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Buyer Rating: 100.0% positive (45 ratings)

Nitrous Oxide (2) - 26-Apr-09 11:56 AM
Without doubt my favourite modern day trance producer (despite my deep love for all things Above & Beyond), this guy never seems to stop churning out future trance classics. From his first outing on the untouchable Anjunabeats label a star was born, and looking at his current discography (not including his superb 3rd Moon collaborations) one can certainly describe each track and remix as a perfectly executed musical moment.

The quality of his productions/remixes is extremely high and up there with the very best in the business. His style can be 'boxed' as uplifiting/euphoric, melodic and sometimes slightly techy at times, for example "Cornflake" and "Magenta".

But Krzysztof's wide range of attributes, be it his brilliantly crafted soaring synths, beautiful melodic buildups/breakdowns, or pumping, rasping, multi-layered basslines; the result is always the same - an epic timeless trancer!

Rest assured that his unquestionable talent for coming up with fresh new anthems is not about to stop or lose direction either, as his latest remix of Sunny Lax "Reborn" is getting a high level of attention from across the board, and his current dancefloor destroyer "Aurora" is already becoming a club favourite around the world.

One cannot emphasise how much this artist is recommended among fellow trance fans, and no one can deny that there isn’t an uplifting set without at least one N2O track featured somewhere.

The king of euphoric trance, 10/10.

Mark Eteson Feat. Zirenz - The Hymn - 17-Mar-09 04:56 PM
Yet again Anjunabeats provides its audience with an audio feast, courtesy of Godskitchen resident DJ Mark Eteson, classical vocalists/producers Zirenz, and the ever-prolific DJ/producer Activa, which is a rare but truly epic all British affair.

The original mix is a pure delight of trance heaven, tweaked and tuned over the last 18 months, it develops into a vast production that is simply incredible and almost impossible to explain, other than perhaps by pointing out some of the key derivatives within the sound.

The original starts with a fairly typical pumping 137bpm bassline and some teasing effects. But it is not until around the one-minute mark before you are introduced to a snippet of that uber orchestral vocal, rasping synth and low frequency bass note, which really starts to give you that euphoric rush.

The vocal runs throughout the build-up as a short looping sample, progressing with a soaring synth and that unforgettable crunching bassline. The breakdown is a classically inspired deep and dreamy soundscape that forms an all-time 'epic trance' moment, with a hugely religious and quite haunting aurora - but truly outrageous bespoke audio texture. This is then completely smashed into pieces by the re-introduction of the rasping synth and punchy bassline, the vocals are then used as chance to take a short breather before the final main room blend reaches its peak-time moment.

Activa provides the ideal mix here with a fabulously uplifting melodic piece of euphoric trance, which is ideal for achieving that feel-good vibe and crowd pleasing burst of adrenaline. A low frequency bassline, magical synth, and heavily looped vocals are married together in perfect harmony. Providing the listener with a mix, which is worthy of a separate release and ultimate respect, especially when one considers the difficulty in reworking such a unique track.

Nitrous Oxide (2) - Show Me / Magenta - 17-Feb-09 09:27 AM
Nitrous Oxide is without doubt my favourite trance producer (excluding Above & Beyond), and he gets some unjust criticism regarding his commitment to the always highly-congested world of uplifting trance.

Here the first track "Show Me" would most certainly fit well within this bracket, hence as this is his 9th/10th release on Anjunabeats it's a good job that this does not disappoint!

Apart from a select few Krzysztof Prętkiewicz is on top of the pile when inventing fresh catchy melodies, and this is backed up by his impecable skill to create a powerful and unique synth. Hence, this track features a very dreamy piano melody and electro-infused synth which rasps away in perfect tandem with the punching bassline. The ability to create a memorable ambient moment is clear too, as a few simple and delicate effects are layered on top of some wonderful string work before the customary synth is resuscitated back into life and ultimate euphoria is restored.

Magenta is already being haled as tune of 2009, and there's little wonder why. Those anti-N2O fans have been silenced, as a very different side of Krzysztof's character comes into life as already hinted at in his 2008 prog tech trancer "Cornflake".

