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VA - Luna Agent -=- Alchemy Records
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full_on
IsraTrance Team
Started Topics :
279
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5475
Posted : May 14, 2007 02:22
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VA - Luna Agent - compiled by Dj Shane Gobi ( Alchemy, May 2007 )
Track List:
1. Whiplash - Return Signal - 8:46
2. The Commercial Hippies - When the shit hits the fan - 6:49
3. Techtonic - Nightwatch - 7:18
4. Zen Mechanics - Vurt - 9:08
5. Eject vs Techtonic - Katyusha - 7:42
6. Broken Toy vs M-Theory - 9am - 6:52
7. Burn in Noise - Ozzo - 7:01
8. Flip Flop - Loud - 8:04
9. 2HI - Mind Control - 7:51
10. Sinewave - Acidtrooper - 6:50
Alchemy Records is one of the most respected full on labels on the psytrance scene. Their last release in 2006 was the double CD compilation Solar Agent, and this is their first 2007 release, compiled by the DJ and label owner Shane Gobi.
The cover is beautiful and suites perfectly the idea of the compilation, showing the moon at night in contrast with the colorful elements of the music. The artwork was made by Adverto - Brazil. Cover:
http://212.227.206.198/cgi-bin/zoom.cgi?alc1cd022_b.jpg:CDs/alc/alc1cd022.html:;
The mastering was made by Cass at Wired Mastering, London.
Shane Gobi opens the album with his project Whiplash, a collaboration with Alchemy’s veteran Rinkadink. This 140 bpm tune relies on its background elements to catch the listener attention while slowly developing its energetic aspect. It’s a mind grabbing tune that grew on me over time, now I find myself dreaming about starting a set with this one.  A couple of well placed tricks and effects that reminds me of some early Rinkadink tracks made this a good choice to open the compilation. The Commercial Hippies arrive “When the shit hits the fan” (T2), a steady track with a nice stereo work and a nightish atmosphere provided by its bass line, these guys know what they’re doing  , the result is tight. Discrete melodies slowly raising from the background and melting into other sounds, a good example of the sound these hippies are doing these days. Then we have Nightwatch (T3) by Techtonic, a project I never listened before. A little more energetic than the previous track, this track keeps on the lines of the compilation, which I’d describe as non melodic full on without long build ups. In spite of sounding too raw in comparison with the previous tracks, it is an ok track.
Vurt (T4) is the longest track here, and follows the same sound line of some other Zen Mechanics tracks. At first I didn’t found this track to be a highlight, but after hearing it for some days I must admit its flow and structure got me, not to mention the production quality, so now I feel excited when this track starts. Its natural flow is beautiful. Katyusha (T5) adds some energy to the power bar, a little more dance floor directed, but still quit mental. This collaboration between E-Jekt and Techtonic starts with some mind tricks over a deep bass, and has an atmosphere that begins on the second half of the track that makes a huge positive difference. The metallic timbres smell like tech trance and add something peculiar to the track. A good track and an effective DJ tool with a powerful build up, and after this dance floor craziness you still have enough time to make a smooth mix into the next track  . Next track is another collaboration, this time between Broken Toy and M-Theory. A bit slower than the previous tracks, 9am (T6) starts with sort of groove that rapidly takes a dance floor directed posture. Samples:
“Last night 9am… Zero hour…
Last night… She packed my things… 9am I’m gonna be high…”
I found the connections between the danceable parts lack something and also that this track don’t fit the album as well as the others here. But it’s not a big deal, because next we have Burn in Noise which IMO is the best Brazilian psytrance project, he is also the latest addition to the Alchemy family. Gustavo is a focused artist that released his debut album a couple of years ago, since then his tracks are always between the highlights of the compilations where they’ve been released. Although there are other excellent tracks here, Ozzo (T7) still impresses by its ability to create tension and release it at the right moment, not to mention its pounding bass line.
