Album Review: Andrew Rayel - Mystery of Aether

Andrew Rayel is one of the fastest rising star in Trance music. He’s on the top of his game at the moment and what a great time to release his debut compilation. When he posted on his Facebook and Twitter about this first compilation, I got all giddy and excited. I've been following the style of this neophyte and there's no sign of him slowing down. Especially now being backed by the world's four-time DJ Mag #1 DJ Armin van Buuren, he is being tagged as the AvB's protege and even the modern-day Mozart. 

The 21-year old talent is known for his very own, distinctive sound, bringing trance a refreshing, new sound. That sound, loved by many, myself included, can now be found on Andrew’s very first compilation Mystery of Aether.

It hasn't been more than 24 hours since I have gotten my hands on my copy of this compilation and I have been bumping it all day. The initial impression I got upon first few listens is that the compilation brings the sounds of Andrew Rayel, in full effect. From the most touching, emotional twists to stumping beats, hard-hitting bass and quieting breaks, this is Rayel doing what he does best. Through the tracks of Airbase, Dash Berlin, Armin van Buuren, Alex Wackii, Orjan Nilsen, Alexandre Bergheau and of course himself, Andrew moves you, by unfolding Mystery of Aether beat by beat. It was also good that it includes a continuous mix of the whole compilation for a more dramatic, emotional, and tranquil journey into euphoria.

This guy truly lives up to what trance music is, as I have mentioned previously in my blog entries, and even in a contest I have joined for the Loudbasstard promo for the Andrew Rayel in Manila gig, the guy gives a dramatic, existential, majestic titles to his tunes that somewhat describe the feeling when listening to his work, ergo Mystery of Aether.

Track list:

01. Airbase – Modus Operandi (Andrew Rayel Intro Radio Edit) (03:52)
02. Tasadi & Aryas – Lost Garden (Faruk Sabanci Dirty Rock Mix) (05:58)
03. Andrew Rayel – Zeus (Radio Edit) (03:27)
04. Tenishia – Pantera (Radio Edit) (03:37)
05. Bogdan Vix – Stella Maris (Radio Edit) (03:28)
06. Maarten De Jong – Wave Glider (Radio Edit) (03:19)
07. Armin van Buuren & W&W – D# Fat (Radio Edit) (03:15)
08. Alex Wackii – Marianne (Radio Edit) (03:48)
09. Fisherman & Hawkins – Apache (Official Radio Edit) (02:50)
10. Dash Berlin & Alexander Popov feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn – Steal You Away (Radio Edit) (03:00)
11. Klauss Goulart & Mark Sixma – Rio (Radio Edit) (03:38)
12. Orjan Nilsen – Violetta (Radio Edit) (03:15)
13. Alex M.O.R.P.H. feat. Sylvia Tosun – An Angel’s Love (Andrew Rayel Aether Radio Edit) (03:32)
14. Alexandre Bergheau – Damavand (Original Mix) (08:06)
15. Bobina with Andrew Rayel – Sacramentum (Andrew Rayel Aether Radio Edit) (04:14)
16. Andrew Rayel – Musa (Radio Edit) (03:35)
17. Andrew Rayel & Alexandre Bergheau – We Are Not Afraid Of 138 (Radio Edit) (03:28)
18. A.R.D.I. – Beyond The Time (Radio Edit) (03:51)

19. Andrew Rayel – Mystery Of Aether (Full Continuous DJ Mix) (78:09.00)

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Trance 'til Dawn and Twelve presents: United Under Dance featuring Andrew Rayel

Trance 'Til Dawn & TWELVE Malaysia: UNITED UNDER DANCE featuring ANDREW RAYEL! Catch the new Armin van Buuren and Top DJ #77 at TIME in Manila on SEPTEMBER 14!

Win a Free Pass + Meet & Greet + Loudbasstard Amplifier Signed by Andrew Rayel!

www.facebook.com/TTDFamily | www.twelvemalaysia.com

Trance 'Til Dawn & T W E L V E Malaysia present UNITED UNDER DANCE featuring Andrew Rayel

Often called "the new Armin van Buuren", catch the Modern-Day Mozart of Trance at TIME in Manila, SEPTEMBER 14.

