Thursday 15th, November 2007
Lange - Better Late Than Never
Updated: Sunday 18th, November 2007
Lange is one of those producers who has been a staple part of the trance scene for what seems like forever, not the most prolific of producers but easily one of the most consistent. It was a decade ago when he signed his first record deal with the mighty Positiva record label and his massive remix of Lost Witness – Happiness Happening. His remix broke the track and led to many more big remixes and solo tracks as he spearheaded the euphoric trance onslaught on mainstream dance culture. His sound became more commercial as trance increased in popularity, even appearing on Top Of The Pops right up to the big ‘trance crash’ when he wisely decided to change his sound and take it in deeper, darker, more progressive trance territory. This brings us to the present day and the release of his debut artist album ‘Better Late Than Never’.
Nearly Home provides the perfect intro track and showcases one of Lange’s greatest production talents – strings. And what gorgeous strings they are. On a cold day like today they are the aural equivalent of being wrapped in a big duvet by a roaring log fire – beautiful. Given the most minimal of backings, this eases the listener in effortlessly. This is followed by the latest single from the album, Songless, co-written with the vocalist Jennifer Karr. Beginning with her raw vocals over the softest of pads, the opening is real goosebumps-material. As with previous Lange vocal tracks, this could work easily as a pop record, yet the 2007 Lange gives it the most stripped down electro backing tracks, with again subtle strings giving it extra lift. Although the vocals may offend the purists, for those that admire good song writing and production this is a superb track that works on every level. Next up in the record that refused to go away this year, Angel Falls. As perfectly crafted a trance record as you are likely to hear, this is modern trance at its very best, combining all the latest sounds with a timeless melody that results in an instant Lange classic.
Frozen Beach is actually a few years old now and as the title suggests, this is Lange in chill out mode. This is the perfect example of how powerful beatless ambient music can be, with waves of glacial pads and strings cut through with the simplest and most delicate of melodies. Another vocal track follows, featuring Sarah Ozelle and written by Drifting Away writer Katie Marne – Maybe Tomorrow. This is probably the most commercial track and is another one I could hear on the radio. It’s a decent track with a good fast pace but does pass me by somewhat. Next up is Wind Farm and one of the most interesting tracks on the album. Lange uses all his production talents to full effect on this one, opening with a rush of wind building to a minimal beat. What sounds like an intake of breath builds into a fantastic pulsating electro rhythm with the centrepiece a brilliant breakdown as the sound of howling wind rushes up dropping back into the blistering electro groove. An absolutely brilliant record.
Red October was the b-side to Angel Falls and was therefore slightly overlooked on release. It is another wonderfully crafted production that once again focuses on heart-wrenching strings over a sparse electro foundation. Track eight is a real highlight from the album and a track that many will no doubt have heard on Armin’s A State Of Trance show amongst others - Out Of The Sky. Featuring Sarah Howells on vocals this is yet another departure from the traditional Lange sound. The excellent vocals are complimented by haunting, mournful strings over a shuffling beat that rises into a wonderful optimism-filled chorus topped off by flashes of acoustic guitar. A tune that will disappoint Lange purists but delight more open minded music lovers. Late Night Self Indulgence is a sweet string and choral three minute interlude and a great pause for reflection.
Dial Me Up showcases once more Lange’s love of electro sounds and shows that when he turns his hands to that sound he can pull it off as good as anyone. Opening with the sound of a modem dialling up it soon builds into a throbbing electro groove, with what sounds like that annoying paper-clip guy you used to get on Microsoft Word. Anyway, this has always been a favourite recent Lange production of mine and a worthy addition to the album. Lange’s long time production buddy Andy Perris aka Pulser lends his vocal talents to the penultimate track Remember You. He actually does a pretty good job and the Dogzilla style male vocals are a welcome change. The album closes with Home another breakbeat ambient ditty that has a slight air of Sigur Rós to it and is a relaxing, optimistic tune to finish on.
Conclusion
It may have been a decade in the making, but Lange’s debut artist album is more than worth the wait. I feel this is perfect timing for him, he has reached a point in his career where he is comfortable in his own sound and willing to explore new genres, resulting in a multi faceted album that takes in trance, electro, ambient, vocal, techno and loads and loads of strings. If you are a string fan you will definitely find plenty to enjoy here! The album is the perfect length at 12 tracks and he has been very lean with the track times too, creating an album that stands up better to home listening than most trance artists. Fans of his old school sound may be disappointed, but approach this with an open mind and you will discover a record that in a year where we have been blessed with some superb albums, this is comfortably one of the best.
