|
A new onesided blue vinyl has emerged on the Waterworld Records label, containing one mix of the brand new track by the guys from Alphazone. They are mostly known for bringing us their unique style of driving and melodic hardtrance, so let's see what's going to happen when playing this vinyl...
The 'Alphazone' alias consists of two guys, Alexander Zwarg and Arne Reichelt. They have been producing together since 1995, but the Alphazone moniker wasn't born until 2001, the year in which their classic remix of DJ Kim - 'Jetlag' was released. Their trademark sound was well received worldwide, so they released their first single 'Stay' shortly afterwards. Other tracks by them include 'Rockin' and 'Revelation', and they have remixed artists like Mat Silver & Tony Burt, Euphonic, Ian van Dahl and Dave Joy. Other aliases by them include Saltwater (together with the producers behind the Norman Bass project), with which they released their massive 'The Legacy', which is still being played by numerous jocks all over the world. The Ceylon and Nebulus aliases have been brought to life a few months ago as well, both differing just a little bit in style from the 'usual' sound we get to hear from the guys.
Just like they did with 'Revelation', Waterworld Records has brought out a slice of coloured vinyl limited to 300 copies worldwide of the new Alphazone single. Let's see what it's all about...
A-side: Original Mix
A thumping kick on a rather high BPM, a bit of backing percussion and a tiny set of bongo's are the main ingredients we get to hear when putting the needle at the outer grooves of the vinyl. A robotic voice chanting 'Flashback' comes in to tell us what the track is called, with shortly afterwards the introduction of the main bassline, which sounds like earlier Alphazone productions, but seems just a little different by using some darker sounds. The build-up is all about agile, repeating synths, which are playing super-catchy and ernegetic melodies. The magic in these melodies lies in the upgoing chords at the end of every pattern: it makes you want to hear it again, again, and again, for some reason. The percs are doing their best to keep up with the pace of the synths, and it certainly works out because the overall vibe just makes me want to shake my head and feet along with the sound. The vocal snippet gets repeated a few more times, just until we get to the phase in which a few elements fade away to make place for the main breakdown. A string part jumps right in, playing a nice melody with just that extra bit of emotion in it. When listening carefully, you will notice that the main (filtered) synth is already playing along with the strings, and gradually building up to a more energetic version. Soon afterwards, some breaky beats enter the track, which are being guided along by a new version of the melody, played by a somewhat 'happy', but very cool synth nonetheless. The main melody itself also has that special thing with the upgoing chords: the energy just bursts out of it every time it gets repeated, and it doesn't get boring at all. With the drumrolls entering, you can just feel that a climax will be reached soon.. and there it is. You would expect a melody like the one they have used in earlier productions, but it's not, at all! Just before the beginning of the climax, this amazingly energetic synth comes in, and then booms everything right into pieces combined with the percussion and bassline. The stabby kind of melody used here reminds me of the older S.H.O.K.K. productions, which is definitely a good thing. Some might say that the melody sounds too happy and all, but don't be misguided, 'cause it's right on stomping and energetic at the same time. I can see dancefloors going completely mad on this, we've certainly got ourselves some peaktime material here!
Conclusion:
Let's be straight to the point: 'Flashback' is one of the better hardtrancers I've heard this year. It has everything you want: a driving bassline, a strong buildup with a very cool use of both melodies and percussion, a magnificent break and a right on banging climax with a superb stabbing synth melody. If this doesn't make you freak, nothing will!
The full release will be available within a few weeks, including a Dave Joy remix on the flip. Be sure to look out for it!
|
![[i:Vibes]](i_pic/ivibes_new.jpg)
Frontpage
News
Reviews
Interviews
Party Reports
Artist Profiles
Label profiles
Diaries
What is...
Tutorials
Links
Radio-info
Forum
Chat
User Stats
Crew-info
i:Vibes Info
Related Links
Tell a friend