Along with TTD DJs Nampu Kawamoto, John Odin B2B Cammy V in the main room; and Nomad Massive at The Roof. SMS 09167777229 for inquiries.

www.facebook.com/Andrew.Rayel | www.twitter.com/Andrew_Rayel

www.facebook.com/TTDFamily | www.twitter.com/TranceTilDawn

Album Review: Universal Religion 6

One of the most sought after compilation has just been released – Universal Religion Chapter 6, mixed and compiled by no other than Armin van Buuren, who is riding on the highs of his Invasion Tour as well as celebrating his 550 episode of A State Of Trance. Unlike the last two chapters, this was recorded live at Club Privilege in Ibiza.

Catching Ibiza’s magic is a task that only the most experienced musicians can complete. AvB is one of them. Through his Universal Religion series, he’s captured the summer since 2004, landing a mix compilation that burst with exclusive highlights. In 2012, he lands the 6th Chapter of ‘Universal Religion’, recorded live during the A State of Trance Night at the world-famous Club Privilege and including artwork by world-famous Dutch artist Joseph Klibansky.

UR6 makes you part of these special happenings with two live recordings. It makes you feel the energy of the crowd, lets you hear their screams for more, as well as bringing you a selection of exclusive and custom-made tunes and remixes by some of the world’s most talented producers. Tracks by Protoculture, Orjan Nilsen, Aly & Fila, Jorn van Deynhoven, A.R.D.I., Solarstone, Andrew Rayel, and many more.  Including the brand new Armin single, ‘I’ll Listen’ and many other premieres, It is the timeless musical memory of 2012’s summer season

I love trance and AvB is undeniably one of my favorite DJ/producers, but I've been a bit disappointed lately by some of his material -- probably too much commercialism going on that to a point it becomes the so-called Top 40 EDM. Still I cannot deny the fact that he is one of the best crowd-driver in an event filled with blissful ravers just wanting to get lost in the arms of trance. So I was still hopeful about this compilation. Having given it a listen, I've concluded that by any standard, this album represents a triumph in trance music. If you're on the fence like I was, I for one can attest to this album's excellence throughout. If you're new to trance and looking for some good music in the genre, well, you can't do better than this album. If you don't like trance, this one might win you over.

Noteworthy tracks include: Fire Island, Aeon of Revenge, Relict, Perpertual Motion, Infinia, Full Disclosure

Track list:

CD1

01 Andrew Rayel feat. Jano – How Do I Know (Armin van Buuren Intro Edit)

02 Andy Duguid feat. Shannon Hurley – I Want To Believe

03 Blake Jarrell – Barbados

04 Solarstone with Aly & Fila – Fireisland (Future Disciple Remix)

05 Armin van Buuren feat. Ana Criado – I’ll Listen

06 Abstract Vision & Elite Electronic vs Broning – Relict

07 Protoculture – Perpetual Motion

08 Ørjan Nilsen – Burana

09 Beat Service – Fortuna

10 Andrew Rayel – Aeon Of Revenge

11 Skytech – What’s Wrong (Skytech Stadium Mix)

12 Stoneface & Terminal – Green Velvet

13 A.R.D.I. – Premonition

14 Matt Davey – Believe In Me

15 Jorn van Deynhoven – Headliner

16 Sasha Carassi & Mikael Jonasson – Void *

17 Armin van Buuren presents Gaia – Status Excessu D (ASOT500 Theme) *

* Armin van Buuren Mash Up

CD2

01 Alex M.O.R.P.H. – Eternal Flame (Original Breaks Mix)

02 Omnia – Infina

03 Richard Sebastian – Full Disclosure

04 Jaytech feat. Steve Smith – Stranger (Kyau & Albert Remix)

05 Juventa – Metamorphose

06 Faruk Sabanci – Elveda

07 Daniel Kandi – 3 Strikes UR In

08 Dash Berlin feat. Emma Hewitt – Like Spinning Plates (Alexander Popov Remix)

09 Paul Webster feat. Angelic Amanda – Time (MaRLo Dub Remix)

10 Tomas Heredia – The Witch

11 Andy Moor – K Ta

12 Richard Durand & Protoculture – Pleasure

13 Matt Bukovski – Retrospection

14 Aligator feat. Daniel Kandi – The Perfect Match

15 Mark Burton – Understatement*

16 Sunlounger Try To Be Love *

17 Neptune Project feat. Polly Strange – The Inside

* Armin van Buuren Mash Up

Thoughts please--

Album Review: Dash Berlin - Music Is Life

One of the fastest rising EDM acts and one of Armada's best recruits, Dash Berlin, releases his second artist album Music Is Life. He has been tweeting #MusicIsLife which gave his fans and followers a clue of what his next album title would be.

