Trance Recommendations October 2012

Review: Those in the know believe that Dutch collective Dash Berlin could well be the next megastars to emerge from the global trance scene. Already they're well known - a string of well-loved singles and DJ mixes has seen to that - but they could soon rise to Tiesto and Armin van Buuren levels of infamy. Certainly, this double disc mix-up of melodic, uplifting trance - extremely floor-friendly, but with a sophisticated, progressive air - could nudge them up the pecking order. If you're looking for an enjoyable trip through trance's more melodic pastures, United Destination 2012 comes highly recommended.

Review: For some, Paul Oakenfold might be an easy target to mock, with the original British acid houser-turned-trance overlord partial to silly cravats, oversized boots and accusations of a planet-sized ego. Yet Oakey remains big business on the international club circuit - as his recent 2nd place polling behind Tiesto on the DJ rich list confirms - and to many We Are Planet Perfecto Volume 2 will be viewed as a big deal. Musically, it's rather big, too, showcasing Oakey's love for gargantuan, megarave-friendly trance records. As ever, there's a good blend of spine tingling vocal cuts, soaring instrumentals and sweltering carnival beats, all mixed in Oakey's irrepressible style. Trance-heads take note.