Back catalogue: Trance

Review: Clut deliver a specialised clout-glut with a fresh split EP from rising artist Alric Aerial, who here teams up with yet another artist who's so far flown under the label's radar - Electrodynamique. Here the pair deliver four electro-dancefloor tracks primed for every situation: sleazy bar, backlit festival stage, ironic doomsday scenario, you name it. This EP's cascading sixteenths flow like metallic droplets, their acid lines and FM blurps splurging forth with increasing restlessness and impertinence, and decreasing self-control. Particularly squelchy is Aerial's 'Tough Cuts', which moves trigger-happy on the cutoff filter whilst dungeon-bound sine tones splay across the top edges of the track, like ectoplasms left behind after a string of Zeno's paradoxes have been solved. 'We Are The City' by Electrodynamique indulges a final emery note, abrading its curveball electro mix to a grinding, apocalyptic oblivion.

Review: The Holding Hands label is back to pressing up vinyl after a pause during the COVID years and this EP is perfect to be spun nice and loud. Earth Trax deals in big dance sounds and opens this one with 'Amnesia' (dub mix) which has a thudding kick and big bright chords. 'Stars' then brings more euphoria with lush pads and grinding basslines and 'Someday Soon' locks you into a zoned-out vibe with its rich arps and retro stabs. Last but not least is 'Dislocation Blues' which rides on dubby broken beats with swirling cosmic pads.

Review: 'Diamond Bullet' is a chill out masterpiece that epitomises Effective Force's pioneering style. With its laid back groove and hypnotic rhythms, the track immerses listeners into a sonic journey through the German trance scene of the early 1990s. The driving force behind the music is undeniable, as Johnny Klimek and Paul Browse skillfully blend elements of trance, techno, and ambient music to create an electrifying experience. The track's four original remixes offer unique interpretations, each adding layers of depth and complexity to the already captivating composition. From the infectious energy of the beats to the ethereal melodies that weave throughout, 'Diamond Bullet' is a great example of the psychedelic underground trance scene of the era.

Review: Norwegian producer Ekkel, co-founder of Ute Records, returns with four sharply drawn tracks for Seismic's third release. His blend of 90s-indebted progressive textures and rhythm-forward minimalism remains intact, though with new, more interior inflections. 'Hradec Fog Fever' is the steadiest of the lot-clean, rolling percussion and tight low-end restraint-but it's 'Owl Foot' that lingers, pairing whispered vocal snippets with eerie atmospheres and subtle motion. On the B-side, 'Drum Ring' builds unease through gritty kicks and unresolved phrases, echoing trance motifs without ever fully revealing them. 'Endphase' teases a moment of release via distant melodies, but soon undercuts it with brittle, clipped drums. This is dance music in a minor key-focused, evocative, and unusually meditative. A smart addition to Seismic's emerging catalogue, and a compelling statement from one of Norway's most consistently interesting underground names.

Review: A timeless German trance anthem receives a fresh twist with two new extended remixes. Amirali's remix brings a deep, melodic reinterpretation. It slows the tempo slightly, trading the euphoric urgency of the original for a more introspective atmosphere. Subtle synth layers ripple through the mix, while a haunting arpeggio dances delicately over a driving yet restrained beat. REZarin's version keeps closer to the uplifting trance roots. The iconic melody is front and center, with shimmering pads and a pulsating bassline that builds towards soaring peaks. The breakdown retains the nostalgic essence of the original, swelling with warmth before bursting into an energetic drop that's tailor-made for festivals. Both remixes nod to the chilled legacy of Ibiza sunset mecca Cafe Del Mar while adding modern textures i Amirali offers reflection, REZarin delivers exhilaration.

Review: Headek Records second release is as good as its first, with The Eyes of Goa's Syncrosonix EP diving into deep, hypnotic Goa trance sounds. Both standout tracks-'Syncrosonix' and 'Goagoa'-come in dual versions that merge the raw energy of classic Goa with bleep-laced techno futurism. It's a heady blend of bold basslines and acid-drenched sequences on both parts of 'Syncrosonix' with turbocharged drums sweeping you off your feet. 'Goagoa' is all shimmering bleeps and sleek synths so the result is a high-intensity, time-warping experience that pulls you into a vortex of rhythm and light that will expand your mind. These tunes really celebrate trance's timeless transformative power.

Review: Travel back to the golden era of electronic music with The Eyes of Goa, the latest release from the Danceopolis planetary system, capturing the essence of early 90s Goa trance while adding a modern twist. This EP pays tribute to the iconic sounds that defined the era, blending hypnotic rhythms with contemporary production to create a hybrid sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It's a perfect homage to the spirit and energy of Goa, transporting listeners to all-night dance floors and immersing them in a timeless trance journey reimagined for today's audiences.

Review: Fantastic Planet (which is also the name of a great 1972 sci-fi flick) is back with a powerful new collection, Survival Mode, which goes way beyond music and is in fact dedicated to the fight for freedom in Georgia. It draws on a diverse lineup of visionary artists who serve up sounds that embody resilience and resistance and call upon the instinct to persevere when all other options are gone. For those in Georgia fighting oppression, it's about unyielding determination to defy silencing forces, and the power of that translates into the music. All four cuts are cutting-edge techno sounds with jungle breaks, empowering spoken word slogans and beats that give you the energy to stand tall.