The record contains signature hits such as Disarm Yourself, which features the angelic vocals of Australian singer Emma Hewitt, Better Half Of Me & World Falls Apart the epic duology with top vocalist Jonathan Mendelsohn, the magical team up with German DJ superstar ATB on Apollo Road and of course exciting new collaborations with artists such as Shogun, Kate Walsh, Shanokee, Chris Madin, Hoyaa, and Sarah Howells.

On my first few listens, I do not think it surpasses his debut artist album The New Daylight, but quality-wise of the tunes produced, they very much bear the DB mark on them. The record contains very promising uplifting and vocal tunes like his collab with the ever-angelic voice Emma Hewitt - Disarm Yourself, another track that caught my attention is his collab with ATB - Apollo Road, and finally, Aviation - I love instrumentals!

Track list:

01. Better Half Of Me (feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn)

02. Disarm Yourself (feat. Emma Hewitt)

03. Silence In Your Heart (feat. Chris Madin)

04. Apollo Road (Dash Berlin with ATB) 

05. Go It Alone (feat. Sarah Howells)

06. Like Spinning Plates (feat. Emma Hewitt)

07. When You Were Around (feat. Kate Walsh)

08. Fool For Life (feat. Chris Madin)

09. Callisto (Dash Berlin with Shogun)

10. World Falls Apart (feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn)

11. Surrender (feat. Shanokee)

12. Aviation (feat. Hoyaa)

13. Man On The Skyfire (Dash Berlin with Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren vs Shogun) 

What do you think?

Bigfish presents SummerNRG featuring Aly & Fila and Ashley Wallbridge in Boracay 2012

Summer’s heat is officially upon us. This only means one thing:  BIGFISH Summer Energy will soon be making Boracay bounce!

I am so excited for Ashley Wallbridge! 

This year’s Summer Energy is Bigfish’s most exciting and ambitious one to date. It kicks off with the chilled-down Sunset Sessions on April 5 at the beachfront of Paraiso Bar in Station 2. Taking the energy up several notches is the Main Party happening on April 7, 8pm, also at the beachfront of Paraiso Bar, where revelers can sway until the summer sun rises. But the celebration doesn’t stop there—on April 8, from 6am onwards.

I ended my disco nap just in time to catch Ashley Wallbridge - not only he's a looker but he is a very promising Armada talent whose tune style appeals to my dance musical palette. So now in the party scene, I could hear girls shouting his name because now they have realised how cute he is. I was shouting with them - for the same reason, and because Ash was bringing down the island! He was banging! I didn't even realise how time flew so fast at that time that it was already Aly & Fila's turn.

It was my first time to experience this duo live. Apparently, only one of them can only man the decks as the other is deaf? Hailing from Cairo, Egypt, these fellas seemed to have something exotic to offer. As the night progressed, I thought it was coming on too slow, and low. It wasn't peaking as it should. And came 4AM, I thought they were already ending it. Not only until 5AM did the party start to peak up (or pick up) whatever you want to call it. Aly & Fila and Ashley Wallbridge did a back-to-back!!! Now that's something I have been waiting for. Being it a sunrise party, only the real 'ravers' would stay and dance to the beat - which is what happened. Oh, and during this time there was a tee tossed in to the crowd and managed to snatch it in exchange of getting spilled with my own drink. A Sound of Egypt tee from Aly & Fila.

Here are some photos to attest to the fun that had happened:

And later that day (night) I saw Ashley Wallbridge on three different ocassions. Didn't have the balls to ask for a photo on the first two encounters. But on the third time, I thought it's a charm and a photo-op was in order. Thanks heaps to my friend Bhavish who did most of the job and all I had to do was pose. Voila!

Share the fun, share your thoughts!

Album Review: Chicane - Giants

Some names seem to have been there from the very moment I fell in love with dance music. Chicane is one of them. For nearly 15 years, UK producer Nick Bracegirdle has been part of the this dynamic scene, hitting high peaks and journeying to utopia with Offshore, Saltwater, Don't Give Up, Stoned In Love and the more recent Poppiholla and Hiding All The Stars. After three successful artist albums, in 2009 we saw the release of Chicane's 'Best of' album, a prelude to his new one: Giants.

