IsraTrance.com - Music Reviews

VA Cymatic Freakuencies (Wildthings Records) CD 2009

Wildthings Recs proudly bring you their 10th release, their next showcase label artist compilation by label manager Dj Beardy(Weirdy) This assortment of floor stomping, mind melding, ass shaking psychedelic tunage will stimulate your senses into a positive state of aural excitement, bringing more cutting edge productions from some of the finest established artists in the u.k and beyond! Wildthings continual drive to put groove back into the music is being recognized by Dj's, promoters and revelers globally and the combination of pure mind expanding sounds mixed with tight percussive loops and funking bass lines will trigger positively frenzied dance floors worldwide.

Tracklist

01. EVP / Cymatic Freakuencies
02. Reality Grid / Free Energy
03. Archaic / Shamanic Crisis
04. Neutral Motion / Human Memory
05. Hoodwink / Pandemic
06. EVP / Prime Directives
07. Dj Beardy & Error Corrective / Munted
08. Archaic / Visionary Plants
09. EVP / Digital Hangover
10. Hoodwink / Digital Rip
11. Error Corrective & Avalon / Alien Enviroment

1. An eeriee opener from EVP with some demented sounds and a pitch bent voice. Nice stuff

2. Starts off with a sample and a nice groovy bassline. Reminds me a bit of earlier Digital Talk. the track progresses with some nice percussion and interesting sounds. More tweaking leads and tiny sounds follow. Perfect opener for those early morning hours.

3. Archaic presents us this 3rd track starting with a sample and a strong kick bass. It has some nice atmospheres and followson with a nice groove. Quite spacey sounds are presented here. The bassline becomes more groovy with more layered sounds.
Smooth flow and spacey sounds... Nice track.. a favorite so far!

4. The track starts off with a groovy and tight kick bass with tiny sounds and percussion. Some interesting sounds are presented here with more pitch bent and technoish leads. the track gathers momentum and ends quite nicely with some nice leads.
Nice one for the dancefloor!

5. Hoodwink presents us another groovy burner here. More tiny teasing sounds are presented in this track. Gains more momentum with more uplfting leads and fx. I felt some parts could have been better, but nice track nevertheless.

6. In comes Evp with a groovy bassline and eerie sounds. The track moves on with some nice percussion, something ive noticed from his album released last year. Quite like the album this track features deep and interesting sounds intelligently placed. Nice one.

7. Part Label owner Dj Beardy debuts with a vs track featuring Error Corrective. Interesting sounds presented here again. I feel a slight Phatmatix touch in some of the sounds here. I could see this track working pretty well on the dancefloor.

8. Archaic returns with Visionary plants. This one starts off with some nice atmospheres and well tweaked leads and fx.
The track progresses with nice airy fx and tribal percussion. More layered sounds follow as the track reaches its climax.

9. Evp presents us with one of the best tracks of this compilation imo, once again with some nice work on the percussion and deep spacey sounds. Moves on nicely with more uplifting leads layered nicely. Well done!

10. Hoodwink comes in with a layered twilight beauty. The sounds are sometimes gentle, hypnotic but flows very nicely with the groovy bassline. More uplifting leads follow. Nice track again!

11. Error corrective and Avalon presents a track for that upllifting moment for the morning dancefloors. Some sounds reminds me a bit of Tristan and the Alchemy sound. With uplifiting leads and nice teasing synths, this duo rounds of this well compiled release.

Overall:

This is another cd that a twilight fan cannot miss. A fresh wave for this genre again. The basslines are old school, but the sounds new age.

Spacey and layered sounds, clean production make this a cracker of cd. Quality music for the dancefloor and for the mind. Im sure will be a hot favorite among the Dj cases this summer. Nice one beardy!
Thumbs up! Go grab this!

Favorites : 2,3,5,8,9,10

http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display_release.asp?id=7961

Mr. Rogers - Ooze System (BasSTAR Records, Geomagnetic.TV)

Apparently Mr. Rogers is doing some big things within the Psy and Breaks scene located on the West Coast of the USofA. His funky psychedelic break-beat sets have gained the attention of fellow artists and producers across, and have earned him respect of being an artist that likes to push the boundaries and not swallow fear in making something sound strange and extraterrestrial with funky sunglasses.

