Search - Various Artists :: Phuture Tech Trance 1

Oliver Lieb finally delivers a mix...

Richard Diaz | 04/02/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"You know, it's about time that (arguably) trance's most prolific and talented producer finally share his musical thoughts with a quality mix disc. Oliver Lieb, aka Paraglider, Spicelab, Genetix, Superspy, L.S.G., The Ambush, and others, has probably filled every DJ's crate or compilation at one point since debuting in 1989 with the hit track "System" and crafting nearly 200 others (plus remixes). On Phuture Tech Trance Volume 1, we get to see how he incorporates his work - a dozen choice tunes - with Oliver Ho, Christian Smith, Joey Beltram, and labels from Tresor to Plastic City. The answer is a refreshingly brisk approach to the genre that emulates Richie Hawtin's Decks, EFX, and 909 album, sleek and steady rhythms in a seamless blend that mines every variation of the Roland electronic beat, with a noted progressive sensibility; propulsive without the banging gabba nonsense. Early on you see he's on to something, the tech-trance moniker appropriately stuck to Multiplicity's stirring "Multiply" and Mindspace "Mindcontrol," fusions of atmospheric melody and driving pace. No surprise that these (and others) are more of his aliases. Yet dropping the hybrid sound often gets best results, witness the scorching cuts in the meat of disc one, highlighted by Samuel L. Session's "Gotcha" and Da la Monde's "the Lakes." Come disc two you're more than loosened up for an anthem tune in the mix (Mulder "The Police") though the set turns more repetitious and less adventursome.

Juggling the two styles and sustaining the balance for over two hours is challenge bound to have slips; this occurs when the infatuation of the beat ("Beat Tools" "Recycled Loops") overpowers groove, but is certainly a worthy trade-off for trance willing to absorb other influences. Regardless, Lieb offers a stormin' reminder that it's all electronic music, and when handled properly, all good. Disc 1 B+ Disc 2 B-"