New releases last two weeks: Uplifting Trance

Review: West Coast rave scene specialists Michael Kandel and Tom Chasteen are Voodoo Transmission and they have one again plunged deep in their vaults to serve up this reissue EP. One side boasts two dynamic dancefloor renditions that blend rhythmic layers with dubbed-out effects - 'Crazy Jane' channels Debbie Harry's 'Heart of Glass' on LSD. The flip side intensifies with downtempo gabba vibes with raging synths and abundant cymbal action. Three versions incorporate samples from Jimmy Stewart's 1946 monologue in It's A Wonderful Life to add another vibe entirely.

Review: Mikkel Rev presents UTE 013, a captivating sonic journey through the realms of trance music. This four-track EP on the Norwegian label UTE. REC showcases the artist's versatility and mastery of the genre. 'Zygo' pulsates with a frenetic energy, its psychedelic trance rhythms evoking an otherworldly sci-fi ambiance. 'Tone Control' leans towards Goa trance, its alien basslines and science fiction aesthetics creating a gripping narrative. For the second side, 'Whorl' offers a more uplifting and ethereal experience, transporting listeners to vast cosmic spaces. The piece of wax concludes with 'Tension', a 90s-style German techno track that showcases Rev's ability to fuse classic elements with modern innovation. Overall, a very strong window into a current artist's views of the history of the genre.

Review: Offering five tracks of captivating Italian techno and trance, JP Energy's Strano EP, resurfaces with a timeless allure, Originating from 1993 Italy, Side-1 opens with 'Down To The Moon,' exuding early 90s trance and techno vibes, hinting at the emergence of intelligent techno that later evolved into IDM. With celestial undertones, it sets a hypnotic tone. Following is 'Dolphin Dance,' blending techno with shades of darker 80s Italo house, crafting a compelling sonic journey. Flipping to Side 2, 'Alvorada' unfolds as a smooth, ambient techno gem, showcasing melodic intricacies that enchant the listener. The EP concludes with the E-Talking remix of 'Alvorada,' displaying a fresh and updated interpretation of the original. This remix maintains the track's smoothness while injecting
a contemporary flair. Overall, Strano EP is a great example at a timeless sound that is being enjoyed today.

Review: Rapidfire techno-trance from Berlin's Changer, in the form of four rogue planetary collisions which, we must admit, we weren't ready for. In fact, it's pretty much statistically impossible for a human body to survive exoplanetary impact; all Changer promises with this EP is to help guide us through the emotional tumult that might ensue, and to perhaps convert said worry to excitement. While opener 'The Carrier' impresses somewhat with its furtive fast-trackings of bass and low-slung yet lightfooted kicks, it's the ensuing 'Undiscovered Expeditions' and jackhammering 'Type 2' that really capture our imaginations, with their relentless cosmic swirls and flustered synths caressing the top edges of things.

Review: By the time they released Raumgleiter in 1998, Der Dritte Raum were already legends of the German techno-trance scene. This all-time classic album from the breakthrough years of the sound also saw the project move to a major label - Virgin - but now it's being brought back home to Harthouse, the iconic Frankfurt imprint which first nurtured the sound. The scope of the album is wide and playful, teasing ear catching synth lines which keep the mood fun and freaky, not least on the likes of 'Bedruck', while there's an epic tone to standout trance monster 'Hale Bopp' thanks to the cascading arps and relentless forwards thrust. Of its time but wholly relevant in the current zeitgeist, this is the kind of 90s techno reissue that makes perfect sense.

Review: Sven Vath, a legendary trance and techno producer from Germany, has released a new interpretation of his trance classic L'Esperanza. This dreamy, uplifting, and melodic track is a testament to Vath's artistry and his ability to create timeless music. His tracks are known for their infectious rhythms, soaring melodies, and ethereal soundscapes. 'L'Esperanza' is no exception, and it remains one of the most iconic trance tracks of all time. The new Hardspace mix of 'L'Esperanza' is a darker, more intense take on the original. The tempo is faster and the bassline is heavier. However, the track retains the melodic beauty and emotional depth of the original. This comes on picture disk!

Review: Germany's ZYX records picks of the reissue of Mauro Picotto hit Iguana. Perhaps the most famous Mauro composed track in his discography, many of the most important original remixes are gathered on this one 12"! Included, is the hard trance version with the Megavoices mix, the pulsating peak time version RAF and the anthemic Blank & Jones remix. The Megamind and Mas remixes should not be overlooked! Each version on here give you all the feels of this mega trance hit.

Review: Belarusian producer Four Walls is back - this time around he finds himself on the new Ultraworld Records imprint from DJ Craft. This one kicks off with the lush prog house and silky synth arps of 'Mind Charger' which soon takes you to the stars. 'Metamorphosis' is a more raw-edged and acid-laced techno stomper for peak time action and 'Summer Nights' is a bubbling, elastic tapestry of new age overtones, thudding kicks, and trance-tinged pads. A remix by Toronto-based Pletnev adds another dimension to this club-ready EP.