Track Name

Label

Comments

Rating (1-5)

MP3 Sample

Will B & Steve Allen - Alchera (Firestorm & Steve Allen Remix)

Monster Force

Trance with lots of interest and depth.  Swirling strings and riffs, driving basslines and an uplifting feel.  Super track.

Optic - Claim

Bonzai / Fourty 5

A cheeky Synth modulates at the start and the beat pounds out.  A suggestion of melody is lightly introduced before an early breakdown, then comes the theme introduced.  The string riffs and arpeggios shower over and develop into the central tune.  It drops back again a minute later ready for the finale.

Optik - Apodyopsis

Bonzai / Fourty 5

A slowish start with simple drums and bassline, but with an interesting background tune. Then it drops in the rising and falling melody. It has several interesting pan/fading effects, but also a bit jagged in places. However, good overall.

Adore & Devote - Forever

Inspired Records

A nice start with string pads and a fading arpeggio. It has a nice feel to it with and simple two-note structure. Then into a great, pounding drum beat with plenty of layers of pads, synths and bass, a satisfying combination with good build ups.

Lolo - Take My Hand

Bonzai Trance Progression

A brilliant start with some amazing panning and fading effects applied, with voice effects, a snare roll, then into some pounding beats, effectively modulated, then into a vary on the beat, simple but cool tune with great echo effects, followed by cool synth and sound effects and decent vocals. A cracker of a sunshine tune. I can't explain the rest of it, because by now I'm about to close my eyes and take my hand off the keyboard to listen to it uninterrupted.

Black Pearl - Bounty Island (DJ Shah's San Antonia Harbour Mix)

A State Of Trance

Yep, nicely Mediterranean in feel.  Laid back and bright mixed together with some lush sounds.  Definitely walking along the beach scenario.  It does heavily rely on the arpeggio phrases to contain this tune, but does this well with distant sounding overlaying melody.

Rene Ablaze - Autumn Again

Redux Recordings

Further offering from Rene Ablaze, was previously on TB42.  This is a reworking on 'Autumn'.  Build ups galore to start, but it does get going around 3 minutes in where the arpeggios fill the speakers backed by the trademark deep bass and beats.  Then the strings are added to complete the feel before the breakdown.  The crescendo is added at the end with higher tones as the main theme returns.  Pretty Cool. 

Octagen vs Midor - Metropolitan

Monster Tunes

Effectively restrained bass provides strange background tonal quality to this one.  Some 80's synth feel mixed with driving beats combines nicely.  Modulations and simple chordal melody structure completed the picture.  A different heavy sound to it.

Neal Scarborough - Stung On The River (Original Mix)

Discover 29

Squelchy Riffs start this one, then finds it's way 2.5 minutes in with some nice sound touches.  Solid trace track.

Majai - Lightwave

Monster Pure

A beautiful tune.  Bringing layers forward and back, not in and out as you'd normally expect.  It changes feel in the middle slightly, not unpleasantly, and rolls back in nicely with a fantastic tuneful arpeggio blend, introducing and losing the beat effectively. A classic instrumental.

Slusnik Luna vs Lowland - Bass

AVA Recordings

Quite an unusual beat and 'triple time' feel to this (don't ask what I mean by this, it's not easy to describe).  What I can describe is the melody, which is nicely thought over and crafted with a lovely bright stabby belly synth.  A deep and tough sounding squelchy bass returns underneath the final recall of the melody,  ultimately it's pleasurable to hear on my sennheiser cans!

Track Name

Label

Comments

Rating (1-5)

MP3 Sample

Midway - Cobra (Outback Remix)

In Trance We Trust

A plethora of superb synths, using panning and effects creating deep layers.  They are complimentary sounds, some raw, but all combine really well.

C Quence - Final Thoughts

A State Of Trance

Absolutely Magnificent uplifting TUNE!  This has to be one of my favourite and most played however unfortunately SHORTEST tunes to date.  Dreamy, Beautiful Synthesised Bliss whilst it lasts.  It's a damn shame it drops into oblivion at the end.  Prevented the 5 stars.

Impact - Gods Window (MP3)

MP3 Download

Simple repeated format, but nicely delivered from start to end.  The mainstay is the rolling panned strings and retro synth harmony.  Unusual drum elements, perhaps asian in origin, provides its additional distinction.

Bissen - Sand (Original Mix) (MP3)

MP3 Download

Bounding drum beats and basslines move this track along a journey pleasantly.  It drops in and out nicely to create interest, with nice use of reverse glassy synth sounds and a steady layers of melody that provides some fine quality.  Great addition to the collection.

