TimeDrained - Dilemma

TimeDrained is a progressive psytrance project formed by Martin Schultz Hinrichsen (Nox Lupi) and Rasmus Tue Jørgensen (Pythagoraz), both from Denmark. Their sound is very much a blend of Beat Bizarre and Frogacult with a little Vibrasphere thrown in for good measure. Dilemma is their debut full-length release—eight tracks featuring smooth progressive beats drowned in glistening atmospheric manipulations and organic sound textures.

The resonant rhythms and snarling hooks of Bob Jackson do a fine job of building expectations at the very beginning of the album. When the distinctive lead melody emerges in the third minute it becomes clear that this tune is on track to reach great heights. These hopes fizzle in the last twenty seconds or so as the first of the album’s trick endings dislodges the listener from whatever momentary reverie they may have been experiencing. If you didn’t know any better you might think the glitchy finale was some sort of manufacturing error. As it turns out, this ploy is something of a joke—a wry commentary on how seriously we focus on the tension-building aspects of trance music; the endless building and manipulation of energy levels. Although valid, intentionally botching the conclusion of the opening track on your debut album sends a questionable message. At least it isn’t much trouble to mix around.

In Sleep attempts to make up for the affront with a deep and enchanting groove, eventually transforming into a brazen electro-influenced barnstormer. The peak moments are brief as the artists pull a variation on the same stunt heard on the opener. This track is essentially unfinished; it sets the mood, builds a vibe, and fails to follow through.

Las Vegas is bold and bouncy, serving up catchy melodic hooks and snappy beats. The combination is both smart and immensely fun—you can’t help but want to move! Despite the somewhat sudden and unexpected ending this tune is a clear favourite.

With Songs, the album moves into the more serious territory. Fat kicks and deep chugging bass lines form a thick groove while wavering atmospheres tentatively shift and coalesce. This is more easygoing than the rest—and it really works. Solid stuff.

Unloved remains relatively undistinguished, opting for a much more subtle approach: drifting atmospheric melodies and soft tribal rhythms carry the track forward. The acoustic percussion is a rather nice touch; hints of Trentemøller’s Into The Trees (Serenetti Part 3) may be discerned. The cascading lead that flows throughout the latter part of this classy track maintains engagement to the very end.

Dream Factory is about as close to conventional progressive psytrance as this album gets. It easily could have been released on Iboga Records. The faint morning melodies seem to have been inspired by Reefer Decree, or perhaps Andromeda—their distinctive lilt can be heard in a few places. Not bad.

Namaarie is slow and sensual, unfolding with languid ease. This relaxing, even-tempered track is a meditation on small changes, obscure nuances, and elegant details. The faintly murmuring melodies and sedate grooves should reward even casual listening.

Rogue brings the album to a close with a strong finish. This song is glazed in a hazy mish-mash of acoustic percussion and natural sound textures: distant thunderstorms, steady rainfall, a haunting desert wind. Considerable reserve is exhibited throughout the composition. This has the effect of creating an immense sense of space; one can easily imagine vast expanses of rain forest over the far horizon. The conclusion is a straight fade (uncommon in modern trance music) but it somehow works; elsewhere, the story continues. More like this would be great to hear!

Dilemma was initially somewhat problematic to review, mainly as a result of the tricky endings heard in the first two tracks. What are we to make of such subtle mockery? It seems deceptive in a way, for this album was presented as a serious release, but in some respects it is not. Rather than make a mountain out of a molehill, I am inclined to drop the matter—after all, the curious endings are easy to overlook given the obvious quality of the music. Dilemma is a real treat for those who appreciate depth and restraint in progressive psytrance. The tribal-organic touch is also nice to hear; Dilemma serves to balance out the more starkly synthetic focus of artists like FREq and Liquid Soul. Progressive psytrance fans would do well to give this album a try.

Purchase Options

Saikosounds // Physical mail order shop based in Hong Kong.
Wirikuta // Physical mail order shop based in Austria.

More Information

Discogs // Detailed release data.
Iono Music // Label home page.
TimeDrained // Artist home page.

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