O.V.N.I. - Trajectory EP

POF (Product Of France) is an obscure mid-nineties label with a diverse output that ran the gamut from hard techno to psychedelic trance. Although international acts occasionally released with POF, their focus was mainly on French producers such as Joking Sphinx, Amanite FX, and Amtinaoüs. As O.V.N.I., Pascal Eloy released a pair of vinyl singles with POF; the first came out in 1996, whereas this one is from 1998. If my memory serves me right, O.V.N.I. was known more as a live performer than a studio artist. This may explain his predilection for loops and simple progressive arrangements! In terms of sound, I would lump this project in with artists like Nüw Idol, Yum Yum, Multiplex, The Secret, and Moonweed—it isn’t exactly psychedelic trance, but there was a time when this sort of thing crossed over quite nicely.

Trajectory combines a throbbing kick with a shuffling assortment of percussion. Scratchy acid leads pierce the air, simple melodies flutter around, and the mood becomes cheerful and upbeat. Key moments feature an extraordinary atmospheric surge: beautiful pads wash over the rhythm, and—at times—it can begin to sound a little like something by Blue Planet Corporation. This epic is the best of the lot by far. CD buyers can find it on Tantrance 7.

The first of the B-sides is not at all appealing. Reflection is a strange hybrid, sporadically fusing the Amen break with meandering acid sequences for no reason I can discern.

Fountain is slightly better—at least this song seems to tell a cohesive story. This is a carefree sort of tune, bouncing along with a merry groove, clad in shimmering morning melodies. The breakbeat loops return, but they remain in the background for the most part. This track is quite progressive—it takes its time getting to the point, and sounds better for it.

The Trajectory EP might fare well with UK trance fans and nostalgic listeners fond of the more uplifting side of the late-nineties. Nowadays, there isn’t anything remotely fashionable about this kind of straight-forward electronic sound—it was behind the times even in 1998. Still, as one who was around back in those days, I can admit to appreciating some of the more salient qualities of this record. The feelings expressed are genuine, even if the production value isn’t anywhere near as crisp as what contemporary standards demanded. If you collect vinyl and would like to add something from POF Music to your collection, this might be worth trying.

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