Soulfinder – Wasteland [Toes In The Sand Recordings]
Posted by Andre on December 1, 2009 under Albums, Releases | 
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It seems to be artist album season, and with about 5-6 albums waiting to get some attention, I decided to skip a few and jump to this smooth and soothing progressive gem. This isn’t the first time that Toes In The Sand have graced our website, nor is it Soulfinder’s first either, with an earlier remix on a tasty package by Josel.
This artist album arrived as a surprise, and needless to say, the surprises didn’t end there. “Wasteland” is also the debut LP for Dublin’s Soulfinder, who has quickly made a name for himself with a flurry of top-shelf originals and remixes. Though deep and mature like a fine Malbec, “Wasteland” is no snoozer, working equally well for dancefloors and headphones. Also included is a continuous DJ mix of the album, mixed by the man himself.
Read on past the break for my highlights of the album, some high quality samples and be sure to support your favorite artists!
The Pieces
I tossed this album into the PC on a cold Monday morning at work. I had a long day ahead of me, lines and lines of code had to be programmed, and I was a little weary of using this album to keep me chugging along for the next 8 hours. What happened next completely blew my mind.
The album kicks off with a very chilled out vibe, as lush pads oscillate to and fro, a sexy vocal sample asks me if ‘I can take it’ and though I quickly respond with a resounding yes, it isn’t until the kick and bass drop at the 60 second mark that truly become confident in my response. Wasteland, the album’s lead off single, is so soothing and peaceful that I’m instantly taken to a place where I can’t help but relax.
The next few tracks keep things pretty downtempo for the most part until we’re midway through Travelling, those pulsing big room synths quickly jolt my mind into a state of awareness as I continue to be soothed by tracks like Exodus and Poetic Dreams. At this point the beat really starts to pick up with Superconscious and Fly Away, while Prolific does a great job at wrapping things up and bringing it all full circle.
HIGHLIGHTS
Soulfinder – Wasteland
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Soulfinder – Travelling
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Soulfinder - Poetic Dreams
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Soulfinder – Fly Away
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The Mix
While I spent the few hours listening to the individual tracks I had already begun to piece together the full DJ mix. It was plain to hear that this Irishman laid things out in such a manner that a DJ mix would feel naturally comfortable. And after listening to the DJ mix I can’t ascertain that this is exactly what he accomplished. As strong as the individual parts are, the mix really showcases his ability to string listeners along, moving from chilled out soundscapes to near club friendly progressive house beats.
The Verdict
A truly amazing debut album for this young producer. It combines the passion and emotion of old Northern Exposure compilations, the well thought out programming of a James Zabiela mix and the sharp productions skills of a robotic producer. If you’d like to be musically and emotionally moved, do not skip this album, you’ll regret what you never knew…
Score: 9/10
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