Oliver Brooks serves up the 5th release on DS-R with this tough and uplifting double header. At a young age Oliver shows he’s adept at slick, tight production with a succession of top draw recent releases, including a tight remix of X Marks The Spot by Garry Heaney. It wasn’t until last year that I discovered Oliver’s sound, and it seems he knows when he’s due for a new release, as I never find myself craving more, but always welcome his new material.  No Sean Tyas / Heatbeat syndrome here folks!

Changes will find favour with those who enjoy the style of Activa’s recent remix on DS-R as this belter is tough, driving trance with techy elements that balance well with the track’s energy and drive. I’m definitely reminded of the Discover sound on this A Side, while the second track of the EP, With You, has a more refined, classic trance sound with lush, crisp leads and a warm bass that will wrap you up and cuddle. Don’t be fooled though, this B Side is the highlight of the EP and carries tons of energy straight from London, UK.

Read on past the break for some high quality samples and be sure to vote for your favorite!

Oliver Brooks – Chances

[See post to listen to audio]

Oliver Brooks – With You

[See post to listen to audio]

Score: 8/10

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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Another top notch trance release on the mighty Liquid imprint that has brought to you so many fine releases from the likes of 4 Strings, Clokx, Sandler, Ummet Ozcan and many, many more. This time around we’re privy to a brand new uplifting gem from Vast Vision & Misja Helsloot!

This latest effort is pure trance bliss as it meanders through soft sound scapes that invigorate and energize the listener. The hook is typical of most Liquid Recordings as in it manages to latch onto the listener and whisks them away to another land, if only for a few minutes.  You’ll definitely want to give this beauty a few listens. If you’re looking for a song full of warm hope and emotion, look no further!

Vast Vision & Misja Helsloot – In Your Face

[See post to listen to audio]

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The next chapter from Giuseppe Ottaviani’s outstanding debut artist long player ‘GO!’ is about to be written with the follow up to his last single release ‘Fallen’ coming your way. VANDIT is proud to put their stamp of approval on the Italian trance maestro’s debut LP and it’s no surprise since his tenure as one part of Nu-NRG clearly has left a unique sound to his music, even moving into this new decade. This very track garnered tons of attention on Corsten’s latest Countdown episode as the entire trance twittersphere was abuzz about the lovely vocals and driving bass.

The new single to be taken from the album features the gorgeous vocals of a familiar face, or more familiar voice we should say, ‘Faith’. Faith we may add is what VANDIT put in Giuseppe Ottaviani and he has delivered time and time again with outstanding productions. He’s at it once more here with a track that’s fallen from the trance gods in the sky. Angel was not a hot item off the album when it landed, but I’m sure Giuseppe had plans to have this chilled out Original Mix remixed before it even landed in stores.  And that’s exactly what has happened here…

We’ve got two new club worthy versions from this Italian trance powerhouse, and atop that we’ve got two versions from Ben Nicky & Mark Eteson.  Head on over past the break for a quick rundown of each track, some high quality samples and for your chance to vote for your favorite.

Giuseppe Ottaviani ft Faith – Angel (Original Album Mix)

[See post to listen to audio]

This is the track at the heart of each remix you’re about to hear.  Spend some time knowing each other, by understanding this version you’re more likely to find yourself enjoying what follows.  Also, her voice is uber sweet, sexy and angelic (pardon the pun!). Treat this one like the first sip of wine, and what follows will likely floor you.

Giuseppe Ottaviani ft Faith – Angel (Club Mix)

[See post to listen to audio]

This track’s gritty bassline is a clubber’s dream come true.  Giuseppe takes a page out of the German trance scene and turns this delightful vocal trance into a late night contender.

Giuseppe Ottaviani ft Faith – Angel (VANDIT Night Mix)

[See post to listen to audio]

Destined to be canned by just about everyone, this version amps up the energy while playfully balancing her voice.  You’ll also notice there is a little more hope in this version, unlike the previous versions that felt melancholic.  A nice touch!

Giuseppe Ottaviani ft Faith – Angel (Mark Eteson & Ben Nicky Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

Ben is all over our website in the past year and this latest collab with Mark Eteson essentially finds a middle groud between the Club Mix and the VANDIT Night Mix.

