About time I put in the effort to write a review for this first release! Sorry if it's not as deep or in-depth as my other reviews - I've just reviewed my top 50 pop songs of 2011 on another forum, so my descriptive vocabulary is struggling to flow! Also, just remember that I never give more than 10/10, no matter how much I love the track, so if you get a 10 you know you've truly cracked it!
Anyway, here's hoping this album is the first of many in the series
EUROBEAT FOREVER Vol. 1
01. Cristina Vee - REMEMBER ME (DJ Bouche Euro Mix)
This track seems to have a really nice aishu sound to the melodies and the production combines some more mainstream elements with a more retro-style hook. Cristina's vocals are competent, although I wouldn't say they are the best that they could be (during the verse for example, in the lower ranges, they fade into the background a little). That second line in the chorus sounds really odd and I always think it's a little discordant compared with the rest of the song. Overall, I was taken by the solid production (the piano in the intro was nice) but I'd like to hear slightly stronger vocal delivery and production in the future. A nice start to the album.
Score: 8/10
02. Foxxie - GAYS GAYS GAYS (Disko Warp Extended Mix)
I still find it difficult to really go crazy about this track as the production style really doesn't sit well with me. It has quite a basic and, dare I say it, amateur sound to it. The distorted guitar used in the intro is horrible, and the basic synth used in the hook is default Fruity Loops fare. The laser effects and explosions used make things more sparkly and energetic, but I still find it hard to see past the horrible parts of the production. The vocals are gimmicky and cartoon-styled since that's what the lyrics called for, and I do find that the chorus melody that has a habit of sticking in my head. However, I don't often listen to this one in full - it's the weakest of Disko Warp's 3 tracks on this release in my opinion.
Score: 6/10
03. Mortimer - GAS LOVE 2011
I reckon some Gas Love could be pretty explosive, huh?...geddit...gas...explosive....ugh, never mind... here we have one of the highest profile independent Eurobeat producers and performers in the community with a track that certainly showcases his style and talent, but perhaps doesn't excel in either of these fields. The intro is pure old-school SEB (I'm taken back to the early to mid 1990's with that synth hook). The main hook sounds inspired very much by video game music - I know you're a fan of Sonic, and I can definitely hear the Sega music influences here. The vocals could do with a bit less reverb, as they sound a little out of place with the backing track. Still, I love the creative melodies - that chorus in particular is a triumph - and the overall production is a very complete and satisfying package.
Score: 8.5/10
04. Saya - BREAKIN' TONIGHT
That guitar in the intro is just awesome - it really makes you sit up and take notice of this track. Sugano has always had extremely accomplished and polished production stylings, and this is no exception. I hear an A-Beat C influence in the synth hook and the chord progression. I can understand why certain people have been put off by the vocals, as for me they don't always sound right on key - it may just be the vocal style, but they have a habit of sounding a semi-tone or so flat for most of the song. It really impacts on an otherwise very melodic and epic production. I'd love to hear the instrumental alone.
Score: 8/10 (would've been higher with work on the vocals)
05. Idris - WONDERLAND
Oh my god, this is like a heavenly dream for my ears!! The build-up from the lush strings and twinkling piano to the trance-inspired synth arpeggios and into that most unique of TheParadiseLast elements - the main synth introducing the chorus melody - I was sold on this before a single vocal had been sung! Having said that, Idris still stands up to the challenge admirably - her tone is gentle yet strong, and she delivers the lyrics with a purity and conviction that is endearing and addictive. I always knew that Nick would be capable of producing ground-breaking original Eurobeat as soon as the could find vocalists that could help him bring his unique and captivating compositions to life, but even I was shocked at just how powerful this track was. The 8-bit section was fantastically quirky, and if I was to bit one piece of constructive criticism, it could've perhaps been cut-down slightly to allow for one more repetition of the chorus before the ending section, but I cannot let this personal preference overshadow the amazing work that has gone into this track. A true triumph and the shining star of the whole album - be very proud Nick, this is AMAZING!!
