting voice sample, both the music and beat regain consciousness around 6:50. Included is an addictive several piece melody that compliments the evolution of the form, the clever and unexpected direction and sound that the music has taken past the interlude. Should the first half been as stimulating I would have been more impressed. The good news is that this is one of those songs that starts off well and gets better as it progresses. It just takes some time to try out some new things that really enhance its big picture. B
6. Radical Distortion - The Dreamer is an energetic shift back up to high gear. It starts strong, and never lets go. The leading melody around 1:08 is great. Also strong is the early interlude that fronts an even stronger and more infectious leading melody. Loaded with friendly sound fusions, complex melody and sound work, and enough drive and ball control to front the starting 5 on fire, this is one of the best numbers on the album. The following part around the 5:00 mark and how the music involves is excellent. Most Goa listeners love the combination of new great sounds, melodies and infectious evolution. Radical Distortion is excellent when they make super songs like this one. The number lacks emotion and comes across as more of a ride than a world in creation, however the goal has been achieved in making a sweetly crafted and aggressive dance number. It would be awesome if these artists got together with Suntrip Records and produced a new album with all exclusive, new-school Goa-Trance songs in the future. They haven't done that before, and their previous album, with exception to the first four tracks and the final great track disappointed many Goa fans. That aside, these guys rock. And this is one of their best numbers. B+
7. Afgin - From The Heart (Tribute to Wonderboy) creates a much larger world than the previous number. This is the one song I actually did hear separately before this double album released. I love the opening. Actually, if the rest of the song was as beautiful and as soul felt, well in my opinion, as the first 1:50 seconds, I would consider this an solid and rare A. It has the most beautiful and emotive introduction I can think of in current memory. Anyway the following chunk is very well done past the two-minute mark. I think I was in heaven before the beat kicked in and the kick-drum broke that "still" state of mind, or the relaxed state I was in to a degree. But Afgin had to evolve this song or the intro would have overstayed its welcome and become less effective. I realize that. The song consistently rides the peaceful, melodic waves of love and light. It may be the least dynamic song on CD1, but it is the most emotive due to a wonderful tune and how this artist chose to utilize it along with all other sounds. I have often felt that from around the three-to-six mark is good, but not as gripping as the wonderful, dreamy leading melody work. Such work is most prominent in the opening two minutes and again around the last fourth of the song. Could this number have been more infectious in the middle, had the artist decided to build a more dynamic and/or emotive structure than what is currently developed? I have often felt that way after the first two minutes, from around the third to fifth minute. During this part the track just becomes a bit too redundant sounding for my tastes and enjoyment. Nonetheless, Afgin adds some really nice key changes, melodies, and changes up the rhythm, making it more dynamic and catchy during the second half of the song. Part of me feels that this song could be even more effective as a downtempo remix. Nonetheless, if Goa had a New Age genre, this song would likely qualify as one very best. And that includes top, emotive Goa/Psy tracks from The Muses Rapt - Spiritual Healing to some early Yahel tracks, Emuna and more. This song is full of harmony, most enlightened when the dance beat slows down or disappears completely. This is one of the best Afgin tracks out there. The introduction of new melodies and an increase in dynamic melody arrangement/mixing in the last third is awesome and deserving alone of a higher score than my overall analysis. B+
8. Ethereal - Moondawn is a continuously excellent, infectious, and involving immersion of sounds and melodies. Moondawn is enormously elegant, juicy, dreamy, emotive, and subtle. This number flows like the water in the ocean from start to finish. Naturally, this liquid style is often associated with the artist(s) of Ethereal. I have seldom heard tracks by Ethereal that I would place on this level of excellence. Moondawn is both a superb number and closing to one of the strongest releases by Ethereal and Suntrip Records respectively, ever. A
Favorite Tracks CD1: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8.
A-
Review continues below...