Giuseppe Ottaviani ft Faith – Angel(Mark Eteson & Ben Nicky Dub Mix)

[See post to listen to audio]

If you’d rather hear the instrumentals from their Vocal Mix, get down to this one!

The Verdict

Another release that manages to surprise from start to finish.  It seems that everyone is coming out firing on all cylinders since WMC, what a fun time of year for trance fans.  2010 truly is the year for Trance to shine, and Giuseppe is playing his part in this revolution.  All of these remixes are top notch, and deciding on a single one will be challenging, but I suppose I’ll give my nod to the VANDIT Night Mix for it’s inspiring undertones.

Score: 9/10

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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Brand new on Leon Bolier’s label, Streamlined, is a hot new collab by two of the trance music scene’s most prolific young producers. Leon Bolier’s production career started at a young age, and since then he’s seen his musical stock rise in price year after year.  Having had his music played by every top jock in the world, it’s no surprise to see him pair up with another hugely successful producer/dj, Sied van Riel.

Darkstar landed in my inbox a few weeks ago, and after having been forced to ignore it while I played catch up, I finally get to provide with the attention it deserves. The track’s pace is just perfect for a mid-set play and it’s atmosphere is energizing.  As the track progresses past the intro I’m reminded of older Mark Norman productions with a touch of First State, Sied and that typical Bolier sound we’ve all come to love. This production is a veritable melting pot of different sounds and atmospheres!

Read on past the break for a high quality sample of the Original Mix.

Bolier & Van Riel – Darkstar

[See post to listen to audio]

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After a few releases that are darker, harder and more in your face, it’s nice to return to a more uplifting sound. Red Force is proud to celebrate their 20th release with the latest (and perhaps the most anticipated) single from Daniel Kandi. The Danish trance star delivers a warm, driving record with gorgeous plucks and a spectacular lead hook. If this one doesn’t paint a smile across your face, it’s probably time to renew your Zoloft prescription.

Backing remixes come from Enhanced’s Suncatcher and their very own LavKastor. Suncatcher picks up where the original left off. A solid bassline, clean percussion and a rather lush breakdown define this gorgeous remix. LavKastor seals the package with his progressive house-flavored rework featuring a firm bassline and layers of synth saws.  Lav includes many aspects from the original while offering a deeper perspective, a nice change of pace and variety for this three track release.

Read on past the break for high quality samples, and for your chance to vote for your favorite!

Daniel Kandi – Everything Counts (Original Mix)

[See post to listen to audio]

Daniel Kandi – Everything Counts (Suncatcher Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

Daniel Kandi – Everything Counts (LavKastor Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

The Verdict

Redforce Recordings releases are always so enjoyable to listen to, and review.  This very release is their first in some time that truly touched me emotionally, and Daniel’s production is top notch.  I’m surprised to see this released just after WMC in the promo pools, though I’m sure Daniel was fully backing it up while in Miami.

The remix duties on this package fell to Suncatcher and LavKastor, and each provided unique takes on the Original Mix that felt renewed, fresh and uplifting.  My favorite has to be the Original Mix.

Score: 8/10

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Mike Nichol debuts on Discover with this killer two track E.P. which has already gained the support of Armin Van Buuren and is the perfect follow on to his recent critically acclaimed release with Armada. Mike can already list amongst his supporters the likes of Armin, Ferry, JOC, Aly and Fila and Askew and this release will surely cement his place as one of the scenes most exciting new producers. With a breakthrough track like Paradigm, it’s no surprise to see him continue his streak of successes.

This two track EP features Set In Motion leading things off, and what a stormer it is. Atmospheric elements abound throughout the song, whispy vocals add depth and variety to the breakdown and the sense of a coming storm, perhaps an epic battle underlies the build as it crests and crashes into an ocean of sound and energy. Tweak is a harder hitting affair that retains the same whispy vocals that Set In Motion featured and the synth hook is deep, and rather similar to track #1, but this one however, is all about the drive and the journey.  Expect to be heavily energized by the time you’re done with this track.

Read on past the break for some high quality samples and for your chance to vote for your fave!  Let us know what you think of the tracks in the comments.

Mike Nichol – Set In Motion

[See post to listen to audio]

Mike Nichol – Tweak

[See post to listen to audio]

The Verdict

Love em, Love em, Love em!

