Back catalogue: Trance

Review: This compilation celebrates the label's influential role in shaping uplifting trance, gathering four of its most iconic tracks. On Side-1, LSG's 'Hidden Sun of Venus' stands out as one of Oliver Lieb's seminal pieces, drawn from his highly regarded album and filled with atmospheric depth and emotional resonance. Following that, Moogwai's 'The Labyrinth (Part One)' takes center stageia 2001 classic that seamlessly blends progressive house and trance, maintaining a perfect balance that dominated dancefloors that year. Side-2 kicks off with Terra Firma's 'Lunar Sunrise (Real Oboe Film Mix)', a track known for its sublime orchestral elements mixed with a driving trance backbone, providing a moment of expansive beauty. For all we know though, this remix is a new version. The compilation concludes with Adam Dived's 'Headfirst', a highly underrated 2002 gem that builds tension with incredible precision, culminating in an epic release. There aren't many labels who can rival Platipus for the amount of classic material coming from their label.

Review: Released as a special picture vinyl, this collaboration offers two versions of the track that reimagine its infectious energy. Talla 2XLC, a celebrated figure in uplifting trance, teams up with Fragma (Ramon Zenker) for a stunning rework of the iconic trance anthem 'Toca's Miracle'. The A-side features the Extended Mix, a high-octane, 138 BPM version that drives with relentless basslines, booming kicks and tight percussion. The uplifting Ibiza-style piano synths combine with balearic percussion and bilingual vocals, creating an instantly euphoric vibe. As the breakdown introduces the signature Balearic guitar riff, the track builds to a peak of vocal trance intensity, leading into a powerful instrumental finish. On the flip side, the previously unreleased RRAW mix adds an exciting twist to the classic, presenting a fresh, dynamic take on the original. 'Toca's Miracle' continues to resonate as a timeless anthem, evoking memories of beachside raves and sun-drenched nights. With this new release, Talla 2XLC and Fragma successfully reignite the spirit of the track, breathing new life into a classic.

Review: 26 years on from the release of the very first Techno Club mix CD, the popular series has reached its 70th instalment. There's a celebratory feel about it, too, with series founder (and Teutonic trance behemoth) Talla 2LXC being joined by rising star Jes (who handles disc two) and the CDs coming packaged with stickers and a light-up wristband (ideal for creating that 'rave at home' vibe). Musically, it's tons of fun, with Talla 2LXC using his mix to surge between uplifting, hands-aloft cuts by John O'Callaghan, Cold Blue, John Askew and Ronski Speed & Sigma, as well as loads of his productions and collaborations. Jes takes a similar approach on her mix (CD2), flitting between her own tracks, remixes and collaborations and fine cuts by the likes of BT, Matt Fax, Sunbeam and Solarstone.

Review: ZYX Records' latest double mix CD brings together German legends Talla 2XLC and Westbam, two DJs whose influence on the techno and trance scenes over the past four decades is undeniable. This collection takes listeners on a journey through the vintage sounds that helped shape Germany's electronic music culture. Talla 2XLC and Westbam each curate one disc, infusing it with their unique style and expertise. The result is a blend of nostalgic, high-energy techno and trance tracks that evoke the iconic rave scenes of past eras while showcasing timeless beats and rhythms. This release is a celebration of Germany's rich electronic heritage with the rave culture.

Review: What do you do when you've completed dance music multiple times over? Most would retire to a life of glamour and indulgence on a yacht somewhere sunny, but not Tiesto. He's straight back to work, calling in the big guns to lend their sparkled to his latest blockbuster album, Drive. From new chart toppers like Tate McRae to Charli XCX and Ava Max, not forgetting some heritage co-signs from the likes of The Black Eyed Peas, this album finds Tiesto embracing housier territory. While his die-hard trance fans might grumble, everyone else will be having a whale of a time to these infectious, poppy bangers.

Review: Dutch electronic outfit Tinlicker hails from Utrecht and is made up of Micha Heyboer and Jordi van Achthoven. They have been serving up the heat for more than a decade on labels such as Anjunadeep, mau5trap and Armada, which gives you an idea of their accessible, medically rich sounds. Back during ADE 2023, they hopped on stage with the renowned Metropole Orchestra to play the opening concert. You can relive it in all its glory now with this limited edition release featuring plenty of progressive house highlights from the show, all of which bring together the acoustics and the digital in a seamless fashion.