Mr. Rogers - Ooze System (BasSTAR Records, Geomagnetic.TV) 2007 (BASSCD001, GOCD030)

Cover-Art: http://www.discogs.com/viewimages?release=1272280

01. Gangsta' Goose
02. Mr. Lemurian
03. Space Vagina
04. The DMT Factor
05. Sparkplug (Mc - Agustus Thelefant)
06. Spookey Kabluey
07. Bahroo! (Vocals - Doramey Fossilotti , Jacinda)
08. A Boy And His Blob
09. Tameron's Cube
10. Life

The album starts out (T1) with quirky and funny builds that takes the sound into a space based dub juice. And as the second track (T2) bubbles away it gets deeper in aggression and motion, more mystiques to the atmosphere like being down in a cellar with strange pipes. The shpongly vibe is present with that nice TIP alien approach. UFOs nstuff you know, in metallic scenery. The third track (T3) is somewhat a resolution in the phrase; strange stuff floats better. Its like taking a trip in a spaceship, a Space Vagina that has the power to reborn you into a new dimension full of possibilities. After the trip in a moist and pleasent vagina, (T4) goofy stuff spins the mind, and plays a longer sample about the DMT experience according to Joe Rogan, better known from the Fear Factor USA television show, and sugarcoats itself in a strange take on DJ Jeans Euro-dance hit, The Launch. The fifth track (T5) introduces a fusion between hip-hop rapping and Space-Breaks. Now its time for TripHop goes into TripSpace with rhymes (MC) and a rough Flat-Erik bassline. This is some seriously groovy stuff if youre into Ninja Tunes and its experimentations Maybe a bit of a nag, but still good.

Spookey Kabluey (T6) turns the mood to a more serious stage than before and lets star glitter with funk-guitars playing in the close background. And after this display a man with a hat (T7) steps inside with some 50s feel that break-beats the jazz. Not as impressive as the other tracks around, but ends good though with voices in space. The Boy and his Blob (T8) is unsettling the beat flow to wobble the sound and pling the plong - Pretty strange and sort of good. As the album spins you get a craving for more but a feeling of enough sneaks up and scrape things up (T9) booms the bass. Tromps the walk. Funky is back with samples of cocksucking dreams, which is very strange. Its All Gone Pete Tong? After a long journey through funk and dunk, Mr. Rogers serves us a very nice ending to an album of strange play of sounds and Ooze. (T10) Bump bump hump with soul music now. Lounge dub. .. Some eerie mocking voices softly breaks up the track to introduce more uplifting and cute melodies that seem to be a good ending to a varieties and imaginative album. Chilled funk dub to end it all.

Recommendation: Mr. Rogers quirky funfunky attribution to the Ooze was released on BasSTAR Records who sprung out of the Geomagnetic Records label group in the summer of 2007. They are focusing primarily on breaks, dub-step, electro house and down-tempo grooves from the other side. From them you should expect lots of wild unpredictable new cuts. Mr. Rogers came to many as an interesting and fun surprise where he takes inspiration from the trip and his brothers from Finland and New Zealand. If youre a fan of the more tripped based sounds of a strange psychedelic experience with a lot of funk, break-beats and intergalactic sound patterns without trance, this one will please your grease. It might not reek the quality of the releases from labels such as PSY-Harmonics and Demon Tea Records, but it does deserve just as much attention for its heart and soul. It has a fine balance between strange and straight where it at one moment is swimming in star sprinkles only to be swept inside a distorted mind-tricksters beach of headspace. Unfortunately though, this release comes pale against other releases in the same spirit. The album seems to lack something in its overall quality and can get boring and sort of uninspiring as the tracks roll through your player. Im not saying it sucks ostrich balls, but I am saying it has a lot of room for improvements and sonic experimentations.