Flip Flop is another new member on the Alchemy team, and judging by their track on this compilation (T8) it was a heavy weight addition. Every sound here is on the right spot, add a good choice of elements complementing each other and we have the best track here.  Many unusual sounds grab my mind, not to mention the samples that completely hook me:
"... Normal way of thinking, whenever we do that transcend our normal way of thinking, and whenever we do that we get in trouble. What we’re talking about here is something about creation of Self. And who is responsible for all of this thing we call creation of Self?"
"Now we all have various ideas about who the reality’s creator is, who created everything, who is the real source of everything, and some say ah, it’s God, God, God must have done it or some say ahh, no, no, no, no, no... It’s the laws of Science, it’s the laws of Physics, that’s what creates reality..."
After this massive track, we got some music by the Brazilian project 2HI, formed by one of the best DJs around here, Marcelo VOR together with the Daniel Costa, well known by his project Vibra. All their released tracks that I ever heard were above average, and this is no exception. A danceable tune with a nice groove capable of making even statues move their feet. The funny thing is that the track is 8 minutes long, but I feel like it ends too fast. Good stuff. And closing the release is Sinewave, a project led by the Alchemy DJ and producer Spencer Scott. He’s been playing his music in tours, including here in Brazil. Acidtrooper (T10) is the faster track in the compilation, 145 sober bpm, still in a vibe similar to the other tracks, but an unexpected way to close the compilation.
I must say I took me some time to digest some of these tracks, at first sight I enjoyed the CD, but only really liked the Flip Flop track. I mean, the E-Jekt and Burn in Noise tracks left me wondering "what the hell was that?" and the first time I heard the Whiplash and The Commercial Hippies tracks they sounded psychedelic, but something was not on the right place. After listening to this CD again I started to catch some discrete details and feel more connected with the music.
This is a consistent compilation, which means it’s far from being just a gathering of tracks, but a meticulous collection of music within a defined style. The music here makes me dance by its flow and tricks instead of breaks and build ups.
Recommendation: This first Alchemy Records` release in 2007 is a concise compilation packed with many good tracks, in fact many are excellent. These 10 previously unreleased tracks, sum more than 75 minutes of music between 140 and 145 bpm, most of it nice to home listening. I recommend this release for the fans of serious full on, some tracks here can send the crowd out of their minds. 
Favorites: 1(!), 2(!), 4(!), 5, 7, 8(!!), 9, 10.
Buy it here:
http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/alc/alc1cd022.html
http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display_release.asp?id=6512
Respect!
  .
...Be gentle with the earth...
...Dance like nobody's watching...
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...I don't mind not going to Heaven, as long as they've got Coffee in Hell... |
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Shanegobi
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
46
Posts :
481
Posted : May 14, 2007 15:04
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nice detailed review mr full_on
thanks |
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hemi-sync
Hemisync
Started Topics :
3
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22
Posted : May 14, 2007 16:15
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!Ce M@n
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
30
Posts :
857
Posted : May 15, 2007 07:50
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Heard this CD...
not bad as I thought it would be .. but beatin my impression towards it.. and i hear this cd once again today ..
few built up trax r crazy ! ...good to keep the spine pushin ... good for a afternoon set  ..
nice trax by zen mechanics, burn in noise ,flip flop and hi2 ... wooohooo !!
listining to a loot of stuff like this now a days .....perfect cd for home or any where u lagg arnd !
Boom to all da artist and alchemy recds .. keep em commin
0x00000PSy |
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Kidpsy
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
20
Posts :
126
Posted : May 17, 2007 01:53
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good cd !! good review !!
my favorites tracks are :
4. Zen Mechanics - Vurt !!
7. Burn in Noise - Ozzo - !
8. Flip Flop - Loud - - !!
a little disappointed with the track of The Commercial Hippies because I find that this project has great future.
and I think that 2HU has a long way to develop a more original sound.
The samples of Flip-Flop track is Al Pacino voice ?
and...
Mr Shanegobi , pleeeease.... we want the firt cd of Flip Flop !!
please does not leave us waiting too much !
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Shanegobi
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
46
Posts :
481
Posted : May 17, 2007 14:47
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Quote:
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On 2007-05-17 01:53, Kidpsy wrote:
good cd !! good review !!
my favorites tracks are :
4. Zen Mechanics - Vurt !!
7. Burn in Noise - Ozzo - !
8. Flip Flop - Loud - - !!
a little disappointed with the track of The Commercial Hippies because I find that this project has great future.
and I think that 2HU has a long way to develop a more original sound.
