Customer Reviews

Tranceport 3

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Kinetic Records' Tranceport series is definitely changing and progressing with each new release. Paul Oakenfold's first volume was a "let's show the Yanks some bangin' trance anthems from the past" invitation to the genre; Dave Ralph's excellent two-cd second volume displayed what was at the time new and hot within trance as a whole. In this third release, Los Angeles dj Sandra Collins takes listeners on a journey into the deeper, darker, more richly textured side of trance, including mostly tracks that, while not necessarily "underground," are unlikely to appear on any top forty charts, even in Europe.

Because Collins has (mostly) eschewed the upbeat and melodic mainstream of current trance releases, I suspect that many fans who have enjoyed the first two Tranceport releases will feel this one is disappointing. Respectfully, I dissent from this view. I find Collins' mix to be complex and fascinating, musically intriguing from start to finish, and mixed gorgeously, to boot.

The cd's first two minutes are not the best; she begins the set with an electronic collage-like "introduction" that I suspect people (including myself) will tire of quickly. This kind of beginning interlude works well in a club setting, but sometimes dj's forget that cd's are different in that they are meant to be played over and over again.

Once these few minutes are over, however, the fun truly begins. The first musical track is the Cass v. Slide remix of Astral Projection's "Liquid Sun." This is typical Cass and Slide dark trance, and it's terrific. For the next several tracks, the mood remains tenebrous and at times almost dissonant, with multilayered rhythms and powerful bass lines interweaving with darkly hypnotic synths. Listeners accustomed to "happier" styles of trance may find these compositions inpenetrable and even tedious, but repeated listenings will be richly rewarded, as the music is richly complex and gorgeously crafted. The middle tracks, including "Deeper Inside" by Deep Cover and "I'm Not Existing" by Oliver Lieb (in his LSG incarnation), are lighter and less clamorous, but still emphasize musical texture and rhythm over melody. Only toward the end of the set do the tunes become definitively more upbeat and truly melodic. In the final two tracks (which, not surprisingly, many reviewers believe to be the "best"), Collins finishes her set with songs in the currently popular "uplifting" German/Dutch melodic style.

The intention overall seems to be to create a journey that, musically speaking, begins in darkness and progresses toward the light. I think that Collins' efforts are wildly successful. In fact, I believe that along with Noel Sanger's fine two-cd set, "Trance II," this represents one of the best trance mixes by an American dj this year.

This will perhaps be the most scrutinized and examined trance album of the year, and it's certainly had its fair share of pre-release press, courtesy of the artist involved. Much has been made of Sandra Collins being the first American to mix an installment of the Tranceport series, and one of the first women to get such a high-profile release. But ultimately, al l listeners want is good music, and with this release Collins shows that she has the talent to mix a deep and satisfying set.

After a slow and atmospheric (at times eerie) open , she slides into Astral Projection's "Liquid Sun (Cass & Slide mix," a deep, throbbing and swirling wonder that gets a full eleven minutes to place you in the mood. "F.U.B.A.R." is similar, and well produced- no obvious melodies here- and picks the pace up before weaving into the dark and psychedelic "Rush." This leads you to the ominous force of Mara's "Desanitize," a powerful monster with black synths and buried vocals- this is simply a brilliant track. Sandra Collins knows it's hard to top that, so she lightens up with the simpler yet catchy "Boomerang." Elements of this track filter throughout the harder, vocal led "Heaven," which also mixes superbly into LSG's "I'm Not Existing." Voyager's "Motion" starts the wrap up of the disc and breaks away from the harder tone established earlier.

So for the first nine tracks you have a brilliant set, especially for those preferring it darker and deeper. Shane's "C'est Muzique" is the anthem track the disc managed to avoid up till now, overblown, epic and emotional, to near-orgasmic proportions. The same applies to the closing "Airwave," which tries even harder to make you weep from the experience you've just had. I'm sure these songs do wonders after a long live set, but they're just too much for a one-CD affair. Still, she's always said in interviews she likes emotional records, so I give her some credit for picking two tracks that she knew critics (like me) would slag.