I think if youre a person on the lookout for music that can add something out of the ordinary to your tripped experience without being boxed into trance, chill-out or dub. You should defiantly take a shot at Ooze System. Im very happy to have it in my collection and cant wait to see its presents from another angel of space and face. Mr Rogers take on the Psychedelic breaksnhop is most of all fun and quirky in the range of 110 to 115 BPM. And Inside it can have an aggressive attitude as it reveals a body full of movement and variation. Most of all, this is funny Psy-Breaks with some mushroom funk from the West Cost. Yo!

Favorite Tracks: 1(!!), 2(!!), 3(!), 4, 5(!), 6, 10(!).

Score: 7.8/10

Where to buy and other links:
Ooze System: http://www.myspace.com/oozesystem
Discogs: http://www.discogs.com/artist/Mr.+Rogers
Record Label: http://www.geomagnetic.tv
Psyshop.com: http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/geo/geo1cd030.html
Saikosounds: http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display...ase.asp?id=6942
Beatspace: http://beatspace.com/dettagli/dettaglio.asp?id=3837
Play.com: http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/3511127/-/...;searchsource=0
More Weird Reviews: http://www.myspace.com/psytonesmusic

V.A. "New Order 2" compiled by Ace Ventura (HOMmega, july 09)

Artist : Various
Title : New Order 2
Label : HOMmega
Format : MP3 already on Beatport and CD soon
Release date : july 09

TRACK LIST:

1.Riktam & Bansi - No fear [125 BPM]
2.Nyquist - Cubanizm [128 BPM]
3.Ticon - Juan from Colombia [129 BPM]
4. Liquid Soul - Spell [130 BPM]
5.Schatsi - Dead End (Yotopia Remix) [130 BPM]
6.Lish - White buds [128 BPM]
7.Khainz - High pressure [128 BPM]
8.Ido Ophir & Miki litvak - Meshugaim [128 BPM]
9.A.Balter - Art off [126 BPM]

Ace Ventura no longer needs an introduction, having become, twice in a row, the Beatport best psytrance artist award winner, and whose career spans over almost 10 years now, with an impressive resume of releases and gigs all over the world. We are dealing with the DJ here, capable of adapting to any venue, timeslot, and style, from the steamiest Parisian underground venue to the bucolic fields of Egerszalok or the tropical exuberance of the Brasilian scene; and each time he rocks the dancefloor. Always keeping a deft eye on musical evolution, his deejaying reflects the new ideas and styles that are exerting a strong influence on the scene. His career history is marked by long term relationships with such revered imprints as Iboga, his home label, as well as HOMmega, his former publisher under the Psysex alias, for which he successfully compiled the first chapter of the New Order compilation two years ago. He therefore has a lot of competence and professional experience to bring to bear in the compilation of this second New Order.

1. Riktam & Bansi - No Fear
To open the ball, the Ace has picked one of the new Tech/Prog productions signed by Riktam & Bansi of GMS fame. This release comes a couple of weeks after Iboga put out some of their production, following the trend started by Plastik Park and Sprout. Riktam and Bansi return with another dance-floor-minded track, rolling on a big droning bass, and tense string-like lead. The break is not as staggering as the one in the Iboga release and has a strong full-on-ish scent, but take the track for what it is : a reliable DJ tool.

2. Nyquist Cubanism
Next is a new instalment from Iboga-tagged artist Nyquist, the other alias under which Aran Gallagher (aka Freq) writes music. Once again, he delievers a fat, elephantesque stomper, that hints at gritty electrohouse. Cool percussive melody alongside quirky synths, samples and effects coalesce until the break astutely unravels these elements into an exhilarating outburst. Another dance floor burner from the Aussie producer, ready to explode in club or on openair festval venues alike.

3. Ticon - Juan From Colombia
Pioneer Progressive Trance legends Ticon make a much appreciated appearance in this compilation to deliver a stunning combination of former D-Nox & Beckers style (for which the thirst seems to remain unquenched) happily and artfully fused with more contemporary trendy orchestration devices taken from the tribal/tech arsenal, all wrapped up in their signature blissful melodic vein. Their production is just as impressive as always. Another gem for the wee hours.

