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Having recently obtained a #3 ranking in the Top 100 DJs poll, the Above & Beyond trio continue to dominate the scene with their mix releases, their Anjunabeats and Anjunadeep label signings, their remix work, and their "Trance Around The World" radio broadcast. In fact, it doesn't seem that long ago that I was reviewing their work with Oceanlab and their previous Ajunabeats release. Even with such an impressive list of accomplishments over the past year or so, the trio are showing no signs of slowing down and that is evident with their newest release, Anjunabeats Volume 7.


Features Releases from Above & Beyond and their Label

This latest volume highlights not only more of their impressive label rosters, but also new tracks from the boys themselves. The Anjunadeep imprint seems to be bleeding some of its influence over to Anjunabeats, as things start off with tracks that are at least house-compatible. This double-disc compilation begins with a more progressive and melodic approach on the first disc which starts off with "Answer 42," which seems a bit too light for this kind of release. We are treated to a pair of Boom Jinx collaborations that are both strong cuts, but feel a bit out of place on a trance mix. "Pacific," by Oliver Smith, though, is a perfect fit and a great track that starts a string of strong material that grounds the first disc into more familiar territory. The main attraction on the first disc though is Above & Beyond's remix of "Tonight" by Dirty Vegas, which was actually made in twenty-four hours during a music conference. Another track that gives this first disc more credibility is Solarity's "Terminal 6" with its alternating light bubbling synths and pounding club beats that seem pulsate with energy and charisma.

Really Good Tracks but There is Some Filler

There are some other tracks, though, that seem to be tucked in to just to fill a seamless mix and really don't add to the overall experience, but don't necessarily take anything away either, such as the track "Call of Loneliness" by Reeves. We also see the addition of a new track by Above & Beyond titled "Anjunabeach" which feels breezy and light and reflects back to a certain endless beauty and serenity. The end of the first disc is more melodic and seems to float off into the distance with such tracks like Cold Blue's " Mount Everest " and Anhken's "Green Line" which are filled with lush euphoric sounds. The disc ends with newcomer Mat Zo with "Nuclear Fusion" which makes for a great ending with its driving and melodic anthem beats.

The Second Disc Raises It Up a Level

The music raises to another level on the second disc with the dreamy and awe-inspiring "Autumn," a collaboration between Mike Koglin and A&B's Paavo Siljamäki. It is here that we see the compilation playing out more like what we would expect from a Above & Beyond release, with progressive-inspired beats dominating and a certain melodic sound that maintains an airy trance feel. The compilation continues with the Sunny Lax's remix of "Aurora" by Nitrous Oxide, which provides for an amazing lead up to "Default" by Mat Zo, and it is here that we actually see Above & Beyond's skillful ability to balance and seamlessly mix music into euphoric bliss. While vocals are limited on this release, the few that are used are definitely well-chosen, such as "Everywhere You Are" by Mike Shiver & Aruna, which combine beautiful breathy vocals and high melodic beats which make it a must listen and a highlight of the second disc.

Other highlights include Cold Blue's lush "30 Degrees At Midnight," the gritty-meets-transcendent "Moon Dust" by Nitrous Oxide & Adam Nickey, and "Venice Beach " by Daniel Kandi. Unlike the first disc, there don't seem to be any weak tracks or fillers on this second disc and it handily makes up for some of the lacking moments we discovered on the first disc.

Bonus DVD

Another great addition to this release is the bonus DVD which contains a few items of note. It includes the music video for Oceanlab's "Lonely Girl" and other videos like "A Dog With A Smile" and "Balloon Trip" which showcases an acoustic performance with Zoe Johnston. It also contains other performance footage and behind-the-scenes chats with no overlying theme or message but mostly a snapshot of this past year and experiences for those diehard fans.

Summary

If you want the true definition of ambient trance and trance in general; then you will find it here on this release. While this might not be Above & Beyond's best release to date, it is by far one of the better releases this year compared to the other DJs of the genre like Tiesto and Armin van Buuren. While the first disc of this compilation lacked the coherent feel of what we usual expect from a Above & Beyond release, the second disc more than makes up for those inconsistencies and provides for an amazing listen that definitely provides the ears with its fair share of euphoric candy. I think fans of Above & Beyond and fans of trance in general will find a lot to like on this release and definitely make sure and check out Anjunabeats 100 which is an even better example of the artistry and talent that make up Above & Beyond. Either way, you will not go wrong and will definitely more to like on this new release than what is offered on the other DJ releases this year.

Released October 2009 on Ultra Records.



Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.