Score: 9/10

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Links of Interest

Mike Nichol MySpace

Mike Nichol Facebook Fanpage

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With this excellent EP, South African DJ and producer Jason van Wyk presents his debut on the In Trance We Trust imprint. Signing his very first single in 2004, when he was only fourteen (!), it was clear that Jason had found his calling, and he hasn’t stopped answering since!

Cosmic Gate requested Jason van Wyk’s track “Once Again” for their 2CD mix compilation “Back2Back4″; the fourth in the successful series by the German artist-producers. One thing of course lead to the other and the release of this EP was quickly scheduled in. That’s a no brainer, now isn’t it?

For the EP, Jason added the track “Always”, which together with “Once Again” turns the release into a beautifully spacious, rich and symphonic release. Here and there we hear some old school trance seeping through, proof that Jason knows what he’s doing.  I was completely floored by the sheer quality of both tracks, they stand tall on their own, and together, they are perfect complements,. Lush trance done to perfection!

Read on past the break for high quality samples.

Jason van Wyk – Once Again

[See post to listen to audio]

Jason van Wyk – Always

[See post to listen to audio]

edit: Sorry for not including the samples originally, thanks Lianne for pointing it out to me!

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Fresh from remixing Sean Truby’s “Waiting For You”, Icone returns to Flux Delux with his first original release in over a year to deliver a suitably epic release in true Icone style. The words “epic” and “anthem” are never far away from an Icone description and this release is no different as Icone once again shows us that he is one of the very best producers around when it comes to big room trance.

On remix duty we have “Amplified” resident A J Hutch who, fresh from remixing John O’Callaghan and Aly and Fila’s recent collaboration for Armada delivers a mix that shows us exactly why he is rising to the top of his game right now and can include in his list of supporters the likes of Armin, Ferry, JOC, Tyas and Activa.

Both mixes ooze class and style in equal measure – this is feel good trance and its just in time for the summer!! You can hear both tracks in high quality after the jump!

Icone – Hyperspace (Original Mix)

[See post to listen to audio]

Icone – Hyperspace ( AJ Hutch Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

The Verdict

This epic hands in the air, 4AM smile on your face trance. Icone steals the show with his Original Mix.

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The electronic dance scene in Germany is in very healthy hands as the latest trance molded bomb to explode on the scene, courtesy of PvD’s VANDIT, is from a duo that will be looking to follow in a few very famous electronic footsteps. The collaboration of Solace & Solitude is a joint combination of the DJ Pete Severano and producer Christian Anders, who bring both their unique skills together for this new name on the electronic music scene.

It’s a debut release right here on VANDIT for the pair and they have brought a sound that fits in perfectly with what we’ve come to expect from the label. Sunset Sessions is a driving trance anthem that packs in harmonic bars and a rumbling beat right at the heart of it. The harmonics that fill the build up will certainly plaster a euphoric smile across any listener’s face. Joining the debutants for this release is another up and coming talent but one who is no stranger to VANDIT after his superb ‘The Republic’ debut last year. Gary Proud’s uplifting and pounding style injects that little bit more energy with a production that stamps out why he is one of the hottest trance talents on the scene at the moment.

It’s a fitting title to a stunning debut release from Solace & Solitude. A name we are sure you will see more often and one which will provide 2010 with more quality electronic audio. Read on past the break for a few high quality samples!

Solace & Solitude – Sunset Sessions (Original Mix)

[See post to listen to audio]

Solace & Solitude – Sunset Sessions (Gary Proud Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]

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Well, I’m sorry for the lack of reviews last week, thank you Shrey for holding the place up while I was busy buying my first house.  Getting back into the groove of things is never easy to do, but when I’ve got an absolute monster from Sean Truby waiting to be reviewed, it certainly helps lube things up.

Sean is without a doubt the fastest rising trance star at the moment, after bursting onto the scene in early 2008 he’s gone on to steal my heart time and time again.  His sound is typically uplifting with a heavy dose of Discover vibe, but this latest on 2Play is more akin to a Sean Tyas / Askew tech trance monster. Showdown is his hardest hitting track to date, and expect to hear PvD, Armin, O’Callaghan and others whore it out at WMC this year. This is not your cookie cutter trance, this is a well crafted, varied soundscape that pounds the entire time.

Read on past the break for a high quality sample of the track.

Sean Truby – Showdown

[See post to listen to audio]

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