4. Liquid Soul Spell
For the fourth piece, Ace simply harvested a pearl from his Iboga colleague and companion in music writing Nicola Capobianco, internationally acclaimed as Liquid Soul. Capo has forged one of his very best recent pieces, slower (130) than his average stuff, slightly indebted to electroish influence with the deep, wobbling, distorted bassline, driving forward classic LS orchestration devices such as thoroughly immersive riffs, rolling synth lines, and a soft echoing female voice sample, all of which consistently builds up towards a very trancey finale. Festival goers will love this one.

5. Schatsi - Dead End (Yotopia Remix)
Not so long ago, Miki Litvak gave a fat techy rendition of this 2006 Hadshot vintage track from the (much too quiet) Schatsi project. The same Dead end track from Ace Venturas side project gets another cool progressive house/trance rmx, this time from the Yotopia boys. The duo keeps the bleeping theme, but invigorates the track with a more bouncy bassline and jots around spaced out whipped riffs and surging airy pads. A welcome additional remix of the seminal piece, much in keeping with the style of their recent Iboga album.

6. Lish - White Buds
In quite a similar vein, Israeli pioneer act Lish comes up with another trademark swinging progressive nugget. The track outline might be more simple than the above-mentioned number, yet it is nonetheless very effective, if not more so, as it is nicely propelled by an elegant transposed bassline, tense crispy beats and chiming percussions. A tight arpeggiated lead steers the track forward and locks you in from start to finish, securing the pieces status as another dancefloor friendly tune.

7. Khainz - High Pressure
Next we have a new instalment from the Swiss producer Khainz, the tech side project of Simon Schwendener (aka Freakulizer). He picks up a strand of techno drum pattern and heavy cymbals ride alongside a deep, low-fi whirring bassline. Percussion fourishes, industrial effects and soaring sirens assault the soundscape and keep the energy level on a constant high all through the track. A lush orchestration for sure, the only qualification being that Khainz production tends to sound pretty homogenous these days.

8. Ido Ophir & Miki Litvak - Meshugaim
Miki Litvak and Ido Ophir will definitely be hailed as the heroes of the Israeli techno scene after their storming debut last year at Evapour8. Since then, the talented pair (who collaborated as Domestic) have scarcely released tracks or rmx, just one at Sprout for example, making each of their discographic appearances an event. Mr Oshrat has put his nimble hands on the much sought after production of the duo, releasing Meshugaim, a more restrained piece than their exhuberant Shnorkel. Meshugain is a massive, techno-driven banger, with a strong emphasis on sheer sub-bass power. It rolls on driving metallic rattle and unleashes the whip hits of reverberated indus stabs which eventually develop into a demented twitch. Imagine maestros Huntemann & Liebing conspiring in their studio, and you get an idea at what they were looking to achieve. A highlight of the compilation.

9. A. Balter Art off
Finally, after his remix appearances on Iboga and more recently at Open records, Avishai Balter is called upon to draw the curtain on what has been an essentially techno finale of the compilation. The young and promising Techno producer is better known for his DJ sets, notably for his back to back performances with his friend Yuli Fershtat/Perfect Stranger. Art off plays in the same register with dark overtones and a rocking low-fi bassline, and is spurred by recurring drums rolls contrasted by piano tones, all tweaked with strong reverb. A cogent break twists all things up with distortion and pitched-up frequencies. The piece probably pays a discrete tribute to neue Extrawelt, but sounds a bit too martial to my ears. Not my favourite from his output, but congrats on the compiler for releasing fresh talent.

Bottom line
Whether this second New Order outshines or is equal to the first one is up for debate, which is in itself a sign of the how good this compilation is, in compliance with the Aces well established high standards. It delivers some prime cuts in the progressive cross over genres, with a distinct focus on techno, thus reflecting how influential this genre has become in the psychedelic trance scene. To put a cherry on the top, the mastering is signed by Ido Ophir. There is all you can b/eat in this CD, but my personal favourites include 2, 3, 4, 6, 8. Overall, it is highly recommended for all DJ cases, with tracks that will be hammered for many months to come, in clubs and outdoor venues alike.

