Vaporize 1

Based in San Francisco, Vaporvent was virtually unknown when they broke into the scene in 2004 with this fine compilation, Vaporize 1. Featuring a strong line-up of mostly homegrown talent, this compilation is one of the first enduring successes from the North American continent. Although the West Coast has become synonymous with the darker style championed by artists like Ghreg On Earth, Alien Mental, and Mubali, Vaporize 1 showcases a wide cross-section of approaches to full-on psychedelic trance. Ranging from deep and dirty night-time killers to soaring morning-friendly epics, this compilation actually delivers on the promise of diversity.

Jirah opens this album on a melodic note with Essence, a song in Tim’s signature style. This tune feels like a real journey as it contains several highly distinct elements that are not repeated. After a long introduction, smooth synthetic beats rush in beneath a variety of ethereal noises. Gorgeous melodies flavoured with a hint of acoustic sampling inspire warm feelings of sunshine and merriment. The song ends with pleasant acoustic guitar, leaving the listener relaxed and ready for what comes next. Essence is a great piece of storytelling as well as a wonderful opener to this compilation.

Quadra’s 1/4 Mile Trails pulsates with thrashing electrical sounds and aggressive bottom-heavy beats. Snarling sounds and squelchy riffs smoothly flow into the upper reaches, providing the song with a sprawling psychedelic atmosphere. It is a fair representation of the slightly more subtle side of full-on circa 2004.

Neuromotor’s Women in Control is a bit more predictable—it features a rumbling bass line and plenty of zipping electrical sounds. Still, the breakdowns are good, the melodies slip around in a liquid way, and the use of layering in the last few minutes isn’t bad. Decent, but not memorable.

Chromatone, co-founder of Vaporvent, provides two of his first productions for this release. Phantasmal Terrain wastes no time in rocking out scratchy rhythms and snarling leads. The sound is very digital almost to the point of harshness at times, but the artist makes it work. Promising!

Random’s Smash Wave is loaded with huge bass lines and ripping hard noises. The sample work in this piece is just what I like to hear: “I hate television—it gives me a headache.” Quirky, slightly odd, and a smashing track indeed.

Deep in the heart of the journey one will encounter None Of This Is Real, one of Penta’s finest tunes, and a strong personal favourite of mine from 2004. This blinding anthem is extremely dark, flooded with killer hooks, and overflowing with intense energy. The build-ups are slick as hell, increasing the pressure with every step. Magnificent stuff!

Entropic Accelerator is an intriguing combination of tough rhythms and melancholic atmospheric themes. The overall tone seems to shift from mischievous to wistful with the greatest of ease. This sweet combination of elements makes this original piece an excellent example of full-on psychedelic trance.

Mekkanikka and Yohei collaborate on Wherehouse Memories, a lighter piece of full-on. Ignoring the questionable sample usage at the beginning isn’t difficult; after that, the arrangement unfolds without mishap. Unfortunately, there is nothing of substance in this song; this is as ordinary as they come.

Quadra’s Electric Woggle is similar to his earlier contribution and nearly as good. Rumbling beats, busy noises, and a subtler-than-average arrangement infuse this creation with some amount of depth. Worth a listen.

Jirah closes the album with In My Life, an incredible song that will leave a lasting impression. Tremendous emotional leads, leaping bass lines, and an energetic arrangement elevate Jirah’s musical ideas to the next level. What a way to finish off the album! This is simply one of the best melodic morning anthems ever written!

Vaporize 1 turns out to be an excellent compilation with several strengths. Jirah and Penta provide some of their best material and Chromotone makes a strong showing as well. The flow of the compilation couldn’t be better; after an alluring introduction, the music begins to plunge the listener into the depths of darkness, yet the morning light still manages to break through at the end. This is a full journey through trance accomplished in 73 solid minutes. The weak moments aren’t very weak, and the strong ones are extremely strong. Vaporize 1 proves to be one of the rare full-on releases suitable for home listening as much as DJ use. Highly impressive!

Release Data

Title: Vaporize 1
Label: Vaporvent
Format: CD compilation
Released: 2004

Buy This Release

Cytopia: Digital download shop selling MP3 and WAV files.
Saikosounds: Physical mail order shop based in Hong Kong. Recommended.