Back in stock: Trance

Review: Seb Taylor is a veteran of the UK's coastal psychedelic and goa trance circuit, operating under many a name but none doing so much justice to the sound as that which came out as Digitalis. Madrid's Organic Signs know this, and have set about paying tribute to Taylor's influence with a sequel release to 1998's The Third State LP. Its psycho-spiritual successor, The Fourth State now makes up a pair, both of which are ascendant trance trouncers, aural aids for the psychonaut music fan's life's work of escaping systems of global social control.

Review: After a couple of hot and heavy drops from Nuclear Waster on Unusual Systems sub label Impakto, it's the turn of Jacky Meurisse Project to bring the energy with some muscular workouts which split the difference between house-spirited sass and ominous techno pressure. The MIDI brass weaving through 'Diskoteka' gives a little warmth to an otherwise imposing workout, while 'Crystal (Dub Mix)' leans in on crunchy synths with an industrial feel. 'In Da Place' revels in unabashed Goa trance lead lines which will go down a storm with any contemporary dance party, and 'Are You Real?' turns back towards that housey thump thanks to an addictive DX7 organ bassline primed for maximum satisfaction.

Review: Dance On The Beat offer up a once-in-a-blue-moon reissue of a rather incredible trance release (most others aren't so up to snuff) by Quench aka CJ Dolan and Sean Quinn. 'Dreams' was first released in 1993 under its own name (an earlier version of the track, albeit with the same sounds, appeared under the name 'Untitled' on a Sirius Music V/A); it was only the latter release that did the track justice, for the fact that it contained three further, equally ecstatic mixes of what was formerly just a one-off. Now reissued in its fullest and most loving capacity, 'Dreams' hears a worthy, well-timed second round for those next-gen listeners whose tastes are skewed towards the brighter, more inundant side of things, and who wouldn't mind hearing out the works of an Aussie veteran duo. The extended mix of 'Dreams' is crispy enough, but its superabundant ecstasy really only avails itself on the proceeding 'Space Mix', which adds belltower peals and pendulum-swinging hypno-leads, foiling the A-side's main-character, stadium-packing energy.

Review: Released as a special picture vinyl, this collaboration offers two versions of the track that reimagine its infectious energy. Talla 2XLC, a celebrated figure in uplifting trance, teams up with Fragma (Ramon Zenker) for a stunning rework of the iconic trance anthem 'Toca's Miracle'. The A-side features the Extended Mix, a high-octane, 138 BPM version that drives with relentless basslines, booming kicks and tight percussion. The uplifting Ibiza-style piano synths combine with balearic percussion and bilingual vocals, creating an instantly euphoric vibe. As the breakdown introduces the signature Balearic guitar riff, the track builds to a peak of vocal trance intensity, leading into a powerful instrumental finish. On the flip side, the previously unreleased RRAW mix adds an exciting twist to the classic, presenting a fresh, dynamic take on the original. 'Toca's Miracle' continues to resonate as a timeless anthem, evoking memories of beachside raves and sun-drenched nights. With this new release, Talla 2XLC and Fragma successfully reignite the spirit of the track, breathing new life into a classic.