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V/A - Refresh [Aeon 2005] CD
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Basilisk
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
168
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2984
Posted : Dec 6, 2005 20:52
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01 :: Nuclear Ramject - Folding Time 1.01
02 :: Vagua - Moment
03 :: La Baaz - Bodyloation
04 :: Yotopia - Refresh
05 :: Neoris - Last Mission of Atomic Submarine
06 :: Big Wigs - Bebilon Pepti
07 :: Setherian - Spell
08 :: Blue Planet Corporation - Cosmic Dancer
09 :: Human Blue - Fonkhead
The second compilation from DJ Seth’s Aeon Records continues where 2004’s Arise left off, showcasing a wide variety of artists from around the globe. The focus is on progressive and techtrance, a blend which is curiously uncommon in these modern times. Artist and track names are encoded with CD-text, which is a nice touch I haven’t noticed with any other release.. A fantastic cover and 75 minutes of sound seal the fact that this is a high-quality release.
Nuclear Ramjet opens with Folding Time 1.01, a very slow (125) drifting exploration of spacious tones and techno motifs. Nearly six whole minutes of a steady rhythm backs the development of a simple pulsating atmosphere that glides along with cold indifference. The breakdown is long and deep, finally conjuring the most basic aspects of melody before the return of the fuzzy rhythms. The remainder sees the fusion of atmosphere, melody, and beat, all composed with the band’s unique sound signature. As plain as it is, this introduction is an intriguing way to begin the compilation.
Vagua is the new project from Chris Tatitzikidis, also known as Igneous Sauria. Moment indicates that he’s headed deeper into dark and moody progressive house, and the results are surprisingly good. Usually I’m not one to enjoy vocals in this sort of music, but the manipulated lyrics of Moment are really quite catchy. The pacing is just right as well, flowing through loping beats enveloped in haunting chords and chiming tones. The appeal begins to falter in the final minutes, but that’s when the DJ is supposed to be mixing anyhow. If you’re looking for a more serious underground contrast to the progpop style of Beckers and D-Nox then Vagua’s debut could be what you seek.
Paste side project La Baaz bridges the gap adroitly with Bodyloation, a track which continues to showcase the blossoming production quality of the artist in 2005. This is another brooding exploration of subtle soundscapes and cold mechanical groove, very much on the minimal side of progressive psytrance and techtrance. Don’t expect anything in the way of melody - this relies entirely on the strength of the beat and the fleeting effects that majestically spiral off into the cavernous frontiers of the stereo field. I find it rather sparse for home listening but flagged it as useful for set building - the quality is really quite commendable.
The flow of the compilation is picking up by the time Yotopia’s title track Refresh makes a splash. While the group is surely known for a groovy morning trance style similar to Lish and Etic, this is far more experimental. Rather than expounding a sunshine manifesto, the artists are found to be crafting a stranger brew integrating dark and funky elements. Much of the trip is spent with a static throbbing bass line and atmospheric effect games, but after the break a wishy-washy guitar sample slides in. The rest continues to be something of an oddball mish-mash of groovy bass and half-hearted melodies without any specific focus or direction. This is the one entry on the release I am not too keen on.
Neoris consistantly amaze me with their unique productions, and I have been waiting quite some time to hear Last Mission of Atomic Submarine receive a commercial release. Massive throbbing rhythms like those of Spirallianz provide a hearty foundation for thick thematic atmospherics and melancholic underwater effects that adeptly manifest impressions of the abyss. The producers manage to soak great swathes of seething synthetic soundscapes in rich emotional overtones, making this an excellent companion piece to the stellar Land of Tears released last year on The Dissidents. The storytelling angle in combination with the appealing production technique renders this song one not to be missed by any psytrance fan.
