U- TURN I & II - (an exploration in trance/techno)

I am simply mad about crossover bands. Fantastic idea by Artoffact to construct two discs of blended progressive sound kept my adrenaline level well above normal for days, making me complain to my friends how slow and unmotivated they are… :))

‘ An Exploration in Trance’ is conducted by Massiv In Mensch and Negative Format. I wouldn’t call it an exploration though… Massiv in Mensch is blazing and Negative Format is cruising through Trance. Nine tracks, all above 130 bpm, will even without strobelights and laser beams put you into ‘club mode’. From “Als die Goetter Fleisch wurden” (there’s a trancey title for you!) music is in fifth gear without slowing down, so pick your style: move your feet to “Grind”, jump on “ Hass Kot” or scream to “Kruegers Krieger”. “The Earl (DJ Hellraver rmx)” is reserved for pure dancing.
Negative Format has a slightly different approach to music: it’s more flowing, less bassline bound tracks will move your hands as well. Excellent loops manipulation on “Probe” is matched by sound selection on “Surface”. My favourite, “Valve”, although simple and with least bpm will keep you moving even through atmospheric interludes.
People who drive sports cars will choose NF, and tank drivers will go with MIM. They’re both right.Verdict is simple: ===addiction===

“An Exploration In Techno” - features tracks by Headscan and Implant.
No better opening track than “Ascend”: straight-into-your-head mosaic lyrics through fantastic vocoder, electro bass line and samples immersed in technoid airflow. F**K! I am honestly trying to be objective, but I can’t do it…. ‘Components – datmachine rmx’ is wrongly placed in the middle, and ‘Slipstream’ and ‘Avatar’ are simply phenomenal. That is all I will say. The rest is on you.
Implant is a bit too textbook trance/techno oriented. It is a good music, but nothing more. Maybe they lacked an inspiration or something for this release… ‘Distant Future’ is like a psy-trance track from five years ago (reminiscent of DOOF for instance) and is easily surpassed by more fresh, upbeat ‘Whispers – delobbo chromatic mix’ – vocals need adjusting, but very good idea and interesting lyrics. And we move through ‘Wetwired’ and ‘Gateway – ovaka mix’ and finish with ‘So Right – sanka mix’, finally superb quality song, unique in design, proving that band has potential. C’mon people! ===addiction===

If you don’t rely on djs to dictate your fitness program, here’s a compilation for you. Congratulations to Artoffact, praise to the bands!

And remember: don’t drink and U-turn!