Aden

Related links
http://www.hommega.com/
http://www.myspace.com/aceiboga

Solead "Green Eyed+So What EP", incl Dousk & Jalebee Cartel rmx (Evapour8, july 09)

Artist : Solead
Title : Green Eyed EP
Label : Evapour8
Format : Digital
Release date : soon/july 09

Tracklist
1. Green Eyed
2. So What
3. So What (Dousk rmx)
4. So What (Jalebee Cartel rmx)

The French wizards Solead are back at work over Kasey Taylors bubbling cauldron with a potent 3rd EP. Over the years, the duo have earned world-wide recognition from across the electronic music spectrum. With releases on a wide range of acclaimed labels, the Solead boys have been knighted by the bigwigs of Techno circles (Vitalic with his Citizen imprint), by the Progressive elite (John Digweed with Renaissance), and has gained notoriety amongst Prog-Trance premier league labels (Iboga, Blue Tunes, Tribal Vision) as well as the more free lance electronica outfits (Chillosophy, Vapourize). Their sound instantly captivates thanks to the quality of their fat production, and is nurtured by the complementary approaches of the two talents behind the project : the rather techno and moody electro itch of Vincent Courcau (of Motion and Tektrakys fame, his solo projects) blends with the sharp sense of groove of Charles Michaud, the man behind Triptych (his full-on project). Since its storming debut last year, the label Evapour8 has consolidated its reputation for high end quality releases, and this new release merits our close attention.

Green Eyed
The opening piece takes the habitual Tech House formula off the beaten track : the boys have forged a sweet and perky melody that is still groovy to the core, backed by some tasty hi hats and claps. The break furthers the melodic dimension by adding a nice undulating counterpoint and some eerie, deep harmonics. A quite unusual peice from the duo, and definitely, a dashing DJ tool for the morning hours or the afternoon set.

So What
The second installment features classic panting rhythms from Tech House blueprints, with a distinct dubby touch noticeable in the throaty bass. An unremitting percussive build up picks up more groove as the track unfolds. A classic crescendo, drenched in reverb, strengthens the tension. More dancefloor minded than the 1st number, with a less vanguard twist than some of their previous achievements, this is a finely executed DJ tool.

So What (Dousk rmx)
Dousk dishes up another impressive demonstation of his art, and this one is in line with his stunning pieces already released at Evapour8 such as Fountain Trip. The dubby dimension of the original is honed by one his infectiously deep, aquatic, wobbling basslines. And he flavours the track with mischievous glitches preceding punchy nano breaks together with tricky little hooks or abrasive/percussive flourishes, injecting more thrust into the track each time. Another precious cracker from the Greek wonderboy!

So What (Jalebee Cartel rmx)
The New Delhi outfit Jalebee Cartel also returns to Kasey Taylors simmering pots and is last on rmx duty. Their rendition stays very close to the original, notably keeping the big synth stabs. The bassline goes in a more pumping direction and the lush percussion work is swapped for pronounced congas. But this isnt enough to hail the track as particularly interesting.

Bottom line
Another fine and highly recommended package from the Evapour8s Gandalf, beautifully mastered by Charles himself at his Preference studio, in which both original mixes, for their different perspectives, and Dousks (!) dominate.

Aden

Related links
http://www.soleadmusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/solead
http://www.myspace.com/vapourrecordings

V/A - Water (Altar Records, 2009)

V/A - Water
Altar Records
2009

1. Asura - Marianna Falls
2. Androcell - Seahorse Dreams
3. Chronos - Planetarium [Aquarius Edit]
4. Astropilot - Voda
5. Aes Dana - Cyan
6. Kanc Cover - Sugar Rush [Co-produced by Martin Freeland] - Kanc Cover rework]
7. Shakri - Lysergic Atmosphere
8. Zymosis - God Is Mine [DJ Zen extended remix]
9. RA - Creation Of Tefnet

Water is the second compilation by Altar Records in the "Element Series" which will be released throughout 2009, 2010. Such compilations include Air (released), Water, Fire, and Earth. The compilation begins with an ambient influenced trance number by Asura and ends with RA. Song's throughout the middle consist of mainly down and mid-tempo numbers in the Psy/Chill genre. A full review ensures.

