Spiritual Rhythms of Psytrance 1

Planet B.E.N. Records is the label of the eponymous artist, a long-time veteran of psytrance. Spiritual Rhythms of Psytrance is one of their rather generic compilation series, and this review covers the very first edition. There’s no theme in mind here – it’s just another CD with ten tracks from a variety of mostly full-on artists.

CPU begins with something different. Kung Fu is similar in structure to some of the tracks from the acclaimed Crystal Skulls compilations from TIP World. Nearly four minutes pass before the first real kick drops. The track pays tribute to an old television or movie theme, I’m not quite sure which. A big horn section and highly processed guitar riffs declares this to be a bold summer anthem, full of strong bass lines and energetic passages. Other than that, it’s typical CPU. This is a bit on the corny side but it manages to sound fairly good thanks to the distinct approach.

Electric Universe provide the only serious psychedelic tune of the compilation with a remix to Murphy’s Law, previously released on the very first Planet B.E.N. compilation. It’s no big secret that I’m a big fan of Boris Blenn, a veteran producer who manages to bridge the gap between future and past with substantial panache. This particular tune is a very slick trip into the sinister side of trance, smoothly driving forward with analog flourishes underpinned by growling background sounds. The stomping surprise break in the last quarter is a stunningly effective tension builder, leading into a final run frantic with explosive energy. This is a sick piece of modern Goa trance.

Blanka is known for his rough style released on Doof Records of Israel, but recently this artist has been transitioning into more mainstream full-on territory. We Must Believe is indicative of this switch, thrusting dynamic bass lines beneath a muddy array of effects and peak-time sample throttling. A lead somewhere between Nitzhonot trumpets and early 90’s dance synths is the main feature after the break. I find it rather sloppy and unremarkable.

Overlap’s Lost Connection is a floor-burning melodic morning anthem similar to their other recent releases Party All Day Long and Journey Into Sound. There’s something very disarming about this Russian project’s friendly approach. The leads are typically childish yet the arrangement is layered enough to reveal hidden depths for those who go looking. This balance of pop sensibility and deeper production techniques yields noteworthy results, although the group does have better material out there.

Now for the first of two South African contributions. Slug shows off the softer side of the Pitch Hikers collaboration with Spinning, a decent tune with the customary menacing bass lines. With a devilish edge, this melodic beast sounds a little more substantial than some of the material heard thus far. The build-up is really drawn out and seems to lose some of the energy. It’s an okay track, but wouldn’t fare so well on a higher quality compilation.

Shift’s Escape is similar in a few ways, striking a balance between intense activity and drifting restraint. The beats are thick and sticky, clad in heavy synthetic bass. A really wicked use of guitar in the body of the track elevates this above the rest. Another long build-up in the latter half lets some of the tension die, and the eventual return seems to be a let-down until several layers of sound unfold at once. Suddenly there’s a high-pitched chorus, several mid-level sweeps, rumbling acidic undertones, and that distinct guitar-driven sequence competing for attention. With a bit of clever mixing this is sure to work the floor very well.

What can I say about X-Tremadura? This is the sort of full-on tune I really can’t stand. If you’ve enjoyed the hard rocking tunes found on the Raja Ram’s Stash Bag compilations then perhaps this is for you. I simply find it unlistenable.

Planet B.E.N. drops an attempt at a guitar-driven anthem with Dynamic, a track which was also featured on his recent album, creatively titled Full On. He has the veteran’s touch, but the musical content is going to dissuade some listeners. The vocals seem so trite and meaningless: “life is dynamic… peace is dynamic… love is dynamic… we all are dynamic.” Throw in some plain guitar work and a thumping beat and the track takes form. I prefer my trance to be much deeper than this, but Dynamic isn’t a badly made song for the style.

Alternative Control’s Verify is another friendly full-on track with tropical themes. Pleasant guitar strumming provides a nice counterpoint to developing melodies in the early half, soon yielding to a more plainly synthetic drive. The tone is sort of wistful and whiny, giving the track a naive quality. Rolling bass lines secure this within the domain of full-on morning trance. It’s not that bad, but the production style still seems a bit plastic for my taste.

Good Brick by GMS is a mighty strange offering from the magnates of full-on. Dipping down into progressive tempos, the duo explores funky and jazzy house themes through the lens of psychedelic trance production techniques. It might be a remix or tribute to some old song, but I don’t recognize it. I don’t think this is supposed to be taken seriously; it’s just shameless party music.

This compilation proves to be everything one would suspect it is from the bland cover, knowledge of the tracklist, and general lack of reviews online. It’s a completely standard full-on grab bag with a tendancy towards tropical influences. If the artists on this compilation already produce a lot of material you enjoy then you may as well investigate, but most of this is the kind of psytrance that leaves me disaffected. I know it’s crafted specifically for really big beachside parties in warm countries, but I can’t imagine any context in which I would really be able to get into this sort of thing. At least the material is cohesive, from the quaint opener to the club-friendly finale. CPU, Overlap, and Shift provide some of the more usable material, and Electric Universe delivers a gem. Take it or leave it.

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