Magnetic Storm

Magnetic Storm is the third compilation from the Japanese label Groove Zone, following up on Back to the Future and preceding Aerocruz. Each compilation from this label follows some kind of theme while showcasing a diverse array of progressive psytrance artists from around the world. In this case, the focus is on the darker side of progressive with a touch of techtrance. The predominantly grey cover art ties in with the style of music featured here.

The Danish project Moses, known from releases on Zenon and Crotus, opens the compilation in fine style with Mushroom Approach. The style rests somewhere between Frogacult and NASA, with a focus on sleek drifting passages and rich organic soundscapes. The song is not without a number of coy melodies, but they are used sparingly. This is a great example of subtle minimalism in progressive psychedelic trance.

Djruth’s E-Motion Sickness is another Danish production, showing a number of similarities to the sound design of the previous track. It has the right amount of impact, but seems to lack something in the way of composition. Standard set filler.

The Aussie minimal techtrance master Sensient blasts in with a killer track by the name of Optimize. The steady progression on this one is simply brilliant, incrementally building energy levels with intricate hooks and smart rhythmic devices. It peaks after a short break in the fifth minute with a dazzling lead that twists and shudders its way to the finale. Curiously, a sample speaks the phrase “intelligent manipulation,” which is also the title of a compilation from Tim’s Zenon Records. Perhaps it was originally intended to be released on his own label? Whatever the story, this is another top tune from Mr. Larner.

How Low Saruman is produced by the Israeli artist Itaitaiko, also known as Kukan Dub Lagan. The style on this one is chugging techtrance with a slick groove. The beats pump away at full strength, doused in smashing hi-hats and wailing atmospheric sounds. In some ways, this sounds like a cross between Tetraktys and Opsis with added dance floor power. Solid tune!

Next up, The Cujorius One remixes Genetic Spin’s Lord of the Strings, originally released on their second full-length album Backspin in 2004. This remix is a major overhaul, as Cujo downsizes the abundant sample usage and florid melodics of the original to create a droning piece of pumping techtrance. I am not really into this style, but it sounds like a good production for those who already enjoy this artist’s releases.

Burning Palace is the reason to buy this compilation. Tetraktys has successfully blended psytrance with techno and electro, forging a compelling dance floor anthem that compliments the finest works of Midi Miliz. The dirty bass lines, hazy futuristic atmospheres, smart vocals, and slick percussive tricks promise mass appeal without sacrificing artistic integrity. With a set of highly advanced production techniques, Burning Palace is sure to be a future classic of psychedelic trance!

Brazilian artists Setherian and Oxyd team up for a collaborative effort on No In Sense! This is a lazy piece of thick and chunky progressive trance distinguished by soothing piano chords, tribal tapping, and a questionable sample that goes “aw, yeah.” At times I enjoy this precisely because it isn’t like the rest, but at other times I am inclined to skip over it. It is an interesting effort at the very least.

Clutch is an artist that has yet to grab me; I tend to avoid his productions. PH is typical fare for this artist: repetative headache-inducing techno stuff with a few effects and sparse noises. Is there something wrong with the stereo panning in this track? Whatever the deal is, I’ll pass on this one.

Fine Diner didn’t impress me with his release on the original Groove Zone compilation, and Go Go Yubari doesn’t do it for me either. This is slightly better, featuring a more respectable production value, but it is still too minimal for my taste. The Kill Bill samples really don’t fit either. Pass.

The final track is provided by the well-known progressive psytrance megastar FREq. SHM is composed in the artist’s usual style, with excellent production value, charming leads, and an effective arrangement. Although it is a competent piece of work, this is nothing special.

Magnetic Storm is a fairly average compilation that features a handful of noteworthy tracks. Burning Palace is an exceptional piece of electronic dance music, and Sensient, Moses, and Itaitaiko deliver solid material as well. Fans of minimal, dark progressive, and pumping techtrance would be smart to check this out, but it probably isn’t exceptional enough to appeal to most listeners these days.

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