Trance Stimuli
Version 2.0 (Neurodisc)
by DJ Arcanus
Trance Stimuli Version 2.0, mixed by DJ Eddie Mix, shows the complexity of trance. It also shows how often genres cross paths these days. In contrast to many forms of techno that use it as filler, trance uses synths and samples to accompany the beats. The first track, John “00” Flemming‘s “Free (Club Mix),” has some of everything. It begins with a lush soundscape and female vocals and quickly progresses into a generic 4/4 trance beat before introducing new synth layers. Each layer enhances the song with rich harmonies and gives the listener more than just a beat to dance to. This continues throughout the album.
The songs by Pulsedrive and Gigi Lav & Ben DJ even have lyrics. Wow! Lyrics! Although they’re cheesy as all hell, the women’s voices are smooth. Both sound like ’80s songs laid over trance. The latter artists along with Coast 2 Coast (Featuring Discovery) and Speaking Sins borrow the most audible elements of anthem techno – you know, the fast beat and that over-the-top high-energy synth sound that makes you want to throw your arms in the air and pump along to the beat (just like all the sweaty candy ravers bouncing up and down next to you.) For extra flavor, DJ Eddie Mix throws in a little diva house with Sound De-zign.
More important than these trance songs crossing techno sub-genres is that many of them don’t sound much different from the current Electronic Body Music (EBM) that’s flooding the market. Bands like Neuroticfish, VNV Nation, Apoptygma Berzerk, Assemblage23, and Funker Vogt have songs that contain melodies so close to these trance songs that one might sound like a remix of the other. Although not an EBM band, Delerium have a few trance remixes for their singles. Their biggest hit, “Silence” featuring Sarah McLaughlin, was originally made for a different genre, but then a trance remix became available with their latest album and both Roy Marquez and Digital Control have tracks with almost the exact melody and beat. One has to wonder if these songs were not written to imitate a song other techno enthusiasts overlooked, because the band isn’t a techno band in any way.
Anyone who likes this album should check out some of the newer EBM – because it’s now coming out as trance, it has successfully infiltrated a genre that has been headed in this direction the past few years. For fans of recent EBM who have low opinions of techno, you’ll see it’s closer to what you like than you’d like to admit – so buy this album and stop bitching about how lame you think techno is. You’re listening to it already.
Other acts included in the mix are: New Voyager, Hyperion, Night & Day, Force 10, and Mental Miracle.
(www.neurodisc.com)