Impact - Ceundo De Nando (MP3I

MP3 Download

As I listened to the initial sequenced sample in the first few notes, it seems this may not be perfectly or crisply produced, perhaps a home production?  However, glossing over the fact these sounds are not all necessarily top drawer, the tune delivers a really nice melody within slowly developed and released layers.  It's indeed very pleasant stuff.  There are of course some nice individual sounds right to the end note.

Frank Hendrix - Reality (Unreal Remix) (MP3)

MP3 Download

Bright and full of interest.  Keeps on a high most of the time, and overall a great track to listen to. 

DJ Rem feat Shakeh - I'm Alive (MP3)

MP3 Download

A real pounder bassline.  A superb trancer.  What a theme this has too!.  Excellent harmony, strings and sounds use to deliver the main theme.  Excellent vocals to boot, so easily can they ruin a track, this offers it at just the right level and quantity.

Camena - Sarabande (Max Power Phat Strings Remix) (MP3)

MP3 Download

Definitely a heavier trance sound than normal for me this one.  However it's squelchy bassline and it's seemingly story-like delivery is excellent.  It starts thumping german trance, then goes briefly classical, then smoothly introduces the apreggaic epic thumping main centrepiece, awesome, it then throws it all in one pot! lol, well hit me with a hammer - it worked!!

Magellan Project - Dive Theme (MP3)

MP3 Download

Trance sequencing button pressing lesson initiated.  All of the sequential gubbins are thrown in here creating a thumpin' pumpin' trancer for your mix.  It won't disappoint.  Start the gadget going in the corner, build-up with these sounds, Big bit in the middle, wind down, and thump it steadily to a close.  Ahh.  Lesson Ended.

Emotional Horizons - Release Emotion (MP3)

MP3 Download

Exactly what it says really, some nice change of key to bring about those images of reflection and thought.  Not a bit trancer, but a tune that meets that other level of emotions, headphones on perhaps.

ReLocate feat Thomas Bronzwaer - Jetstream

Galactive / Fundamental Recordings

Love the melody on this one.  Super synth sound to use.  Strings flow through and bring happiness and brightness, all driven with driving bassline.  Heck of a tune for the collection.  It does lose itself a tad after the main theme for a minute, lacking some inspiration at the bridge, however, back it comes good as when it started. Woohoo.

Miguel Sassot - Empty (Original Mix)

DeepBlue Records

Some nice individual sounds on this.  Very reflective and a Mediterranean late night feeling.  Beautiful in some ways i think, a wind down.  I don't know what it is really, I just like it ya know!

Senses feat RTM - Contrast

A State Of Trance

Has classical influences this one, I'd say it is somewhat a sad and reflective tune, but contrasts this feeling with the bright and happy sounds and driving drumbeats.  I think I understand what was trying to be achieved I hope.  Super tune.

Senses feat RTM - Alegra

A State Of Trance

As above, this one is Classical Based with it's chordal structure, well balanced with trance riffs and beats and buildup.  I like this kind of track.  Some may call it slightly cheesy, but I think this falls outside this.  Much of this is the same, but it builds up so you notice much less.

Shane 54 & Abel Ramos - Kippenvelmeter (Scirocco introduces Van Eyden Remix)

Getz Music

An emotional theme to this track.  Light pads and squelchy synths fill the background.

Nitrous Oxide - North Pole

Anjunabeats

This has a super build up, it really wants you to turn this up loud.  The driving drums and strings add to the atmosphere.  A simple structure that keeps you listening throughout.    

Santoz - Lost Segment

Tsushima

Rich strings surrounds a driving bassline.  Very musical and is the B Side of the big hit "In My Memory".     

Fat Kid - Voca Me (Fear Force Remix)

WOT! Records

 The enchanting vocal choral buildup and in the main part of this track is an absolute delight!  Synths, strings and a 'heaven's gate' feel to the sound is awesome.  Totally opposite the A Side Sassot mix which is just not my scene, but some think it's the real deal, well, naah it's poo. 

Kris O'Neil & Mac - Tears Of Blue (Original Mix)

Novascape

Takes about 3 minutes to find out what this track is to develop into.  Once that moment arrives, a slow string build up drops into a strange and wobbly synth, and synth arpeggios.  It's an uplifting melody.  Weird, but effective.  Remix also by Van Gelder & Cressida.

