Top 5 Tracks of 2018

Another incredible year of psytrance. It was very difficult to narrow down my top 5 tracks, but here's what I came up with. Tons of other incredible work out there. I left off all Absolut Shit releases to avoid bias, but a big thank-you to all the artists who worked with us for their great tracks! Below are my top 5, please support these artists and labels!

Nutby’s four-track ep on the amazing Kamakhya records is one of the most underrated releases of the year. This anonymous mystery producer creates unpredictable sound collages. I’m especially happy to hear such weirdness at traditional bpms-here, 149. Nutby has a unique sound, but reminds me of what Psykovsky could have been had he gone in a different direction. I hope to hear more from this mystery artist.

https://kamakhyarecords.bandcamp.com/track/r-e-s-p-e-c-t-149-bpm

Plankton is best known for her amazing high tempo work, but this 160 bpm track is a masterpiece. Building on ideas from her prior track Abstract Poetry, this track includes subtle melodic elements and precise sound design slightly reminiscent of the clicks and cuts genre, and especially Murcof’s early work dissecting string instrument samples. The combination of these elements and its dancefloor-friendly kickbass makes this one special.

https://post-modernmusic.bandcamp.com/track/plankton-la-sua-melodia-2

Darkpsy enthusiasts are familiar with Yoshua’s style: a distinct kick drum and detailed sound design that brings back memories of horrorplace. This is my favorite track from Yoshua yet. Because the track does not use leads, its raw power reminds me of the best darkpsy dancefloors I’ve been on. The quarter-note section is on another level. I can’t wait to hear it at parties in 2019.

https://post-modernmusic.bandcamp.com/track/yoshua-e-m-detachment

Sectio Aurea remixing the Nommos-four psychedelic minds. The original was made in Goa for Eight Finger Eddie’s 80th birthday. It’s fitting that Sectio Aurea did the remix, as they are one of the only artists capable of infusing their tracks with the emotion necessary to honor the late Eddie. But they take the original’s straightforward groove and turn it into a powerful experimental track. For me, this is as good as it gets. Take the train to nirvana station.

https://alice-drecords.bandcamp.com/track/08-the-nommos-eight-finger-funk-sectio-aurea-rmx

Groovality’s soundcloud is full of truly experimental psytrance. His tracks demonstrate what can happen when producers showcase their passion for sound and music instead of genre norms. On my favorite track from his new EP, he has an incredible cinematic ambient intro, followed by super high bpm psytrance that has a slow half or even quarter time feel. Another artist I can’t wait to hear more of.

https://groovality.bandcamp.com/track/this-cant-be-good

Looking forward to a great 2019!