Goasia - From Other Spaces

soundmute1, Aug 23, 2008

Goasia has been around for quite some time now. If my memory stands correct, Balint Tihamer was the founding member, and some of his tracks like "Calypso" and "Devils Attack" date way back to the days of Y2K. As far as Im concerned, the noteworthy breakthrough came with 2004 compilation and two amazing tracks: "Ghetto" and "Paranoid". A year later, and the project got a new addition, Vladislav Radulovic. Both of them being acquaint with the old school sound, it wasnt long (2006) before their split album with Omegahrtz, Purple Energy 2, hit the shelves, on the greek based Unicorn Music label. As one thing eventually leads to the other, it was about time they released a proper, full lenghth album. Since nice stuff occurs to those who tend to wait, here it is: From Other Spaces, released on the three feet high and rising label Suntrip Records has arrived, and lets see what it has to offer… The cover art, much talked about and debated is not bad per se, I just find it inferior to the original one, but what can be done now anyways. Looks like, more or less, the typical symmetrical, Matsuri-like inspired cover. Which is not a sin, far from it; you want to pursue the old school, then you gotta do it right, no? That is, until I pick up the CD from the tray, and run into a fish smacked in the middle of the sleeve behind the CD tray. Anybody, care to explain or elaborate the symbolic or metaphoric significance of a fish taking place on a cover of a goa trance album? Whatever, as if the fish can ruin an impatient mans listening experience! But now to our muttons, as its about time we ventured into the music, as there are high expectations to be met:

1 Intro- the introductory sequence, so to present it, closes in at a little under three minutes, and it is not really a track on its own. Accompanied with a …spiritualism… meditation… sample, it is more of a break beatish and atmospheric entrée into…

2 Love & Peace- Where the album really takes off! From the first kick forth you know this belongs in the old school realm. You know, the place where flamedancers, wicked party people, smiles and melody driven tunes dwell all day ey day! This is some uplifting music for sure, just what it takes to put a rainbow over your head during these moist and obscure autumn afternoons. Not that I want to point fingers and search for the prominent ingredient here, but the kick just has to triumphantly swipe away the rest here!

3 Space Travellers- how old school can an old school tracks name get? Well, "Space Travellers" is on some Prana-esque shiznit, but this voyage in time and space is conducting to some fresh, unexplored dance floors. On the path of the previous number, this is 100% forged to the maximum satisfaction of the dance crwod. Top of the line music for a top of the morning to ya, and if that light hearted melody from 06:00 doesnt do you justice, I dont know what will.

4 From Other Spaces- Bass in your face, in the words of one Chuck D, and no, I would not settle for anything else. If bassdrums is what youre looking for, then put the compass down, and get your headphones or your dance sneaker on, volume to the max, and get busy! Hands and feet together high in the air, this has got to be the best this album has offered thus far- fast, pumping and peppered with a sprightly melody, this is the Goasia I love! Dont know if Im right or wrong, but it brings back memories of „Spiritual Connection", another one of their favorites. Whether or not the break was obligatory, you decide, but on a personal level, I could have made it through without the 30 second interruption of the tracks flow. The samples triviality is arguable, as the amount of resembling ones weve been exposed to throughout the years in beyond countability, but everything they supply us with after the 06:15 mark on my CD player comes across as a skillfully cut n polished 24 carat diamond. Grrrrreat track.

5 Octagon- "Octagon" brings some erratic melodies, I get the impression of Goasia really playing around and drawing the maximum out of their synths. The kick is toned down in favor of numerous sounds and FX patterns steadily taking turns during the nine minutes the track spans through. Dont misunderstand as there is no random factor in arranging these melodic passages; they compliment each other to quite some effect, while being fluently and reciprocally replaced. The entire track transmits the image of an artists palette with a wide array of effects and great tones taking turns in rotation, once again suitable for the most demanding dance floor. Halfway through the album, and Ive heard nothing less but ace music!

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