Dark Albedo - Endorphin

Trance4M8

Straight of the MP3 sources off the net, this is an absolute corker, and worthy of a place here.  Amazing melody and sounds. 

Brian Kearney & John O'Callaghan - Exactly (Original Mix)

Discover22

This kicks in after the break into a stunning strong melody.  Full of pace, synths and warm strings.  This will no doubt be a regular choice for the summer clubs.  Superb offering.

Cape Town - Proglifter

Bonzai Music

Pads and strings progressively keep this piece of music moving along.  It's a 10 minute epic episode that keeps your interest throughout.  After 5 minutes the main theme arises with superlative arpreggios.  An absolute must have.  

Arksun - Arisen

Armind

Deep and searching basslines start this track, slipping into soft strings and sparkly introduction to the theme.   There is a lot of depth in this track including a stunning overlaying theme.  The wind down is great with gentle final shows of various elements of the track.

Adam Sheridan - Solus

Tsunami

Whilst it seems that this track uses some early sounding pads and synths sounds, it takes nothing away from a solid end product on the Tsunami label.  Sheridan has clearly talent on leaning on some elements of harder styles of trance and bringing these to make a uplifting offering.  Great tune.

Leo G - Supersonic

Deep Blue

This train takes some time to leave the station!  You really want it to move but it just sites there threatening.  Eventually though, it gets some movement, but never really excites the passengers.  Some nice decor inside, just didn't use it to great effect for my taste.

Arizona vs Suzy Solar - Samuarai (Original Mix)

Dedicated / United Recordings

Surprisingly fresh this one.  I love the bright arpeggios in this track.  Some nice light touches of choral vocal, and syncapated synths with crackin' bassy offbeat drums in places, it's a fine inspired sound for the collection!  Drops into nothing at the end though, just drum and bassline, shame but doesn't spoil it. 

Track Name

Label

Comments

Rating (1-5)

MP3 Sample

Carl B - Explorations

Somatic Sense

A stunning tune.  The build up is captivating, and the main theme is worked in with suspense and driving sounds.  Manages to produce a rich blend of synth and string that creates a good deal of warmth to the overall sound.  Puts you right in the mood for more.

Selu Vibra - Stargazing (Original Mix)

Somatic Sense

This is the alternative mix to this track which appeared on TB74.   This has a deep bassline, classical trance stringlines and a twangy synth sets this apart from its original mix. Pretty reasonable track.

Danjo & Styles - Blue Woods

Captivating Sounds

It's one of two great mixes on the Forest EP.  Blue Woods is a softer pulsating trance track, with pleasant theme tune blended in with light introductions of the main theme.  It really depends on your taste and personal preference, but the Red Woods Mix is more concentrated in one hit on the powerful theme element after a long build up, with less breaks and offloaded in one go.

Kamil Polner - Heart Of Sun

A State Of Trance

Constantly makes us think theres the best bit coming and it never arrives.  Although this may be harsh, this track just doesn't quite let us have something to fire the imagination or make the head bounce, its more of a filler track whilst you find the anthem out the collection.  Sounds are decent enough though.

Brisky/Genix presents Outbound - Now & Forever (Fred Baker Remix)

Monster Tunes

Melodic trancer with superb sounds.  Vocals are slight and effective when they're used.  Nicely worked by Fred Baker. 

Icone presents Blue Manta - I Feel Lost (Original Mix)

Alter Ego

This one definately takes you on a journey, and can get quiet at times, so not for the dancefloor.  Once it reaches the main theme though its delivers a solid trance offering.

Leon Boiler - My Precious (Side B1 Mix)

Captured Music White Label

Awesome, Leon produces quality again.  Some slightly harder sounds in here but craftily balanced with strings and other lighter synths to mix nicely.  Stabbing synths are the mainstay and are syncapated with others making this a delightful track to listen to.

Kenneth Tjonasam presents Spekuless - Curacao (Kenneth Thomas Remix) - CD

Alter Ego Progressive

This track is superbly anthemic.  Lightness of touch on the theme synth with the deepest driving basslines. What Jean-Michelle Jarre could learn is all here!  Full of the stuff I look out for in trance.  Brilliant. 

Jochen Miller presents Chromatic - Emporium Anthem 2006 (Alex MORPH Remix)

High Contrast Holland

Had much deliberation about this one at first, but it has grown on me.  Starts with a high powered synth then gently drops into warm strings and a theme of sorts, keeping this level through to the end.  Not for everyone I suppose, as you could say it never found it's potential Zenith.

