21. Orjan Nilsen – Viking
Label: Armind (Armada)
Genre: Trance
The Norwegian is back to take another spot on the list with a monster of a track aptly titled “Viking”. I remember spending much time last year talking about how much I love it when an electronic track really fits it's name. It's easy enough when you have lyrics to give your songs a relevant title.. but I feel that giving a trance track a decent name takes a lot more thought... although I guess what I would consider a good name is pretty subjective... I'm sure nobody understands why I name my mixes the things I do.... but I digress. The point is that this track is god damn powerful.
The kick is a distinct marching pattern, very reminiscent of Thomas Gold's productions... although the similarities end there. It only takes about a minute and a half before Orjan introduces his trademark ominous basslines. I really wish I knew how to describe the sounds that are introduced around the 2:00 mark, but I've got nothing. I guess the first thing that comes to mind is that they sound like what I would expect an electronic elephant to sound like. For some reason I think of “trunks” upon hearing that sound... Regardless, it's a pretty awesome sound, and I enjoy it.
This track basically shows all its cards before the halfway point. It's weird because I think the track definitely gets better during and after the break, but there aren't really any new melodies introduced. A bass rhythm turns into a strong synth and things just keep rolling... it's like track just gets bigger, rather than more complex or interesting. I have no idea how I could fit a track like this into a set, but I still love the hell out of it.
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http://soundcloud.com/thundersheep/lunatic-asylum
http://soundcloud.com/thundersheep/summer-rain