1. Asura - Marianna Falls starts off the compilation with an atmospheric and chilling, yet dreamy and gripping opening. The beat takes a backseat to the transparent harmonies, soundscapes, and ambient backdrops. The song begins with an arresting ambient score and builds to a chilling shift at 2:36. Sounds as if hundreds of little insects are in motion sprinkle across the atmosphere. A fusion feeling emerges throughout the growing layers, accompanied beat, though softer than Asura's previous tracks in general. The slow kicks escapes around 4:20 for an emotive interlude. This is a thoughtful piece; it's more artistic and compelling than Asura's song on the previous Water compilation, though that was one of the better tracks as well. The beat picks up in the final act along with numerous placed elements; a euphoric buildup and release takes place which enhances the track. This is an elegant, romantic number. A-

2. Androcell - Seahorse Dreams starts interesting, with psychedelic alterations; sounds as if winding up various toys in an oriental toy store. The lush backdrop is meditative, ambient, sounds of ocean waves, wind, and air. gentle female voice sets a meditative mood before exiting softly close to the beginning. The oriental melody work is catchy; a tasty skipping sound a la Shpongle and earlier Aes Dana compliments it. The melody/sound work, a violin and/or guitar is effective too, giving the track an organic feel to the various, worldly ingredients integrated. The real star is the oriental melodies along with the flowing atmosphere. Good track. B

3. Chronos - Planetarium [Aquarius Edit]'s first 2-3 minutes develop a healthy stream before the first drum arrives. A little chiming melody teases as the beat pics up; sounds as if a door is opening take place around 3:30. It's interesting. The first melody plays more as chiming notes around 3:56, like a slow ride on a golden pony across the deserts of Egypt before a brief moment of contemplation, interlude arrives. Sounds of what seems to be deep drops or bubbles of water occur as the thick atmospheric, enhancing the returning rhythm at 3:37. This is one of my favorite parts on the album; the music movies rhythmically like liquid, or a flowing stream, painlessly, perfectly. Around 5:25 a key flows into the fusion; a strong, albient slow, orieiental lead arrives at 5:52. The sound shifts higher, though this moment lasts 1-2 minutes, it's effective. Great track. B+

4. Astropilot - Voda is begins ambient/atmospheric with a floating introduction. What sounds like a rattle snake slithers across the beat-free textures. Soon an aggressing beat emerges, lifting to the senses. It is around this beat that an infectious, little clicking and echoed sound appears. The sound works extremely well, a little infection similar to small, highly enhancing bits mixed in from old school Space Cat, Toi Doi, and more recently, Merrow. It's gripping. The overall song is more progressive than previous numbers however, though the second half lets go of the clever sound for a continuously albeit driving mid-speed ethereal fusion, signed with flutes, and a breezy, romantic atmosphere. Key changes are seldom used, though in a good way. I love how the song picks up, its distinguishing parts, and the incorporation of a sound earlier on. Cool track! B+

5. Aes Dana - Cyan begins relaxing, with various sounds being curiously added before a strong, mid-tempo beat kicks in. A driving melody arrives at at 3:12, giving direction and grip. Echoed male sounds, like an Indian chanting (think Aes Dana's manipulating voice work) are played with, though I prefer the female, spliced up voice work on the artist's Lysistrata track. It works fine here for me. Only gripe is the main, driving melody/sound that began at 3:12; it loops like the beat, though appears almost halfway through, more evolution, a little more work could have developed this number into something great, something far more tasty, creative, and arresting. Fortunately, once the song gets going, it sounds pretty good; attractive elements are integrated around the beat as one may imagine from Aes Dana. The song is pretty good, better than the artists track on the previous compilation I heard by him, just not what I consider great. B-

