Element - Alteration

Alteration is the third studio album from the German progressive psytrance project Element. Released on SBK’s Avalanche Records imprint, it doesn’t seem to have made a huge impression on the international psytrance audience, judging by how little attention it has received in the review forums. I suspect this may have been confused for another “German festival sound” clone, akin to the ubiquitous works of Symphonix, Vaishiyas, and similar artists that flooded the market in 2005. Element is not like all the rest, however. Their sound is a tasteful blend of light and funky trance with a clean aesthetic, some guitar, and a few vocals here and there. Far from sounding synthetic like most modern psytrance, Alteration has a very human touch. The cover and packaging isn’t noteworthy, so let me take you on a tour of the ten tracks that make up this album…

Pad Song, previously released as a teaser on Avalanche Volume 3, opens the compilation. This is a very basic composition, with two simple melodies backed by solid progressive beats. There really isn’t much to it aside from the big pads alluded to in the title, but it has a certain charm. Sleek summer festival material.

The groove lines begin to wiggle ever so slightly on White, the second track. This one is light and airy, backed by a number of fat synth stabs as the track develops. The break introduces a mystic melodic theme that persists for the rest, nicely layering up with all the other elements. White is another clean song with a friendly daytime sound.

Real World is a serious surprise for me. The inclusion of male vocals should be grounds for an automatic disqualification, but strangely enough, I think Element has done a tasteful job working them in alongside the sly guitar chords, proggy beats, and wobbly melodies. The breakdown is epic, filled with entrancing pads and smooth pulsing sounds. I don’t expect this to appeal to very many listeners, as it seems quite mainstream with those lyrics., but I will admit to enjoying this for some reason.

Drop D pumps away with a throbbing bottom end bass beat. Dreamy guitar riffs lend this one a catchy summertime vibe; Dirk Draeger has really outdone himself. The fusion of guitar and trance in this instance is commendable. A favourite!

Caveman is a neutral tune composed with plenty of hollow spaces. Tribal drums echo into the distance, small melodies ride big waves of reverb, and chunky drums keep a steady groove. It all seems to slide by without making a huge impression, although there is a little hook that reminds me of church bells in there somewhere. Not bad, not great.

The title track Alteration is a groovy summertime treat with plenty of funky guitar action. Spacious pads fill up the air once again, the light touch of tribal percussion maintains the beat, and a sprawling breakdown sublimely satisfies. This is warm, upfront, and easy to like.

Flowers continues in this style, but the bass line dips deep to forge an extra funky groove. The house music influence is coming out a little stronger in this one, but the floating atmospheric sounds keep it firmly entrenched in the trance side of things. I’m not sure about the samples speaking the title of the track, but they aren’t very intrusive. Mediocre stuff, but nice to hear on a summer afternoon.

Full Flavour takes a more aggressive approach, punching along with strong kicks, bold melodic sequences, and a thickly resonating bass line. The rhythm is fairly steady and hypnotic, leaving most of the action to the upper levels. One of those rocket-ship noises gradually rises in the last few moments, mirroring a technique commonly heard in the full-on style, which the title is no doubt a tongue-in-cheek reference to. At least the group has an original twist on the concept!

Go This Way grooves along with fat tribal house rhythms, more fitting guitar work, and one hell of a funky bass line. Deep breakdowns build energy, while sparkling melodies smoothly drift on by. The warm bottom end and lush atmospheric sounds make this a sure favourite.

The final track, From the Rain, was previously released in 2004 on Avalanche Volume 2. There isn’t much to distinguish this from the rest aside from the vocal samples and a tight breakbeat loop, but it still closes the album nicely.

Alteration is a refreshingly decent album, and something of a surprise. Element has not registered on my radar up until hearing this one, although I know I tried out and subsequently discarded their previous effort Full Moon. I’m glad I previewed this album and gave it a chance anyway, as it has really grown on me. Some albums are made to be sampled for the stand-out tracks, whereas others are best suited for listening the entire way through. Alteration is one of those. Individually, some of the songs may seem a bit on the weak side, but taken as a whole, the album is quite satisfying. The style is distinct and original; I can think of few artists making anything quite like this. This is a feel-good album for summertime with a tasteful mix of energy and groove. If you appreciate progressive trance with a funky organic twist, try this one out.

Purchase Options

Saikosounds // Physical mail order shop based in Hong Kong.
Wirikuta // Physical mail order shop based in Austria.

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