Search - Various Artists :: Logic Trance 5

One of the under-the-radar gems of 2001

Richard Diaz | 05/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the under-the-radar gems of 2001. It's bound to get buried within the mass of releases this year, and being part five of the solid (if unspectacular) Logic Trance series won't help bring the noise from press outlets. Factor in John Debo's debut Chrome 01 seemed unremarkable, and perhaps few could have expected the raw power of Logic Trance 5.The scaling synth chords are checked at the door, as are hooks, singing, all but some scraps of melody. To move off the power of groove, that's what Debo showcases here. Layers of percussion (`Of Course,') backbone quivering basslines (`Something else,) and heavy beats that kick in (`Dockside') with twisting sound effects spread throughout. Spotless mixing ensures one smooth ride to the beat of a drum.Best yet, the dozen tracks presented are underground tunes that haven't popped up elsewhere, a tribute to spotless vinyl-searching and the depth of music that exists. And let's be honest, it would have been so easy to throw in some massive British tunes just to stir up interest or help in promotion. Devoid of glam or glitzy artists Logic Trance 5 certainly won't crack any bestseller lists. But for those looking for stripped to the essence minimal energy...ah, what a delight. Fans of progressive house or the Bedrock sound need to get this. Grade: A-"

Debo moves to the cutting edge of trance

Douglas A. Greenberg | Berkeley, CA USA | 04/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is John Debo's second mix cd release, following closely on the heels of his very good progressive house mix, *Chrome 01*. This time, the resident dj at Boston's "Chrome, Thursday nights at Axis" has blended a series of excellent progressive trance tracks that will surely be to the liking of longtime fans of this exciting and hypnotic musical genre. The overall mood is dark, percussively complex, and at times, experimentally deep and different. For listeners not previously acquainted with the progressive style of trance, the sound might seem alien and forboding. Vocals are spare, and where included, as with Li'Sha's "That's Why I'm Here" and the Fade mix of Atropin Project's "Plusier," are ethereal and not overtly melodic. What's more, there is virtually nothing included in this mix that is "old hat" for trance fans; these are fresh tunes, start to finish. As is often the case with true cutting-edge material, even sympathetic listeners may need to reserve judgment regarding this mix until they have given Debo's cd more than just a couple of spins. This is material that requires concentration and repeated exposure, but for some of us, at least, the "work" involved is definitely worth the reward. It's interesting to seem this kind of mix included as part of the Logic Trance series. People expecting a release more geared toward the (relatively) mainstream melodic trance of Logic Trance 4 will find this cd very different from its predecessor. Recent trance releases that are more similar to this one would include Chris Fortier's "Trance America," Danny Zee's "Trancescapes," Sandra Collins' "Tranceport 3," DJ Eyal's "Tranceglobalnation 5," and the second cd of Sasha and Digweed's "Communicate." If you enjoyed any (or all) of the aforementioned works, Debo's new disc will likely please you, as well."

Excellent deep & progressive

J. O. | Traveller, currently Mexico City | 12/19/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As one of the reviewers stated, it seems that John Debo mixed this cd straight from the turntables at a party. The feeling of pre meditated track selection (for promotion) was non existent in this mix. Too bad it was only one cd.
I bought the first logic trance album about 6 years ago and boy, have they gone a long way.
If you like Jimmy Van M or Pappa, you will enjoy this mix. It starts off pretty good then arround track 7 it really kicks up until the end.
Conclusion: one of the top 3 commercially available mixes I have heard this year."