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Various Artists – Soundscapes Part 1 (Crotus Records)
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pr0fane
Multiphase
Started Topics :
418
Posts :
3816
Posted : Dec 2, 2004 19:50
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Artist: Various
Title: Soundscapes Part 1
Label: Crotus Records
Format: CD (Jewelcase)
Released: November 2004
Cover: http://217.160.138.169/pic_b/cro1cd003_b.jpg
Review:
Remember the minimal-wave only 2-3 years ago - Back when progressive music for the night-time was released all the time, and the new wave of full hadn’t hit the scene yet? A few labels still remember, Zenon is probably the most well-known of these labels at the moment, but Danish label Crotus is another label trying to keep the style alive.
The labels first compilation, and 3rd CD-release in total, “Soundscapes Part 1”,hit the market a few weeks ago, following Krumelurs debut album “Minimal Animal” from 2002 and the recent debut album from Århus based Comadose. The compilation is compiled by label-owner DJ Bes, and mainly consisting of Danish acts, but with a few international headliners as Sensient and Praecox as well.
1. Moses - Trukket I Lyden [9:47]
Opening the compilation is ”Trukket I Lyden” by Moses, who previously was one half of the duo Loopiter, that released the album “Inverter” GTN a few years ago. This is the second track he released by himself, following the morning groover “Dehydrated” on the last Zenon compilation, but “Trukket I Lyden” is definitely a lot darker and has a quite spooky atmosphere. What really lift this track though, are the hilarious Danish voice-samples by the famous Danish writer and poet Dan Turèll. Especially danes will love this.
2. Navajo Vs. Tribalistic Society - Atmosphere [6:26]
Next up is a collaboration with DJ Bes’ solo-project Tribalistic Society and Navajo, a well known act from the CreamCrop crew. “Atmosphere” seems like a well-chosen name for this track: the atmosphere is definitely in focus, but I think it gets a bit dull towards the end. Not the strongest track here.
3. Genetic Spin – SwordFish [7:02]
The Danish duo Genetic Spin released their second album “Backspin” this spring, but “Swordfish” is certainly more of a flashback to their first album “On/Off”. A pretty laidback progressive tune with some weird (but interesting) percussion, and while I perhaps prefer the rich and more full on sound from their new album, fans of their first album will probably dig this.
4. Meeloo - Artic rush [9:37]
Meeloo is a relatively new duo from Denmark. I don’t know much about them, but this track is a pretty nice surprise. Seems like a lot of work has been put into the very catchy 2 minute long intro, and while the rest of the track perhaps isn’t on quite as high level, it’s one of the highlight on this compilation. I especially like the subtle pads and the generally more morning-oriented sound this track has to offer.
5. Sensient – Zoltan [8:46]
Sensient is the first artist on the compilation who isn’t based in Denmark, and the Aussie label-manager of Zenon needs no introduction. “Zoltan” is a typical minimal Sensient-track with the usual twisted, trippy synths. Some of his tracks I like and some I don’t … this is kind of in between; not really spectacular, but certainly not bad either.
6. Comadose - The History Of Marihuana [6:25]
Danish Comadose has been around for some years now, but it wasn’t until recently the debut album was released on Crotus. “The History Of Marihuana” is a pretty standard darker progressive track, very linear in build, and with some pretty funny voice-samples in focus. Perhaps a bit much in my opinion though, as I don’t find the rest of the track that interesting.
7. Praecox - Harmonire Kunst [8:36]
And then it’s time for some Polish madness. Praecox (who was also a part of Bigwigs) deliver the most original track on the compilation; an extremely funky tune, with just the right amount of weirdness, and a pretty high dose of groove. A wonderfully happy, catchy tune, that will surely bring a lot of smiles on peoples faces, when played on dancefloors around the world. Definitely a highlight
8. Sensient – Inhuman [8:05]
“Inhuman” is the 2nd track from Sensient, it’s a bit darker than “Zoltan” and much more to my liking. More full on tempo, typical, metallic sounds, HAL 9000 samples, and some lovely melodies in the last half of the track, make this one of his most memorable tunes to me. I especially like the synths in the last few minutes - they remind me of my first encounters with the demo-scene 7-8 years ago.
9. Amygdala - Getting Blurred [7:38]
Finishing the compilation is Amygala, a Danish act some might remember from his track “Synaptic Misfire”, that was picked as one of the 9 best tracks in the psynews.org contest a few years ago, and afterwards got released on the compilation “Psychedelic Sparks” on Inpsyde. “Getting Blurred” is quite different from “Synaptic Misfire”: Although I don’t think really has much progress, it has a nice eastern-influenced atmosphere, spiced up with didgeridoos and flutes, and I would imagine it would work nice in the beginning of a set.
Bottom line:
Releases with this kind of music are hard to come by, so minimal and dark progressive fans should not miss this. A few of the tracks where quite dull for my taste though, and I would personally recommend Zenons “Permutations” over this – but there are definitely also some gems, and with a market mainly dominated with “killah” full on and fluffy progressive, it could take months before a compilation like this hits the market again.
Favourites:
1, 4, 7 (!!), 8 (!!)
