SPX Digital: Cat: # SPX006
Released November 2009
Track List:
1. Abscent Dream (8:01)
2. Abscent Dream (Shane Blane Remix) (7:32)
3. Always But Never (7:47)
4. Patience (8:55)
IN BRIEF: Fine debut.
The boys over at SPX Digital (U4IC DJ’s and Corderoy, specifically) seem to have done well for themselves in the year of 2009. When last mentioned on [TranceCritic], they had just released their second single, 3 Spirit - now, as we draw to a close in the year, SPX is on single number six, which is a decent rate of output for any up-and-coming label.
This time, we have a duo by the name of Trend, which, according to the promo material, is comprised of Dean Anthony and Deep Cycle. Aside from appearing as remixers on previous SPX singles, virtually nothing can be found of them online (well, there’s a Deep Cycle on MySpace that appears to produce deep-tech house, but I kind of doubt it’s the same guy -correct me if I’m wrong though).
This self-titled EP features three original tracks, plus a remix. The originals are all with their charms, two of which are quite worth your while. They’re mostly on the tech side of trance, featuring a different spin on the formula that can suit a specific period of a typical set. Abscent Dream is the subtlest of the bunch, utilizing a simple-yet-effective hook that simmers throughout the track - yes, even during the breakdown - that gets brightly tweaked at key points but is never oversold; all-and-all a pleasant deep trancer. Always But Never, on the other hand, shoots for the epic jugular. Trend do a solid job of working you up during the breakdown/build portion, but unfortunately the payoff on the other side isn’t nearly strong enough; the second half isn’t without merit, just a letdown given the lead-up. Finally, Patience is your no-nonsense tough-tech cut. They do milk their build a little much but rather than trying to blast you with a massive drop, Trend instead ease the beats back in, which is remarkably effective.
The thing that struck me the most regarding these tracks is just how nicely produced they are. The sounds are clean and well spaced, featuring none of the annoying brick-walled over-compression that’s come to plague many a trance track in recent years. If you need an example of just how much better Trend’s tunes sound, take a listen to the Shane Blane remix of Abscent Dream, which is punchy to a fault and sometimes drowns with reverb washes. Compared to Trend’s cuts, Shane’s production is even a little painful on the ears, which is a shame since he does a decent job of taking the track in prog-trance territory.
Overall though, Trend’s E.P. is a solid debut. If you fancy yourself some finely produced trance, this duo’s three offerings will serve you well.
Score: 7/10
Written by Sykonee, 2009. © All rights reserved.