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Jon Cocco
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
17
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Posted : May 1, 2008 00:01
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CD2 - Downtempo
1. Mindsphere - Frozen Sleep is a floating, peaceful, ambient piece that starts CD 2 extremely well. Although their is never a beat, the artist creates a heightened sense of energy, motion, and emphasis in rhythm and speed during the middle-third. I thought this was a great idea, for the song to develop into something more animated while keeping its celestial form. The middle of this song is excellent. That said, I found it a bit odd, initially, that the final third returns to the ambient, floating arena developed during the first third. It would have been interesting to see this final third develop into a beat or more motion in conjunction with the build up of the second third, or something more evolved. Nonetheless, the sounds are beautiful, and their is something tranquil and satisfying with how the gentle end fades into the next ambient song and the second tracks introduction. All things considered, act three of this song compliments the opening act on track 2. I'm really happy to see Suntrip Records acknowledge and sign Mindsphere, especially after the insanely vivid, gorgeous, and underrated Goa-Trance stormer, quite literally, of end-of-last-years Inner Cyclone. B+
2. Solar Fields - Confusion Illusion Remix is beautiful. Actually, very beautiful. I love when Solar Fields makes this beat laced New Agey Downtempo tracks. This is actually one of the best songs I have ever heard by them in quite sometime. Okay so it follows the same path, but what an excellent path it follows. The female voices compliment; they add warmth and depth to a floating journey above the clouds, in the heavens, or whatever you fantasize being beautiful and set free. A-
3. Electrypnose - ChillinBerlin is the first song on this album that I equate descriptions such as intricate, dynamic, and cutting edge, at times. First off, many people loved this artist's Subliminal Melancholie's album from 2006. It was as if Suntrip Records asked for a combination of all of this artist's best work, from the spectacular Pierce Orielle, to Neverending Story and Tripad, but with more of a driving beat and emphasis on rhythm. The intro alone seems to out-due itself as far as mixing in the downtempo genre. During the first several minutes, I wondered if this excellent, developed, and catchy number would stay the same or change in someway. Around 5:40 such a change takes place. An interlude or sorts happens as the music fades into the distance. Suddenly at around 6:12 it reawakens with what appears to be a fresh melody or two and other sound enhancements. The song retains its form to a degree and becomes an evolution of its former self, until around 7:45, where it recollects itself for the next shift in style and evolution. This is one of the strongest tracks Electrypnose has ever done. It utilizes some of greatest ideas ever put out by this artist, both old and new, and combines them in a way that is just awesome. When this artist makes downtempo music like this I feel like I'm exposing my consciousness to some of the best Psy/Downtempo music out there. This artist has a style that is probably more unique and imaginative than even he knows, since us artists can be our greatest and also most critical "critics" after all. Now all we need is a smashingly kickass follow up to Subliminal Melancholie's. That would be amazing anyway. A-
4. E-Mantra - Secret Prophecy follows up the previous intricacy with a more soothing, gentle chill number. The opening sounds of nature compliment the soft musical tones. A beat kicks in around 1:54 followed by hi-hats, chimes, and a developing, accentuated melody. A really nice piano sounds arrives around 4:45. This is where the song shines the brightest, when all of its musical wheels are in motion, at their fullest. The beat leaves for the piano to play along with the mysterious orchestra. Before the interlude that ends around 3:30 it seems that the song has raised instruments to fulfill its first half. But the song continues with hardly any noticeable change past the halfway point until the end. It's all very nice sounding, but it lacks having feeling addictive to the senses. Furthermore, this number cannot come close to the previous delight. And I find it less compelling the further it drifts into space past the five-minute mark. However the ambient element is a pretty good idea as opposed to the previous sound repeating until the end. This is a pretty good track overall. It just doesn't grab and hold my attention as much as the previous tracks on CD2 so far. B
