pr0fane
Multiphase
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Posted : Dec 11, 2004 14:15
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Artist: Various
Title: Floating Point II
Label: Iboga
Format: CD (Jewelcase)
Released: October 2004
Cover: http://217.160.138.169/pic_b/ibo1cd024_b.jpg
Review:
“Floating Point” is a fairly new series of chillout compilations from the Danish label Iboga, and the second chapter got released a few months ago. Iboga aren’t totally new to chillout though, as some might remember the magnificent “New Entry” compilation (the one with the beautiful green cover). I didn’t catch the first “Floating Point” release, but the first impression of “Floating Point II” is certainly not a bad one; the cover is very stylish, some underwater shots of girls (mermaids?), and what looks like outlining of different parts of the world. The inlay is also more extensive than most releases, with small pictures and biographys of all the artists – great job.
But anyways, on with the review of the second “Floating Point” experience:
01. Tomzen – Che Amichi
Opening the compilation is Danish solo-project Tomzen, with “Che Amichi”; a somewhat dark and gloomy track at first glance, but with a great groove and absolutely stunning use of trumpets and flutes. Nice opener.
02. DMT – Maillon Faible
French Stephane Holweck is one of the psytrance and ambient scenes biggest producers, with highly respected acts as Total Eclipse and The Antidote on his repertoire. He also played a big role in the creation of the 2 “Mysteries of The Yeti” albums, which I personally find some of the best chillout releases ever. 3 years ago he was also a part of the Digital Mystery Tour project, and here’s a new track under that name. The electric guitars give the track a nice touch, but I must admit I was expecting more from the legend.
03. Cell – Golden Roots
French act Cell is a fairly known act in psy-ambient circles with releases on labels such as Ultimae, Candyflip in the last few years, and lately also Indica (Neurobiotic sidelabel). Here he is with his first release on Iboga, a typical atmospheric, psy-ambient track with ethnic influences, acoustic guitars and some catchy Spanish samples. Only downside is that the track is too short, running for less than 6 minutes.
04. Oliver Jones – Club Velour
Oliver Jones is a Danish collaboration between Oliver from Oryx and Reefer Decree, and a guy called “Chaz”, who is unknown to me. This is their first release to my knowledge, and it’s a real treat with a lot of different synths, jazz-influences, small teasing melodies and a chilled 4/4 bassline keeps the track rolling. Will bring a smile to your face.
05. Pitch Black - Flex
Pitch black is 2 New Zealanders. I don’t know much about them, other than they have appeared on a few compilations from Dragonflys chill-label Liquid Sound Design, but this track is definitely a good one. Nice dubby track with an atmosphere that shifts from uplifting to somewhat gloomy, and back to uplifting again.
06. Aural Planet – Hydropoetry Cathedra (Manmademan Remix)
Manmademan is up next with their remix of “Hypopoetry Cathedra” from the Polish act Aural Planets latest album, released on Flow Records. A quite dark track with a very serious bassline and haunting voice-samples.
07. Ohrsten Nors – Leaving Las Vegas
Up next is German Ohrsten Nors, whom I only know from a few progressive tracks on Tatsu and Nanobeat, and this is the first downbeat track I hear from his studio. A somewhat cheerful groove is the theme for this track, and it’s quite good – without standing out though.
08. Crowd Control – Ivory Town
Despite the trio Crowd Control is Danish, it’s more or less unknown to me, and “Ivory Town” is only. The music itself is quite good, a dubby electronica-track with a nice, simple melody played on a piano, but I didn’t really like the singing, which was over the top to my liking. The weakest track here in my opinion.
09. Cell – Medium Base
Cell brings us back to psy-ambient territory with another deep, breathtaking journey through amazing soundscapes. The atmosphere is just stunning, and the track develops nicely, with a 4/4 bassline entering around halfway through.
10. Rumpistol Featuring Tusnelda – Free Fall
Ending the compilation is the Danish act Rumpistol, an upcoming act on the Danish electronica scene. Here he is collaborating with Tusnelda, and they deliver a quite different tune, with very beautiful lyrics, nice synths and a very electro-like feel. I just love the crispy percussion and the clicks and cracks that make it sound like an old worn out record, but the dominant element is surely the beautiful vocals by Tusnelda.
Bottom line:
“Floating Point II” is another fine release from the Iboga that shows the label not only has a very high standard in progressive dance-music. The strong side on “Floating Point II” is in my opinion is the variety, as it doesn’t only contain the usual psy-ambient tracks, but also a fair deal of more experimental electronica-tunes, and ranging from quite dark and gloomy to more uplifting. Overall a pretty good compilation, and definitely worth the money.
Favourites:
1, 3 (!!), 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 (!!)
Verdict:
7,5/10
Links:
Iboga: http://www.iboga.dk
  DJ pr0fane (Iboga Records) | Multiphase
www.sunrisesupplies.com | www.iboga.dk | www.soundcloud.com/pr0fane |
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