:: Various Artists - Hard Trance & Happy Hard (4-CD set)

Various Artists

It’s got GO, no doubt about it. As the title suggests, this release has some of the hardest trance going around compiled by some of the biggest names in the business. There are several, too few for some, interesting keyboard loops and moods However, sadly and unsurprisingly, this release suffers at the hands of the old adage “heard it all before”, which is not always a bad thing yet, with the resources and obvious enthusiasm that goes into this music production one can be forgiven for wanting a little more imagination or originality. Having said that, if over 4 hours of hard driving relentless tech is your meal then this 4 CD compilation will fill satisfy the nagging hunger pains perfectly. CD1 and 2 compiled DJ Fenix are good predictable fun whilst CD3 ‘Nu Skool Happy Hard’ mixed by renowned DJ Silver of Japan is the pick of the discs, providing the listener with some genuine escapism and managing to hold interest long enough. However be warned, CD 4 [Paul Elstak] may best surmised as ‘Nursery Rhymes on Speed’ and does not loop well, recommended to end the night after disc 3. Now go HARD all you Happy Hard Trance Listeners.