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Various Artists – Playground (Iboga)

pr0fane
Multiphase

Started Topics : 418
Posts : 3816
Posted : Dec 6, 2004 14:25

Artist: Various
Title: Playground
Label: Iboga
Format: CD (Jewelcase)
Released: December 2004
Cover: http://217.160.138.169/pic_b/ibo1cd027_b.jpg (made by Bakke from Spiral Trax)

Review:

Since their first release “Tabernanthe”, the Danish label Iboga have been in the frontline of the new wave of Scandinavian labels, that now are considered some of the most important labels on the progressive psytrance scene. This year has been another important one for Iboga, launching no less than 4 full-length albums – most memorable being FREqs debut in psychedelic progressive circles, “Strange Attractors”, and 4 compilations.

The 4th compilation “Playground” was released last week, and is a collection of remixes and collaborations between some of Ibogas most prominent artists and DJ’s, namely Antix and FREq from New Zealand, and most of the crew from Denmark; Beat Bizarre, Phony Orphants and DJ Banel – no doubt a very impressive list of artists.

1. Antix - Blood (FREq Remix)
First track is FREq’s remix of “Blood” - one of the highlights on Antix’ debut album released last year. FREq’s remix is in his well-known style, the same big ol’ groovy bassline, but despite from a bit more uplifting atmosphere and some more melodies than in the original, there isn’t much new stuff going on. It’s a nice track though, and you might say “If it ain't broken, don't fix it” fits very well.

2. FREq - Return To The Masters (Antix Remix)
After the first track, it’s the other way around: Antix is up next with their interpretation of “Return To The Masters”, probably one of the most played tracks from his latest album. Antix’ remix is deeper, has a much harder edge, and it suits the track very well. While it’s perhaps not as happy as the original, it’s just as catchy, and definitely a highlight.

3. Phony Orphants - Going Down
Next up is the Danish duo Phony Orphants with the totally new track “Going Down”. A huge track with slight tribal elements, and the typical, energetic Phony Orphants sound. I didn’t find it nearly as interesting as the material on their album though, but without a great track for the dancefloors.

4. Behind Blue Eyes - Goose Bump
Behind Blue Eyes is a new project consisting of Ibogas labelmanager Banel and Rene from Beat Bizarre, and “Goose Bump” is their first release. An album should be on the way sometime in 2005, but to be quite frank this first track from the duo was a bit of a letdown. It has a quite nice retro feel, but I found that the overall sound lacked the depth as the other tracks.

5. FREq Vs. Antix - Frantix (Azza Mix)
FREq and Antix’ collaboration “Frantix” is another story. This Azza (aka Aren Gallagher aka FREq) mix is quite different from the 2 acts usual style. A really mellow groover, with some stunning melodies, and a nice dreamy atmosphere throughout. An absolutely beautiful summer-track, perfect for the morning and daytime.

6. FREq Vs. Emok - Spot My Burger
And what do we have here; another FREq collaboration, this time with Emok, Iboga labelmanager and member of Phony Orphants. FREqs sound is most dominant on “Spot My Burger”, which is a very cheerful tune, with a much more full on feel than the rest of the compilation, and a big dancefloor potential.

7. Beat Bizarre - Content May Differ
Next up is the Danish duo Beat Bizarre, who released their second album this spring. After their succesfull debut album “Lewd” it was a bit of a disappointment, but “Content May Differ” is much more to my liking. A laidback track with a quite dark atmosphere, and a few teasing melodies. Nice and deep.

8. Mondayz Millionaires - Coldies For Goldies
Ending the compilation is a Mondayz Millionairs, a collaboration between Phony Orphants and Antix, which was also present on Nanobeats 2nd compilation “A Token To Thrill” – and it’s a nice one. “Coldies For Goldies” a very serious, deep, mysterious tune, and a fine finish to the compilation.

Bottom line:

Beforehand my expectations for “Playground” where very high, and Iboga didn’t disappoint. Most of the tracks are groovy and progressive, but still with certain twisted edge, that makes it interesting for psychedelic fans as well. That exact sound is what Iboga does best, and once again they prove that they are one of the most important labels on the psychedelic/progressive scene. If you liked some of their other releases the last couple of years, this compilation is definitely a must-buy.

Favourites:

2(!!), 5(!!), 6, 7, 8

Verdict:

8/10

Links

Iboga: http://www.iboga.dk/

DJ pr0fane (Iboga Records) | Multiphase
www.sunrisesupplies.com | www.iboga.dk | www.soundcloud.com/pr0fane

Jingabé
IsraTrance Junior Member

Started Topics : 18
Posts : 387
Posted : Dec 6, 2004 16:02

I've ordered my copy on friday. Should get it tomorrow. I bought this one mainly beacuse I heard the first track when I went to see Peter Didjital and he spinned this one. I think that Antix "Lull" was the best album of last year and Blood was certainly one of the highlights of the album. And to my taste, this remix sounded excellent. Have great expectations about the other tracks too...

