KINETIKA pres. KINESIS-Altered States E.P [Psyology Records]

 

South Africa's Dean Athienides, better known under his artist name "KINETIKA", is an artist that seems to pour every fragment of his soul into the music he produces. Avid lover of those spacey, trippy and in general psy-trance sounds, he has made it a mission to deliver pure psy-trance bliss to those who are without a doubt addicted to it. His latest sound venture came to life during the lock down period and it is definitely a project he is very proud of. A labor of love, passion, constant thought, possible awakening and rediscovery. This is a five track E.P and it has been dubbed "KINESIS-ALTERED STATES" out on home label "Psyology Records".

We have before us an E.P consisting of five exceptional tracks. In a way they are all linked together as if part of a short story. Each track appears to be a chapter in the tale of the "Altered States" saga. From "Sensations Of The Mind" to "Open Your Mind", "Oneness", "Altered States" and "Connected" each one offers something to the aural story you have laid out before you. 

Diving deep within this magical box of delights, one is sure to encounter pure moods of euphoria, curious yet intriguing sound effects, cosmic melodies with futuristic tendencies, trippy moments, hypnotic grooves and narratives with a cinematic quality. Ultimately the listener may find a spiritual, emotional high conjured up by the rich textures within. 

This collection of tunes seem to launch us on a journey of self discovery as we traverse through the depths and complexity of our very own mind and soul. Potential awakening awaits the eager listener as these deep, hypnotic grooves found on these tunes will most definitely be devoured by the psy-trance enthusiasts! Marvelous work by "KINETIKA".

Label: Psyology Records 

https://www.beatport.com/release/altered-states/3357028 

 

 

 

 

 

Aly & Fila with Deirdre Mclaughlin-Gravity (Daxson Remix) [Future Sound Of Egypt]

 

Egyptian trance duo "Aly & Fila" joined forces with Irish songstress "Deirdre Mclaughlin" in 2019 and the result was the mesmerizing tune "Gravity" we all have come to know and love. It went on to become a firm favorite amongst the vocal trance enthusiasts with Deirdre's vocal talents stealing the show. It naturally was released on "Aly & Fila's" home label "Future Sound Of Egypt" and went on to receive a great position in the dance music charts and our hearts. 

After being supported by many of clubland's heroes it was only fitting to see remixes of this tune surface. The desire by the artists to remix this was imminent. First on board with a thrilling remix is an English DJ/Producer known for his wide selection of successful originals and remixes alike under his own name "Dan Dobson" or his usual alter ego "Daxson". 

 Dan gets straight to work by implementing his artistic influences within. Acid synths, choir-like segments and buzzing basslines are here from the start to shake things up. Deirdre's haunting vocals emerge into the open like a bright beacon on a starless night, making the track soar to new heights. Lush piano keys are here paired up amongst angelic, serene strings giving us moments of temporary reflection before the distinct leads rush in piercing our veins with pure adrenaline, elevating our very essence to the heavens above! 

 Uplifting vocal trance at its very finest! Would love to see a future collaboration in the works between Dan and Deirdre. Here's to many more tunes like this!

Released: 25/6/2021

Label: Future Sound Of Egypt

https://www.beatport.com/release/gravity-daxson-remix/3408724 

Corrie Theron & Suzy Solar-Milestone [We Are Trance]

 

What does the word milestone mean to you? Usually it has to do with one's achievements over the years or even in a short period of time, depending on one's goals and good fortune. South African label "We Are Trance", owned and operated by South Africa's very own DJ/Producer with a dream, "Dirkie Coetzee", has been ascending the ranks of the genre over the years. Who would have thought that this month amongst all of the ordeals of the year there would be a cause for joy and celebration. Joyous as can be they have reached their hundredth release on the label. Now of course a milestone such as that had to be dealt with accordingly and so fellow South African artist and A&R of the label, "Corrie Theron" has teamed up with American artist and fellow A&R of the label "Suzy Solar", for an enticing new release. This happens to be the first collaboration between these two talented artists and is in fact Corrie's first vocal trance release as well so there's another milestone to celebrate the occasion also. Putting his production expertise to test while utilizing Suzy's uncanny vocal capabilities has brought us something truly divine. These two really conjured up something special indeed.

 From the very beginning the listener is thrown pleasantly aback by a swarm of uplifting moments, charging basslines, fairy-tale like melodies and pounding kicks alongside a sea of serene chopped female vocals. All of these elements are there to prepare us for our upcoming adventure in sound. Following close by we are pleasantly surprised by a medley of ethereal melodies comprised by violins, a collection of strings and the steady beat of the drums followed by Suzy's breathtaking vocal performance. Majestic, true, emotional and energetic as can be like the killer optimistic fueled leads that spring into the open much like a ferocious feline of the jungle itself. 

 Inspiring, big tune that perfectly encapsulates "We Are Trance's" moment of glory. A big round of applause goes out to Corrie and Suzy for their meticulous work on this incredible anthem! Here's to many more releases on the label!

Released: 23/7/2021

Label: We Are Trance

https://www.beatport.com/release/milestone/3434329 

Dan Thompson-Lost Soul [Coldharbour Recordings]

 

This trance mastermind is back with yet another euphoric super charger that will surely brighten up your summer nights. I am of course referring to English DJ/Producer "Dan Thompson", who has been on the ride of his life these past years. He has released a ton of superb originals, remixes and collaborations. For those of you who have followed his music quite closely you are certainly aware of his team up with fellow producer " Sam Brown" under their "Darkness Falls" project as well. All in all Dan has been steadily supplying us with killer tuneage and entertaining us regularly during the lockdown period with his marathon DJ sets on well known online platform "Twitch". Now he's back in the spotlight once more as he makes his imminent return to "Markus Schulz's" label "Coldharbour Recordings". 