5. Aes Dana - Lysistrata is the next number on CD2 I define as infectious and gripping. Brooding, moody ambient fronts the almost two-minute introduction. Suddenly a beat arrives, both stronger and faster than previous tracks so far on CD2. Around 2:06 begins an extremely catchy melody that introduces the star of the show. The star is a cleverly altered and rearranged vocal bit from what appears to be a female's voice. Aes Dana really takes advantage of this element. They melody is skipped, echoed, and tweaked to various degrees in order to form artistically creative, albeit incoherent melodic sentences. The center interlude is floating, interesting, and placed at what feels like the most tactful location. Wonderful is how the music returns with more force around 4:28 as the music starts up again. Around 4:44 is the arrival of an excellent, fresh, and infectious melody lead that compliments the skipping, chopped up vocals. At this point, there is more drive and sound involvement in the song; the overall rhythm and sound arrangement appears more complex, varied to some degree. Just to top it all off, the catchy, female voice that had disappeared around the interlude returns. I'm happy to hear that Aes Dana faded this female star to let song breath before bringing it/her back to combine and close off the evolution, the final third of the track. It's nice to see this group take a different approach with a similar "skipping" concept. I love how they've cut up and rearranged the vocals. Moreover, I love how they keep their other foot knowing not to develop and left up fresh melodies, other sound/melody/beat support, around the main star, and the overall direction of the song. This is one of the most unique, catchy songs on CD2, although it does seem fairly simple in concept and execution. This number reminds me to some degree of a concept in the Kob - Weight Of Oblivion (Featuring Klara Steiner) track on the V/A - Twist Dreams compilation because of how it utilizes and cleverly exploits one ridiculously catchy, albeit simplistic sound-crafted melody. B+ / A-
6. Asura - Altered State begins very calm and gentle. This song has more atmosphere than virtually any other track on CD2, and where most prominent, it's excellent. Also satisfying is the growing development of this world, similar in concept but completely different in design and approach to Electrypnose - ChillinBerlin. A strong foundation is built before the arrival of a strong beat, complimented by stretches of atmosphere and motion. There is a wonderful moment of peace, without vibration or beat, during the second third of the song. The music returns as an evolution of its former self. I love the lead melody that begins from around 3:08 to 3:40, and reprises itself from 5:06 to around 5:38. It captures the driving number with emotion and contemplation. The melody makes me feel sad, uplifted, determined, and inspirational, all at once, and the beat accentuates such emotions. Lackluster in this number is the feeling of ascension, but that isn't what Asura was going for. I like songs that build up like this one, becoming more rich and substantial, developed as they progress. Altered States reaches a peek in the final third and sticks to a powerful, groovy, and driving force for several minutes. This is a very strong song, one who's ideas have been done before by the same artist, but in different shapes and forms; they seem to work every time. And the areas of atmosphere and how the film resurrects its destiny in the center interlude via the main melody is infectious. I'd compare this to Solar Fields - Confusion Illusion Remix because both that and this seem spiritually driven, as if in someway influenced or inspired by the heavens, the stars, and/or beyond the realm beyond conscious matter. B+
7. SiebZehn - Bongalore and Beyond is by the only artist I was unaware of before. So I was skeptical. his track becomes very world-ethnic influenced around the gentle, meditative middle section, the interlude. But before this moment of peace, I was lost as to if the music was going to become more catchy and gripping. Fortunately, past the center interlude there is some really nice work that includes several layers of melodies, and other ethnic sounds. Could more work have been done to give this song more substance and cathy elements? I think so. The song isn't psychedelic and it's definitely not as groovy and/or as heavenly as previous numbers. Simply put, I find this track the least interesting on CD2. On the plus side, the instrumental guitar and/or violin strings in the second half is very pleasing. More musical elements like that may have turned this gentle flower into something more vivacious and intrepid. And part of me can't help but think that this song would have been fine on a different compilation. Regardless, it's not bad, or is it below average. I am sure that some people will like it, and I don't dislike it either. It's just nothing special as far as being all that "infectious" goes. B
