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)

Feel free to share your comments...

Twelve presents: Tenishia (06 July 2013)

Malta's most successful dance act duo, Tenishia visited Manila for a night of 'proper' trance as how some of the people I know would coin it. 

Joining them on the decks are one of the local dance scene's hot names: Cammy V and John Odin. Cam and JP will be opening and closing, respectively for the main acts. 

The duo, Joven Grech and Cyprian Cassar dropped their uplifting mixes and drove the crowd wild. With so many hits after hits, I could not even remember all, but anthems like DB's Waiting, Tiesto's Love Again, AvB's latest offering This Is What It Feels Like were among that the crowd experienced, Tenishia version. 

It was an unexpected fun, crazy, sweaty night of trance, joy, euphoria, and friendship. It was my last weekend before I start a new module for my post-grad studies so I decided to party the night away and it was a great decision that I did. 

A few snaps taken from my camera phone:

 a photo op with Cyprian Cassar (my right) and Joven Grench (my left) collectively known as Tenishia

the boys working the decks of 7th High

Comments?

Bigfish presents Innovation White featuring Jochen Miller, Rank 1, and Ana Criado on vocals

It was a rainy night but the show must go on. Not even a storm could stop me from seeing one of my dj/producer crushes in person -- Jochen Miller -- not mention, a closing set delivered by one of the most underrated trance acts Rank 1. So I marched on with my #TrioTagaPayong friends and reveled the night away.

When Jochen took over the decks, the crowd just went ballistic, started jumping, throwing their hands up in the air, and just losing in his heavy basslines, epic riffs, and Bigfish's fantastic laser light shows.

I did feel the crowd of Bigfish is getting younger as years go by, well that only means that my generation is ageing as well. Jochen Miller's energy was channeled by the crowd and as he drove us to edge of his infectious beats, he still manage to throw that smile that even led the girls and the boys and practically everyone else crazier. As he built, smashed, drove, and threw the crowd high up, it was time for the duo Rank 1 to take over, keep the aerial momentum and eventually land the crowd safely. Oh, and somewhere in between was Ana Criado singing. I didn't feel much of her presence really, so I don't have anything else to say. 

It was a night of redemption for the Innovation White series. I could remember the last great Innovation White was during the Above & Beyond 2010, not even Cosmic Gate or Chicane could top it but with Jochen and R1', I can say it is now back on track.

And it gets better, there was an after party at Club Haze where Jochen spinned some more. His energy is just encompassing and with all the riffs he's been doing while flashing his white-teeth smile, was just a monumental.

A few snaps from that night:

 Paul, Justin, Van, Jase, Marx, Jay (photo courtesy of Jason Tomas)

 Jochen Miller working the deck of Bigfish at World Trade Center (photo taken via my camera phone)

 Jochen Miller working the deck of Club Haze during the after-party (photo taken via my camera phone)

Your thoughts please....

Album Review: Ben Gold - The Sound of Garuda: Chapter 3

The Sound Of Garuda has always been one of my most look forwarded to mix compilations. The first Sound of Garuda was released in 2009, with Chapter 2 following it 2 years later. And now, another 2 years have passed and another new mix compilation is set to be released.

The Sound Of Garuda: Chapter 3 that was released last May 2013 was mixed by rising star Ben Gold. Garuda label head Gareth Emery has passed on the mixing responsibilities to one of the rising stars in trance, that is Ben Gold. Gareth had previously mixed the first two Sound of Garuda mix compilations, but felt it was time for the reigns to be passed on to someone who is helping to bring the name of Garuda to brand new heights. That is exactly what Ben Gold has been doing and he could not be more excited about it either

The compilation is packed with gems by Gareth Emery, Ferry Corsten, Ashley Wallbridge, W&W, Arty, KhoMha and more.

I felt honored when Garuda approached me to mix the 3rd chapter in ‘The Sound Of Garuda’ series. Being the next ambassador of this compilation after Gareth Emery makes me really proud, Ben Gold said.

With my repititive listening in the past few weeks, the weaving of the mix takes the listener through a flashback of unforgettable tunes that are sure to ignite memories of sandy beaches and strobe-induced nights on the dance floor. I am glad to be following this compilation because I could relive the euphoria that can only come from the sound of the world’s best trance and progressive artists.

Track list:

Disc 1

Juventa – Bitsmash – not exclusive

Ben Gold – Where Life Takes Us (Juventa Remix) – exclusive

Ferry Corsten – Rock Your Body (Arty Rock N Rolla Remix) – not exclusive

Emma Hewitt – Rewind (Mikkas Remix) – not exclusive

Ashley Wallbridge – Yin-Yang – not exclusive

Luke Bond – 1UP – out May 20

W&W & Ummet Ozcan – The Code – not exclusive

Thomas Ulstrup – Disco Fever – exclusive

Mark Eteson & Luke Bond – 4 Days Out (Tom Fall Remix) – not exclusive

Russ James – My Mind (Rafaël Frost Remix) – exclusive

Ben Gold feat. The Glass Child – Fall With Me (Tom Fall Remix) – not exclusive

Lange & Audrey Gallagher – Our Way Home (Noah Neiman Remix) – not exclusive

Eximinds – Mainbeat – not exclusive

Fast Distance & Rikkaz – Cruise Control – not exclusive

Ben Gold – Amplified – exclusive

Disc 2

Gareth Emery – Layers – exclusive

Eximinds – Ganesa – exclusive

Ben Gold – Mesocyclone – not exclusive

Ben Gold & Tritonal – Apex – not exclusive

Rob Naylor – Yes – exclusive

Solis & Sean Truby – Meerkat – exclusive

Fisherman & Hawkins – Apache – not exclusive

Gareth Emery – Tokyo (Ben Gold Remix) – not exclusive

DJ Eco – Borealis (Solis & Sean Truby Remix) – not exclusive

Skytech – Out Of Nowhere – not exclusive

Raneem – Carousel – exclusive

KhoMha – Vapor – not exlusive

Ashley Wallbridge – Mumbai Traffic (Ben Gold Remix) – exclusive

Craig Connelly & Christina Novelli – Black Hole – exclusive

Lee Osborne – Beautiful Trouble – exclusive

What do you think?