And that doesn't take away from what's been a stellar journey. Sandra Collins has released one of the best trance albums of the year, and shown she has the production talent of a top echelon DJ. Fans of Sasha, Digweed, and the more progressive sound will want this, and Jimmy Van M. is going to have to work double-time to match the quality on Tranceport 4. A- (4.5 stars)

We are often disappointed with our experiences when we go into them expecting something specific.

This often happens with new music and I think it happened to a lot of people who own tranceport 3. I recently got ahold of T3(1 year after its release) and I've come to the conclusion that Sandra was way ahead of her time when she mixed it. Oakenfold's trance from the first release is a thing of the past, as well as T2. That's not to say that either of the first two tranceport releases are of poor quality, whatsoever, but this is a very dynamic(moving) musical industry. You have to know not only what the people like now, but what they're going to like in the future. Sandra Collins knew then, and she knows now where techno is headed. As more and more people are growing to love techno,(I'm one of them) there is an inevitable demand for distinctive and masterful production. (Timo Maas, the "Choo Choo's", and H-Foundation spring to mind) This evolving form of brilliant production requires an increased level of patience and concentration from most of its listeners. The music is getting deeper, it's getting a little more mellow, and it's getting DARKER. There are layers upon layers of unique sounds and basslines to absorb now. Not the easy-listening banging buildups of yesterday's trance anthems. Forget the anthems kid, it's time for some real music.

I think this is what Sandra had in mind with T3. If you compare her track selection to what is being played at parties and on new releases today, you'll see a lot of similarities. It's really good quality stuff and full of positive energy, but it's completely free of anything close to cheesy. I recommend this CD to anyone who ISN'T a candy raver.

Well done Sandra

Sandra Collins is an outstanding trance DJ and I have had the opportunity to be at a couple of parties she spun. This album definitely follows her live style, albeit somewhat shortened.

It begins with a sinister intro, with a very slow build into the set, deepening in track two with Thinktank's "F.U.B.A.R." which slowly bleeds into "Rush." After this the album moves onto the ominous "Desanitize," one of the most memorable tracks here. After equally scaring you to death and making you want to keep dancing, she swings into "Boomerang" and then "Heaven (Feel An Extremity," another beautiful song which makes you keep going, right into Deep Cover's "Deeper Inside," which drags you deeper into the mix but lifting you up at the same time. The album turns more hopeful at this point, leading you into "I'm Not Existing" and the beautifully serene "Motion." Then she turns it up and virtually explodes into the chaotic melodies and beat of "C'est Muzique, the album's strongest and most moving track. When she spins this one live, the crowd goes insane, she moves the floor like no other DJ I've seen. The amazing melodies and harmonies slowly blur into a fitting finale, Rank1's "Airwave," where she slowly lowers you back to Earth and leaves you wondering how you survived such a fantastic journey and craving more.

I would have to say the only true weakness of this album is that it only spans one CD, which is not quite representative of her live sets, which last around two hours or more. Other than that, this is the most perfect trance album I have ever purchased and Collins is the most impressive DJ I have seen so far.

Collins' main strength is her ability to draw each track to its fullest extent and blend it almost seamlessly into her mix. You really can't tell when one song ends and another begins, and Collins' expertise is in pulling them all together. This is an album that you must listen to from beginning to end to get the full effect. Her style of trance is not for people with a short attention span. Definately recommended.

