New releases today: Uplifting Trance

Review: A timeless German trance anthem receives a fresh twist with two new extended remixes. Amirali's remix brings a deep, melodic reinterpretation. It slows the tempo slightly, trading the euphoric urgency of the original for a more introspective atmosphere. Subtle synth layers ripple through the mix, while a haunting arpeggio dances delicately over a driving yet restrained beat. REZarin's version keeps closer to the uplifting trance roots. The iconic melody is front and center, with shimmering pads and a pulsating bassline that builds towards soaring peaks. The breakdown retains the nostalgic essence of the original, swelling with warmth before bursting into an energetic drop that's tailor-made for festivals. Both remixes nod to the chilled legacy of Ibiza sunset mecca Cafe Del Mar while adding modern textures i Amirali offers reflection, REZarin delivers exhilaration.

Review: Originally pressed in 1997 on Manchester's Pleasure Records, this reissue of James Zeiter's 'Spacer IV' EP marks a detour from his dub-techno calling card into richer house-rooted terrain. A pivotal figure with deep ties to trance, ambient and the deeper ends of techno, Zeiter's work here sheds the fog of his more monolithic material, turning instead to emotional clarity and rhythmic warmth. 'Sirocco' is the opener and the standoutia halcyon blend of dubbed-out breaks and airy pads that drift and glimmer above a slow-motion acid line. 'Mono' edges further into house, with its loopy Detroit swing and sunset-kissed bassline nodding gently to Italian dream house. On the flip, 'Jetson' steps back into more familiar, trance-inflected territory: spacious, hypnotic and driven by crisp, propulsive drums. 'Dust' closes the set with writhing acid lines and spaced-out FX, balancing tension and lift with Zeiter's signature restraint. All four cuts, originally sequenced with just an Akai S950, ESQ-1 and a Novation Bass Station, still sound uniquely vitalimelodic but unshowy, club-focused but never rigid. Slush's remaster preserves the nuance while the full-fat 2x12" format gives these deep cuts the dynamic range they deserve. A stunning archival rescue from a true underground operator.