6. Kanc Cover - Sugar Rush [Co-produced by Martin Freeland] - Kanc Cover rework] was the one track I was most unsure about initially, primarily because I miss and love Man With No Name's earlier work (first two albums and various singles). I love Martin's Goa/Psy and ambient work. I can still hum them via memory, tracks like Azymuth, Vavoom, and numerous others. Furthermore, I really like his the old school Sugar Rush track which many consider a gem/classic in Goa/Psy-Trance. So that may explain the reason why I felt uncertain when I saw an artist whom I've never heard of before doing a chill rework to one of the best Goa tracks. I suppose I should reiterate not to judge a book by its cover. To my surprise, the rework version here (it's not a cover) appears to have been done by someone with a tremendous appreciation and passion for the original that inspired it. Kanc's track captures the essence of the classic, never striping it of its beauty, but highlighting its strengths. The song is beautiful, sad, provocative, arresting, and passionately produced. It is a respectful approach to a wonderful original from my favorite genre; Goa/Psy-Trance will always have a place in my heart. To the contrary, full on versions of old school gems over the years (Transwave, 2009 anyone?) have tarnished numerous tracks for me. However, this reminds me why the original was so well done. The artist let's the magical melody breath with high production values today and acknowledges Sugar Rush's roots with more than a nod. I'm really curious to hear what other people and fans think of this one. A-

7. Shakri - Lysergic Atmosphere is a strong and tasty, higher energy return after the previous more relaxing number. Coupled with L.S.D. samples we rarely seem to hear anymore; the song is like a strong Goa/Psy dance track set to mid-tempo. Cool atmosphere arrives in various waves, flowing across the synth and sound/melodies to the aggressive, higher octane energy and beat. I don't mind the samples too much, though I'm glad that the compilation stayed away from them for the most part. After the previous, slower track, this one offers a desired dose of adrenaline. Great track. B+

8. Zymosis - God Is Mine [DJ Zen extended remix] is epic; at 13:36, the artist(s) really took a chance here. Fortunately it's well done, with enough variety and movement to keep it solid. I give credit to any artist or great who can keep me interested for ten minutes, let alone closer to fifteen. I could write a longer paragraph how the song has an interlude that lasts for 3:50, though I don't care for the transisional grown around 3:45 which branches one section to the next; the effect sounds dark, a bit awkward for the gentle when compared to surrounding work. The song itself branches into various downtempo styles, from experimental, instrumental, trance, ambient, tribal, Psy what appears to be electronic orchestra. One of my favorite parts is from 8:00 to 8:18; this part could open for a new track by Solar Field's - Movements style and I'd never know it. Suddenly tribal drums and a building beat arrive, complimenting a piano, various melodies, harmonies, and a subtle atmospheric backdrop. Another stand out part begins around 8:55 with distorted strings; they're catchy, play well around the rhythm, and make a return in the eleventh minute. My only gripe is that parts of the track earlier on felt less arresting than the ambient, tribal, strings, and danceable/chilled trance fusion developed later on. Overall, this is a good track with some great elements or vice-versa. B+

9. RA - Creation Of Tefnet follows up their moving, chilled style with a strong refreshment. The ancient influenced piece reminds me of a more colorful cross between their cool Egypt-esque track on the Twist Dreams compilation, along with their wonderful down/mid-tempo work on 2008's album of the year according to Psynews.org, 9th. The song is filled with life; numerous attractive layers build around a delectable lead, and arrive at a crossroads with additional strength. I like their song here more than their number V/A - Air, primarily because it doesn't sound as similar at times (to me) to the song I heard by them on 2008's Sundrops compilation. Yet the track here is strong and elegant, utilizing pitches, quick turn ups in melodic sound. The song has a positive sound while never getting cheesy. It flows smoothly throughout, and leaves a solid lasting impression to a strong compilation. A-

In conclusion, I find Water a noticeable step up from Altar Record's previous compilation; Water is more consistent, mature, and fluid from start to finish, and offers a healthy combination of down and mid-tempo Chill/Psy tracks. No song is average or below. Each one provides something strong and distinct. Asura's track for instance, is a beautiful space opera number; the middle core of the album is healthy, and the re-work of Sugar Rush never sounded so good since, well the original Sugar Rush by Martin Freeman, Man With No Name. Overall V/A - Water is one of the most solid compilations of 2009, especially for the Psy/Chill (down/mid-tempo) genre. It's better than V/A - Air, and currently making my top 10 Psy album list for 2009.

Favorite tracks - 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9.

B+

Samples / Order

http://altar.fonderieart.com/water.html

http://altar.fonderieart.com/preorders.html