Deeper In Zen Balance Soular (USA)

Interesting stuff this. We all know that psytrance in the USA is very bubbling under compared with how it is in other parts of the world; and this, fresh from New York, has a kind of isolated, one-time-only vibe to it that’s addictive and hard to shake. The sound is a kind of dark, synthetic full on, littered with samples and plenty of twists and tricks. Opening bell In Between The Outside sets the album up nicely, with bouncy beats and subtle psy textures over the top. Sacred Truth is a mechanic, building tune with nice warp effects over a straight 4-4 backbone, escalating into a grinning metallic stompfest. The dark edge bubbles up and over the top of the pan on Intelligent Energy, fast and furious with escalating sweeps and crunches, while A Way In takes the same vibe and brings up and out a hugely satisfying top-end escalation, reminiscent of early Doof… and it’s class. Process In Motion is a more restrained, linear approach and Vast Expanse sits and twists before building into a nice, spacey peak. Simply Infinite is set at a very pleasant pace and escalates well into a romping finale, and Integral Approach builds and builds into what turns out to be a sweet, distinctive, energetic and otherworldly peak. Good stuff, with a confident vibe all of its own, but perhaps lacking in that certain something that makes a sure fire hit.

More info: www.soularrecords.com