Posse

Posse is the fourth compilation from Israel’s Domo Records, featuring nine tracks, primarily from central Europe, selected by DJ Nadi. The focus is on pleasant mid-range progressive psychedelic trance with a dash of funk here and there. The clean design of the cover accurately suggests the focus of this release.

Insane Creation leads off with Can Feel, a fat and chunky progressive groover with a minimal aesthetic. It shakes and quivers without resorting to strong melodic themes; this one is all about minor details and subtle twists.

Daneil Mueller (of Sonic Cube, Sonnenvakuum) and Anders Nilsson (of Chromosome, Soul Surfer, and Andromeda) are behind Sonic Soul’ Pornodelica, a deep piece of morning trance that features a perverse sample: “do you want me to play dead? Do you want me to die honey?” I enjoy the style, but this particular track is merely average for those involved.

Ace Ventura teams up with fellow Israeli artist Intelabeam on Nasty Peach. Far from what the title might suggest, this is a calm and light-hearted tune, full of pleasant grooves and peaceful atmospheric sounds. The melodic progression is slow and simple, making for a very smooth ride. Easygoing morning filler.

Sensifeel may have two albums out right now, but I have never been impressed with any specific song from this artist. Available is more of the same, sounding like a cross between FREq and Gaudium without a convincing hook. Pass.

V-Tunes had a number of noteworthy compilation appearances in 2005, including tracks released on Back To The Future and Wireless. 3rd Trial is a slick piece of work, with a subtle atmospheric glaze, backed by a polished and pulsating groove. Classy!

Liquid Soul released a few great tracks and plenty of compilation filler in 2005. Be Free is more of the latter, with nothing to really make it stand out. The chugging synthetic beat sounds decent, but without a strong lead of some kind, this is not a memorable production.

Someone To Watch Over Me is one of the most original creations I have heard from the Danish artist Mikkel Rasmussen, better known as Nasa. Tight tribal rhythms take on a funky organic twist once the bass line really begins to dig, and the track becomes tremendously upbeat. Smooth pads provide a nice counterpoint to the energetic melodies that flow from the depths. This is a groovy crowd-pleasing progressive psytrance gem!

Ticon’s remix of 7th Son previously appeared on a CD single from the Domo off-shoot Very Progressive. The original is by Israeli artist Sub6, featuring full vocals from Michele Adamson. Ticon’s beats are great, as always, but the lyrics are trite and meaningless. I can’t admit to liking Adamson’s voice either, so the track is spoiled and useless. There are those who like it despite the singing, so perhaps it will hold an appeal with some listeners.

The final song is an awkward creation from Tomtron and Leisegang entitled Song For You. The drum programming is very weak; this song has no impact. Simple electro-influenced riffs and male vocals almost make it seem like mainstream dance music. No thanks.

Posse is a compilation that suffers from an overabundance of mediocre tracks, with a dash of cheese. Too many of these tracks possess ambiguous qualities, coasting along in the fuzzy borderlands of good and bad. With the stiff competition present in the progressive psytrance market over the last two years, this one doesn’t stand much of a chance. Nasa provides an excellent song, and I tend to enjoy anything by V-Tunes, but I will not get much use out of the others. Progressive fans may wish to pick it up to pad their collection, but this is not likely to be a highly desirable release to track down. Posse is a bland compilation that neither offends nor excites.

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