(Audio Therapy/Stomp)

The promotional cover of the CD says that this un-mixed collection of tracks, chosen by Dave Seaman, is designed to highlight the work of producers from a single country or region – in this instance Greece.  Quite a nice concept, even if mildly disappointing that it’s not a Dave Seaman mix.  The tracks were all written exclusively for the series, which has its good and bad points, but more of that later…

The producers chosen by Seaman for this CD, and the style of music, will make most sense to those of you who were lucky enough to catch Dave Seaman at Sounds in March/April 2004.  Half of the music on this release is trance; the second half is house. 

The disc opens with a beautifully laid back track from G-Pal and Anna Marie X called “Within”.  Is it just me, or do all female vocalists in the world of progressive trance sound exactly the same?  I’m not sure if it’s because the voices are over-produced and so lose their individuality; or if Delerium’s “Silence” was so successful that they all try to imitate Sarah McLachlan?  I’m not saying that it’s not pleasing on the ears, but it does seem to lack originality. 

Although this CD isn’t mixed, it does tend to follow the same format that a mixed set would, in regards to tempo.  First track slow, next slightly faster etc.  The upshot of this is that at times I honestly thought I was listening to a mixed set.  It’s funny how your mind can play tricks on you, isn’t it?

The third track on the CD is called “Yes, I see” by Viton & KST and for those of us over thirty who remember the New Romantic movement, I challenge you to listen to it without trying to sing “ahh-ahhhh, we fade to grey…”  It’s impossible I tell you, impossible!!

Track 6 is called “Everything” by Tonedepth.  It is the longest track on the album, yet it only lasts for four minutes and thirty six seconds.  I’m not sure if the tracks are deliberately “radio edit” length or if the producers were advised to produce tracks of four minutes for the compilation.  Whatever the reason, all ten tracks are all the same length, give or take thirty seconds.  This creates a feeling of deja-vu:  introduction, build up, hook, hold, fade … and  repeat. 

Up until this point, I got the distinct impression that dance music in Greece was stuck well and truly in the late 1990’s.  This isn’t a bad thing from my point of view, as the late 90’s were an amazing time as far as progressive music is concerned and it’s always nice to be transported back there!  It’s just that I got the impression that I had heard it all before…even though this thought came to me while I was dancing round my living room!

Then, just when you think you know exactly what is going to come next, you are hit right between the ears with the musical equivalent of laser guided missiles. The back end of this album is packed with brilliant tunes such as “I wasn’t impressed enough” by V-Sag featuring Ilias, “Exactly what you wanted” by Stel and Good Newz and “Quiet (Steve is listening)” by Nick and John Dalagelis.  These tunes are a real pleasure to listen to and they really make this whole CD worth seeking out.

Personally, I think that the idea of showcasing producers from a certain region is a good one, but the concept of including only original tunes is somewhat limiting.  I get the impression, especially during the first half of the album that the producers rushed to finish their tracks as they were working to a deadline.  I really do think this is somewhat of a case of “this will do” rather than “this is best”. 

However, there is enough good music on here to make it a worthwhile listen.  Plus if you are a DJ and you mix on CD mixers, then you can include some of these tunes in your set, the next time you play.