(Shock)

Paul van Dyk is something of a musical enigma. Not only does he perform and create music, he actually defines it as well. Paul van Dyk has been something of a yardstick ever since his now classic hit For an Angel took clubbers by surprise in 1998. Like many of Paul’s countless fans I had big expectations. Paul van Dyk’s fourth artist album… What would this mean in terms of musical progression? No one wants him to loose his epic trance sound, but at the same time his particular blend of artistic uplifting eurotrance probably needs a bit of a revision. While this isn’t a “traditional” pvd album, it is still full of truly magical moments!

The songs on the album are based upon Paul’s reflections on particular moments or situations in his life that inspired him, and which he subsequently tried to express through music. Some have a message, for example the song Like a Friend, which he wrote after his experience with the overt poverty he witnessed in India. It’s his call to the rest of the world to look around and change the inequities which exist all round us. Paul describes his awakening, “What makes this album different from previous ones, is the fact that I’m much more aware of some sort of responsibility we have for what’s going on on this planet.” (Paul actively supports the Indian children’s charity, Arkanksha. Check his website for more information paulvandyk.com). Also, the song Spellbound, which features trance vocalist Jan Johnston’s luscious vocals, is a touching tribute to the spiritual connection Paul has with his wife (sorry ladies!)

Reflections begins with Crush, a beautiful atmospheric start which slowly works its way into a little stormer! Paul produced this with trancers Second Sun, who are signed to his successful label, Vandit. It’s actually about a stalker, but from its soaring epic melodies and pounding beats you’d never guess. The lyrics ‘I know you want me…Cause I’ll be at your door’ are chilling, but the rich melodies and synths disguise it’s underlying theme.

Time of Our lives is a song that I was expecting to skip over. I’ve heard it played in many live sets by Paul, and to be quite honest I found it to be a clubby cheeseball. Thankfully this is not the club mix and is a lot more chilled out, without the four on the floor doofs that I felt killed it. Working with British band Vega 4, this is an electronic/indie hybrid which pushes the envelope in terms of rock-electronic collaboration.

The title track, Reflections, is prototypical pvd, a luscious beat layered with melody and a smooth vocal hook. It sounds a little like something from the Seven Ways era.

Following up next is Nothing But You. What is there to say about this song that hasn’t been said? Its haunting Norwegian vocals took the Miami Winter Music Conference by surprise and it’s been filling dancefloors across the world ever since. It’s been touted as the next For An Angel and why not? Pure feel-good music, it sounds great on this crystal clear CD version! Paul’s collaboration with trance gurus, Les and Chris from Hemstock & Jennings, as well as Jan Johnston and Kym has created pure aural heaven. Timeless!

Homage is my personal favourite. It’s poignant and of great relevance to a situation in my life at the moment. A beautiful and emotionally charged song. Next up, the deliciously understated, Never Forget, induces an unforgettable sonic somino state before DJ Tomekk takes you through a trip through German hip-hop in Knowledge. Get busy! John McDaid’s haunting lyrics feature on That’s Life, a solemn little number reminiscent of some early Underworld and Patient Saints stuff.

If you follow Paul’s live sets which occasionally grace the internet, you would be well acquainted with Connected. It’s a sublime, yet driving little number and has been featured in a Motorola mobile phone ad campaign, which also features Paul van Dyk! I do prefer the Mesh 5 remix to the album version though, so keep an eye out for it! Finishing off is Kaleidoscope, an intense and uplifting experience. Featuring Jan Johnston’s “Kaleidoscope of Chaos” themed vocals, it’s a very confronting tune. A fantastic way to end a truly mesmerising album.

Reflections really is an album that improves with each listen. The next step in a logical progression from 45 RPM through Seven Ways and onto Out There and Back, Reflections showcases Paul’s genius and musical abilities. Not only has he created great music, he’s created great songs too which is no mean feat for a “God” of trance! It’s the kind of album you can get lost in, surrendering to an atmosphere so rich in texture and melody that you forget to take your next breath. Fans won’t be disappointed, and there will surely be many new converts. Give it a few listens and let it take you over. Highly recommended!