Album Review
5. Sander van Doorn – Eleve11
Label: Doorn Records
Genre: Progressive House/Trance
This album deserves a ****ing Grammy. I honestly couldn'tt give two ****s about the Grammy's and I honestly think they're now a bigger joke than the MTV VMAs in terms of prestige... but I was still a little angry to see Sander get snubbed there. While Alex O'Rion not being recognized for releasing the best electronic album in years is excusable since he's a newcomer... there is no excuse for someone like Sander to get looked over. The fact that Deadmau5 was nominated with his **** album this year really pisses me off. God damn.
Anyways, Sander van Doorn is a genius. Easily one of the most talented producers in the scene today, and he proves it with every track on this album. Long known as someone who produces instrumental anthems and full-on tech-trance monsters, Sander shows his chops on this album by straying into vocal territory for the first time, and presenting incredible results. The album opens with an intro mix of “Love is Darkness” his first ever vocal production with help from Carol Lee and the track definitely sets the tone with it's synth stab climax. Koko another tested dancefloor destroyer raises the energy as the second track on the album, before it slows down with Believe, a chilled out progressive tune featuring male vocals. I could literally rave about every track on this album, but to keep things in one post, I'll just talk about three more.
Rolling the Dice, a collaboration with Sidney Samson is exactly what vocal house should be. Incredible production that is complemented, not overshadowed by the vocals. Nadia Ali proves why she is one of the best in the business on this track with a sexy, sultry performance on the vocal duties. I find that the sound design of this track really highlights Sander's immense talent, although it's hard to tell which elements were contributed by him, and which are work of Sidney Samson.
I'll keep this write-up short and sweet (much like the track itself). At only three minutes Who's Wearing the Cap is the shortest track on the album, and probably my favourite as well... which is why I decided to post the extended version, regardless of the fact that I'm supposed to be reviewing the album. Definitely a track for the clubs, this is my personal pick for "Floorfiller of the Year" if there was such an honor. If this track doesn't get you moving, there is probably something wrong with you.
I decided to post the fifth track of the top 25 here to save time.
5. Sander van Doorn pres. Purple Haze feat. Frederick – Timezone
Label: Doorn Records (Spinnin' Records)
Genre: Trance
Purple Haze is an alias used by Sander on his more “out-there” trance productions. Usually recognizable for their distinctly dark and often ominous sound, Timezone is the newest addition to the Purple Haze catalogue. I can really describe everything about this track in a single word... “Haunting”. Frederick is on point with the vocals in this track, making it sound as if he's completely hopeless while he sings the terribly despressing lyrics. Even as this song reaches it's climax, where one would expect the mood to be lifted... it just sounds as if bad things are about to happen. I really can't heap enough praise on Sander, he's truly a genius producer, and I don't throw that term around too often. In addition to this, he's quite possibly one of the best Djs on the planet, it's frankly quite odd to see someone who was labeled as a trance DJ rock a party as hard as Sander can. He is definitely in the top-tier of live performers as well as producers.
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