New releases last two weeks: Trance

Review: Belarusian producer Four Walls is back - this time around he finds himself on the new Ultraworld Records imprint from DJ Craft. This one kicks off with the lush prog house and silky synth arps of 'Mind Charger' which soon takes you to the stars. 'Metamorphosis' is a more raw-edged and acid-laced techno stomper for peak time action and 'Summer Nights' is a bubbling, elastic tapestry of new age overtones, thudding kicks, and trance-tinged pads. A remix by Toronto-based Pletnev adds another dimension to this club-ready EP.

Review: The French label Metallic States' first EP sees fellow countryman Joking Sphinx aka Christophe Marcourt take the helm. A veteran of the Goa and psy scenes of the 90s, he infuses those original sounds with different a new level of understanding for this timeless sound. Take 'Rainbow Nation' for example that chugs along at a more reasonable 124 beats per minute, showing a new maturity, while side two, 'Chasing Invisible Man', sticks to a more classic trance meets progressive house sound and finds a great balance. A label to watch, for sure.

Review: Germany's ZYX records picks of the reissue of Mauro Picotto hit Iguana. Perhaps the most famous Mauro composed track in his discography, many of the most important original remixes are gathered on this one 12"! Included, is the hard trance version with the Megavoices mix, the pulsating peak time version RAF and the anthemic Blank & Jones remix. The Megamind and Mas remixes should not be overlooked! Each version on here give you all the feels of this mega trance hit.

Review: Blu:sh incarnates the new Punctuality label with a fresh EP that packs a proper techno punch. First out of the block is 'Am Pm' which mixes up nice spangled synths and linear drums into something deep and driving. 'Whirlwind Mindsets' pairs more supple and dubbed low ends with some nice spoken words that bring a cinematic feel while 'Magnetized Your Soul' gets bouncy and retro in its psychedelic tribalism. 'Pixelated Pleasure Dome' is another warped and warm techno experiment and 'High In Cloud City' is a frictionless deep techno roller. This one came with a mantra 'Spray retires the eponymously, to instead seek Punctuality' from the label itself but we're still trying to work out what it means.

Review: By the time they released Raumgleiter in 1998, Der Dritte Raum were already legends of the German techno-trance scene. This all-time classic album from the breakthrough years of the sound also saw the project move to a major label - Virgin - but now it's being brought back home to Harthouse, the iconic Frankfurt imprint which first nurtured the sound. The scope of the album is wide and playful, teasing ear catching synth lines which keep the mood fun and freaky, not least on the likes of 'Bedruck', while there's an epic tone to standout trance monster 'Hale Bopp' thanks to the cascading arps and relentless forwards thrust. Of its time but wholly relevant in the current zeitgeist, this is the kind of 90s techno reissue that makes perfect sense.

Review: 'Diamond Bullet' is a chill out masterpiece that epitomises Effective Force's pioneering style. With its laid back groove and hypnotic rhythms, the track immerses listeners into a sonic journey through the German trance scene of the early 1990s. The driving force behind the music is undeniable, as Johnny Klimek and Paul Browse skillfully blend elements of trance, techno, and ambient music to create an electrifying experience. The track's four original remixes offer unique interpretations, each adding layers of depth and complexity to the already captivating composition. From the infectious energy of the beats to the ethereal melodies that weave throughout, 'Diamond Bullet' is a great example of the psychedelic underground trance scene of the era.

Review: Offering five tracks of captivating Italian techno and trance, JP Energy's Strano EP, resurfaces with a timeless allure, Originating from 1993 Italy, Side-1 opens with 'Down To The Moon,' exuding early 90s trance and techno vibes, hinting at the emergence of intelligent techno that later evolved into IDM. With celestial undertones, it sets a hypnotic tone. Following is 'Dolphin Dance,' blending techno with shades of darker 80s Italo house, crafting a compelling sonic journey. Flipping to Side 2, 'Alvorada' unfolds as a smooth, ambient techno gem, showcasing melodic intricacies that enchant the listener. The EP concludes with the E-Talking remix of 'Alvorada,' displaying a fresh and updated interpretation of the original. This remix maintains the track's smoothness while injecting
a contemporary flair. Overall, Strano EP is a great example at a timeless sound that is being enjoyed today.