October 2008
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Human Blue - Electrolüx

Album Review | June 12, 2007 | Posted by Basilisk

01 :: Soulsqueezer
02 :: Demon Dance
03 :: Virtual Turnaround
04 :: Harmonix
05 :: Rollercoaster
06 :: In Between
07 :: Drag Queen
08 :: Atom

Dag Wallin’s third album on Spiral Trax continues the veteran producer’s exploration of the frontiers of progressive psychedelic trance. There is something distinctly new about this bold release, which departs from the softer sound character evident on 2002’s Electric Roundabout. Although it was never clearly stated, I would attribute the audible difference in sound design to the fact that Dag’s studio was broken into sometime before the release of this album. After losing all his gear (as well as unfinished material, which is now lost), I speculate that he returned to music production using software instead of vintage synths. The resulting material is different from the artist’s previous releases, but the soul of the Human Blue sound still comes through loud and clear. Anyone devoted to classifying psytrance into the main streams of progressive and full-on is going to have a tough time with this one. Calling Electrolüx a hybrid of the two styles would be doing the album an injustice. In truth, the best way I am able to describe this is to simply say that it is a very rich and pure psychedelic trance album. Despite there being only eight songs, the album is a commendable 73 minutes in length. Cover art is provided by DJ Bakke. Now it is time to dig into the album itself…

The album opens on a strong note with a richly psychedelic epic: Soulsqueezer. The synthetic grooves are bound to get the blood rushing as spacious atmospheres seethe in the cosmic background layers. The lead melody which finally drops in the big breakdown is deceptively simple yet powerful in its delivery. Favourable dance floor response is virtually guaranteed with this monster summer anthem!

Demon Dance builds on this initial foray into the more energetic side of psychedelic trance. As the name might imply, there is a more sinister edge to this one. The rhythmic programming possesses a perfect flow, churning along with an intelligent bass line and an evocative array of haunting atmospheres. The lead melody is a sly one, perfectly suited for serious trancing. The middle segment of the song gains a tribal touch, with excellent percussive work and a deeper mood. The final breakdown is one of my all-time favourites – it feels positively magical. The last piece of the track contains no surprises; it simply delivers more of the excellent themes that have come before, at full power. Psytrance seldom gets any better than this!

Virtual Turnaround is a throwback to the old days of Human Blue, driving forward with a steady hypnotic progression that is pure trance. Though it may come across as sounding a bit bland, the drums and groove still possess an effortless flow. It is enough to keep a dancefloor moving, but best used as a set builder.

Harmonix is similar in some ways, maintaining a lot of forceful drum activity, but resorting to a hypnotic approach laden with floating atmospheres. The beat is deeper, and there is a slightly more psychedelic touch at work. As with some of Mr. Wallin’s productions, this is very simple and straight-forward, building towards a sustained high in the latter minutes. Quaint and relaxing, also making for decent set building material, but nothing more.

Songs such as Rollercoaster do not come along very often. This is an immensely anthemic track full of powerful melodies and emotional atmospheres. Warm summer leads surge up from the depths in the early moments, giving a taste of what is to come. The lush breakdown in the very heart of the song delicately introduces the full theme of the track, making a massive impact when the beat finally returns. A smart use of layers, key changes, and smooth build-ups keeps the energy levels at a fulfilling high until the very end. This is just the sort of thing to cause tingles all over. Incredible!

In Between is loaded with Human Blue’s original style of funky morning grooves. A shuffled beat with strong percussion and a dippy bass line sets the score for a systematic progression of elements that builds in slow and subtle ways. Strange sounds in the body of the track are a nod towards minimal tribal motifs, and they work quite well with the casual rhythm. Not bad, but it could have done with a bigger hook.

Drag Queen mirrors the previous approach with a loping beat and a slight tribal influence. Another subtle progression towards higher levels of activity unfolds over the course of several minutes. There is a classy character here that is hard to miss, with plain chords simmering alongside the easy groove. The mid-point break gradually introduces the melodic themes that will define the remainder of the song. An extremely long build smoothly draws the rhythm up from the abyss, after which the story unfolds in a typically understated fashion. Perhaps it is too cautious for my taste, but it is still a very nice song.

Atom is a strange hybrid, pounding away with a heavy pulsating kick and bass combination that strongly constrasts the emotional melodic layers above. Slight hints of future themes are sprinkled throughout the early moments, culminating with a serene breakdown into the fifth minute. After the deep and fulfilling return, the song is on fire with sweet atmospheres and charming leads. The lovely feeling conjured in the second half just goes on and on, as the long lingering climax is sustained over several minutes of intelligent arrangement. A fantastic way to finish the album!

The staying power of this material is remarkable; all of the highlights of this album continue to make my morning set playlists even now in the summer of 2006. I expect that I will still be throwing down tracks from this album for years to come. This is a timeless trance album full of powerful songs crafted to elicit a deep emotional response. I might prefer a different track order for a better home listening experience, but this is simply nitpicking. If you are a fan of melodic trance music, Electrolüx is an essential purchase!

Favourites: 1(!), 2(!), 5(!), 7, 8(!)
Rating: 8