 His new creation has been dubbed "Lost Soul" and will utterly blow your mind! As the track begins it quickly wastes no time to smell the flowers, charging ahead in full force like a prize horse competing in the race of its life. A plethora of effects are casually spread out amongst sturdy basslines, a swarm of ethereal female choir-like vocals and a surge of mesmerizing melodies. The break comes at the opportune moment, letting us have a breather, mentally recharging our batteries while clearing our mind from all the troubles of the past. The lush melodies and chopped female vox ultimately work a kind of magic upon us, soothing one's soul. The marvelous buildup that follows appears as if to signify a supercharged revival of one's self, ready to be hurled out in the world once more. Dan unleashes some unbelievably powerful leads and inspiring melodies which are brilliantly paired up with the phrenetic bassline and percussion that follows along turbulently. 

A high end tune that will work wonders in any surrounding you may find yourselves. It could be the club, home sound system or even energize you further as you enjoy your afternoon run! Another anthem from an artist that continues to amaze with every release and performance.

Released: 21/5/2021

Label: Coldharbour Recordings

https://www.beatport.com/release/lost-soul/3364324  

Kris O' Neil-Canvas White [KONtour]

 

Danish DJ/Producer "Kris O' Neil" and head of prolific label "Avanti" is an artist who always manages to bring his A game to his productions. Many of his past releases have found a home on well known labels such as the mighty "Perfecto Records",infinite support from his peers and many of the scene's leading artists. He always seeks out and showcases some of the finest, eclectic tunes on "Avanti" as an A&R, therefore the quality of the label never fades. After a brief absence he is back with another fresh tune and it is in fact a rare breath of fresh air. "Canvas White" is the name and he literally has pulled out all the stops on this one, re imagining his sound on an empty palette of sound. 

 Soothing grooves flow through the air while the subtle percussion paves the way for moody basslines and upbeat male vocal snippets. The fresh inspiring melodies that break through the fog are soaked with hope, brightness and carry endless possibilities. The genius pair up that follows onward amongst the gloomy undertones and optimistically inclined melodies makes for a great contrast between modes and sounds. A sort of Ying Yang phenomenon if you will, a perfect balance among sound barriers that utterly excites the mind and soothes the soul! 

 Another fine slice of progressive goodness for the fans that will literally eat this one up!

Released: 25/6/2021

Label: KONtour

https://www.beatport.com/release/canvas-white/3416057 

Kyau & Albert-Outside 21 [Euphonic]

 

 

There have been several iconic DJ/Producer duos over the years in the scene. Some have shared in the success and eventually moved on, parting ways in search of other ventures while others have remained firmly together continuing their joined road to success. One of these legendary dance music outfits is most definitely German artists "Kyau & Albert", who have many a time delighted our ears over the years via their eclectic productions or by their exciting performances around the globe. Steven Moebius Albert and Ralph Kyau, show no sign of slowing down as they have been busy throughout our somewhat darker days during the pandemic, forging new material or reviving past gems in their music laboratory. Their latest offering can be found on home label "Euphonic" and it is called "Outside 21". A marvelous revision of their original "Outside" from many years ago.

 Echo infused percussion leads the way towards ethereal melodies, groovy basslines, sunset encapsulated moments and hazy, dreamy soundscapes. Fragments of speech are thrown in quite fittingly amongst the grooves, till the ever distinct voice found in most of their productions that of Steven himself, works its way into the mix. Chills form once the vocals intertwine with the majestic, sunset filled melodies while regal strings add to the lush beauty of this one, guiding us all along emotional, summer drenched paths, inspired by the rare goodness within. 

 Grab yourselves a glass of chilled sangria and enjoy the sun go down, filling the sky with numerous colors, while listening to this tune on one of the many beautiful beaches your summer getaway has to offer. Pure bliss courtesy of the uncanny duo!

Released: 23/4/2021

Label: Euphonic

https://www.beatport.com/release/outside-21/3328072 

Horizons-Pokhara @ Dawn [Landscapes Music]

 

If you have been frequently following my reviews then you are certainly aware of the respect I hold for smaller labels and artists who are trying to achieve their well deserved attention. One of the labels that has been making waves of its very own in the dance music scene is "Landscapes Music". I have covered quite a few of their releases as they always find the way to amaze with the sheer quality of their work and artists they showcase. 

 This time I set my sights and ears for that matter on the brand new single by the "Landscapes Music" owner himself, Shyamol Maracci. He frequently demonstrates his production skills under his artist name "Horizons". His new single is called "Pokhara@Dawn" and what a stunner it is!

 The kicks and bassline quickly set the pace of what lies ahead while the rest of the key elements fall into place. An assortment of finely chosen effects add to the heightening of the senses as a unique fusion of mystical, epic yet motivational melodies slide make their appearance. 'Tis without a doubt an aural journey into some of the places less traveled in our miraculous, mystifying world we all inhabit. 

 Visions of hiking through broken down trails come to mind, as we eagerly make our way towards the mountain top. Birds begin their morning songs hidden in their own world, tucked away beyond the dark trees, giving us a serenade of their very own while we inhale the crisp mountain air. Once we reach the summit, the view we witness is incredible. We are quickly filled with a proud sense of accomplishment as we gaze upon the world below. The sun begins to make its appearance shyly in this forgotten corner of the world and an instant flooding of serenity encircles us. 

 This is an artist that has often taken us on a musical journey to places unknown and does so once more, giving us a glimpse into a world very few of us have had the opportunity to lay eyes upon!

Released: 4/6/2021

Label: Landscapes Music 

https://www.beatport.com/release/nepal/3391755