8. Astral Waves - Contemplation is all about chanting hymn's in the beginning. Do you like the sound of deep, male vocals hymn's? You better. Because this is a lot more than that. Extremely ambitious, unpredictable, and musically full of life. I didn't know how to place this track in my mind when I first heard it. There is just so much going on, so my ideas. The track is basically split up into three developed chunks, with a transition so subtle that the only way you'll notice "change" is by the fact that the male praying and/or chanting hymn's dissipate and a flute of sorts arrives around the four-minute mark. The first is the hymns. Second is a very catchy Psy rhythm in combination to on-and-off chanting hymns. In this second third breeds new life. What seems like several melodies, gradually build into a field of life, like flowers and animals popping their heads up as if in domino effect in a subconscious field of dreams. It's as if all the dead grass or life from the previous season is being replaced with sprouting life. Naturally this is my way of describing the concept of a continuously involving, evolving stimulus of melodies, beats, ambient, atmosphere, and other sound effects. Sometimes I love this song. Or I admire it more than I can describe. Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by the dynamics in its tunes, as many melodic sounds appear to be raising up and down simultaneously. That is where I gained the analogy of new life, replacing old life in a field. The track is artistic and unique. This is the more musical, less beat complimented track I had wished the previous number to be. It will be interesting to see if others share my feelings here, or find the previous number to be more appealing. I however find this strikingly creative and individualized musically. B+
9. Ra - Road To Shiraz begins with what appears to be children's voices. It's very world-influenced and I actually find this part one of the most catchy aspects on the song. Followed by a flute, several ambient notes and more, this number takes no detour from its opening ambient direction if it weren't for the catchy progression, beginning around 2:13. There is some interesting atmospheric and guitar work in the middle third, echoed clicks, and other sounds that will continue on and off throughout. Such sounds make this piece feel as if it would do very well in a historical drama, film. My favorite part of the song ends around 3:12. The guitar notes combined with the ambient notes do not jump out at the listener, but they're are very effective. This number shines again when it gains a bit more energy around the 4:30 mark. RA's track here has a very modern, albeit worldly and original sound and style to it. The artist has created another smooth closing track that ends the album really well. His previous track on V/A - Twist Dreams compilation was great, and it felt like an old-school, Downtempo/Goa sound revitalized in the 21st century. Here, the artist has made something that sounds completely new, not only traditional while under the title of New-School. Also noticeable is the fact that this piece isn't Goa, if maybe Psy influenced to a degree. I find RA's track at the end of V/A's Twist Dreams more to my preference in style; both are very well done. This one happens to be more instrumental, soft, and gentle. Hearing this closing song also makes me want to jump right back to the beginning of V/A - Opus Iridium, and start up the ignition all over again via CD1. B+
Favorite Tracks CD2: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9.
B+ / A-
Conclusion below.
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Jon Cocco
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
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18
Posted : May 1, 2008 00:07
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In conclusion, V/A's Opus Iridium is the strongest compilation Suntrip Records has released since 2005's V/A - Apsara, and the best compilation package they have ever released in their career. It is also the best release that this label has released since Filteria's Heliopolis and will likely be the most enjoyed and praised album since 2005's Khetzel - Corolle. And that is, if one were to exclude the classic Dimension 5 - Transdimensional Re-Mastered/Re-Release, because D5's debut initially stared under the spotlight on another label. Nonetheless, V/A - Opus Iridium is an excellent double album for those who appreciate top quality new-school Goa-Trance and Down-Tempo. I could just imagine Suntrip Records communicating with the artists, and doing their best to explain what they desired V/A - Opus Iridium to be. The final verdict may place this album ahead of every previous release, side for maybe Khetzel - Corolle for some listeners. Regardless, for any label to market two CD's loaded with strong tracks as a double album is virtually unheard of now days, save for Jikkenteki's awesome and underrated The Long Walk Home double album in 2006. I feel that Suntrip Records has accomplished their ambition: To compile and release two wonderful albums with all exclusive quality Goa tracks, back-to-back. There are no average tracks on the album or below. The least positive thing I can say about few tracks on this double album is that they're good. I highly recommend people who enjoy quality Psy, Goa, and Downtempo music checking Opus Iridium. Chances are you'll want to own it soon if you're a collector of top albums in Goa/Psy-Trance and/or Downtempo.
