New releases last four weeks: Uplifting Trance

Review: Spanish label Blanco Y Negro has got some irresistibly uplifting trance on its hands here from Italian Levy 9 in collaboration with Patty Dart. We can't quite work out whether this is a new tune from a mid-90s outfit or a reissue of their work from back then, but either way it is going to get your hands in the air and tears in your eyes such is the emotional overload of the synths in both tunes. The tunes come as remixes by Street 9 remix, a D-Floorfiller mix and an extended mix with big chords and catchy Euro-dance vocals.

Review: Belarusian producer Four Walls is back - this time around he finds himself on the new Ultraworld Records imprint from DJ Craft. This one kicks off with the lush prog house and silky synth arps of 'Mind Charger' which soon takes you to the stars. 'Metamorphosis' is a more raw-edged and acid-laced techno stomper for peak time action and 'Summer Nights' is a bubbling, elastic tapestry of new age overtones, thudding kicks, and trance-tinged pads. A remix by Toronto-based Pletnev adds another dimension to this club-ready EP.

Review: Germany's ZYX records picks of the reissue of Mauro Picotto hit Iguana. Perhaps the most famous Mauro composed track in his discography, many of the most important original remixes are gathered on this one 12"! Included, is the hard trance version with the Megavoices mix, the pulsating peak time version RAF and the anthemic Blank & Jones remix. The Megamind and Mas remixes should not be overlooked! Each version on here give you all the feels of this mega trance hit.

Review: Sven Vath, a legendary trance and techno producer from Germany, has released a new interpretation of his trance classic L'Esperanza. This dreamy, uplifting, and melodic track is a testament to Vath's artistry and his ability to create timeless music. His tracks are known for their infectious rhythms, soaring melodies, and ethereal soundscapes. 'L'Esperanza' is no exception, and it remains one of the most iconic trance tracks of all time. The new Hardspace mix of 'L'Esperanza' is a darker, more intense take on the original. The tempo is faster and the bassline is heavier. However, the track retains the melodic beauty and emotional depth of the original. This comes on picture disk!

Review: West Coast rave scene specialists Michael Kandel and Tom Chasteen are Voodoo Transmission and they have one again plunged deep in their vaults to serve up this reissue EP. One side boasts two dynamic dancefloor renditions that blend rhythmic layers with dubbed-out effects - 'Crazy Jane' channels Debbie Harry's 'Heart of Glass' on LSD. The flip side intensifies with downtempo gabba vibes with raging synths and abundant cymbal action. Three versions incorporate samples from Jimmy Stewart's 1946 monologue in It's A Wonderful Life to add another vibe entirely.

Review: Offering five tracks of captivating Italian techno and trance, JP Energy's Strano EP, resurfaces with a timeless allure, Originating from 1993 Italy, Side-1 opens with 'Down To The Moon,' exuding early 90s trance and techno vibes, hinting at the emergence of intelligent techno that later evolved into IDM. With celestial undertones, it sets a hypnotic tone. Following is 'Dolphin Dance,' blending techno with shades of darker 80s Italo house, crafting a compelling sonic journey. Flipping to Side 2, 'Alvorada' unfolds as a smooth, ambient techno gem, showcasing melodic intricacies that enchant the listener. The EP concludes with the E-Talking remix of 'Alvorada,' displaying a fresh and updated interpretation of the original. This remix maintains the track's smoothness while injecting
a contemporary flair. Overall, Strano EP is a great example at a timeless sound that is being enjoyed today.