Trance 'til Dawn presents United Under Dance featuring Artic Moon

Trance 'til Dawn, the growing group of dance music enthusiasts, now positioned to also bring in to the country some of today's significant artists in this ever-evolving genre, brings us their first international dance act -- Artic Moon.

Artic Moon is known for his uplifting tunes and epic drops that go from 130 to 145 bpm. I am no dj/producer (or at least not yet) but with my observation of his tunes, that's my estimate of the bpm he is playing on. 

I celebrated with the pack leader Pat Santos together with the rest of this genre's enthusiasts and advocates. All I could remember were the thumping of beats, the enthralled mix of whirling synths, and people just raving, getting lifted into what we call a state of trance. 

There was even a time I was just in front of Artic Moon, jumping, staring at him, feeling his basslines, and in between that action I was able to take a quick snap of the guy.

Artic Moon in action on the deck of TIME in Manila (photo taken from my camera phone)

 Jase and I before the night went crazy (photo courtesy of Luther Abcede)

How was your Artic Moon experience?

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--

Republiq presents: Ferry Corsten (05 July 2012)

I have looked forward to this day -- Ferry Corsten's come back gig and this time at Republiq Club. It was a 3-hour long set and I had no words to describe how F created a mental atmosphere especially for his fans and EDM fans!

Not to mention, it was one of Republiq's simpler stage production but has a great impact! Lookie:

Ferry inside the Brain Box

 Marty, Julian, Marx, Kiefer, and Jeff

Marty, Marx, Jeff, and Jase

Were you there? How fun was it????? Share your thoughts...

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: Trance Nation 2012 (Remixed by Cosmic Gate)

The annual Trance Nation compilation from Ministry of Sound Records is out now, and this time the remixes are by one of my all-time fave duo Cosmic Gate. 

Following 2011's remix by Rank 1, this compilation shows no slowing down from it's predecessor. Expect ergasmic tracks from Trance giants like Sander van Door, Tiesto, Above & Beyond, and from new contingents like Andrew Bayer, Arty, and Mat Zo all wrapped up with a bough on it by Claus Terhoeven (a.k.a. Nic Chagall) and Stefan Bossems (a.k.a. DJ Bossi) collectively known as Cosmic Gate. Compiling some of their favourite producers, remixers, and artists over a 2CD release, Nic & Bossi perfectly capture the future sound of the genre. The duo explains: "It’s an honor for us to be mixing this international, established and influential brand mix series by Ministry Of Sound and be the next ambassador after respected colleagues and friends like Above & Beyond, Andy Moor and Rank1!"

One note worthy track that really caught my attention and ear drums is Cosmic Gate and Andrew Bayer's track Nothing Ever Lasts. The said track headlines the first cd. This 2-CD goodie is such a good listen you wouldn't even realise that two hours had already passed just by listening to it. It then ends with a CG classic Fire Wire 2011 remix (that can also be found on CG's Back 2 The Future Remixes complilation)

Track list:

CD1:
01. Cosmic Gate & Andrew Bayer – Nothing Ever Lasts (Extended Intro Mix)
02. Jerome Isma – Ae - Speed
03. Nic Chagall & Duderstadt Feat. Relyk – Alone With You
04. Cosmic Gate – Crushed
05. Boom Jinx Feat. Justine Suissa – Phoenix From The Flames (Maor Levi Remix)
06. Sunleed – Rasalhague
07. Temple One Feat. Neev Kennedy – Love The Fear (Tom Fall Remix)
08. Mat Zo – Bipolar
09. Emma Hewitt – Colours (Cosmic Gate Remix)
10. LTN – Ordinary People (Anhken Remix)
11. Abstract Vision & Elite Electronic – Always Exotic
12. Alex Kunnari Feat. Ben Andreas – Taste The Sun (Tom Fall Instrumental)
13. Space Rockerz Feat. Ellie Lawson – So Out Of Reach
14. Matt Davey – Castaway (Daniel Hairston Lonely Road Remix)

CD2:
01. Cosmic Gate with Myon & Shane 54 and Aruna – All Around You (Extended Intro Mix)
02. Ost & Meyer – Scarlett Heaven (Dan Stone Remix)
03. Ummet Ozcan – Cocoon
04. Tiesto – Flight 643 (Nash & Pepper Remix)
05. Cosmic Gate & Arnej – Sometimes They Come Back For More (Stoneface & Terminal Remix)
06. Above & Beyond – Formula Rossa (Nitrous Oxide Remix)
07. Cosmic Gate & Emma Hewitt – Be Your Sound (Extended Mix)
08. Cosmic Gate – The Theme
09. Kyau & Albert – Are You Fine (Arty Remix)
10. Sander van Doorn, Adrian Lux – Eagles (Album Mix)
11. Cold Blue – Coconut
12. Gareth Emery – Tokyo
13. Marcel Woods – Accelerate (Chris Schweizer Big Room Mix)
14. Cosmic Gate – Fire Wire (Cosmic Gate’s Back 2 The Future Remix)

If you have this compilation or have listened to this record, do share your thoughts--