reviews

First State
Time Frame

Released: 12th November, 2007
Label: In Trance We Trust

First State need no introduction as the duo have been responsible for some of the major biggies in the trance arena. Ralphie B has been in the industry since the incarnation of classics dating back to early 2001. Tracks like "Massive" and "Monkey Forest" were instant classics. But their biggest tune to embrace the world of trance & progressive came out in 2006 as a First State's First Aid Remix of "Cobra" which was never released on vinyl - was available digitally only. To date it is still among the list of the top 5 tracks on Black Hole Recordings online shop. And one year later, we have First State with their debut album on In Trance We Trust (a sub-division of Black Hole) which was almost one year in the making, and definitely doesn't seem to disappoint.

The album begins with an everlasting mood setter aptly titled "Reach Me". With melancholic chords leading the way to slow paced beats which couple up with immense emotive vocal work devoid of any lyrical words. Violins are used here to great effect instantly creating a relaxed ambience. You will definitely want to listen to this one a couple of times before moving onto the next track.. at least that's what happened to me!

This is followed by a vocal trancer featuring Tiff Lacey on the mic. "Where Do We Go" picks up pace from where "Reach Me" left us. Just like the previous track, this one too is a slow and melodic trancer involving violin work in the breakdown after which the energy builds up as more synth work in introduced. The vocals are beautifully blended on this layered musical masterpiece. Impressive!

"Rhapsody" kind of reminded me of the early techno-trance classic by Scooter titled "Rhapsody In E". And it surprised me that the basic framework of this track is identical to the latter. But First State managed to take things to another level by not just limiting the track to a monotone melody. We have vocal work, violins and loads of beautifully crafted synth work on display here. A great treat for your aural pleasures.

Anita Kelsey follows up in the next track ever so beautifully in "Falling" which has been featured on the highly acclaimed ISOS6 compilation by Tiësto. Anita can't go wrong when she sings "I'm falling under your spell". In fact most of her vocal has been chopped off from the original recording, but this is exactly how First State intended the track to be. One listen and we have definitely fallen under her spell...

Make way for some detuned electro sounds reminiscent of "Yeah Yeah" by Bodyrox. "Between The Notes" is a treat for your sub woofers with bass levels going way below the 15Hz mark. A danceable rhythm and the first track of the album which tends to move away from the emotional queue.

"Your Own Way" is the next big single of First State with Elliot Jones on vocals. Rock sounding and catchy, this track showcases some great vocals courtesy of Jones.

Following is "Half Light" which quickly catches pace and then the first breakdown unveils some gorgeous vocals and violin work. The track works on the same concept as "Falling" where the emotional part is restricted to the breakdown and the rest of the track is pretty wicked.

One more electro-influenced sub friendly composition in the form of "Alter Ego". Instrumental with minimal synth work involved; this one is good to listen to while travelling.

Finally we have the massive "Evergreen" which has been supported by the best DJs in the global music arena. Conducive to trance music; melodic, powerful amd widely appealed. The breakdown is the part to watch out for. Pretty lengthy but completely worth it! This track is essential for a DJ who really wants to get to the crowd he's playing for!

The album ends wonderfully with the fast-tracked "Sierra Nevada" which consists of modulated & repetitive vocals. Great build up and a neat catchy synth work which won't disappoint you. Unparalleled.

Noticeable is the fact the use of violins throughout the album add a new dimension to the tracks apart from adding an emotional touch to them. With this debut album, First State show us that they can do equally well with electro & rock sounds as they can with progressive trance. One more release added to the gallery of In Trance We Trust.

Track listing:
01 - First State - Reach Me
02 - First State featuring Tiff Lacey - Where Do We Go
03 - First State - Rhapsody
04 - First State featuring Anita Kelsey - Falling
05 - First State - Between The Notes
06 - First State featuring Elliot Johns - Your Own Way
07 - First State - Half Light
09 - First State - Evergreen
10 - First State - Sierra Nevada

For more info related to First State check out the following links:
www.myspace.com/firststatemusic
www.ralphie-b.com

Purchase the album here:
Juno
Amazon.co.uk
CDJShop.com
Play.com

Written by: Mr. Yank