Reviewed by Andy Cooper

This is the fourth compilation of independent dance producers in the Eclectica series and is definitely the best so far, concentrating on the trance sub-genre. There's actually a surprising amount of variety here: progressive trance, dream trance, uplifting trance and techno-trance! 'Eclectica 3' was packed full of about 20 tracks all mixed together, but thankfully this release features just 11 extended mixes which are much more DJ friendly. Coretex, from Sweden, provides a very strong opener, more vibey than melodic, and is followed by a dreamy soundscape (featuring a Robert Miles-esque piano riff) from the New Yorkers called "Eternalist". Rev/b, track three, returns to a more commercial flavour (this really would not sound out of place on mainstream radio) without selling out to meaningless repetition. Red Savior provides another worthy instrumental, followed by one of the few tracks on this compilation with any vocals: Greg Hobgood (of Prodigal Sons). Greg's track, called "Yah-Weh" mixes some techno ideas (Prodigal Sons were pioneers of this genre in the Christian club scene) with more progressive flavours to provide one of the more mature mixes on this CD. One other track worth talking about is from Systematic, who combine hard pounding rhythms with bubbling, fuming synth riffs and dramatic breakdowns. Obviously not all the tunes will be to everyone's taste on a compilation like this, which mixes the best of the bedroom producers with some well established acts, but as far as I am aware, this is the first compilation album ever dedicated to trance in the Christian market, so is well worth checking out for that reason alone.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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