Medium Records released the first and only vinyl single from DJ Exanimo (Oliver M. Voss) no more than a year after he made his commercial debut with Two Gongs on the Vibration 3 compilation. Drawing upon years of experience DJing, Exanimo’s first productions are far better than the early work of most new artists. It is, therefore, no surprise that this record sounds fully formed; the quality of these productions is self-evident.

Taxi Thong-Sala features a shuffled or staggered beat, slight hints of guitar, and some rather silly samples speaking the title. This is a lazy song for morning or afternoon—just the sort of thing to hear on the beach. Incidentally, it is named after the main town on the island of Koh Phangan, Thailand—a world-renowned party destination second in importance only to Goa. The progression is very subtle; very little seems to happen for a long time, and then, as realization dawns, a series of smoothly layered atmospheric pads seem to reach a kind of critical mass, enveloping the listener in sunny vibrations. Sweet, but not remarkable.

Although Dr. Groove is composed at the same tempo (140 BPM), the steady rhythm and more active approach makes it seem twice as energetic as the A-side. Slick tribal drums and warm atmospheric surges keep it interesting, leading up to the introduction of a beautiful melodic run in the last half of the song. An appropriate sample plays in the short mid-point break, with fragments appearing in key transitions elsewhere in the song: “now that you are ready for your second lesson, let us look back and see what were the most important things you have learned from your first lesson.” Dr. Groove is one of those special tracks with an almost perfect rhythm—the kind of track that just makes you want to get up and dance.

DJ Exanimo’s debut vinyl release is worth owning. It might not be mind-blowing, but it sure is enjoyable. If you enjoy the pumping sound of German progressive psytrance from the turn of the millennium, track this one down.

Charasmatix is formed by the union of Cybersnack and DJ Aze, both veterans of the German techno-trance scene. They first made an impression as the minimal craze swept the psytrance world in Y2K, releasing singles with Spiral Trax, Plastik Park, Flying Rhino, and Pinwheel. This particular vinyl single, released in 2002, is among their last.

Society FX is perhaps the most remarkable song in the group’s discography. Cruising at about 134 BPM, the underlying rhythm is wickedly complex, integrating tribal-influenced drumming and slick percussive flourishes. The deeply situated bass line resonates with a menacing sneer, each note plucked with a gloomy nonchalance. Reaching into the heart of the journey, an abstract alien lead erupts from the darkness. Although it is used sparingly, this wavering metallic sound is the keystone of the entire track. Excellent work!

Up And Down is bleak and remorseless, lumbering along with mean undertones. With a galloping techno beat, this song is firmly entrenched on the dirty industrial side of minimal psytrance. Kopfuss Resonator fans might get something out of it but this is too grim for my liking.

This vinyl single from Charasmatix is a real treat for anyone who enjoys German techtrance. While the B-side is a bit dull, the avant-garde approach heard on Society FX is extremely impressive. As such, it is one of my all-time favourites from this era—there is nothing else like it!