The samples of Flip-Flop track is Al Pacino voice ?
and...
Mr Shanegobi , pleeeease.... we want the firt cd of Flip Flop !!
please does not leave us waiting too much !
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no worries mate, flip flop album will be coming soon :) |
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scraper
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
10
Posts :
452
Posted : May 17, 2007 21:27
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How about some Dark Soho goodness (old stuff)? not that new wannabe full on crap.
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o0zaen0o
Started Topics :
0
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12
Posted : May 17, 2007 21:52
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really good review full on
best compilation arround here imo
congrats shane gobi
really love the zen mechanics, flip flop and eject with techtonic |
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projekt^ufo
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
22
Posts :
408
Posted : May 18, 2007 01:30
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gr8 review mate.. think should get a ear for this compilation..would b moch more happy to see soem more south african music in it..
-=DIGITAL OM PRODUCTIONS=-
=-MOUNTAIN MADNESS NEPAL-=
>< we follow and preach ><
--=UNIVERSAL RELIGION=--
http://www.urnepal.com | http://www.digitalomproductions.com |
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J
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
193
Posts :
3858
Posted : May 21, 2007 22:26
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This CD is a real master piece.
One of the bests albums released so far in 2007, imo.
Favorites: 4, 7, 8 and 9.
Zen Mechanics' "VURT" is my favorite track today. Can't stop listening to it.
I remember him playing it live in BH, like it it was yesterday.
Way to go Shane Gobi.
I Wish Alchemy all the best for this release.
You definetely diserve it.
Regards from brazil.
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duyoush
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
164
Posts :
2510
Posted : May 21, 2007 22:39
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Very Nice Review
I like this cd, its not the usual full on, some tracks are very powerfull and can lift a lot of dust in the dance floor.
the Zen Mechanics is just getting better and better.. real plesure of sound & production 
Good luck with this one Alchemy crew
Cheers
"The external world became changed as in a dream and colors became more glowing.When the eyes were closed,colored pictures flashed past in a quickly changing kaleidoscope.what had caused this condition?"
Albert Hofmann Laboratory Notes (1943) |
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Hellios
Started Topics :
1
Posts :
350
Posted : May 22, 2007 22:29
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I only liked the zen mechanics and the burn in noise tracks
What happened to the top alchemy artists like Freakuliser, Polaris,Rinkadink and Headroom? |
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wsantos
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
16
Posts :
326
Posted : May 23, 2007 01:37
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fav: Zen Mechanics and Flip Flop(the best of comp. imo)
nice v.a.
good luck alchemy!
cheers |
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Shanegobi
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
46
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481
Posted : May 24, 2007 11:30
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the idea was to create something different and not just go with our usual morning sound , which seem to work
thanks for the feedback |
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tHuJoN
Freakulizer / Khainz
Started Topics :
115
Posts :
932
Posted : May 30, 2007 16:32
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A very nice Compilation imho ... not the usual Stuff on here ...
Good work Shane ...
Quote:
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On 2007-05-22 22:29, Hellios wrote:
I only liked the zen mechanics and the burn in noise tracks
What happened to the top alchemy artists like Freakuliser, Polaris,Rinkadink and Headroom?
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As i am working for my Album i didn't have any Track for the compilation ... i want to keep my best tracks for the album ... and didn't want to give Shane just some Track to apear on the compilation ... So i left some space for other artist ...
Rinkadink is a Part of Whiplash ... so there was actualy a Rinka influenced Tune on the compilation ... but doesen't realy sound like him ... but still a smooth and good Track ...
Polaris is singed in Neurobiotics as far as i know ...
And Headroom is singed with Nano Records i think ... but yeah a Track of him on the compilation would be great as well ...
Hugs
Simon
www.myspace.com/freakulizer
www.facebook.com/freakulizer
www.myspace.com/khainzmusic
http://www.facebook.com/khainzmusic |
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