Solar Fields - EarthShine

There’s an epidemic plaguing the electronic music world – a wave of producers who know how to work computers yet have no musical talent. If you can lay down a kick, clap and hi-hat, you’ve got the basis for a track, then all it takes is a couple of random melodic notes sprinkled here and there to keep it interesting throughout. That seems to be the mentality anyway.

Enter Birgersson. Ambient producers can’t rely on beats to give an otherwise poor track legs. Birgersson’s first full-length foray into the world of upbeat music proves this with startling aplomb. Each track is an exercise in storytelling, employing a coherent melodic theme from start to finish with a natural feel that few other producers are able to achieve. His basslines and percussion are surprisingly good too. This is progressive trance as it should be: euphoric, danceable and entrancing, but never over the top. The length of each track ensures a long build of tension that is often only released in a gorgeous flurry of melody in the final minute.

However, the best part of this album is Birgersson’s undeniable attention to detail. Some particular noises or sounds only appear once in each track, leaving you hanging for them the next time you listen. It’s nearly two years since this album was released and I’m still fascinated by the layers of melody which I’m yet to mentally unfold. Highly recommended.

Here we have something interesting, a trance album from Scandinavian chill master Magnus Birgersson. Most fans will be expecting something revolutionary, but I will begin by saying that EarthShine isn't. But shouldn't take anything away from this release as this is one of the most interesting trance albums to come by in a long time.

Magnus brings a lot of ideas into the tracks and all of them are over 8.5 minutes. The mood is generally progressive morning trance with a healthy dose of Solar Fields ambiance. The first three tracks in my opinion are a bit weak. They have great ideas but could be implemented much better and after repeated listens sound a bit flat. From Track 4 the music really picks up. Brainbow is a floating progressive track but at 11:20 minutes you really begin to think why so long?

Track 5 to 8 are in my opinion the gems on this album. The tracks are long take a deeper and darker turn with pounding basslines, dark grooves and subtle ambiances.

All said a very interesting album and definitely a breath of fresh air in the world of trance. Cheers to Ultimae for finally releasing a proper trance album! But don't expect anything EarthShattering!