Verdict:
7/10
Verdict:
Crotus Records: http://www.crotus-records.dk/
Order at Psyshop: http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/cro/cro1cd003.html
Order at Cosmophilia: http://tomcat.linux4all.at/cosmoshop/catalogueDetails?_csetName=CDs&product=CROTCD03&_restartOnRelaunch=true&callerServlet=catalogue
Order at Beatspace: http://www.beatspace.com/dettagli/dettaglio.asp?id=1741
Order at Saikosounds: http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display_release.asp?id=4438  DJ pr0fane (Iboga Records) | Multiphase
www.sunrisesupplies.com | www.iboga.dk | www.soundcloud.com/pr0fane |
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psypox
Psypox / Bufo
Started Topics :
53
Posts :
768
Posted : Dec 2, 2004 20:01
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another great review by jannick the BOFH 
sure a great compilation.. i love the praecox track! 
www.myspace.com/psypox |
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moses
Moses / Loopiter / Bufo
Started Topics :
25
Posts :
239
Posted : Dec 3, 2004 16:54
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yir, the Preacox track is awsom!!
I'm very proud to be a part of this compilation!!
all i all groovy trax all the way through!
Nice review profane  |
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kenny
Started Topics :
4
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116
Posted : Dec 4, 2004 19:53
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The Praecox track is really the highlight of this album, funky sound and a superb theme that makes it work perfectly.. Love that track.
"Trukket i lyden" is a great track, Moses own style is great, i loved the future "Dehydrated" as well. Pretty solid compilation, great with the dark non-fullonish sound!  |
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PRAECOX
Bigwigs
Started Topics :
33
Posts :
346
Posted : Dec 4, 2004 22:08
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....hmm, what can i say:)
thnx for everyone for the good comments:) hope i will continue and fullfill my good music time best.
i would say that is always a big suprise IF someone likes my tune:) so this time it's a great moment for me.
especially thnx to bes who made this track appeard and all the ppl who know the score..!
forever yours
j
"Soft as possible" - Morton Feldman
http://jurekprzezdziecki.net/ |
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DanVapid
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
32
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736
Posted : Dec 5, 2004 04:40
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love yer new tracks Moses, especially the one on this compilation...and you rocked the SCS/sensient party in aarhus this summer!!! i may have been the only american there to witness ;-) |
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synaesthesia™
Started Topics :
1
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7
Posted : Dec 5, 2004 18:09
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I love this album. I'm so excited to have Crotus back in business again, thought it vanished after Krumelur's 'Minimal Animal' (not counting that Bassid EP). |
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Clovesmoke
Started Topics :
8
Posts :
79
Posted : Dec 6, 2004 02:36
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I was vert dissappointed with the Navajo track as well as the Genetic Spin track...a little boring. Where's the dark feeling Navajo!? of tracks like "Drag Killer" i want that atmosphere back. As for Genetic's "Sword Fish" track a simple sleeper. Maybe next time... |
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duyoush
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
164
Posts :
2510
Posted : Dec 6, 2004 02:56
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Good review & good compilation !!
My fav are: 1,3,4,7,8
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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Bes
Tribalistic Society
Started Topics :
64
Posts :
709
Posted : Dec 9, 2004 22:29
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Hi Guys! Thanks for the comments......both positive and negative. Glad must of you liked it.....warms my heart.
To Glovesmoke: Navajo album is up next and its going to be dark as hell.......remember he teamed up with me on this one and we tried to make a track that fit the compilation.
Other good news: I've received confirmation from Krumelur that there will be a new album in 2005. It's going to be killer.
Man is the Cruelest Animal!!!!!
http://www.myspace.com/tribalisticsociety
http://soundcloud.com/tribalisticsociety
http://www.myspace.com/120bpms |
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Mammoth Hunter
Started Topics :
2
Posts :
171
Posted : Dec 10, 2004 00:57
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Thanks for this release, Bes. I bought this CD about two weeks ago because I wanted to hear something different and the samples on Psyshop sounded very intriguing. And then what happened? I also bought Frogacult and the new Auricular CD and I haven't listened to either of them more than once, simply because I cannot take this CD out of my CD player. I absolutely love it. It's like I've been inside all winter and finally got a chance to get a breath of fresh air with the arrival of spring. Sooo refreshing!
I fondly remember what Iboga releases used to sound in the Anima days and before and I sorely miss those sounds. Now finally, here is a compilation that meets that standard.
Favorite tracks: 1, 4!!, 5, 7!!!, 9!!
And Praecox, shut up, man! You know very well that there are people out there who like your music, what are you talking about? This track is exceptional though, congratulations and thank you!
cheers! |
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Ron Lyner
Ron Lyner
Started Topics :
21
Posts :
685
Posted : Dec 10, 2004 01:43
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GOOOD CD..
one of the best compilations of the year
especialy liked: moses, meeloo, praecox and the first sensient..
but the rest are great too
good luck bes with your lovely label. http://www.o-zen.com/art/ranal
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You wanna dance?!...I know a tune...it´s called stick and CUT!!
V.L |
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snowflake
Started Topics :
9
Posts :
194
Posted : Dec 10, 2004 17:55
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excellent compilation Bes,
I very much liked the whole thing. every track's a candy. but, the track that stands out for me is the "Amygdala" one...
very beautyfull track, realy can't stop listening to it... a true Soundscape!
Keep it up guys...
Out Here We're Stoned.... |
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Banel
Behind Blue Eyes
Started Topics :
96
Posts :
415
Posted : Dec 15, 2004 01:08
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Interesting release, with a varied selection of trance music. Yeah, what to call it these days. My favorites on this cd Are Moses, Comadose, Praecox and Amygdala..
Cheers Bes, keep it up..
www.myspace.com/michaelbanel |
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Bes
Tribalistic Society
Started Topics :
64
Posts :
709
Posted : Dec 15, 2004 16:57
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