Showing posts with label Progressive techno. Show all posts

05:06:00

 


Introducing 'Now Love Will Begin', the electrifying collaboration between trance titan Armin van Buuren and techno virtuoso HI-LO.

Premiered on A State Of Trance in 2024, this track is a groundbreaking fusion of techno's pulsating rhythms and trance's euphoric melodies. 'Now Love Will Begin' takes listeners on an exhilarating journey through the realms of both genres, igniting dance floors and hearts alike.


Get ready to experience the ultimate union of techno and trance, where love and music intertwine to create pure sonic ecstasy.




Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Armin van Buuren x HI-LO - Now Love Will Begin [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Armin van Buuren x HI-LO aka Oliver Heldens present the incredible hybrid tech trance hymn Now Love Will Begin. The track is the perfect symbiosis of the styles that characterize both artists. The heavy techno foundation of rolling drums, deep metallic basslines, pounding kicks and rough percussion meets the robotic vocals and the ethereal choral voices along with orchestral strings and driving synthy riffs in the mainstage ready climax. It has the darkness of techno with the euphoria of trance to deliver a stunning result that will stand out in any DJ set. Quality sound design from start to finish for the world to experience the birth of something totally new. #PureGold Love IT   [/content]
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[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
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Additional info:

05:27:00



Dutch producer Estiva releases his ‘What Is Love EP’, out now on Anjunabeats.


Steven Baan, aka Estiva, has become synonymous with high quality progressive music. By no means a stranger to our label, he’s has already supplied four impressive remixes to our catalogue, including reworks of Daniel Kandi and Super8 & Tab. In October 2021, he released his first solo original material on Anjunabeats, the 'Sky EP'.

Estiva kicked off this year by dropping his progressive two-tracker ‘Rays / Aylu’, which shot to #3 in the Beatport Top 100 Progressive House chart and earned support from Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Farius and more. He followed that up with the release of his latest album, ‘Infinita’, on Colorize, alongside an extensive tour across Europe and North America.

Following on from recent appearances at ASOT London, Noir Toronto and Euforia Festival, Estiva is set to perform at Dreamstate SoCal, Beachclub Fuel, Colorize Amsterdam and more.


Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Estiva - What Is Love EP [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]It is not understatement that I truly adore Estiva music through the years. From his memorable trance hymns on Enhanced to his more techno oriented output at Colorize and Anjunabeats. His What Is Love EP is masterclass to music production that combines elements from trance, techno and house in order to come up with something fresh, exciting and even experimental with huge clubfloor appeal. Each track has its own signature sound. What Is Love as u can imagine is the more melancholic romantic melodramatic beauty that attempts successfully to set the question of what is really love. Nostalgia is the more trance oriented with superb layering of the various melodies dark and more optimistic leading to the cinematic lethargic breakdown with dreamy smooth but very danceable climax with the word Nostalgia describing well what we all feel when we hear this tune. EVO continues on the same direction with certain upfront atmosphere and very unique melodramatic synthy stabs and distorted male vocals highlighting the darkness and moodiness of the result! So classy indeed! #PureGold Love IT [/content]
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[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
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14:02:00


 Following on from his proggy single ‘Connect’, label boss Ferry Corsten gives listeners a peek into the depths of his mind. Edgy, inventive and at times a bit crazy, ‘Mind Trip is a true progressive gem that drives the crowd into an altered state of consciousness.




Dimitri Kechagias review:
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[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[item value="10"] Ferry Corsten - Mind Trip[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Ferry Corsten is always at the edge in his career experimenting with sounds and always having that distinctive Dutch flavor in his compositions.  Mind Trip is highly influenced from the current dystopian spacey sci-fi friendly melodic techno that of course Ferry is delivering through his own filters and experiences. The cool electro infused basslines, the thumping kicks and the groovy percussion merged beautifully with dark distorted synthy hooks and percussive style melodies in the breakdown. The spoken vocal sample is perfectly placed to add the right context and lead the track to its super powerful and in your face climax. Ferry was and always will be a true electronic pioneer and Mind Trip is another #PureGold track in his extended discography. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
[/review]



Additional info:

12:30:00

 

Drafting in some of the label’s most exciting talents, the fourth installment of Armada Electronic Elements’ ‘Synesthesia’ series instantly pulls listeners into a darker, underground-tinged dimension. Containing five edgy productions from Helen&Boys, ALAR, PARADIGM X and New Dawn & Sirolf, ‘Synesthesia IV’ cultivates and safeguards the sound people have come to love the label for.


