Compilation Review


	September 30, 2002 - Text: Sequential-X After the very successful release of "Cyclotron" by Wizzy Noise. Candyflip return with a compilation that shows great Greek character as there are five Greek bands included alongside respected foreign acts like Eargear and Pied Piper. What follows is a track by track review of the compilation...

	Das Medikament - Kikma Track follows the known recipe of the progressive sounds of now. A bouncy bassline is peppered with lots of noises and percussion loops, add some filters here and there and here you go… Sounds easy but it isn't. Production is tops on this one although I can not say I like it that much.

	Drone - Contagious First Greek entry on this compilation is by Drone. After a horror movie inspired intro the tracks kicks off with the same way as the previous one. The second most used bassline in trance appears here too. Effects merge into the track giving some extra volume to the groove and the track builds on that. Again minimalistic trance for the later hours since that kind of sound is quite trippy. My real concern is that the guys use too many cliche arrangements and bassline sequences, so the track ends up being just one out of many.

	Bent Sentient vs Pied Piper Paul - Malice in Blunderland This piece again starts with that well familiar bassline but I like its production because it's very tight. Furthermore that breakdown half the track that uses a funkier bassline made me wonna do some booty shaking too. Unfortunately in the end the "bad" bassline wins and comes again out of the shadows… Mmmm in the other hand many people like this bassline so who am I to argue. Overall interesting track and quite trippy which is the case in most of the tracks in this compilation.

	Igneous Sauria - Cookies for Rookies Second Greek entry and things look better. Very nice introduction with a nice 4/4 techno inspired bassline (at least for the first minutes) plus some very clever sound arrangement. Tighter multi-rhythms, better use of EQ and top quirky noises make this a really interesting cut. Excellent production too.

	Unearthed - Voice of Electra Third Greek entry and is by Unearthed. Oldschool voice samples (I have to tell that some samples in here made my mind to travel many years back, especially the one from LTJ Bukem's "Music") and again typical horserace bassline set the canvas for some in and out fx drops. Production-wise is a bit blurry could be better. I can not say I like it.

	Wizzy Noise - Process Forth Greek entry is by heavy weight champions Wizzy Noise. The most successful export of our country is contributing in this compilation with "Process". That well know futuristic sound of Wizzy visit us again with clinic production and blurred flanged beats. Wizzy Noise have this ability to make their tunes not irritating despite the repetition and that can only be good. Quite trippy and atmospheric this is in my opinion a good track.

	Eargear - Dependence At last a track with a bit fresh approach regarding the bassine that drives the track. I like the on purpose filthiness of some samples and of course that aggressive synth line that is passed through a low frequency oscillator. Pretty nice track with a good drive and appropriate production. One of my favors in this compilation and one of the most varied too.

	Skizojrenic Society - Obsession Fifth Greek entry and at last there is one Greek track that I really like because it matches my kind of definition for psy-trance. Kostas Alekoglou akA Magus, Phacelift and Muthafunkster is behind this little monster. The whole vibe is excellent balancing between house funk and straight psy-trance brutality plus the bassline is by far the phattest and funkier in this compilation. Excellent use of today's production techniques with clever use of digital effects and a big variation in sequencing and sounds, this track alone has more to offer than the previous seven tracks (regarding ideas and progression just to set things straight). I really love it and I must say that in my opinion this the most interesting track out of this compilation.

	Overall verdict is that this compilation is quite good, it is certainly not the best thing that floats around but I do not think you know may labels that include five Greek groups in their compilations with the two being new comers (which means lack of experience and so on…). Candyflip invests in local talent that can only be good for the future. People need the opportunities to show their best face. One other thing that may pass unmentioned by many is that the track order is very good. The compilation kicks off with minimal sounds and progressively moves into "louder" tracks. That alone shows that the people behind Candyflip are not straight merchandisers but like their "thing" if you know what I mean.

	Tracklisting: 1. Das Medikament - Kikma 2. Drone - Contagious 3. Bent Sentient vs Pied Piper Paul - Malice in Blunderland 4. Igneous Sauria - Cookies for Rookies 5. Unearthed - Voice of Electra 6. Wizzy Noise - Process 7. Eargear - Dependence 8. Skizojrenic Society - Obsession CFRCD02 © 2002.