Stomp

Q) Psy Trance is:
a) Music for Hippies
b) Music for people on Acid
c) Music for Hippies on Acid
d) All of the above but rocking enough that you should ignore the stereotypes sit back and enjoy the journey

Psy Trance is a genre I have not had a lot to do with, this probably had a lot to do with the stereotypes of the bush doof’s where it is huge, as much as not knowing where to start. Then right on cue Infected Mushrooms fourth long player arrived in my mail and I had a starting point.

Spread over two discs in distinctly different styles the release was conveniently timed with their April Australian tour that had fans of the genre eager with anticipation.

The first disc is the trance side and shows exactly what Psy Trance involves and how it sounds when done well. Basically I would describe the sounds as hard trance with a whole series of noises added from the serious vocal to the fucked up bleeps designed to distort your mind it is a tight package. The sounds still retain the distinct trance elements as the tracks build up then have the trademark hands in the air breakdowns all though not to many trance choons doing the rounds sample wild animals like the dope Hush Mail. Other personal favourites on the opening stanza are Economix & Deeply Disturbed. Although I wouldn’t expect a lot of people to get into the abstract noises and samples fans of trance should definitely persevere and most will be pleasantly surprised.

Disc two is labelled the Other Side and I was half expecting heavy guitar riffs and drum solo’s thankfully this has been averted. What this disc provides however is a look at the other side of the Mushroom’s productions and this is a great selection of down tempo tunes. Relying heavily on break beat influences the tunes at times feature soulful vocals, down tempo piano and guitar riffs and even the odd sample of electro that when pieced together create a very cool soundtrack for your morning after. The pick of the bunch on this disc for me are Avratz, Pletzturra,I wish and the closer Elevation.

Psy trance may be full of Hippies, Bush Parties without bathing and twisted individuals but there is no denying the talent of Infected Mushrooms, fans will not be disappointed and if you are open to something a little different to your bog standard Wild mix it is worth checking out.