reviews

Armada At Ibiza Summer 2008
Mixed by Markus Schulz

Released: 6th July, 2008
Label: Armada Music

The 80 minute journey begins ever so gradually with the soaring vocals of up-and-coming vocalist from the UK - Vicky Fee. "Back For More" is a track which builds slowly and shows its full muscularity when the floating synth work is introduced midway of the track. The break down ascends and brings with it a good deal of ambient melodies which peak up. Impressive stuff by Mr. Pit.

The beats grind up the sub and electro influences can be heard. We are now being treated to the fantastic DJ Eco production titled "Song Of Innocence". The credit should actually go to the duo Martin Roth & Paris Nova for pumping up such an atmospheric track with cinematic soundscapes to swaying synths and everything in between. This track is definitely an attention catcher.

Next up in the mix is TyDi with "Russia". We notice a shift in the style from progressive to electro since the last release "Meet Me At Kyoto". I know, the mix states "Melodic Mix"; and you soon realize that in the first short break down. In fact, the second break down is the one to watch out for. Pure synth work which grows into multitudes. And the bass hits you in your stomach like some heavy boots!

"Kimchi" is the next track. L.E.F. style production and the heavy use of synthesizers really bring out all the electronic goodness in this track. Just put it on and see the bodies pumping.

Wonder boy Arnej is back with another floor filling single "They Always Come Back". This time he goes Deadmau5 style and strays away from his usual soft melodic productions reminiscent of "People Come, People Go". Nevertheless, this track makes for a great listen but takes time to build up on you. You may not like it in the first listen, but give it a few more tries and I'm sure this will stay in your head all day long.

Wippenberg introduces his new guise Sphaera and a new track called "Back". Spacey sounds with a heavy bass line beneath, the break down reminds me so much of Kraftwerk. This is a trip that can flawlessly fit in when hundreds of years from now humans would engage in interstellar travel. Beautiful!

"Guanacaste" - don't really know what it means, but I must admit the production is kick ass. The bass line is typical Coldharbour style and we all love it. Nasty and melodic - the pace at which the track fires along is blistering. Pure, undiluted trance when at its full peak. This is crazy!!!

The actual trip begins now starting with another Mr. Pit production titled "Shana". Duderstadt provide complete aural pleasure with the way they infuse the beats with the bass line - grungy and kicking. The track quickly picks up pace and drops low in the break down which introduces the highlight of the track - the contrived female vocals or whatever you call it; which has now seen a considerable adoption in a lot of productions lately. Post the break down, we have all the elements colliding and a harmony of pure electronic bliss is brought to life.

DJ Elevation brings forth his latest masterpiece in the form of "Biscayne". What starts out a plain track truly blossoms in the break down. The synths are very trippy and complement the buildup of the production effortlessly. A slow mover, this one will go well in any set after hours!

This is the moment I've been waiting for... "Walk With Me" is like the best track in this compilation. So much so, that it has convinced me to loop it for like almost a week now. Christina Soto has provided us with truly spectacular vocals and lyrics too. Tritonal has blended bleepy synths with amazing guitar work to full effect. The progression of this track is very futuristic and full on hands in the air late night carnage. But this is not all - the break down brings in it another wave of Coldharbour style bass line on top of which Soto's vocals soar. This is as close to perfection as one can get; one of the best tracks of 2008 already!

Majai's "Phoria" hits us next with its thumping bass line. Elevation provides the mix here and he really exemplifies the experience. Another vocal bomb in all its might. The track drops dead in between and you think this is the end. But behold the melodies that invade the aural space and create a beautiful vibe around the vocals. Simply WOW!

Another stunner makes its way in the mix. "Deadline" is a guaranteed floor pleaser and will definitely make you move. The track is characterized by anthemic strings giving you that feel good energy.

The compilation ends with Mike Koglin's mix of "Vertigo". Trancy and very energetic; this is pure euphoria. Mike never disappoints us, does he?

What more can be said? Two days after being released on iTunes, this album went up straight to the #1 position. Markus claims "I am absolutely delighted. There is so much competition in the market these days with compilations being released by the world's biggest DJs, and ultimately you are judged on how you envisage which tracks are going to have the biggest reaction with the fans and the clubbers. What makes this such a proud achievement for me is knowing that so many people out there are sharing my vision of trance music, and how it fits into this special island. Thank you for the support you have given the CD so far!"

I would highly recommend this one!!!

Track listing:
01 - Mr. Pit featuring Vicky Fee - Back for More
02 - DJ Eco - Song Of Innocence [Martin Roth & Paris Nova Remix]
03 - Tydi - Russia [Melodic Mix]
04 - Canyon Blvd - Kimchi
05 - Arnej - They Always Come Back
06 - Wippenberg presents Sphaera - Back
07 - Element One - Guanacaste
08 - Mr. Pit - Shana [Duderstadt Progressive Dub Mix]
09 - Elevation - Biscayne
10 - Tritonal featuring Christina Soto - Walk With Me
11 - Majai - Phoria [Elevation Big Room Remix]
12 - Cramp - Deadline
13 - Sequentia presents Sunshade - Vertigo [Mike Koglin Remix]

For more info related to Markus Schulz check out the following links:
www.markusschulz.com
www.myspace.com/markusschulz

Purchase the album here:
iTunes

Reviewed by: Mr. Yank