Dimitri Kechagias review:
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[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[item value="10"]Various Artists - Armada Electronic Elements Synesthesia IV [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]The top label Armada Electronic Elements delivers the stunning Synesthesia collection. Alar provides powerful driving basslines, thumping drums, techy kicks and cool vocal samples along with melodramatic synths and dystopian strings creating a very dark future. New Dawn and Sirolf collaborate for the stunning The Unknown. Chunky grooves, blissful basslines, smooth male vocals, warm piano chords and hopeful lyrics about the future that is Unknown to all of us. Excellent for chilling sunrise sets as the new unknown day starts. Helen&Boys on Secret they embark on a  very powerful and energetic dark techno anthem that punches in your stomach and stretch its muscles all over the place. Second track by Helen&Boys is Go F* that can be described as new electro breaks anthem with certain urban touch but with plenty of nice industrial synths and moody atmosphere to travel your mind. PARADIGM X pushes all the right boundaries for a solid melodic techno meets progressive house track with fluffy synths and warm strings for an excellent journey through the finest moments of the electronic music culture. #PureGold Love iT [/content]
[/review]



Additional info:

14:28:00

 


anamē : Old Norse, meaning: to adapt
(ah-nah-meh)

Scandinavian production duo anamē join forces with Lydmor on ‘Someone We Used To Love’, the second single from their upcoming debut album on Anjunabeats.

Marcus Schössow and Thomas Sagstad have been planning, plotting and dreaming anamē for two decades. First coming together at a house party in Helsingborg, Sweden, Marcus and Thomas bonded over a love of artists (Sasha or early Tiesto), labels (Strictly Rhythm, Defected), ethics (“We both wanted to work hard for our dreams”) and ideas.

'Someone We Used To Love' sees anamē collaborate with Danish singer-songwriter Lydmor. A celebrated artist, Lydmor dropped her critically acclaimed album 'CAPACITY' in 2021, and won a ROBERT (Danish Grammy) for best song with her work on the film score for Venus Effekten in 2022. The esteemed musician has played on the stages of Roskilde Festival, Tinderbox, Northside Festival, Indie Music Week in New York and beyond.

Previously released as part of her album ‘CAPACITY’, Schössow first heard 'Someone We Used To Love' after his cousin sent him a Facebook video of Lydmor singing the original song.

“There was something so special about it,” Marcus says of the vocal and feel of the track.“The way she sings it, it's like you're in the story and we can feel her pain. It's one of those records that we've had on the hard drive for almost two years, and we keep coming back to it and saying: that is a good one.”
“And it has a little bit of a controversial bite to it,” continues Sagstad. “It's very edgy, rough around the edges. We just knew we had to do more with her. She's just one of those forces of nature that we knew worked with our sound.”
anamē got their new album campaign off to a blistering start last month with the release of 'Anywhere (Road Trippin')', recently added to Sirius XM BPM. Over the coming weeks and months, the band will be pulling back the curtain on how an album comes together, through their social media channels and on their ‘It’s a Beautiful World’ podcast series.

anamē & Lydmor ‘Someone We Used To Love’ is out now on Anjunabeats. The duo join Above & Beyond at their Group Therapy Weekender festivities at The Gorge on July 21-23 and will feature at all three Anjunabeats Outdoors shows in New York City, Denver and Montréal this August, as well as our Anjunabeats London and Amsterdam shows later this year. Tickets on sale now (anjunabeats.com/events).

Tour dates:
07 July Huntington Beach, CA @ The Circle
08 July San Francisco, CA @ Public Works
15 July Chicago, IL @ Primary Nightclub
16 July Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle
20 July Seattle, WA @ Ora Nightclub
22 July George, WA @ Group Therapy Weekender
28 July Brighton, UK @ Anjunabeach Brighton
29 July Boom, BE @ Tomorrowland
03 Aug Cluj Napoca, RO @ Untold Festival
04 Aug New York, NY @ Circle Line Cruises
05 Aug New York, NY @ Pier 17
05 Aug New York, NY @ Superior Ingredients
19 Aug Denver, CO @ Echo Mountain - Anjunabeats Outdoors
26 Aug Montreal, QC @ Parc-Jean-Drapeau
02 Sep London, UK @ Outernet
22 Sep Houston, TX @ Bauhaus
30 Sep Toronto, ON @ Noir