The dark beast lies within from the offset, after 0:57 of a punchy intro a massive sound completely dominates your mind in the form of a rasping bassline/synth similar to that used by Adam Nickey "Shift" and throughout Bart Claessen & Dave Schiemann's remix of "Elektra". Then at 1:42 there is a brief encounter with the lead synth, which in turn provides the perfect opportunity to calm the storm.

This is achieved by the use of some very intelligent software looping & layering and the most evocative vocal sample I have ever encountered - gliding along with those magical strings and an electro-tinged synth reminiscent of a wounded animal (2:36); the melody and lead synth then follows, meeting with some very classy piano work (4:47) just to complete the package.

All in all a great release, which delivers a combination of pumping-uplifting-euphoic trance as well as a progressive rasping-melodic vocal tech trancer.

An Anjunabeast, 5/5!

Signalrunners - Meet Me In Montauk - 17-Feb-09 08:16 AM
Where do you start when describing such a masterful piece of music, and is it possible to say that this is the best instrumental track on the mighty Anjunabeats label.

Firstly one has to point out that if you are a fan of trance or not, as long as you like electronic music you will certainly appreciate both the Original and Oliver Smith mixes. This is a truly massive production on an almost biblical scale, not purely down to the length, but on the basis of the range and depth of sound offered by this prolific and slightly unorthodox pairing.

The Original Mix is inexplicable in that there are so many sounds and effects on show at the same time, thus resulting in an extremely complex piece of EDM. During the build-up there is a fairly normal sequence of flat pads and a steady bassline with a sort of Tech House feel, after 1:27 a very delicate and downtempo piano melody is brought in along with some stunning orchestral strings and a haunting vocal which sends goosebumps all over your body. This is blended into producing a soaring progressive climax to which the initial Tech House elements are re-introduced, however this time there is a soft-synth interpretation of the piano melody used in the breakdown in order to maintain at least a few trancy elements. Before returning to another bone-chillingly epic breakdown, the 'peak' sections of this track where the melody meets both the riff and bassline, gives the overall feeling of a modern slice of classical music possibly best described as progressive tech house with a sort of progressive trance 'template' - just about keeping this within the realms of an already diverse genre.

Regarding the remix, you essentially get a progressive trancer with all of the hallmarks by which Olie Smith is creating such a stir about within the industry. Club-friendly and full of the qualities and character displayed in the original, this remix is a sensational remake that makes no apologies for the uplifting feel expected on such a dedicated trance label. Gliding synths, a faster bpm, punchier pads, and the clever use of the piano melody as a looped riff then synced with his trademark samples, as well as extended vocal work ensures that the ambience and theatre is not lost, but is in fact used to produced a totally unique euphoric moment.

This is an apocalyptic, timeless and utterly sublime production by which I cannot truly explain - just set aside 20mins of your life and try and take it in at least once.

5/5 is an understatement!

Kandi* & Neumann* - Lovin' Feeling / Let Go (Original Mixes) - 17-Feb-09 06:03 AM
If you are familiar with this Danish master of melody then there probably isn't much point in reading this review, however this is not to say that either of these tracks in this short EP are not unique or different to his past solo productions.

Firstly you have the collaboration capabilities posed by two professional trance producers, which in essence usually makes for a very good release - no worries about any gooseberries here, as this is a top Anjuna release.

Regarding sound, "Lovin' Feeling" is a fairly short but purposeful slice of trance magic. A healthy 138bpm makes for an uplifting trancer, which is what both of these tracks are. Filled with light and slightly 'fluffy' background synth/string work, as well as driving-pulsing pads, means that when you reach the breakdown you're introduced to a sharp plucking synth riff - ultimately resulting in a very flexible trancer.

"Let Go" is the second offering of Kandi infused progressive trance and is also featured on Volume Six (Disc Two), therefore if Above & Beyond choose this one it must be good! Similar to the truly epic "Child", this is full of emotion and energy. Essentially you have a beautiful synth merged with delicate strings and a pumping bassline, thus producing a great track to hum along to in the street or go berserk to in the club. Top stuff 5/5.

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