Being new in my exposure to trance music(2-1/2 years) I really don't have a very knowledgable point of view regarding the technical aspects of trance. I certainly could never be a trance DJ and I respect anyone who spins. That said, I judge records on how they make me feel. How the music grabs me. I have the first and second Tranceport CD's and skip around them to find the tracks I prefer. Tranceport 1 played like a greatest hits album of sorts, and 2 pretty much echoed that, only a bit less effective. This CD, however, I could not listen to just track 6. Or just track 8. Or 3. It forced me into listening to the whole thing. At first, I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I knew there was a progression but didn't bother to notice what it was. Then I read Scott Swanson's review from July. That's it!! I liken Tranceport 3 to Dante's Divine Comedy. It starts off slow and brooding with the intro. I kind of got lost in it. Don't really like it too much, wasn't quite right for a CD. Then at about 2:41 begins 'Liquid Sun' which begins the journey into 'Inferno'(here's hoping you packed the proper tools for said journey!)Pretty slow beginning(but well placed track.... every journey begins with a single step), then she segues into 'F.U.B.A.R.' which, despite the dark undertones is my favourite track, which ends all too quickly and smoothly in its place is the even more sinister 'Rush', really love the basslines through this point. And that swiping effect in 'Rush' plays well off of those ominous synths. Basically in the heart of 'Inferno' now....carrying the threatening part of 'Rush' well into half of 'Desanitize' Sandra mantains the dark theme until it begins what is the most menacing part of the CD. On this track, the mood begins to get a bit lighter.....the darkness is almost gone, foreshadowing the light ahead, not for long though as the darkness returns again enveloping the hope. She then flows seamlessly into 'Boomerang' which drowns the mood in limbo and begins the 'Purgatory' portion. Getting a bit lighter and more forgiving, Sandra introduces the hope glimpsed before. The CD has officially kicked into 5th gear and it's an amazing ride from here!! Track 6, 'Heaven(feel an extremity)'is another one of my favourites. This one is utterly danceable and just continues the vibe. The beat and the alternating bassline is absolutely untouchable! Then she breaks out the big beat with 'Deeper Inside' where the melodies become a bit more prominent all the while keeping up with the steady beat which melts into the full out melodies of 'I'm not Existing' and pushing you into 'Paradiso'. This is just a beautiful track, atmospheric with a sweeping beat that begs you to keep dancing. 8 melds into 9, 'Voyager', continuing the ascent, but the dark synths make a comeback, sort of reminding you what you've been through. They are quickly overrun by the calming melodies that follow and then the climax arrives when 'Voyager' perfectly shifts into the bliss of 'C'est Muzique' which rockets you into anthem nirvana complete with angels. By this point you're tired, but you have to keep pushing. Everything meshes into the most heavenly tune up to this point, driving and fierce. I drive my car VERY fast to this melody. Definitely the most soaring track. If this doesn't make you feel, then you're dead. And I can't stop dancing...then 'Airwave' blends in and everything seems right. Everything fits. You're smiling. You're in heaven. Angelic keyboards usher in sheer, natural ecstasy. Positively gorgeous. And just when you can't take anymore, you collapse in an explosion that lasts almost a minute and you are rocked back into the real world. My god. Magnificently arranged, seamlessly mixed, and impeccably thought out. Buy this CD and experience it for yourself, it is unlike anything else. Thank you to Scott Swanson for opening my eyes to what I knew but couldn't put into words, and thanks ever so much to Sandra for taking me to hell and back in 73 minutes and 46 seconds. BUY THIS CD!!

After having recently seen Sandra Collins spin live, I was excited to check up the new Tranceport CD. Her live performance was energetic and well crafted. The CD mix seems to equal this.

One of the things that is especially interesting in this mix is its sense of beginning and completion. The intro, while not exactly interesting musically, is a nice way to build anticipation for what is about to come. She gently eases into things with Astral Projection's "Liquid Sun." It is a rich, textured song with a slightly lighter tone that she stretches for eight minutes until she moves into a slightly harder sound of Think Tank's "F.U.B.A.R."

This is the "dark" side of the mix. There is heaviness and a sense of foreboding power to it. Mara's "Desanitize" is the climax of this feeling. There is a machine-like pounding as if something's coming from just around the corner, but the gentle vocals in the background hint that something more gentle is on the way.