Overall score: A-
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goa-ganges
IsraTrance Full Member
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594
Posted : May 6, 2008 07:55
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Gosh, just heard (and danced happily) to the whole 1st CD in a party. Pure euphoria!! E-mantra and Radical Distortion tracks are one of those rare tracks which can put in a astral projection, I didn´t need even to dance to them. Just closed my eyes and the vortex was just there! Wonderful! This release makes psy trance still worth.
Once again Suntrip, congratulations!! |
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Abasio
Started Topics :
0
Posts :
366
Posted : May 14, 2008 17:41
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Various Artists
Opus Iridium
Suntrip Records 2CD
2008
Tracklist
Uptempo
1.1 E-Mantra - Voyager II (10:25)
1.2 Shakta - Ten Times Around The Sun (6:32)
1.3 Filteria - Birds Lingua Franca (9:32)
1.4 Artifact303 - Feelings (9:24)
1.5 Ajna - The Art Of Happiness (9:12)
1.6 Radical Distortion - The Dreamer (7:37)
1.7 Afgin - From The Heart (Tribute To Wonderboy) (10:17)
1.8 Ethereal - Moondawn (11:02)
Downtempo
2.1 Mindsphere - Frozen Sleep (8:03)
2.2 Solar Fields - Confusion Illusion (Remix) (7:27)
2.3 Electrypnose - ChillinBerlin (10:59)
2.4 E-Mantra Secret - Prophecy (7:12)
2.5 Aes Dana - Lysistrata (7:57)
2.6 Asura - Altered State (7:26)
2.7 SiebZehn - Bongalore And Beyond (8:11)
2.8 Astral Waves - Contemplation (9:36)
2.9 Ra - Road To Shiraz (6:06)
Suntrip Records the newschool Goa label that never seems to disappoint are trying to treat us with their 10th release. A 2CD compilation showcasing Suntrip’s sound today. The 1st CD has a variety of big names in the newschool Goa scene presenting their upbeat work & the second has a some of today’s best ambient produces offering their goodies. With such mouth watering prospects expectations were pretty high & I wasn’t let down. There is a lot of really good music on this 2CD & even the less good tracks would probably be standouts on other compilations. I suppose ambient fans would listen to the downbeat CD first & trance fans would listen to the upbeat CD first. Having listen to both a variety of times in both orders I can say I prefer to listen to the upbeat CD first, let it blow the shit out of my brain & then let the ambient tracks seep into my mind that’s now been cracked open & take me away into a soothing journey through inner spaces.
Upbeat
1. E-Mantra – Voyager II
The compilation starts at full throttle with Mantra – Voyager II, it’s well structured & has nice psychedelic sounds all over the place with a rather spacey atmosphere. It has good build ups & nice breaks but while this is a good track for me it’s lacking some spark to make it amazing. It’s interesting throughout with a lot of variety in the music but I just don’t feel wowed when listening to it. So close but just falls short.
2. Shakta – Ten Times Around The Sun
Shakta impresses me more with the track 10 times around the sun which to me has an old Astral Projection feel to it with emotional melodies that manage to get into the gut & churn it around. Once again I feel a very spacey atmosphere but this one is in a more bright & bubbly way, just a shame it’s so short.
3. Filteria – Birds Lingua Franca
Getting even better here with what Filteria offers us. Filteria is one of those artists that just seems to get better & better over time. This is quite possibly the best I have heard from him, it’s got loads of energy, subtle percussion under the main beat & is just dripping with psychedelic madness. Add to that wonderfully evolving melodies & you have one jaw droppingly good track.
4. Artifact303 – Feelings
This track is another mind blowing one. It really has the feel of the good old days of Goa, it manages to reach into your stomach & twist into a knot while simultaneously spitting acid ridden serotonin into your brain. Simple yet affective melodies, a nice punchy beat and spacey ambient atmospheres. Stunning track a very welcome return to the roots of Goa with a nice modern touch.
