(Ministry of Sound/EMI)

Trance heavyweights Cosmic Gate are back (Back 2 Back to be specific!) with a smashing mix compilation to tide fans over until their artist album hits later in the year. Never ones to rest on their laurels, Nic Chagall and Stefan Bossems (DJ Bossi) have scoured club land in their search for the freshest sounding future classics, and with musical comrades the world over, they have dug up some real musical gems! 

Thirty tracks have been split between “trance” and “progressive” discs, the second volume of B2B following the successful formula of the first. On offer is a veritable showcase of both dancefloor tested tracks and new and exclusives that will send trance lovers into paroxysms of joy.

Besides the numerous white labels, Chagall and Bossi have also treated purchasers to some fresh Cosmic treats. The most interesting of these is Race Car Driver. Dedicated fans may recognise this as one of the tracks from their forthcoming artist album. It signals a new direction for the lads, and needs to be listened to with an open mind. Also included is Sansibar, the new track from Chagall’s solo Encee venture. There is also a new rework of the first ever Cosmic Gate single The Drums!

As one would expect, the trance disc does its job exceptionally well. It reveals a more reflective side to the duo, and unlike many mixes from hard trance dj’s, this one does not need to be played loud to be enjoyed. There is a richness of melody and tonality that lends itself equally well to a pre- or post-party setting. Chagall and Bossi have done a masterful job of seamlessly mixing a cohesive collection of tracks on a deeper bent and listening pleasure is all but guaranteed.

The journey begins right from the enchanting opening bars of the AM to PM edit of I Feel Wonderful with its languid beats and afterhours vibe. The soothing atmospherics of Castamara, quirky squelch melodies of Midnight and a techy remix of Hammer & Bennett’s Language are just some of the highlights of this rock solid mix of deep yet uplifting music.

Playing equally important roles in the sonic excursion are choice cuts such as the sun drenched Home, Pulser’s profoundly satisfying Point of Impact, T4L’s aptly titled Perfect Blend and the final elasto synth spikes of Absolluum. This is a mix that will stand the test of time, and the apparent evolution of the Cosmic sound is refreshing and quite exciting!

Disc two is a far darker affair which spends much of its eighty minute flight in tech trance territory. A deep percussive vibe kicks things off, with E-Craig’s new tune Call It A Day leading the charge into the bangin’ sounds of T-34. Skipping ahead reveals the nebulous alien world of Banger, Marco V’s latest tune More Than A Life Away and the surprisingly piquant gurgles of Senorita from the relatively unknown Mojado team.

There are numerous other delights to be found throughout the second disc. The brightest of the bunch are the electrifying Trespasser, the rich sonic tapestry woven by Dutchman Jochen Miller in India, and the chilling hell march of The Movie. Infamous newcomer Guarana also makes an appearance, inducing psychosis through twisted up tech trance. Just to clinch the deal, Bossi and Chagall have included Wippenberg’s groove infused Earth and the illusory calm of Another world that eventually explodes into walls of echoic synth and snares.

Clearly, the music selected and served up by the dynamic German dj team is first rate. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to judge the release presentation thanks to receiving only cdr’s and an amusing broken English press release. At the end of the day though, it is the music that counts, and any lover of trance or proggy sounds should give this second volume of Back 2 Back a try.