Find it here:  https://anjunabeats.co/nmydrmt.oyd


Dimitri Kechagias review:
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[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[item value="10"]anamē & Lydmor - Someone We Used To Love [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]anamē continues to make waves in the global dance scene and the release of singles from their forthcoming album on Anjunabeats build great excitement as the tracks so far are brilliant. For their latest track co-operate with Lydmor for the melancholic dark melodic techno beauty Someone We Used To Love. The deep haunting basslines, thumping kicks, techy percussion and the dark moody synthy stabs on top along with the rolling synthy melodies and cinematic strings support perfectly the vocals that are out of this world. Her performance is full of pain and personality and it seems that work perfectly within the sonic soundscapes that travel mind, body and soul to places and spaces and highlight her emotional turbulence that she attempts to heal and overcome through this song. Exceptional electronic music that will stand the test of time. #PureGold Love iT [/content]
[/review]



Additional info:

08:38:00


 
Belgian artist Maxim Lany’s ‘Gravity’ receives an official remix by Israeli producer Adam Sellouk on Armada Electronic Elements. Building tension with spoken vocals and brooding percussion, the cut moves across peaks and drops with thunderous bass and mighty instrumentals. Supported by a long list of industry heavyweights, including Tale of Us, Gordo, Cassian, ARTBAT and Korolova, the remix is an essential record that leaves a lasting impression on its audiences.



Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
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[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[item value="10"] Maxim Lany - Gravity (Adam Sellouk Remix)[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Maxim Lany one of the finest artists with his own unique style and superb productions. His very large anthem Gravity gets the Adam Sellouk remix treatment who does an exceptional version with chunky wonky basslines, pumping drums, sharp and to the point kicks, distorted synths, dark atmosphere and exceptional application of the brilliant vocal that adds the right context and visualize in a way the beats and the melodies. Packed with many tricks and twists with certain psychedelic infusions  to it Adam takes the original in his own train of thoughts and as it seems he arrives safely in a train station near you! #PureGold Love IT[/content]
[/review]

Additional info:

08:17:00

 


Premiered by AVIRA himself at ASOT Utrecht 2023 and already played by Tale Of Us, Cassian (at Coachella) and 8Kays (at Afterlife), ‘Out Of Context’ has well and truly proven its floor-thrilling ability. Deep, dark, suspenseful and edgy, this track is sure to thrive in the dead of night.

Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
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[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[item value="10"]AVIRA - Out Of Context [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]AVIRA is rocking with his excellent deep driving progressive hybrid sound that utilizes elements of trance, house and techno into his own melting pot in order to build his own incredible unique style so whenever you hear a track and you don't know who is the producer you can easily guess that Out Of Context is an AVIRA track. Deep pulsating basslines, thumping kicks, tribalish chunky percussion, trancy synthy layers that progress nicely and gradually while the ethnic vocals added are not at all Out of Context. These ethereal ethnic element elevate the track to the next level and carry the listener in far and away places. The breakdown is characterized from the huge gargantuan distorted dystopian moody synthy riff that decays slowly until the beats to return for the very trancy and hypnotic climax. AVIRA at its best no doubts. #PureGold Love IT[/content]
[/review]


04:39:00

 


Ever pushing the traditional borders of electronic music, Alan Fitzpatrick has dropped a new record that ties together his main moniker and one of his alternative handles. Tapping into his acclaimed techno sound whilst ushering in the melodic twists of his progressive-oriented 3STRANGE moniker, ‘Truths (Making Moves)’ is a genre-crossing masterpiece that fully showcases versatility.

Demonstrating the deeper side of his famed production aesthetic through his 3STRANGE alias, Alan Fitzpatrick delivers a curious yet captivating shift from his typical offering. Flaunting melodious vocals and hypnotic, glassy plucks amidst a deep-digging groove, ‘Truths (Making Moves)’ ensures magical moments on dance floors and festivals alike this summer.
“3STRANGE was born from the desire to have a space for the progressive-leaning records I was making and believed in,” Alan Fitzpatrick says. “But when ‘Truths’ (Making Moves)’ neared completion, I also felt it harnessed my techno sound. Crediting both monikers on this release felt like the right call to make, and I’m happy that this record represents both sides so strongly.”


About Alan Fitzpatrick

One who hardly needs an introduction, Southampton-born techno legend Alan Fitzpatrick has spent the last decade carving out his musical niche and holding rank in the upper echelons of the underground electronic world. One of the most popular techno DJs in the world, he has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Carl Cox and Adam Beyer, performed at the world’s biggest clubs and festivals (including headlining Berghain), collaborated with acts such as CamelPhat, Skream, Sasha, Rebūke and Jamie Jones, and even had a hit on daytime BBC Radio 1.