5. Ajna - The Art of Happiness
This track I find to be much more acidic than the others. The melodies are sharp & cut through the air like a knife then stick in my brain then they flit about just causing havoc. After they have knocked everything down inside my head there is a mix of sonic cascades, little trippy sounds & soft vocal samples that sound like nothing on a casual listen but that really send my brain into hyperspace when giving this the attention it deserves.
6. Radical Distortion - The Dreamer
This is another track that puts me in mind of Astral Projection from their Trust in Trance, Dancing Galaxy days. The melodies are very similar & the samples used also make me think of AP. A bright spacey atmosphere with energy & feeling but nothing particularly original until the last couple of minutes when they manage to fuse that Astral sound with more modern ideas adding a nice twist.
7. Afgin - From The Heart (Tribute to Wonderboy)
A beautiful melody starts the track followed by some long drawn out synths adding a great atmosphere that is never broken through the track. The atmosphere feels like it’s taking me away through the stars & all the other elements are just viewed from this journey. The synths the energetic beat that drives the movement faster & even the LSD sample don’t affect the journey like atmosphere I get from only really top class trance tracks, of which this is one. An emotional ride through the deepest inner mind & the outer reaches of the galaxy that just keeps getting better & better, the melodic twist around the 6 minute mark is intensely powerful & it continues to evolve in an awe inspiring way. The best track on the Uptempo side for me, it’s the sort of track that gets inside your head & lays little eggs of joy that hatch later unexpectedly when you suddenly remember how good it is & your friends have no idea why you are suddenly smiling far too much.
8. Ethereal – Moondawn
Another track that feels like it’s straight out of the 90’s but been polished up to today’s production standards. It has a very glossy feel on top of it’s galactic atmospheres. It’s big, dreamy & slick like travelling through a trippy hyperspace tunnel with the walls whistling by like light in the darkness of consciousness. Beyond those walls is something I cannot comprehend but that is hinted at by the music that emanates from there. In tracks like this I always like the vocal samples as they give me a feeling of radio waves racing through space for all eternity & when I hear them it could be millions of years after they were said & an incalculable distance from where they originated and the sample in this track gives me the exact same notion. An all round great track to end on.
This is a damn good compilation & really gives me hope that there is life in the scene and not just life but hard hitting psychedelic madness inducing life that will make your mind just trip away merrily while the body moves itself in trance. 6 of the 8 tracks on this CD are worth the money alone & having 6 of them along with 2 pretty great tracks makes for one worth while purchase.
But then there is even more.
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Abasio
Started Topics :
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Posts :
366
Posted : May 14, 2008 17:43
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Downbeat
1. Mindsphere – Frozen Sleep
We kick off the downbeat CD with a slow journey through a cold dreamlike atmosphere. Long drones & cold slick melodies float around in the first half to be accompanied in the second by a deep rumbling bass that gives room for the percussion to come in. There is no BPM listing on the back of the CD so I was expecting it to be beatless all the way through. Although slow they are quite obviously there. A nice track, it feels like I’m walking through fog listening to this.
2. Solar Fields – Confusion Illusion (Remix)
A very nice remix of the classic Confusion Illusion by Solar Fields. I loved the original on Blue Moon Station but for me this remix is even better. It’s very rare that I prefer a remix to the original but from this I get a more spacey, trippy feeling. The steps up in intensity seem more pronounced as they seem to come out of nowhere & over all it arrests my attention a whole lot more. A great remix of a great track.
3. Electrypnose – ChillinBerlin
Electrypnose follows on from his Subliminal Melancholies album here with a cold glitchy track with an undertone of melodic solitude. There are scratchy beats twisting basslines & slick spacey sounds that cut through the atmosphere like a hot knife through snow. I quite like Electrypnose’s style but for me there is always something missing that makes it not great. When listening to the Subliminal Melancholies album I am entertained but never wowed. This track though shows potential that his sound is getting more emotional or at least more in tune with my taste as the final part of the track is great. Very impressive.