Score: 10/10
06. Neon feat. Levosa - NEON NIGHTS
I really love the groove that you have going in the intro of this track, and as soon as the beat kicks in, I was pretty smitten by this one. Rich sounds and production again, and more unique synth sounds to add to the variety of the album. However, the vocals just didn't work for me. I'm not sure whether it's the tone of the vocalist herself, or the mastering of the vocals against the rest of the track, but they just don't sound comfortable in their place here. The verse actually has a bit of Eurodance influence in the melody and chord progression, but the chorus is a bit of a low point for me when it should in fact be the climax of things bringing the whole production full circle back to the main synth hook. I'll give you the credit of making the backing track super-energetic and unique with all the synth and guitar solos, but the vocal core just doesn't excite me. A real shame.
Score: 7.5/10 (the production would be closer to 9 or 9.5 though)
07. Tekondo - HITOTUDAKE FREEDOM (EBF Mix)
I'm so jealous of these Japanese producers that just seemed to have found an effortless way to emulate the classic Eurobeat sound but with some modern touches. The synths and percussion in this one are all bagn-on, and the rising crescendo throughout the intro was a perfect way to lead-up to the first synth hook. As for the vocals, I'd say that they seem work far better in this one as they seem to be a bit more measured and sit more comfortably in the backing track. It's hard to find any faults at all in this one to be honest - my only regret is that I can't really sing along (must try those Japanese language CDs again some time!!)
Score: 9.5/10
08. Cougar - MY LOVE IS NINETEEN (Disko Warp Extended Mix)
I reckon Disko Warp has over-dosed on Hi-NRG Attack, as this track really pays homage to that labels speedy style, from the vocal warp effects in the intro to the super-speedy synth melody in the hook. We style have the heavily doctored vocals in this one, but I find this one less irritating and discordant than Gays Gays Gays. My main comment about this track would probably be the fact that the bass sound used sounds far too loud and high-pitched throughout most of the song - something less in your face might have worked better. But I like the other quirky production methods you tried (like the wub-wub dubstep style bass during the breakdown) and I can safely say that this is far better than the first Disko Warp track on this release. More like this please!
Score: 8.5/10
09. Hydlide feat. SquaDus - REGRET
More trance-inspired build-ups during the intro, but this one seems to have more of a meaty Eurobeat heart, thanks in no small part to that awesome guitar during the intro and the beautifully melodic main hook. The vocalist sounds like he's of Mediterranean origin (at least that's what the accent suggests) which is cool by me as I think it gives the track an added edge. Once again, the production is crafted beautifully around the vocals ensuring that the synths support when necessary, fill-in the silences with melodic flourishes and most importantly they don't ever take the focus away from the lyrics. I particularly love the verse and bridge - all the rise and fall make me smile - and the sections where the kick drum and synths mirror the vocal rhythms just add that extra piece of style to make this track an explosive 2 out of 2 for TheParadiseLast! I strongly feel that this label is what sets this independent release apart from anything else - they sound so unique and fresh and bring such fantastic, melodic ideas and compositions to the table that I am sure the series will go from strength to strength. Fantastic!
P.S. what's with the weird names though??
Score: 10/10
10. Rayo Light - MY NUMBER ONE (Disko Warp Extended Mix)
I reckon this is how Abba may have sounded if that had tried their hand at some Eurobeat! Seriously, the vocal melody in the verse just screams Abba to me - which isn't a bad thing at all! I actually feel that this is probably the best production from Disko Warp that I've ever come across - I think I said before that I just didn't seem to gel with his productions, but this one sounds far more accomplished and less goofy. I enjoy the breakdown instrumental as well, as the synths all play amongst each other to create a really rich soundscape. I'm glad that this track was held back until the end as it leaves me curious to hear more from Disko Warp on future releases. A nice way to finish off a fantastic first album!
Score: 8/10
TheParadiseLast (a.k.a. Nick Hemler/Shinraikan) should be immensely proud of what he has put together here. It truly showcases the "new generation" of modern Eurobeat, and I can only wish everyone involved all the success in the world for the future of the series. Now, to get my butt in gear so that DTZ Project can be involved in this project!!