lazy_i
IsraTrance Junior Member
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Posted : Mar 2, 2005 06:14
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Artist: V/A
Title: x-ray (compiled by dj andyshiva)
Format: CD
Label: Shiva Space Technology
Cat. #: SST019
Release: Sept. 2004
I'm quite surprised no one reviewed this one yet. As per request, then, here's my review of this great assemblage. It was after all one of my favorite releases of 2004, as far as compilations. This is not generally the style I would listen to on a regular basis but decided to get it because of the Shiva label. They always release interesting music so why not. This one is not deceiving at all, very refreshing for someone like me...
1) CosmoChaos vs Full Color – Soap Bubble (145 BPM)
It starts out well on this one, with some interesting soundsand a nice groovy bassline. At about 2:30, they bring in this very satisfying melody that seems to come at you and almost look for you in your trip and will put a smile on you face, guaranteed. The track is a little short, though, and could peak a little more. 8.5/10
2) Spectral Skunk – Black Magic RMX (144 BPM)
This one starts off more smoothly with some cool synth and then a deep bass. The melodies are just weird enough to make you wonder and come in waves so that it is best enjoyed with your eyes closed. Then the track seems to plateau too quickly, it is pleasant and progressive but a little flat for my taste. However, very trippy and actually quite refreshing. Good work on the sounds here. 8/10
3) Scorb – Cerebral Vortex (146 BPM)
The sounds sound a little bit simple at the beginning (like not enough work on them) but then at about 1 minute, he brings in pretty nice pads. Then a scorching melody and things get more interesting. He's now tearing the sounds in the same fashion one would tear a page from a book. Some great ideas but the simplicity of the instruments kind of mess it up and keep it from being great. 8/10
4) Shift – El Diablo (145 BPM)
I love the way this one starts with a beautiful twisted melody, like this synth is talking to you and trying to explain this diablo character and he gets all excited, meanwhile an avalanche of percussion almost destabilize you. This one never gets boring from the start, some evil and soothing sounds, changes of direction and most importantly a great artist at work. If this is the devil you're talking about here Shift, then I volunteer to meet him anytime... 9.5/10
5) Tripteaser – Enter The Fist (145 BPM)
Deep start, deep bass, deep pads, a bit minimalistic. Some trippy-ass voices; the bass, beat, percussion combo gives you the feeling of a moving train's engine working itself at full speed. Otherwise quite solid rest of track although he doesn't release enough energy, good piano roll though towards the end. 8.5/10
6) Mental Scragma – No Beginning (145 BPM)
The engine was only warming up on the previous track it seems. This guys pick it right up and throw us in it, in an interesting way to say the least. This melody comes in like a coin dropped over and over again, and it is the best thing in this compilation so far, it is so enticing, so exciting and yet so soothing. And then some heavy guitars to give us some insanity, it is amazing and it fits so well, great for a mood change in a dj set to gear things up to the next level. Then he comes back to this magic melody while the engine is rolling, very nice indeed. 9/10
7) Parasense & Sam – No Title (144 BPM)
Not as enticing as the last track but good work on the production side. Although it would be good on the dancefloor, it does get a bit boring at home, not enough movement for me. 7.5/10
8) System – Lapse In Sense (146 BPM)
This one gets you more involved with nice pads and lots of different sounds all around. Very atmospheric and more psychedelic than the rest so far and also more full-on. This one is really good, great dancefloor vibes and nice use of instruments. It could have used a tiny bit more work on the production side, though, it does sound a bit harsh which keeps it from being a great track, once again. 8/10
9) R.A.M. – Chicken Drumstick (144 BPM)
looking at the names of other trax from his album, this guy likes to mix trance with food... He throws you right in the atmosphere on this one. Interesting work on the snares, gives it a nice rhythm to stomp to and at about 2:40, he throws us in the throat of the chicken with a great melody that will make you go completely nuts and he raises everything from there. Only problem, it gets a little boring after the break for about a minute and then some more promising sounds come in, drumrolls, and we get a full blast of these famous chicken drumsticks, way to release these in the wild, it is free range chicken for sure! 8.5/10
10) Lemurians – Creep (144 BPM)
My favorite track on the album, from this duo who are continually continuing to impress me with the high production quality as well as inspirations. Intro for a minute and then the beat with the most envelping melody of the compilation. It is the start to the roller-coaster ride that is this track. This one is a creepy story with lots of weird unstabilizing moments. I love the pads he uses at 3:00 into the track, just to throw you right back in the madness. 9.5/10
Conclusion – great compilation, good to hear it again after a few months and definitely refreshing and moving. Different from other Shiva releases and in a good way. Word of advice- get this one and you won't regret it, 3 great trax and 3 very promising ones. The rest is not bad, just not my style, I guess.
Overall: 8.5
Favorite trax: 4(!), 6, 10(!!)
Secondary trax: 1, 5, 9 |
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