Dimitri Kechagias review:
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[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
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[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[item value="10"]Alan Fitzpatrick & 3STRANGE - Truths (Making Moves) [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] The techno legend Alan Fitzpatrick collaborate with 3STRANGE for the eclectic deep groovy melancholic anthem Truths (Making Moves). Superb chunky wonky groove, ethereal voices in the background, cool electronic melodies and some distorted distant female vocals. The main section is hypnotic, warm and dystopian that works perfectly with the great mysteriously alluring vocal and the electronic little like bells synthy melody. The track will attract definitely the more eclectic techno aficionados and will even  find supporters in the mainstream world and not only in the global techno community. Crossover techno without doubts. #PureGold Love IT  [/content]
[/review]

Additional info:

04:48:00


 A supercharged version of Volaris and Cammie Robinson's recent offering on Armada Music, the Dark Mix of 'I'm So Weak' forcefully moves into the peak time. With a driving bassline taking the reins and pushing the record into a darker space, this edit is just what the crowd needs to really get into the zone.



Dimitri Kechagias review:
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[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[item value="10"]Volaris feat. Cammie Robinson - I'm So Weak (Dark Mix)  [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Volaris feat. Cammie Robinson anthem I'm So Weak returns with the Dark Mix. This version is energetic and ready to conquer  wide variety of sets from trance to techno and beyond. Energetic pulsating basslines with chopped vocals on top while the first break to service to introduce the vicious synthy melodies and parts of the vocal adding even more synthy stabs to keep the audience locked. The breakdown is long and atmospheric allowing the vocal to shine and the cinematic strings and industrial synths to tell the love story that so many can identify with them and sing a long for sure. Climax is serious, bouncy and demanding to dance till the end with trancy edges. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
[/review]


06:27:00

 



PNDMC brings the heat on new single Late Night which comes with a remix by Source & Rumitz.

The original Late Night is a tune for exactly that period, with dark and dramatic drums rolling deep and locking in the crowd. The majestic synth designs bring light as they flash up top and the booming bass adds weight. Late Night (Source & Rumitz Remix) is a glitchy one with more tech edginess. The drums are steel plated and the vibes are a bit more raw and direct.

Both of these tracks bring something fresh.



Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
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[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[item value="10"]PNDMC - Late Night icl. Source & Rumitz [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]BluFin from Cologne delivers incredible electronic music that  manages to trespass boundaries categories genres and deliver what I call the unique BluFin sound. For example PNDMC service the stunning Late Night. The original is deep melodic groovy techno monster with even deep progressive house infusions too. Melodramatic synths are used well in the breakdown to build tension and raise the late night heat until the beat and groovy bassline return to capture your mind and keep you locked in its therapeutic groove. On the other hand Source & Rumitz deliver the pounding mainstage melodic techno alternative that is solid, tight, pumping and hard hitting utilizing the cool synths and the vocal samples to build energy to the maximum. When you think techno better check BluFin! #PureGold Love iT[/content]
[/review]

Additional info:

16:38:00


Let's have a view back in history at first: The original of "Julika" was released in September 1994 (!) on the Frankfurt label legend Harthouse and is a fast acid/trance track typical for the time and the label. Behind Mikerobenics are the producers Chris Maico Schmidt aka Mike S. and Ben Elvis Mettin, and the 'Comes too late Mix' of "Julika" became their most successful single.

And of course such a classic shouts for remixes - here we go, back to the present:
The 4-tracker starts with Sascha Berkenser's interpretation, which is focused on an acid bass line and reserves the orchestral sequence from the original only for the breakdown. Result: The perfect primetime staging!

Remix number two by The Electronic Advance a.k.a. Mathias Teichmann comes closest to the vibe of the original - the mix perfectly combines a driving state-of-the-art beat with the technoid elements and the beautiful trance parts of the original version.

'Never split a winning team': Phunk Investigation & Jean Aita team up again on BluFin! After their EP "So Get Up" they deliver the housiest mix of the package. The two Neapolitans turn down the tempo to relaxed 125 BpM and rely on organic drum and percussion sounds that harmonize perfectly with the strings and the chopped chords that characterize "Julika".

Last but not least, Philipp Giebel beamed the track into Drum & Bass Orbit, more precisely, into the Liquid Drum & Bass Orbit, where survival without harmonies, melodies and atmospheric sounds would not be possible. Scottie couldn't have done better.



