| BEAM / TESTSPINZ 017 |
  REVIEWS Testspinz: Albums + Singles Send vinyl 12"/CD for review consideration to:
Another double disc mix compilation from a world-renowned DJ? This compilation could have easily been the next Global Underground compilation, but it's even better. What makes this mix standout is the freshness of the sound and the fact that you can sit down and listen to it as well as get up and dance to it. The first disc is a trippy, mid-tempo dark ride into the depths of your mind, soul or wherever exploration is needed. The Freelance Science "U Kamrumba" track and the Jerry Bonham "Erendira" track are standouts the first disc. The second disc is worth the price of the compilation alone. It's even darker and deeper than anything I've heard in awhile. Every track is great especially "Deep Love 9 (11.5 Mix)" by soopergroup Jondi, Spesh and Jerry Bonham. Both discs make for an incredible journey. The first disc will take you in and set the mood and then the second disc will make you twist and sweat. A superb compilation that will make all of you prog/trance heads happy for a long time. Mike Cho
If you could put all of the best of the best, uplifting, deep down, happy-feeling trance tracks on one mix CD, then you would have Transit. Mixed with flawlessness and a unique style, Dave "The Wave" Dresden delivers just that. From Sasha to Breeder to System F to Kaycee to Cygnus X, this is one non-stop, groovy, keep-your-feet-moving mix CD. Part of the mix series released by SHR Group, Transit delivers from beginning to end. If it's progressive and euphoric, Dave "The Wave" Dresden has included every "that's my favorite song" you've been looking for into one complete package. There are several in the series, but if trance is your thing, then you'll want to check out SHR Group and Sunrise Recordings. Catch "The Wave." Wunjo
Maas has been producer du jour for the past year-and-a-half and his compilation Music For The Maases proved why he is so sought after in the remixing department. So then with this mix compilation comes the question does a great producer necessarily mean a great DJ. Legend has it that Maas is equally if not more talented DJ than producer. Listening to the first disc, Maas mixes in different styles and changes the pace through songs with strong melodies. He includes Loafer's "Travelogue," which seems to be on everyone's compilation these days as well as the much played "Love In Traffic" by Satoshi Tomiie, another immensely popular producer. The second disc starts off with an exclusive mix by Maas of "Star 69" by Fatboy Slim. The song is trippier and darker than the original. Through the second disc, he again weaves the listener towards the housier side of progressive and while all the songs don't work, every song doesn't sound the same either. In the same vein as the Global Underground series, this mix is worth it. Now, as far as the question about DJ versus producer, I guess I'll just have to go check out Timo Maas in person. Mike Cho
There is so much music being produced today that it's almost mind numbing. However, once in a while you will find something that just seems to resonate with you. Mount Florida provides a category-breaking style of music that is summed up as magnificent! From the opening track to the last, a wide range of soothing sounds keeps your day feeling mellow and overly happy. Start you journey by going "In There," a soothing ambient piece that prepares the listener for the oncoming head-trip. "Ultimo" is a combination of drifting, gothic vocals, aural landscapes, guitar, funky percussive grooves and an odd array of sounds that intersect through out the track. Nostalgia of your youth and your friends' band jamming out in the garage will become a reality again as you listen to "Postal." By the time you reach the last track, you will have come full-circle through a collage of sounds. Marvelous. Wunjo
A Trip To Remember
As you begin, you will be soothed into the blissful, hypnotic and trance-like state of mind. No comparisons will be made, this is uniquely its own album. The past, present and future are all one and this is the album for now. This will be a part of my memories as I will eventually look back on life. Susumu Yokota has created a masterpiece of sound for all listeners, both far and wide. A wide array of sound sculpture, collage and creation, seamlessly blended to created an essence of life and lively hood. Farther and farther you shall fall and be entranced by rhythm and harmony until familiar tempos awaken you from your drifting slumber. Wave after wave of sound shall ebb and flow in many patterns, shapes and melodies. "Genshi" is playing right now in my CD player and it matches the feeling of a rainy San Francisco right now, for me, both soothing and thought provoking. This is an album of great depth and emotion--timeless. I could stare out the window for days and listen to this album. Wunjo
Plus Quam Records showcases several artists and brings you into a new sound of trance. Hard, thumping, progressive, deep-driving beats and a concoction of unique sounds are delivered to your ears. Plug&Tyme get you moving with "Techno Macht Funken" while Fletcher Mundson Sydrom delivers drippy acid layers and sounds from space with "Druckstau S.U.D." Chris Zippel continues to warp and warble frequencies together with uplifting atmospheres, dips, lifts, drops and builds with "Signal Blau". As time goes on, Jens Buchert delivers an audio "Virus" to your speakers while UZ prepares to take you to on a "Trip to Xelamon". If youčre looking for a distinctly new sound in trance, then look no further than Abstractions. Wunjo
The second in a series of three, Infinite Excursions brings together the brilliant minds and craftsmanship of today's space-out, mid-to-down-tempo engineers. Sit back as Excess Head introduces you to "Sneaky Malone" and Visible Sound show you the magic of "Shapeshifter." Keep on track as The Infinity Project take you to "Another Planet" and the Growling Mad Scientists introduce you to "The Dub that Never Was." Sound confusing? Well it's far from it. For all of the up-tempo gems, these creative geniuses help to balance out your soul with some of the best mind music. If it was up to Harmonix, you just may begin to feel that you are stuck in the "Quagmire." No problem. The beats keep you moving and grooving along as Nitin Sawhney brings you back to the "Streets." When the journey is over, you'll begin to wonder if you ever left or if it all occurred "Behind Closed Eyelids." Shpongle on. Wunjo
Next time you're feeling ill and needing a dose of the best, jumping, jazzy, funky drum 'n' blissful beats, then make sure you get yourself fixed up with the latest from Hospital Records. Each track keeps you filled to the brim with happiness as progression takes place from beginning to end without a hitch. London Elektricity, High Contrast, Total Science, Liane Carroll and others bring along the selected antidotes to your ailments. Full force and full of depth and range, you will definitely look towards the day with a brighter degree of optimism. However Hospital delivers so many great tracks, you just might find yourself becoming a hypochondriac just to hear more. Keep checking out and checking in. Wunjo
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Artist: Jerry Bonham
Artist: Dave The Wave Dresden 
Artist: Timo Maas 
Artist: Mount Florida
Artist: Dave Seaman
Artist: Susumu Yokota
Artist: Various Artists
Artist: Various Artists
Artist: Various Artists
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