Will post another comment after getting it.

olivier
Side-A

Started Topics : 40
Posts : 1303
Posted : Dec 6, 2004 20:54

i received it today ... i must this is a really solid compilation!!!
high quality all the way
the antix rmx of return to the masters is a huge bomb ....beware of the bass , antix is back !!!! can't wait their new stuffs !
also the freq rmx of antix is very nice
the freq & antix is beautiful and the production is once again excellent
and the freq vs emok and monday millionaires are also very good!
get it !

Banel
Behind Blue Eyes

Started Topics : 96
Posts : 415
Posted : Dec 6, 2004 23:57

Profane, its a pleasure to read your reviews. Thank you for the effort..

www.myspace.com/michaelbanel

esu

Started Topics : 0
Posts : 31
Posted : Dec 7, 2004 01:36

Definately one of the best iboga compilations I heard. Good work!

Jingabé
IsraTrance Junior Member

Started Topics : 18
Posts : 387
Posted : Dec 10, 2004 23:15

No doubts, it's a wonderfull compilation..

One of the two cds I have bought this year without having to listen to the samples. The other was Atmos "2nd Brigade". With some artists and labels you just know you´re getting quality.

All tracks are fit to my taste, and it stars in great fashion with Freq and Antix remixing each other. Two great remixes paying tribute to two great tracks. Then Phony Orphants with a superb track, groovy and very dance-floor orientated, with cool tribal drumming in the background. Behind Blue Eyes give us a very nice track also, with a break in the middle that kind of reminded me of Cydonia´s "In fear of a red planet" album with a somewhat haunting melody. Strange no? Of course the style is totally diferent. In the next two tracks you can definitely hear the touch of FREq, and that is always a good sign. Two nice pieces to complete what is now becoming a solid musical puzzle. Beat Bizarre with a track that reminded me of their album "Pandoras Groove Box". It's similar in style, a great track that you can only compare to Corrosive Juices and Pests for Pets, two true gems from that album. And then finishing the album, a marvellous tune that we had known already from the nanobeat compilation "A Token to Thrill".

Congratulations Iboga and all the artists involved. I voted "Playground" for the best compilation of 2004 (I was undecided between this and "A Day After" from ZMA).

A great year for Iboga and a new year that promises to be the best one until now for the label and the artists. According to what is said inside the cover of the cd, next year will see the releasing of albums from:

Phony Orphants (February 2005)
Beat Bizarre (March 2005)
Antix (April 2005)
FREq (May 2005)
Behind Blue Eyes (Autumn 2005)
Emok (late 2005)

furthur
IsraTrance Junior Member

Started Topics : 45
Posts : 1383
Posted : Dec 11, 2004 05:13

Quote:

On 2004-12-10 23:15, Jingabé wrote:
A great year for Iboga and a new year that promises to be the best one until now for the label and the artists. According to what is said inside the cover of the cd, next year will see the releasing of albums from:

Phony Orphants (February 2005)
Beat Bizarre (March 2005)
Antix (April 2005)
FREq (May 2005)
Behind Blue Eyes (Autumn 2005)
Emok (late 2005)

OMG, I think I have soiled myself. No seriously, how will we handle all of this great music. Just an Antix release keeps me giddy for at least a year. I know I still havent settled down from Lull.

Load Universe into Cannon. Aim at Brain. Fire.

www.ganesha.ca

Animus
IsraTrance Junior Member

Started Topics : 14
Posts : 50
Posted : Dec 11, 2004 08:24

yeahhh this is great!!! im really enjoying some of the tracks .
these ones cant get out of my head ...

Antix - Blood (FREq Remix)perfect all the way
with a very deep atmosphere. the vocals are very cool , this track is great to put the crowd on the air

Behind Blue Eyes - Goose Bump. amazing stuff from this guys ,who said old school was finished?? i dont think so this track can make you fly its pure psychedelia........

Beat Bizarre - Content May Differ
yep the content its diferent no doubt

this is brain music lol im in shock sorry cant comment this one.

Dj_Animus(Nectar Prod.PT)

Nomolos(Zenon Rec.)
IsraTrance Junior Member

Started Topics : 48
Posts : 2027
Posted : Dec 11, 2004 16:34

Giving it my 2nd listen now.....
Quality is the first word that comes to mind.....very smooth sailing all the way!!!!
production is top noach....Deep Groove is the feeling of this one...
my current Fav'....Behind Blue Eyes - Goose Bump
oldschool Goa'ish arp's in this slow driver...excelent!
will write more later,Cheers.

"....or is it???"

www.zenonrecords.com
www.myspace.com/thenomolos

olivier
Side-A

Started Topics : 40
Posts : 1303
Posted : Dec 11, 2004 17:06

the beat bizarre is also very cool and hypnotic !!!! well done!

movek
IsraTrance Junior Member