Lime Light 1

Tribal Vision emerged late in 2004 as one of the most promising new labels releasing progressive psytrance, capping off a great year for the style. With their second release entitled Lime Light, Slater and Schwa return to provide another top-notch offering. Once again, the packaging featuring distinct artwork, an eight page booklet with information on each artist, and a binder insert marked with BPMs for all the DJs. With a full 78 minutes of sound on the CD, there’s no question this is a high-quality release!

Jaia vs French Kisz open the compilation with Drifting Planet, which is pure beach trance. The intro here is luxuriously long, peppered with small hints of melody and an atmospheric guitar strike that helps give this track its sexy groove. A slinky beat kicks in close to the two minute mark, laden with raw bass pulsations that nicely texturize the proceedings. Detailed work on the percussive strata is heard all throughout the song, with all sorts of tweaks and tricks evoking unique results. A lush breakdown hits in the very middle of the track, opening up the sound with some soft chords, invoking that cozy mood that makes this music so enjoyable. The return gives another chance for that guitar chord to shimmer and shine, and fully engages my attention in the small details that soon emerge. In the true sense of progressive trance, several hooks are saved for the very last moments, when the bass goes through a euphoric pitch shift, and a vocal sample leads the track to a fine conclusion. I really enjoy the mood and evolution of this tune, which has instantly become a favourite from this disc.

Rai returns with a second offering on Tribal Vision entitled Liquid. This deep treat is as silky smooth as Groove was last year, with an aptly simple name that compliments that flowing vibes of the track itself. There’s not too much to say here – this is really easygoing and straight, no twists or surprises. Another relaxing tune for the beach, made with quality. Very enjoyable and liable to get stuck in your head from time to time.

Next up: well-known progressive act Vision & Canedy drop in with Collected Vibes – a very linear track, with strong tribal textures. Now, this is what I call “too progressive.” I can’t maintain attention long enough to really tap into whatever is happening here, since it doesn’t seem like much. Fine background beats, but I’d get very bored with this if I heard it out at a party. In fairness, I’ve never liked anything from this artist before, so if you’ve got an established appreciation for this project, perhaps it will appeal to you.

Son Kite’s club-friendly side project Minilogue appear with a track licensed from Baroque Records entitled Leloo. The beats and groove will be familiar to anyone who has sampled the Colours album and Seb’s Kooler project. A few features: expert production, crispy sounds, powerful tribal drums, intelligently manipulated samples from the Fifth Element, and a deep sinuous bass line. All of it builds toward the huge breakdown following the halfway point. This is the stuff anthems are made of – there’s no use describing it further. Simply massive!

Flowjob’s Cloud Politics is the fifth track of the CD. Their production skills have really grown to compliment the sound of fellow Danish artists Frogacult and Psyless Groove. The mildly tribal rhythms are tight and enjoyable, awash with deep bass-heavy pads. This particular track operates on a very subliminal level, easing through the moments with an smooth progression. A notable break near the end introduces some sleek work with the atmospheric elements; vibrant overtones swirl around in subtle ways before achieving closure. Decent.

Holm & Andersen’s Cityrain is the longest piece on the album, though I’d argue the length isn’t deserved for this piece. This is plain progressive trance, warm and analog sounding, with the usual chords and such to provide some melodic interaction. The arrangement leaves something to be desired however, as it plods along through the minutes without becoming more than mildly engaging. Overusing the sample also detracts from what enjoyment might be had with this one. I think these veterans can do much better, but this track has its fans.

Ticon delivers an incredible summer anthem with Reflections, the fastest piece on the album at 135 bpm. It is a curious metamorphosis this act has gone through, emerging with an appealing blend of electro sounds and epic trance vibes, all while retaining their trademark production quality standards. The carefree atmosphere developed here is inviting to the listener – layers build with delicate slowness in the beginning, slowly unwrapping a serene soundscape filled with beautiful shimmering noises. Bass key changes and snare rolls euphorically signal dynamic new changes in the storyline, leading into harmonious rhythmic sequences which are sure to conjure wide smiles everywhere. The breakdown is pure class, taking more than a few influences from the halcyon era of trance with a backing tone that keeps you hanging while hints of melody unravel one by one. The last half is just as good, with a coherent replay of sounds and techniques first exposed before the break. I’ve personally seen this tune work some magic on the dancefloor – it’s just what people want, come summertime. A brilliant piece of work!

Leo’s Music Design Revolutions goes deeper, with an infectious bass line and some tribal touches to the proggy groove. Everything here sounds rather slick and polished, with a futuristic edge. While the song is stylish, it does lack something in terms of composition that leaves it a little uninteresting at times. The crowd response to this track was rather sedate when I threw it on at an event not so long ago – so chances are this is better saved for the very early hours, or a specific kind of crowd. There’s no question this is an artist to watch for however, as this first appearance shows a great deal of potential. I have the feeling this may grow on me over time…

Shuma closes the album with Illektro Music, a name which aptly describes the sound. There is no specific sign of a psychedelic influence here – as far as I can tell, this is straight-up electro. I suppose it’s a fine tune for what it is, but I couldn’t admit that this track actually holds any substantial appeal to my taste. Contrariwise, neither does it offend my ears. It makes for a bland finale to the compilation.

Tribal Vision have compiled another fine progressive album with their release of Lime Light. While Urban Legends showcased a wider range of psychedelic progressive, this compilation focuses more on the deep summer grooves, with some notable successes. For the most part, I don’t enjoy the portions of this release that go “straight”, as one may refer to it. This includes the tracks from Vision & Canedy, Holm & Andersen, Leo, and Shuma. These are all well produced tracks in the progressive vein, but they lack a vital spark that would lend some excitement to the listening experience. The rest is quite good however, with a few soaring highlights that totally make this album worth the purchase! Ticon, Jaia vs French Kisz, and Minilogue all deliver excellent material – anthemic at times – while Flowjob and Rai provide more sublime material that does not disappoint. Another winner from Tribal Vision, a label which continues to show a strong show of quality with this top-notch second compilation.

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