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Abra Macabre is the latest (and by now getting a bit dated) compilation by Trick Music, a label that is operated by none other than Ady Connor, also the man behind Scorb and a whole bunch of other kickass projects.

Calling this a “VA” (Various Artists) is almost wrong, because the majority of the tracks involve Ady and some other guy, or just him but with a different artist name. And that´s what makes it all blend in, if there is such thing as a perfectly balanced compilation; this thing is a gold mine.

The album starts out with Orzels Machine “Torque is cheap”, a beautifully crafted techno-downbeat track with a dark, funky and mysterious tone. It´s also a prelude for things to come, since all the other tracks here are fully flavored nighttime stompers.

Things get nasty as one of my favorites here, Scorb´s Stratagem, takes the lead. A fun thing to notice here is for example how some of the percussion (hi-hat´s, crashes&rides) pitch is toyed around a bit, not making it too much over the top and repetitive. These kind of peculiar details are what makes an artist stand out of the haystack of boring and used up formulas. Anyway, this track is simply superb. It sucks you in a bit soon, but it leaves the best for last, and by best I mean hands down one of the most addictive “Rave-melodies” if there ever was one, almost sounding a bit cheesy, but impeccably enjoyable.

Next up is Prism with Six paper joints, vocal samples are widely used here and adrenaline is the name of the game as this comp reveals it´s true power. It´s a straight to the hips track and leaves no one indifferent to its spacey and atmospheric feel, also with lots of breakdowns and build ups for them hardcore ravers delight.

Squid Inc makes yet another stand out track with Fin. No cheese here whatsoever, just lots of nighttime madness and rave your socks out sort of spice. Once again the details grab you by the hips, and things start plunging further into darkness.

The comp does reach its lowest point on the darkness scale with Phibian, low phi is probably the most forgettable of the bunch as it tends to get a bit too proggy and repetitive, but still pretty decent stuff. This is a really dance-floor orientated comp, so home listener be advised, this is probably when you press next on your cd player.

Prism Vs Phibian sets your neurons on fire again with The Probe, a more spaced out and floaty kind of tune, definitely also a stand out track. Bassline chords go up and down a lot on this one making it a hell of a ride. The Hoax makes things go even deeper with a very aggressive and low toned kick track, married to a wacky and schizophrenic synth line near the end.

Ram comes out guns blazing with illumination, lots of glowsticks going about here as the crowd goes wild. Bring your dancing shoes because this track will take your breath away, throwing in everything but the kitchen sink.

The rollercoaster ride finishes off with a Scorb Remix of Orzels Machine “Destruckt”, and the first thing that stands out here is for instance a sample that closely resembles a windshield wiper. But make no mistake, this track oozes originality and has a strong “i´m last and goodbye” feel to it.

The dark side is taking over, and boy is it in shape. Although I am still undoubtly seduced by the previous Ipso Fvcto release and craving for more of the unforgettable Sol Invictus kind of dreamy-nostalgic tune, production quality here is relentless and a sense of good taste is present throughout the comp. A very well balanced set of tunes one can only strongly recommend for every dark psy aficionado out there.