A Boy Called Joni - Green Astronauts (Niklas Harding Remix)

Black Hole

Both interesting and tuneful, this remix uses innovative sounds to keep your interest.  Highly tuneful too.  Waves of synths flood this brilliant track.  Nicely crafted and melodic throughout.

Kyau vs Albert - Falling Anywhere (Rework)

Anjunabeats

Falling Anywhere is a B Side track.  Wrongly so I think.  The A side was pants in my opinion, but this had more to offer the ears.  Lush development of synth sounds and drum elements introduce a rolling trancer up there in quality with the best of them.  Only downside is the break in the middle, it had no particular reason to be so dull, it's only 40 seconds then the main theme returns anyway.

Duderstadt - Muhanjala (Original Mix)

Afterglow Germany

OK.  Strange title and a strange track too.  Not a dance track in the slightest.  Has a pleasant sounding tune in the middle.  Slower pace and definite wind down track.

Track Name

Label

Comments

Rating (1-5)

MP3 Sample

8 Wonders aka Arney Secerkadic - 8th Wonder (Alt F4 Mix)

Solaris

Blending the rough with the smooth is evident in this track.  The basslines and atmospheric synths are deep and earthy.  They blend with the main theme really well.  Then, as the strings and melodic riffs join, this track gets a different feel.  Uplifting melody albeit fairly simple perhaps.  A joy to listen to.

Selu Vibra - Stargazing (8 Wonders Star Traveller Mix)

Somatic Sense

Unbelievably deep bass in this track! It creaks under the low pressure.  Great melody, and driving beats.  Choral sounds also develop it's haunting feel.   

DJ Spoke - Fall To Pieces (Dub Mix)

Sirup

Takes a while to pass the progressive start to this track, pleasant enough, but only when the syncopated bassline and synth melody starts does this track start to get some guts.  A simple theme with a fair few breaks, but does keep your interest going. 

Brisky & Coleman - Heaven's Tears

Monster Force

.

Fred Baker presents Iguana - Beautiful Sunshine (Stoneface & Terminal Remix)

Monster

.

The Audion Project - All Fools Day (Exelios Remix)

Progressive State

.

Leon Boiler presents Surpresa - Back In The Days

A State Of Trance

.

3rd Moon - Diving In The Sky

Profuse

.

Vicky Devine presents Saphara - Extravense (Andy Bagguley Remix)

Illuminate

.

LNQ - Tired (Original Mix)

Remark

.

Skyform - Infinite (Skyquest Remix)

ETCR

.

Airwave - Sunspot 2006

Bonzai Trance

.

Salt Lake - Rendez Vous

Dedicated

.

Arizona vs Passiva - Halo (Danjo & Styles Remix)

Dedicated

.

Track Name

Label

Comments

Rating (1-5)

MP3 Sample

Steve Morley - One Moment In Time

Essential

Bouncy trancer using a simple 8 bar structure.  The break has no destination but the main parts is full of sound and the piano is used to good effect with the synths and strings.  Light melody introduce occasionally.  Not bad steve.

2-Trance - In My Dreams (Original Mix)

Novascape

Apreggios and the upfront melodic synths are the core elements of this track.  Driven by the pumping drums and soft pads.  A class example of instrumental trance, but had a weak ending.

ATB - Summer Rain (136 BPM Mix)

Kontor

As ATB is more mainstream & commercialised, you would not normally find it my style to include here, although on this occasion I felt this particular mix has merit due to the instrumental element.

Solarium - Entrium

Conspiracy

A solid tuneful trance instrumental, stunning synth sounds and production.   

DJ Mad & TFT - Daydreaming

Transform

.

Airbase - Escape

Intuition

.

Savon - Winter Tale

Active Sense

.

Ron Van Den Beuken - Sunset (Ron Van Den Beuken Remix)

Go For It

.

Ayumi "Oyumi" - X-Plorations

W.O.T!

.

Zirenz - Utopia

Mondo

.

Airwave - Save Me (Whiteroom Remix)

Bonzai Trance

.

Ceoma feat. The Larx - Love Is More (Extended Mix)

Aplha+

A mix of haunting Irish vocals and Dance vocals over a subtle mix of euro & stomping trance melodics.  Many varied elements combing into a rather well welded tune.  A grower! 

Track Name

Label

Comments

Rating (1-5)

MP3 Sample

Matthew Dekay presents Trousy Album Sampler : Proluctors - Sunset

Armada