Review Summary: A great album not just of trance, but music in general. I don't consider it a classic, but maybe when 009 Sound System releases more albums to compare this to, I'll rethink that opinion.
I chose this album because I have yet to find a track-by-track review of it anywhere on the Internet. So, to the best of my knowledge, this is the first to be attempted.
Now on to the tracks:
1. Dreamscape: A fairly short (for this album anyway) track, that begins with one of those operatic female voices common in trance, and continues for about a minute or so, slowly building more and more momentum until about a minute in, where Perls' "acid-cyber" (That's what I like to call them) vocals come in, for around 30 seconds or so, than fade out to let those opera vocals come back in, and the cycle constantly repeats listenings. It has gained notoriety on YouTube for being "overused", and I can see why. Nonetheless, still a good song, but far from great. 3.5/5
2. Space and Time: Now we're getting into much better territory. This song is very soothing for me, especially the beats when I'm driving alone at night. This song starts off strong, and never loses momentum, and the chorus is very sweet and emotionally assuring. The only problem I have with this track? TOO SHORT! A minute longer, and this track would be perfect. 4.5/5
3. Shine Down: While not my favorite, this song can best be described as simply beautiful. Images of a baby being put to sleep come to mind when hearing this song, and let me tell you, I had to pull over from driving while listening to this!
4. Number Two: If one were to argue that rock influences are evident in this album, this track would be the best bet. A very rough and funky beat constantly pervades the song, and never ceases. This isn't a bad thing, especially when one is wearing headphones. 5/5
5. Holy Ghost: A majestic, beautiful and rather mysterious track. lyrics vocals add a rather transcendental tone to the track. Perls' voice also sounds the most distorted on this track. 4.5/5
6. Standing Stones: The album's first long song, clocking in at a little under 10 minutes. Amazingly sung by Perls, the first time (in my opinion) that his "regular" voice is better than studio distortion. The chorus however, almost sounds like something off of the radio, and a bit too mainstream for my tastes. 4/5
7. Trinity: One of my favorite tracks. The first 45 seconds are the best use of those female vocals on the entire album. Then, the chorus just explodes. Every time I hear this beauty, I can never hear it loud enough, even through headphones. The chorus reminds me of a symphony orchestra at its loudest and heard through the world's largest surround system. I can picture being in the middle of the concert crowd going wild when this plays. 5/5
8. Killer With A Thousand Faces: The closest to an acoustic track here. If I was asked which track of this album I'd skip at the threat of my life, I'd pick this one. It's not horrible, it's not filler, but I just can never get into it. 3/5
9. Speak To Angels: The second track to clock in at over 10 minutes, and its worth every second of hearing time. Perls' voice is absolutely gorgeous on this track, and he never has to resort to that "acid-cyber" those to make this track work. While no fancy chorus or vocals, the whole thing is a masterpiece. 5/5
10. With A Spirit: Longest song on the album, a great progressive track. The synthesizer beats and sound effects are fantastic.
11. Born to be Wasted: Great, great, great, beat, and chorus. Fades out perfectly, and put me to sleep once.