Collins moves into a little lighter sound with Dune's "Boomerang." The pace seems to pick up a little then as she lays down "Heaven" by Ultra Violet. The trasition here is beautiful and the vocals are beginning to add the warmth to the mix that will peak towards the end of the mix. And then a heavy bass drum kicks as the words "deeper inside" start to echo gradually building layers of electronic rythyms.

The remainder of the album is the "lighter" side. We have been guided from the dark sounds of what could be from the apocalyptic future to a happier, brighter world. Even still, the last few songs stay away from being too fluffy. "C'Est Muzique" would have been the perfect conclusion. It feels as if everytyhing has come to a happy end. The world is saved, the boy got the girl, the bad guy is gone, and there is only the sunset to ride off into. This could be the only major flaw. The final track feels almost like an afterthought although it does have a more gentle conclusion. Either of the last two tracks would have been a perfect end, but both back to back seem a little much.

Collins doesn't layer her mix with a lot of peaks, valleys, and climatic moments. If you're on the dance floor, this could be a problem. But, as a mix CD to listen to at home or in the car it is well done. It is definately well structured as a whole with a broad range of emotional styles in the music. As a "musical journey" it is exceptional. The mixing itself is wonderful with some nice overlapping and smooth transitions. The tracks are fresh and energetic. Although I don't have the second Tranceport CD, I can definately say this is a much more interesting mix than Okenfold's original Tranceport.

Sandra Collins rocks my little world. I'm marking her down one star though because there is a serious need for the oh-so-absent second disc. At any rate, on Tranceport 3, Collins works the darker side of progressive trance. While not as deep as Dave Ralph's Tranceport endeavor, Collins does offer a more sophisticated sound that Oakenfold's series introduction. While I could do without the 2-3 minutes of intro noise, the disc starts off solidly with Liquid Sun before drifting through two tracks before catapulting us into the evolved acid storm of Mara's "Desanitize." The CD moves along pretty solidly from there. The CD's strengths lie in the way that it emulates her live sound. She teases forth a little bit more energy -- not with every successive track, but with every other track. It all comes to an explosive head with C'est Muzique before she lets us down gently with Airwave. Of course, this is also (in a way) the disc's weakness. It feels a bit languid at points (especially because it has a darker tone to it than other, more anthemic trance mixes) and doesn't have as consistent a feel to it as (...say...) Dave Ralph's mix does. However, overall it's a top-notch mix that's pretty well worth it.

It's been a while since I've listened to this album. I was browsing my collection the other day, and I spotted this on the shelf. I put it in and just loved it all over again. It's dark, mysterious, atmospheric, interesting, and banging. Think Hernan Cattaneo's dark atmospherics meeting Dave Seaman's metallic trance (e.g. Renaissance Awakening CD2, GU 12). Oh, and I'd recommend listening to this at a high volume.

If you can get your hands on this, I highly recommend it. I enjoyed it so much that I picked up a backup copy at a used CD store.

Okay... I admit to sexist ignorance: How can a "girl" stand up in the male proven and dominated industry of DJing? ANSWER: Sandra Collins is as good as the best and better than the rest. I was reluctant to buy this one, but considering the Tranceport series was off to such a strong start with its' first two releases, I went on the judgement of the Kinetic label. Plain and simple, this release blew me away. Sandra has the confidence and muscle to pull off what the big boys do: an out-of-body experience to be enjoyed again and again with very few criticisms. This is a very strong progressive set; dark, somewhat "gothic" in its deep seriousness of beat driven atmosphere. And it never resorts to fluff or predictable filler material. It's 100% expert DJ tallent. The depth and evolving expansion that Collins carries this release is incredible; in fact, as serious as I am about "dance music," Sandra Collins has raised the bar on my expectations of what progressive music should be.

Heads up, boys, Sandra Collins knows exactly what she's doing.

I've owned this CD for a long time now...and I have to say when I go back to it, I am so taken by it. Just listen to track 4...this is what it's about...music that just captures your whole mind and spirit, makes you move, and makes something deep inside you just want to release...great trance is its own drug...it's mind altering in its own way, and this is no exception.