Vibrasphere is deservedly one of the most respected acts on the scene, having delivered quality music for ten years now with a trademark sound that has contributed to moulding what is often labeled as epic Scando trance. Like a few of the other pioneers of the Trance scene (Atmos, Perfect Stranger), the duo, comprising Rickard Berlglof and Robert Eslter, are releasing their fifth album, which, naturally, makes for quite an event.
The album starts with two ambient tracks, the initial one being just a long, signature, harmonic shifting synth pad, while the second is a break beat driven melodic tune, with a nice guitar arpeggiated synth, singing atop an acoustic-like rhythmic combo. The listener is irresistibly drawn back to the Tierra Azul opener to their last album, “Archipelago,” out on Digital Structures.
Ensueno seems to be a continuation of their 2007 “Exploring the Tributaries” album, also on Tribal Vision, with an Electro-tinged transposed bassline, unfolding a trancey soaring synthline which progressively swells into an hyper reverberated melody. It’s accompanied by plenty of contrapuntal motifs that build up the dreamy atmosphere evoked by the title.
Waveguide engages in more thumping techno beats, with tight arpeggios adding some impetus and frenzied momentum, but with the typical Vibrasphere uplifting touch. Analog marinade further explores the techy register, delivering a gritty undulating bassline until the break switches to a chord progression that heralds a more trancey optimistic overtone. After which comes another trademark arpeggiated, overwhelming melody, sort of gatecrashing the initial vibe.
Follow me is (another!) reminder of the Digital Structures era with the ever-recurring chromatic melody. That it should predictably enter at this point in the album makes it quite annoying, but hopefully the diversion of the brief catchy female voice sample and their classic epic slab of reverb-drenched lead will counterbalance this sentiment for listeners. Dewdrops, as the title suggests, is a sweet, nature-inspired morning anthem, with a powerful rhythmic combo, and elegant and atmospheric melody that bears the prototypical mark of progressive stars Ticon, strongly reminiscent of the “1987” opener from their 2007 album.
At this point the album takes another direction – thankfully, I am almost tempted to say – and offers two remixes. The collaboration of Canadian Progressive house heroes Glenn Morrison & Bruce Aisher, signed on Digweed’s, Bedrock label and Global Underground, respectively. Not to mention, among others, their Baroque or Armada appearances, so this remix comes with high expectations. And those expectations are fully met with this anthemic progressive house monster, which perfectly incorporates the atmospheric vibes of the seminal piece. This is designed to be a DJ hit, with hands-in-the air potential, also destined to thrive in outdoor parties.
The gratifying cherry-on-the-pie comes next: a remix of “102 Miles from here” also taken from their previous album at Tribal Vision, signed by the hot, much-lauded, French duo Solead. Here they serve up another stunning demonstration of their production skills, the most impressive in this album. They sharpen the original’s lead, accentuate the drive and give a constrained and panting Tech-House rendition, nonetheless filled with stamina and catchy details. The audiophile seduction is ever present without neglecting the dance floor perspective. And it must be praised for that.
This album gives rise to mixed feelings, the fact that the two or three best tracks are the product of collaboration and more particularly of remixers only heightens the relative disappointment that the new Vibrasphere production triggers. Most of the pieces here sound like a re-enactement of their own formulaic melodic recipes, and this brings us to question the reasons for bringing out a new album. Indeed, they’ve tried to update their sound with contemporary trends, but the attempts are bland and timid, meaning that those seeking innovation will continue to look elsewhere. But Vibrapshere fans might be interested in having another obsessive exploration of their signature melodic sound, well suited to home listening, thanks to the ambient tracks. The DJs will favour the 4th and 7th tracks, but more specifically the last two remixes as well-crafted, dancefloor-minded tools.
- Aden
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Jan 15, 2009, 1:59 pm