(Armada/Shock)

Dutch trance export Armin van Buuren has had an amazing couple of years after the success of his recent productions, the regular A State of Trance series, an artist album and slew of quality mix CDs and compilations. He also is constantly playing sets at all of the biggest festivals and clubs all around the world with a rapidly rowing fan base which loves his great presence and positive attitude on stage. Another differentiator is his dedication to the trance scene, having pushed the melodic and uplifting trance sounds since the release of some of the productions which got him where he is today such as Communication.

In 2003, Armin released the first in a new series called ‘Universal Religion’. This follow up to the initial release presents ‘his sound’ live from Armada at Ibiza which is jam packed full of great feel good trance tracks with beautiful melodies and quality production. The recording was done at Armada at Amnesia in Ibiza on Tuesday the 31st August 2004. The sound can best be described by Armin on the inside of the cover: “I hope this cd helps you create the balearic feeling wherever you are.”

The mix opens with Synergy – Hello Strings which kicks off the general progressive trance vibe of the start of the compilation. This is followed by one of my favourite tunes Tilt – The World Doesn’t Know which has copped an absolute working at trance nights everywhere due to its amazing melodic sound and driving bassline. The tune also does well to combine distinctly progressive elements yet has the uplifting feel of a melodic trance track. The production is courtesy of Andy Moor who is the man behind the tilt sound and also features in Ridgewalkers – Find, which rocks along with its smooth bassline and breezy vocals.

As the mix continues fan on melodic tracks will delight in the monster track listing which simply keeps getting better. Other tracks deserving of a mention are the effected out guitar sounds of Perry O’Neil’s new track Waveforce which is a definite highlight. This Dutch producer has been ‘on fire’ of late consistently releasing great tracks which always present something unique and original to the listener. Up next is the Markus Schulz mix of Deepsky – Talk Like A Stranger which features the amazing emotive vocals of Jes who featured in the vocals of As the Rush Comes. As Tranquility Base – Surrender powers into the mix you can feel the melodic pace of the set so far picking up for the second half. The melody in the breakdown is simply epic and sounds unbelievable with the crowd cheering in the background. Mirco De Govia – Voller Sterne (Super 8 Remix) is also an excellent inclusion which continues on the dreamy melodic vibe which armin has built up during the mix. The cd finishes with the darker atmospheric sounds of Signum – The Timelord & Armin vs M.I.K.E. – Intruder.

In summary, I can easily say that for all Armin van Buuren fans and trance lovers everywhere this release will no doubt give you your required dosage of quality Balearic sounds for this coming summer. The added goodness of have the sound of the crowd at Armada cheering away manically in the background only lifts the amazing vibe of this mix even higher. The mixing is simply superb and at times the mix is already well into the next tune before you can even recognize he has moved on. A well programmed mix by one of the best in the scene, makes sure to get your hands on this one.

Track Listing:

1. Synergy – Hello Strings
2. Tilt – The World Doesn’t Know
3. Lolo – Why?
4. Ridgewalkers – Find (Andy Moor Mix)
5. Audioholics – External Key
6. Perry O’Neil – Waveforce
7. Deepsky – Talk Like A Stranger (Markus Schulz Mix)
8. Probspot – Foreplay
9. Tranquility Base – Surrender
10. Mirco De Govia – Voller Sterne (Super 8 Remix)
11. EnMass – CQ (Seek You)
12. Active Sight – Out Of Our Lives
13. Signum – The Timelord
14. Armin vs M.I.K.E. – Intruder