Out now on iTunes with a full CD release plus bonus disc of Lange classics in January – for more info visit the superb album site www.langealbum.com
Tracklisting
1. Nearly Home
2. Songless
3. Angel Falls
4. Frozen Beach
5. Maybe Tomorrow
6. Wind Farm
7. Red October
8. Out Of The Sky
9. Late Night Self Indulgence
10. Dial Me Up
11. Remember You
12. Home
Written by:
frombeyond
Updated: Sunday 18th, November 2007
Lange is one of those producers who has been a staple part of the trance scene for what seems like forever, not the most prolific of producers but easily one of the most consistent. It was a decade ago when he signed his first record deal with the mighty Positiva record label and his massive remix of Lost Witness – Happiness Happening. His remix broke the track and led to many more big remixes and solo tracks as he spearheaded the euphoric trance onslaught on mainstream dance culture. His sound became more commercial as trance increased in popularity, even appearing on Top Of The Pops right up to the big ‘trance crash’ when he wisely decided to change his sound and take it in deeper, darker, more progressive trance territory. This brings us to the present day and the release of his debut artist album ‘Better Late Than Never’.
Nearly Home provides the perfect intro track and showcases one of Lange’s greatest production talents – strings. And what gorgeous strings they are. On a cold day like today they are the aural equivalent of being wrapped in a big duvet by a roaring log fire – beautiful. Given the most minimal of backings, this eases the listener in effortlessly. This is followed by the latest single from the album, Songless, co-written with the vocalist Jennifer Karr. Beginning with her raw vocals over the softest of pads, the opening is real goosebumps-material. As with previous Lange vocal tracks, this could work easily as a pop record, yet the 2007 Lange gives it the most stripped down electro backing tracks, with again subtle strings giving it extra lift. Although the vocals may offend the purists, for those that admire good song writing and production this is a superb track that works on every level. Next up in the record that refused to go away this year, Angel Falls. As perfectly crafted a trance record as you are likely to hear, this is modern trance at its very best, combining all the latest sounds with a timeless melody that results in an instant Lange classic.
Frozen Beach is actually a few years old now and as the title suggests, this is Lange in chill out mode. This is the perfect example of how powerful beatless ambient music can be, with waves of glacial pads and strings cut through with the simplest and most delicate of melodies. Another vocal track follows, featuring Sarah Ozelle and written by Drifting Away writer Katie Marne – Maybe Tomorrow. This is probably the most commercial track and is another one I could hear on the radio. It’s a decent track with a good fast pace but does pass me by somewhat. Next up is Wind Farm and one of the most interesting tracks on the album. Lange uses all his production talents to full effect on this one, opening with a rush of wind building to a minimal beat. What sounds like an intake of breath builds into a fantastic pulsating electro rhythm with the centrepiece a brilliant breakdown as the sound of howling wind rushes up dropping back into the blistering electro groove. An absolutely brilliant record.
Red October was the b-side to Angel Falls and was therefore slightly overlooked on release. It is another wonderfully crafted production that once again focuses on heart-wrenching strings over a sparse electro foundation. Track eight is a real highlight from the album and a track that many will no doubt have heard on Armin’s A State Of Trance show amongst others - Out Of The Sky. Featuring Sarah Howells on vocals this is yet another departure from the traditional Lange sound. The excellent vocals are complimented by haunting, mournful strings over a shuffling beat that rises into a wonderful optimism-filled chorus topped off by flashes of acoustic guitar. A tune that will disappoint Lange purists but delight more open minded music lovers. Late Night Self Indulgence is a sweet string and choral three minute interlude and a great pause for reflection.
Dial Me Up showcases once more Lange’s love of electro sounds and shows that when he turns his hands to that sound he can pull it off as good as anyone. Opening with the sound of a modem dialling up it soon builds into a throbbing electro groove, with what sounds like that annoying paper-clip guy you used to get on Microsoft Word. Anyway, this has always been a favourite recent Lange production of mine and a worthy addition to the album. Lange’s long time production buddy Andy Perris aka Pulser lends his vocal talents to the penultimate track Remember You. He actually does a pretty good job and the Dogzilla style male vocals are a welcome change. The album closes with Home another breakbeat ambient ditty that has a slight air of Sigur Rós to it and is a relaxing, optimistic tune to finish on.
Conclusion
It may have been a decade in the making, but Lange’s debut artist album is more than worth the wait. I feel this is perfect timing for him, he has reached a point in his career where he is comfortable in his own sound and willing to explore new genres, resulting in a multi faceted album that takes in trance, electro, ambient, vocal, techno and loads and loads of strings. If you are a string fan you will definitely find plenty to enjoy here! The album is the perfect length at 12 tracks and he has been very lean with the track times too, creating an album that stands up better to home listening than most trance artists. Fans of his old school sound may be disappointed, but approach this with an open mind and you will discover a record that in a year where we have been blessed with some superb albums, this is comfortably one of the best.
Out now on iTunes with a full CD release plus bonus disc of Lange classics in January – for more info visit the superb album site www.langealbum.com
Tracklisting
1. Nearly Home
2. Songless
3. Angel Falls
4. Frozen Beach
5. Maybe Tomorrow
6. Wind Farm
7. Red October
8. Out Of The Sky
9. Late Night Self Indulgence
10. Dial Me Up
11. Remember You
12. Home
Written by:
frombeyond
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