TIP Singles 2

TIP Singles 2 is another solid release from one of the greatest labels in psytrance history. This is the second in a series of compilations intended to provide listeners with access to previously vinyl-only material, rarities, classics, and samples from various out-of-print TIP albums. Although the material is mostly re-released, it is great to have these songs in CD format. Of course, it should be noted that the vinyl edition only features six tracks.

Psychopod’s offering is taken from the Headlines EP, a pseudo-album released in 1997. Psychopod is to Koxbox what Pleiadians are to Etnica—a side project designed to explore the far-future frontiers of maximal psychedelic trance in an intelligent fashion. Universal Mind is one of the best cuts from the album—in fact, it is one of my all-time trance favourites.

Synchro provides two tracks that were originally destined to be on the TIP027 vinyl single. The label must have had second thoughts as they were never released outside of this compilation. It hardly matters though—the first disc of the 3LP vinyl edition of TIP Singles 2 features both Synchro tracks back-to-back (my theory is that they may have been using stamper plates that were already on hand). As for the track: Human Oscillator is an intricate percussion driven track highly influenced by the Dutch break-trance scene. Classy for its age, but ultimately rather banal.

Laughing Buddha was originally an alias of Cosmosis created to release here on TIP and features both Bill and Jeremy van Kampen in collaboration. Karma is a cosmic trance classic that still sounds excellent today. The melodic highs are smooth and entrancing, and there is no shortage of incredible uplifting sounds. Everything that was great about the old Goa style is boldly represented here. Another big favourite!

Doof (Nick Barber) delivers a storming acid-drenched Goa anthem with Weird Karma, taken from the TIP013 vinyl single released in 1995. Watch out, the BPM is up at 152 on this one! Structurally, it is a bit basic, with no more than two or three acid lines on the go at any moment. A great sample from Ren & Stimpy can be heard in two short breaks: “they say sometimes people go crazy on these long trips.” Enjoyable stuff—if you appreciate Doof’s older style of manic psychedelic hard trance.

The version of The Infinity Project – Hyperspaced that is featured here is taken from the Alien Airport EP—not the version that is on TIP’s debut album. It gets a bit confusing because the original is composed with Doof, who also remixed the track for Feeling Weird. I’m a fan of the old TIP productions, but this one never did much for me, sorry to say.

The second track from Synchro is much better than the first even though it remains fairly minimal by the standards of 1997. See Ya Later Oscillator is loaded with synthetic funk, largely expressed in one hell of a sinister bass groove. The rhythm is delicious, laden with crispy breakbeat loops. A slick piece of work.

Soothsayer is the marvelous old Hallucinogen song that begins with the sample “there are hundreds of universes… of intelligent energy… inside your body.” Taken from the TIP004 vinyl single (1995), this is one of the more uplifting and morning-friendly songs from Simon Posford’s early years. The foundation of the song is a hypnotic trance rhythm that bubbles along in a carefree way. A deceptively simple lead melody takes control every now and then, strongly leading the journey into higher realms of emotive response. It still sounds wonderful over a decade after it was written. If you enjoy this song, it is also worthwhile to check out the remix on Phosphorescent.

The Deviant’s S.T.C. appeared on several other releases, but it isn’t quite as special as some of the other tunes here. Serge Souque of Total Eclipse is involved and his presence can quite clearly be heard in the beat and the character of the melodies. To be honest, it is nothing special. The guys at TIP evidently like it more than I do, calling it “irresistibly groovy” in the liner notes. Check out the review of Orichalcum & The Deviant for more.

Scorch! I played the vinyl to death back in the day so it is wonderful to get a pristine digital version of this eclectic classic. Snake Thing (Nick Taylor of Australia) really pushed the threshold with this bold and funky fusion of trance and broken beats. The track swings back and forth between big beat rhythms and four-to-the-floor psytrance. The brilliance of this song goes far beyond mere beat structures however! Nick uses just about everything aside from the kitchen sink in fleshing out the soundscape; a sonic assault of squelchy melodies, twangy guitar, photon fire, oriental voices, alien xylophones, and other indescribable audio artifacts fill the atmosphere with pure psychedelia. TIP does a fine job describing it in the notes: “a very progressive and original track of psychedelic, industrial, dirty breakbeat mayhem.” Without a doubt, this is one of the best psychedelic breakbeat tunes ever written.

This is a good compilation if you enjoy old school Goa with an occasional experimental edge. There are some blindingly good tunes here, with only a few mediocre offerings in the mix. Old school fans should certainly check it out. I would also recommend this to new listeners seeking a taste of the classic Goa style. TIP Singles 2 is a gem!

Release Data