Dimitri Kechagias review:
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 [item value="10"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
 [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
 [item value="10"]MikeroBenics - Julika 2018 Part 1 [/item]
 [content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]The absolute techno label from Cologne BluFin surprises us big time by bringing back the ultimate trance anthem Julika by MikeroBenics in 2018 with 4 remixes EP's that will be released in the next months. The first EP includes 4 incredible versions that prove how eternal and absolutely timeless was and still is Julika. The Electronic Advance remix follows the original elements with excellent atmospheric intro leading to the main part with the pulsating groove along with cool acid overtones. The twinking bells melody is present and the remix manage easily to attract your attention and absorb you in its magical kingdom. Powerful swirling synths upon the pounding groove drive us safely within the cinematic breakdown with orchestral themes, vocal snippets and slow build up towards the pumping climax. Phunk Investigation & Jean Aita transform the original into the ultimate tech house weapon with metallic serious slamming bassline along with tough drums and superb arrangement of the various elements. The breakdown unleashes slowly the  trancy gated voices that take the track in its climax where tough grooves are merged playfully and truly impressively with the trancy parts in a jaw-dropping section. Sascha Berkenser remix combines majestic mechanical techno groove with snippets from the original leading to the breakdown that is dominated by tripping out calming break beat section driving the track to its full of nice orchestral themes climax while the hypnotic acid line is evolving and involving the listener. Philipp Giebel transforms the original into a travelling smooth atmospheric liquid drum n bass version that will carry you up and away for sure. Julika is marvellous and I'm  super happy to see getting the praise it deserves in 2018. #PureGold Love IT[/content]
[/review]

Additional info:

02:36:00

1. Original
2. Lutzenkirchen Remix
3. Sidewalker Remix

Tomcraft presents his latest release 'Follow Me Home' which features South London wordsmith Eddie Styles. Having taken inspiration from the epic movie soundtracks of the ‘70s, a full live-recorded brass section collides with Tomcraft’s trademark beats and bass and the vocoded vocal hooks of Eddie Styles.

Studio-heavyweight Lutzenkirchen kicked off proceedings last week with his choice techno rework. We now present part 2 which includes Tomcraft's original alongside a remix from Sidewalker.




Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
 [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
 [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
 [item value="10"] Melody [/item]
 [item value="10"] Synths [/item]
 [item value="10"]Vocals and Lyrics[/item]
 [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
 [item value="10"]Climax  / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
 [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
 [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
 [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
 [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
 [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
 [item value="10"][/item]
 [content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]The exceptional German legend Tomcraft is absolutely on fire with his releases on DBStereo. His track Follow Me Home brings bang the Kosmo Records flavour with wonky groove, electronic synths, vocodered vocals, dark synths and amazingly melodramatic touches while the rhythm is absolutely mindboggling. You just want to dance like there is no tomorrow with this preferably while you drive your fast car. Lutzenkirchen Remix is tougher darker harder with pounding drums, dark haunting industrial bassline and acid lines for that hypnotic effect. Sidewalker is slower melodic techno meets trance type of version with great synthy work and great application of the cool vocals while the drop has plenty of acid to blow speakers. #PureGold  Love IT[/content]
[/review]

Additional info:
www.dbstereo.co.uk
www.tomcraft.de 

02:15:00

Extrawelt are back! Although in fairness, they were never gone. On the contrary, since their first release on James Holden's Border Community Label dropped in 2005, Arne Schaffhausen and Wayan Raabe have been responsible for a plethora of classics including "Schöne Neue Extrawelt" and "In Aufruhr", their two seminal albums on Cocoon Recordings. The duo are one of the most booked live acts worldwide, commanding a huge fan base. Their performances are the stuff of legend, making them the absolute highlight at every club and festival they play. So it’s with great pride and respect, that Cocoon Recordings can announce the release of Extrawelt’s third album for the label. "Fear Of An Extra Planet" completes the Cocoon trilogy and the excitement growing among their fans represents a new high in the history of Extrawelt. 

Musically, of course, there’s enormous pressure on Extrawelt to deliver, but this is dismissed with a playful disregard and they are clearly focused on the job in hand. The album title "Fear Of An Extra Planet" sounds cinematic, like some art-house science fiction film, without giving too much away. However, from the first seconds of the opening track "Superposition", the album title makes 100% sense and sets the scene for the rest of the trip. We are immersed in wide open spaces and invited to explore dark and dusky worlds that transport us back to their Border Community years. Timeless and elegant, "Superposition" perfectly captures the epic, dream like quality that made James Holden's label so influential. 