Giants displays that diversity, from the ambient opening track Barefoot to the housey radio-hit Come Back, warm progressive Middledistancerunner in collaboration with Owl City singer Adam Young and enthralling classic interlude called Titles. I feel that Chicane has crossed all boundaries and shows that those 15 years have only made him more creative.

Chicane returns to his signature sound from the 'Far From The Maddening Crowds' era but with a new dose of energy for the crowds, intimate home-listening moments and timeless, gigantic highlights. If you love the Chicane style of that ambient-emo-atmospheric sound, this album is definitely for you. This is his niche and the very same sound why I love Chicane over the years.

This artist album features Poppiholla, Hiding All The Stars and Come Back, which were all supposedly be part of a Re-work EP back in 2009
Album is a must-buy for all ambient/dance lovers out there!

Noteworthy tracks for me are Middledistancerunner, From Where I Stand, What Am I Doing Here part 1, Giants, Titles and of course Come Back and Hiding All The Stars

Track list:

01. Barefoot
02. Middledistancerunner
03. Come Back
04. What Am I Doing Here? Pt. 1
05. Giants
06. Poppiholla (5am)
07. So Far Out To Sea
08. Where Do I Start?
09. From Where I Stand
10. Hiding All The Stars
11. What Am I Doing Here? Pt 2
12. Titles
13. Middledistancerunner (DC Rework Edit)


Please feel free to share your thoughts --

Album Review: Armin van Buuren - Mirage

It's the album the entire dance scene has been waiting for. After months of hard work and creativity, the number one DJ in the world delivers his fourth artist album. Armin van Buuren is proud to present to you Mirage.

Armin: Mirage has been the biggest project I've ever worked on. There's so many hours in this. Work started two years ago when I actually built a completely new studio for this project. Many new techniques were used and most of all I had so much fun creating this with the many people that are involved. It was a journey, an epic one! (from arminonly.net)

'76','Shivers' and 'Imagine' are still etched in memory of millions of dance music lovers. Fresh memories will be made as soon as the album hits stores on 10 September 2010 (10-10-10). Mirage reveals a side of Armin his fans haven't heard yet and takes in its listeners with new and surprising collaborations. Within the 2 years of endless jamming and producing, Armin invited artists like Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Ferry Corsten, BT, Nadia

Ali, Guy Chambers, Christian Burns and Adam Young of Owl City into his studio.

As the first single of the album, Armin chose Full Focus, an instrumental track set to fill arenas, clubs and scorch across the festival terrains set up for the summer of 2010.

Armin: The first track of the album has been a sure shot in my sets for quite a while now. I decided to come back with an instrumental trancer right before summer and all the big festivals. Half of my new album will be instrumental trance, but with the sound of 2010 (from arminonly.net)

Right after summer, it's time for the full 'Mirage' album to take over. Inspired and influenced by many different types of music, Mirage is more diverse than any other Armin album before. His collaboration with

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Not Giving Up On Love is a perfect example of

that, combining the best of both worlds.

Armin: The Nervo Sisters, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and me met up to write the vocals for Not Giving Up On Love. I was thrilled to work with them on this. We gave it a more analog feel with some real drums, to give it a pop-rock feel. We also put a piano top line on the track and then the vocals of Sophie, which I think is a win. It's a lush summer tune with an epic vocal that gets stuck in your head and cheers you up! (from arminonly.net)

Mirage is filled with musical fusions and surprising interpretations, from the orchestral masterpiece of title track Mirage, deep trance track I Don't Own You and housey Feels So Good to the eerie Take A Moment and feel-good Drowning and my personal favourites Not Giving Up On Love (with Sophie Ellis-Bextor), Minack (collab with Ferry Corsten) and Youtopia (with Adam Young of Owl City) 16 tracks that highlight how Armin has matured as an artist (plus 6 more from iTunes)

Noteworthy tracks are Desiderium 207, Mirage, Not Giving Up On Love, I Don't Own You, Drowning, These Silent Hearts, Coming Home, Minack, Youtopia


Track list:

01. Desiderium 207
02. Mirage
03. This Light Between Us
04. Not Giving Up On Love
05. I Don't Own You
06. Full Focus
07. Take A Moment
08. Feel So Good
09. Virtual Friend
10. Drowning
11. Down To Love
12. Coming Home
13. These Silent Hearts
14. Orbion
15. Minack
16. Youtopia
iTunes Bonus
17. Breathe In Deep
18. Take Me Where I Wanna Go
19. I Surrender
20. Love Too Hard
21. Virtual Friend (acoustic version)
22. Mirage (other version)

Your thoughts guys--

Album Review: Dash Berlin - The New Daylight: The Remixes

Dash Berlin started to set things alight in early 2007, when mega-hit 'Till The Sky Falls Down' shattered into the many club-nights, to be followed by several successful remixes. Supported by the big DJ's out there, Dash continued his journey in the ever-evolving dance music culture. Backed up by his legendary production team; Molijn & Kalberg, Dash Berlin is designing an ambitious and unprecedented new division in Trance, critically acclaimed as the 'Dash Berlin Sound'. Futuristic, scintillating, but above all, moving and emotive music that relates to the universal dance floor experience, shared by innumerable music fans from multifarious cultures around the globe.

After the initial success things progressed naturally into the next big step for Dash, which was setting up his personal foundation for future music in the form of his own, freshly inaugurated imprint. Aropa Records, launched in March 2008 as an official part of the Armada Music group, kicked off with a massive collaboration with Cerf, Mitiska and Jaren on the international Trance anthem 'Man On The Run'. The creation of a full Dash Berlin album was the next logical step for the energetic Dutch DJ.

So here it is, 'The New Daylight'. The album is an ode to all the people worldwide who have been supporting him and the scene in general. According to Dash, it's not about the DJ, it's about the people that live and breathe the music. “There is no Dash Berlin without them”, he says humbly.

It's that universal, hopeful feeling, a feeling of togetherness and unity that is the main inspiration for the album. "I'm optimistic about the world and the future", Dash says, "people are sharing so much knowledge and information nowadays, we are getting wiser with every new daylight".

Stay tuned for more; hence Dash Berlin is the future.

This is the remixed compilation of this tranceful collection

Tracks:

01 Till The Sky Falls Down (Artic Moon Remix)

02 Man On The Run (Nic Chagall Remix)

03 Wired (Dash Berlin 4AM Remix)

04 Waiting (First State Remix)

05 Never Cry Again (Jorn van Deynhoven Remix)

06 To Be The One (Cressida Remix)

07 End Of Silence (Josh Gabriel Remix)

08 The Night Time (Timo Juuti Remix)

09 Renegade (Sied van Riel Remix)

10 Janeiro (Signum Remix)

11 Feel U Here (Paul Trainer Remix)

12 The New Daylight (P.A.F.F. presents Casper Sky Remix)

Your thoughts please--

Album Review: Markus Schulz - Do You Dream

Schulz's 3rd artist album is filled with progressive electro-trance mash up. Perfect summer party anthem. Progression was the catalyst; Do You Dream marks the spot for Markus' career in this genre.

Do You Dream will take you to another world -- a world of Surreal, Alpha State of euphoria, transcending through the thumping bass lines and gushing mixture of electro-synths. Now you can Fly To Colours high Far From Reality, get Lifted and be carried Away, Away, Away... And when you wake up you will Not Be The Same.

Track list:

1. Markus Schulz - Alpha State

2. Markus Schulz feat. Sir Adrian - Away

3. Markus Schulz - Rain

4. Markus Schulz feat. Khaz - Dark Heart Waiting

5. Markus Schulz feat. Jennifer Rene - Not The Same

6. Markus Schulz - Do You Dream (Uplifting Vocal Mix)

7. Markus Schulz feat. Khaz - Last Man Standing

8. Markus Schulz feat. Ana Criado - Surreal

9. Markus Schulz feat. Susana - Unsaid

10.Markus Schulz feat. Angelique Bergere - Lifted

11.Markus Schulz feat. Justine Suissa - Perception

12.Markus Schulz - The New World

13.Markus Schulz feat. Angelique Bergere - Lightwave

14.Markus Schulz - 65.4 Hz

15.Markus Schulz - What Could Have Been

16.Markus Schulz with Max Graham feat. Jessica Riddle - Goodbye

Noteworthy tracks: Away, Rain, Never The Same, Do You Dream, Dark Heart Waiting, Perception, Surreal, The New World, Lighwave, 65.4HZ

Let me know your thoughts --