Big Wigs are an organization of notorious Polish iconoclasts known for their particularly odd twist on trance. Bebilon Pepti is a fresh cut from the cult, displaying a fusion of dry robotic beats and spacious thoughtful tones akin to Praecox’s Harmonire Kunst. Listeners will likely have widely diverging reactions to the very original vocal manipulations which appear throughout the song, but I find them to be the key to distinction. The carefree arrangement doesn’t raise much in the way of tension as the track proceeds, so the final effect is almost tranquil, despite the crunching psychedelic techno rhythms and disturbing utterances. This is interesting at the very least, and this will undoubtably earn the group more converts from the outer fringes.
Setherian’s Spell shows a clear advance in production quality from his debut album Multiverse. The style of the song is light and breezy while remaining full and pumping - the kind of hybrid progressive that will get a dancefloor jumping without resorting to gimmicks. The drifting atmospheric hook is reminiscent of whalesong, ethereal and soothing. Sharp yet sublime lead melodies blend into the background creating a smooth voyage into morning sounds. Decent though not outstanding, this makes for pleasant listening.
Blue Planet Corporation is a favourite from way back; they were releasing acknowledged classics long ago in the early 90s. Now a solo project, BPC only makes infrequent releases, so any compilation appearance is cause for celebration. Cosmic Dancer is a timeless piece of trance that could have been released during any year of the last decade, and it would still evoke awe and wonder in minds attuned to the meditative resonances present here. No special emphasis is placed on a strong kick, as that would upset the entrancing effect this analog beauty is capable of arousing in the listener. The strength of the composition lies in the incredible power summoned by the accumulation of small wriggling sounds over nine minutes of steady intelligent arrangement. It’s a feast for the ears, and the inclusion of such a piece is sure to be appreciated by the trance community worldwide.
Human Blue has been in peak form in the aftermath of his fourth studio album, and Fonkhead continues to uphold his reputation for high quality psychedelic trance. As the title may imply, this is one of Dag Wallin’s funkier creations, still reliant on the crispy digital percussion that has become his trademark in the last two years. The melodic flow unfolds with the delicate assuredness that one can expect from the veteran producer. It is light and friendly without being excessive, and the combination of groovy bass and synthetic overtones makes for an admirable futuristic fusion. This ends the compilation on a high note.
Refresh is a great success as a compilation, as it excels on many fronts. The packaging and presentation is all very professional, the whole release is suitable for an uninterrupted listening session at home, and there are numerous applications for DJs looking to share some depth on the dancefloors of the world. Most of all, Seth has admirably gathered a diverse collection of sounds here, striking a respectable balance between a cohesive flow and the original flavour provided by each artist. If you’ve enjoyed Permutations from Zenon Records, then Aeon’s new product is sure to appeal. Considering that there’s something for everyone here, Refresh is a great selection for psychedelic progressive and techtrance fans in 2005.
Favourites: 2, 5(!), 6, 8, 9
Rating: 8
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Rah
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
77
Posts :
498
Posted : Dec 6, 2005 22:52
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looks like one hell of an compilation, saw it announced in psyshop and totally forgot about it... seems as good as one could expect... one of those compilations that makes the 'best of the year polls' useless until the very last minute 
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PRAECOX
Bigwigs
Started Topics :
33
Posts :
346
Posted : Dec 7, 2005 11:09
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Setherian
Setherian
Started Topics :
41
Posts :
254
Posted : Dec 25, 2005 20:01
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Im glad to see the enourmous feedback shown around. Thanks, we feel very motivated for the future. hehe
The Devil Is In Detail! |
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Acidhive
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
76
Posts :
2014
Posted : Jan 4, 2006 14:56
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Indeed a great compilation. One of the best from 2005 IMO. The Blue Planet Corporation track alone deserves the highest praise there is. Great stuff! Other highlights for me are: 1,2,3,5,9. The rest is good too, with the only downer for me being the Bigwigs track, but I don't really like their style anyway, so that's no suprise. Get this now people!! This is one compilation that's getting overlooked and undeservedly so!! One of the best compilations from 2005. I hope Aeon records keeps this level of quality up.
"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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