Second up, "Gott ist Schrott" takes a much more minimalist approach with its retro 80s drum programming, monster bass lurking in the breaks and playful Rhodes/synth riffs that span the divide between early German techno and deep Detroit electro with a distinctive film soundtrack aesthetic. "Oddification" continues this theme, adding extra spice reminiscent of the techno-synth vibe of Detroit with a punchy, almost Prodigy-style breakbeat complete with shredded vocal samples that gives us a taste of what’s in store. "Gentle Venom" then takes the breakbeat motif to the next stage. The main focus here is the rolling bassline, peppered with a flurry of intricate and subtle effects and modulations, that immediately trigger an intense, movie-like ‘in pursuit’ feeling.
Extrawelt

With „Das Grosse Flimmern" we cautiously approach the album’s high point. It’s still in keeping with the soundtrack aesthetics, but faster and with more urgency. Almost hypnotically, Extrawelt invade us with an energy and impetus that always radiates from their music. Next in line is "Silly Idol" and here Arne Schaffhausen and Wayan Raabe opt again for a more minimal tack, focusing even more intensely on the dance floor to reveal a pulsing, twisted heart to the album. 

"Punch The Dragon" is the hidden gem of the collection, utilising and melting together the most bombastic and playful elements. This one is totally off the hook, a sensory overload in an acoustic widescreen format! Then we have the title track "Fear Of An Extra Planet" which perfectly sums up the album concept. It opens up like a film score, with minimal passages following dark sequences that morph into dreamy melodies, all grounded by cool, constantly alternating analogue drum patterns. If you’re not listening closely, you might get the impression that three or four different titles are mixed together; such is the effortless flow of the album. 

As we near our destination, "The Friendly Coroner" really does honour its name. The morbid charm of the title is captured by a fluid bassline and melodic arrangements that border on the absurd, until the funky drum beat finally drops. In our mind’s eye we see a cheerful medical doctor removing his bloody gloves, hanging his smock in the closet and vibing out in his neon drenched workspace. And there we sit, glued to our cinema seat, submerged in the different textures Extrawelt have conjured up on "Fear Of An Extra Planet". Over the course of the last title, the strings usher in the final acknowledgments as the credits roll. The dramatic end of "2084" leaves us transfixed in front of a black screen in a large, dark room safe in the knowledge that we’ve just witnessed a science fiction epic.  



Tracklist:
1) Superposition
2) Gott Ist Schrott
3) Oddification
4) Gentle Venom
5) Das Grosse Flimmern
6) Silly Idol
7) Punch The Dragon
8) Fear Of An Extra Planet
9) The Friendly Coroner
10) 2084

Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
 [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
 [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
 [item value="10"] Melody [/item]
 [item value="10"] Synths [/item]
 [item value="10"]Vocals and Lyrics[/item]
 [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
 [item value="10"]Climax  / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
 [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
 [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
 [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
 [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
 [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
 [item value="10"]Extrawelt - Fear Of An Extra Planet [/item]
 [content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Extrawelt album Fear Of An Extra Planet on Cocoon Recordings is one of strongest progressive techno/ electronica albums of the year. With great mixture of fresh futuristic ideas, cinematic themes and wide range of danceable sounds, Extrawelt have produced an album that both club DJs and home listeners will enjoy for the after clubbing sonic experience. DJs can get attracted from the melodic hypnotic Superposition, Das Grosse Flimmern or Silly Idols and home listens can escape with the floating breaks  on Oddification and F2_2084 or the minimal melodic and moody Fear Of An Extra Planet. The album has a distinctive concept and story to tell through its thrilling mouthwatering sonic soundscapes that can easily lure the listener in its mystical kingdom and absorb the listener from start to finish. #PureGold Love IT  [/content]
[/review]

Additional info:

01:06:00


Sven Vath’s legendary Cocoon Ibiza event came of age in 2017 as its 18th season played out to great acclaim once more. Now the boss himself steps up to condense the sound of the weekly party into two compelling mix CDs.

DJ mixes often do little more than keeping up a certain mood, and masterful Sven Vath only needs a couple of moments to do just that. But this is not enough for the inimitable DJ from Frankfurt am Main, instead he wants to introduce listeners to an entire world of electronic sounds. Here he uses the mixes to express his passion for the whole scene, “to tell about the adventures he has experienced traveling, about his love for his friends, his children, his girlfriend and particularly to his fans all around the world” says the label.