4. E-Mantra – Secret Prophecy
While E-Mantra’s upbeat track fell just a little short of wowing me, his downbeat track manages to knock my socks off. The piano melody in the middle is sublimely cold & melancholy wrapped up in a big bundle of spacey ambient. The atmosphere gets wider & wider until finally I feel like the openness is almost oppressive. It always stays on the light side though, never crossing over into dark.
5. Aes Dana – Lysistrata
This is the best track on the album & the best track I’ve ever heard from Aes Dana. It starts of cold with a droning atmosphere, the air crackles in a creepy way & then the synths come in with the steady 4-4 beat. The real beauty of this track though is the vocal/melody. I’m not sure what it is, some kind of synth but it puts me in mind of lost souls desperately crying out to the intruder that has stepped into the ocean of lost souls & trying desperately to scramble up & escape the tedium of the nether world that tortures them eternally. It’s beautiful in a really depressing way. Such emotion was an extremely pleasant surprise. Great Track.
6. Asura – Altered State
This is a typical Asura 4-4 track. “Like trance on horse tranquilizers” is a wonderful way to describe it. I think whoever spawned the phrase was trying to be negative but I think it perfectly sums up Asura’s style & I love this style. It’s definitely an Asura track but it’s also like nothing I’ve heard from him before. The sounds are more Earthy & the melody curiously ethnic yet not like his Lost Eden album. Like mix of all Asura’s styles over the years in one track. Well structured & psychedelic enough to get lost in. Pass the ketamine.
7. SiebZehn - Bongalore And Beyond
While the last few tracks have sounded very much like Ultimae (no bad thing I know) this track takes a much more old school ambient Goa route. The melodies, the beats & the whole feeling of this track makes me feel like I could be listening to the second CD of an old Spirit Zone compilation or the relaxed side of Total Eclipse’s Violent Relaxation. As old school as it is though it still has a modern touch allowing it to sound fresh & significant in today’s market.
8. Astral Waves – Contemplation
This is a strange track & sounds rather strange following on from Bongalore And Beyond as it’s much much darker. It starts off with dark slave labour like sounds. I’m put in mind of Orcs from The Lord of the Rings movies being forced to build some dark evil structure. However as the track goes on it gets lighter & more natural sounding. In such contrast to the beginning I’m sure I can hear the sound of children playing in the background. The melody is bright & it really gives you something to think about, dark oppressiveness to bright hope in just a few minutes.
9. Ra – Road To Shiraz
Ra finishes us off with another super relaxed track. There’s soft background percussion & a pronounced flute melody replaced later on by some Spanish guitar. There are great vocal chants subtle enough to not get annoying, they sit under the melodies perfectly and just add to the atmosphere rather than distract from it. A nice way to round of the compilation although I’m curious as to how this would sound without the flute or guitar as it could be a very interesting piece of pure ambient without those melodies.
This downbeat CD is just as strong as the upbeat one if not stronger. For me this CD was more instantly gratifying than the first CD but it has stayed great & hasn’t got boring after a lot (& I mean a lot) of listens. I still can’t get over how good the Aes Dana track is. I would pay the money for that track alone but it’s surrounded by 8 other top quality tracks trippy enough for long summer afternoons, early morning sessions or deep meditation.
So, 2 journeys for the price of 1 & what journeys they are. The first CD takes me acing through the universe & through other dimensions cracking my head open as it does & the second CD seeps into my the unprotected mind & oozes psychedelic soothing goodness. I am very happy with this release. Thank you Suntrip Records.
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Mad Purple State
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
39
Posts :
1468
Posted : Jun 8, 2008 13:19
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Ethereal - Moondawn shows you how deep down the rabbit hole psychedelica can go...
Its the mother of Goa tunes...
Mad
No great genius has ever existed without some touch of madness... |
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