As such the 18th edition of this series is a real trip. Disc one kicks off with deep house from Willow then the groove becomes more insistent as Eduardo de la Calle has the crowd gather around his pulsating bassline and crackling hi-hats. With the daring sing- a-long of Basti Grub, Vath shows his playful side and then comes the nonchalance and coolness of Eddie Fowlkes and singer Na Dee. With Fort Romeau, processed voices spread a trippy, unreal vibe and moments later, Vath blends a new, very special Chez Damier bassline into the mix. Ricardo Villalobos's casual, eye-opening grooves appear to be the ideal counterbalance to Damier’s unbounded bassline then things play out with the likes of DJ Slyngshot’s melody rich house, label stalwarts like Isolee and the high energy of KINK.

One of 2017’s biggest tracks in ‘Avalon’ by &Me puts a hymnal vocal and unbridled tribal percussion on top of a floating house groove to kick start disc two, which then touches the sonic vastness of Patrice Baumel, Fideles’s loose synth-sounds and the ghostly ‘On the Way’ by Gaiser which, with its uncanny voices, feels like a message from another, surreal world. With the moods always evolving and tempos roaming, Aubrey hints towards the big finish which builds through stomping Chicago house from Slam, a climactic cut from Secret Cinema & Egbert then the mysterious synth heavy techno of Barnt and Inigo Kennedy's groping, longing sounds suggest a new begin- ning.

Once again this is thrilling musical document that rounds up the most important techno party in the whole of Ibiza.

Tracklist:




Tracklist CD 1:
1. Willow – Workshop 23 (A1)
2. Eduardo De La Calle - The Horus Eye (Original Mix)
3. Basti Grub – False
4. Eddie Fowlkes feat. Na Dee - Twisted Boy (Detroit Wax)
5. Fort Romeau – Reasons
6. Villa H2H - Conspiracy Two
7. John T ejada – Blitzar
8. DJ Slyngshot - Hygh-Tech
9. Paul – Reflektion
10. Isolee – Pisco
11. KiNK – Neutrino
12. Adam Port & Stereo MCs – Changes (Adam Port Remix)



Tracklist CD 2:
1. &Me – Avalon
2. Patrice Baumel – Glutes
3. Fideles – The Border
4. Gaiser – On The Way (Original Mix)
5. Aubrey - Clock Funk
6. Slam – Clap Your Hands
7. Electric Rescue – Forwer (Original Mix)
8. ROD – Hor
9. Secret Cinema & Egbert – Maximaal
10. Peder Mannerfelt & Hodge – All My Love
11. Rico Puestel – Caravel
12. Barnt - If She Says She Is A Healer, She Is A Healer
13. Inigo Kennedy – Voyager
14. Paul Nazca – Memory (Original Mix)


Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
 [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
 [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
 [item value="10"] Melody [/item]
 [item value="10"] Synths [/item]
 [item value="10"]Vocals and Lyrics[/item]
 [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
 [item value="10"]Climax  / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
 [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
 [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
 [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
 [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
 [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
 [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
 [item value="10"]Sven Vath Sound of the 18th Season[/item]
 [content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Techno king Sven Vath is back with his Sound of the 18th Season Compilation on his Cocoon imprint. 26 brilliant tracks that flirt with techno, deep house, melodic tech house and electronica. The main ingredient of all of them is the very strong irresistible rhythm and hypnotic mesmerizing groove that ensures total satisfaction of those who search for mindblowing electronic experiences. All tracks selected include nice dark melodies, haunting vocals, spoken vocal samples and pulsating basslines that simply you wish to go on forever.  When Sven  puts the needle on any record you are pretty sure that you are going to dance without doubts as Sven never forgets that he is there to make you sweat and he is there to service his followers rather than showing off his DJing technique that he is master of it of course. From smooth and minimal to raw and tribal sounds The Sound Of The 18th Season will arouse your senses and will pleasantly surprise you from the wide range of influences and infusions that the tracks selected include carefully nurtured on underground soil in order to keep it as uncompromising and unique as possible unaffected from the sirens of easy money making. One of best compilations of the year for me with adventurous track selection and floating mixing. #PureGold Love IT[/content]
[/review]

Additional info:

02:46:00

NKI delivers a smashing debut single with Flare. Flare is one of the finest progressive trance crossovers in a while with rhythmic beats, enchanting synths and a brooding bassline.



Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
 [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
 [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
 [item value="10"] Melody [/item]
 [item value="10"] Synths [/item]
 [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
 [item value="10"]Climax  / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
 [item value="9"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
 [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
 [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
 [item value="9"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
 [item value="9"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
 [item value="9"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/item]
 [item value="9"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
 [item value="9"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
 [item value="9"]NKI - Flare[/item]
 [content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Flashover Black stays true to its roots with another dark moody deep progressive production that is definitely one of those gems that is difficult or even impossible to categorize as it moves in and out of house, techno and trance. The minimal groove and the moody smooth bassline make the track techno friendly while the groove is driving but funky too with certain aggressive samples. The breakdown is colorful, melodic and very optimistic with nice synths that sound like sunshine after a rainy day. The climax sounds more intense with the epic synths on top pushing the proceedings further without becoming too overexcited. Hypnotic, esoteric and stripped down to the basics will be the right choice for warm up trance sets and peak tune for melodic progressive techno/tech house sets. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
[/review]

Additional info:

03:31:00

'Agartha Stories' is a record we were looking forward to release for quite some time. Hailing from the Venice area in Italy, Bruscagin & Visnadi are representing a specific sound from that region, a certain type of melodic techno but with its very own sound design we have rarely heard before. Hear the interesting story behind it..

As half forgotten legends from ancient civilisations like Celts, Aztecs, Vikings and Incas say, there is a mythical place located in the centre of our planet. This enchanted place is called Agartha and only accessible through hidden gateways under different places on our Earth's surface, like the Pyramid of Giza, Mato Grosso or Mount Epomeo.

Agartha is populated by an ancient civilization that survived Atlantis. What diversifies these inhabitants from our society is the respect and the love they feel for the nature and the fundamental elements that are substantial for the progress of human beings.

Following their 'Indian Stories' release on Lost & Found, Bruscagin & Visnadi dedicate their second episode of the saga to the mysterious civilization of Agartha. 


Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
 [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
 [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
 [item value="10"] Melody [/item]
 [item value="10"] Synths [/item]
 [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
 [item value="10"]Climax  / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
 [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
 [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
 [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
 [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
 [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
 [item value="10"]Bruscagin & Visnadi - Agartha Stories[/item]
 [content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Siamese records presents the latest magnificent EP by Bruscagin & Visnadi called Agartha Stories. Agartha Stories is nearly 12 minutes melodic soulful deep techno journey with bubbly bouncy groove, pulsating dark basslines, warm synths and strings and mysterious dark melodies that manage to hypnotise your mind and make you feel totally and utterly lost in its tapestry of sounds and emotions. Yellow Garden continues our journey with deep pulsating basslines, hypnotic rhythm, melodramatic strings that build tension and cinematic strings along with additional melodic layers and spoken vocal samples that transfer your mind to that sacred Yellow Garden yet to discovered. Lastly Time Machine is deeper melodic techno affair with cinematic strings and suspenseful rhythm that drive your mind through space and time. Exciting sound design and sound depth that give you that impression of listening something three dimensional like being in the centre of the sonic action rather than just observing it with your ears. Highly recommended. #PureGold Love It  [/content]
[/review]
"The rare feeling of a immediate mutual connection that bonds two people stronger than many years of friendship can." Siamese
Additional info:

10:35:00

Powering his way to the top of the scene, Estiva has really gone and shaken things up. The Dutch mastermind not only came up with a sound that blows minds and speakers alike, but also managed to create a studio output so consistent it puts even the most prolific producers to shame. With 'Barba' and 'Tarmac', it's safe to say that Estiva's astronomic rise to stardom is no mere coincidence. It's unmatched skill with a truck load of talent as the cherry on top. Listen and learn.





Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
 [item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
 [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
 [item value="10"] Melody [/item]
 [item value="10"] Synths [/item]
 [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
 [item value="10"]Climax  / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
 [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
 [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
 [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
 [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
 [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/item]
 [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
 [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
 [item value="10"]Estiva - Barba / Tarmac [/item]
 [content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Estiva is one of those artists that deserve praise and wider recognition for his consistent high quality output. His latest two tracks on Statement are examples of what he is capable for and why all the big DJ's support him. Barba is a powerful proglifting trancer with thumping aggressive basslines, pounding drums, dark synthy hooks and stunning long breakdown with luscious atmospheric melodies and electronic blissfulness. His climax is larger than life with energy radiating all over the place. Get ready to be impressed and jump higher than before. Tarmac is melodic deep progressive tech trancer with prog house influences and even progressive techno touches with chunky wonky grooves, deep technoish dark basslines, majestic dreamy melodic breakdown and excellent climax of spacey techy sounds, vocal samples and bouncy beats to keep any warm up trance set going! Top notch productions for sure. #PureGold Love IT [/content]
[/review]

Additional info:
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