Various Artists on Platipus

Platipus Records are a leading trance record label, supporting artists such as Union Jack, Art Of Trance and Terra Ferma. The artists listed on this page are the smaller projects that have been released on Platipus.

Virtualmismo - Last Train to Universe

Track Listing: Dream Mix 7" Edit (3.20) Granny's Special Cheese on Toast Mix (9.30) Dream Mix (8.12)

Marvin Sasha and Christian Hornbostel, aka Virtualmismo, joined the mighty Platipus label in the summer of '96. Euro style trance of the highest calibre - and its not cheesy either!!!! The best mix here has got to be Granny's special cheese on toast, which is actually Paul Brogden (otherwise known as POB) and Claudio Giussani (Mr Giussani better known as one half of Union Jack and his solo project Terra Ferrma.)
Virtualmismo's previous '92 singles (Virtualmismo and Cosmonautica) have also been re-released as a 12" on Stress records [12 STR 69]. Its been aptly described as hard, sweaty and trancey! Mixes include : Mismoplastico Sourmash Homage to Nigel Remix, Mismoplastico Virtual Mix, Mismoplastico Saxoplastic Mix and Cosmonautica Moontrip Mix.

Libra Presents Taylor - Anomaly

Track Listing: Granny's 7" Edit (3.59) Original BT and Taylor Mix (9.56) Granny's Epicure Remix (7.57) Evolution's Autodub Remix (9.44) Forth's Remix (8.08)

West coast DJ Taylor and BT (aka Brian Transeau) team up to produce classic trance. This originally was a big hit in clubland, but never really made it to the shop floor, but its been re-released on the Platipus record label. So the original trance epic mix by BT and Taylor gets a small facelift from the likes of Granny (Union Jack's and Terra Ferma's very own Claudio Giussani and Paul Brogden), the Forth and Evolution. Sweeping the cheesy vocals aside you are left with a corking track, typical hands in the air stuff. Its another must on the list!

12": Libra Presents Taylor Anomaly - Calling Your Name

Track Listing: 12" 1: Calling Your Name - Ferry Corsten Remix Calling Your Name - Quivver Remix 12" 2: Calling Your Name - Original BT & Taylor Mix Calling Your Name - Granny's Epicure Remix

Released 3/2000 on Platipus Records. Written and produced by Brian Transeau and Taylor. Vocals by Jan Johnston. The Quivver remix is the best of the new mixes (the original and Granny remix both featured on the original Platipus release back in 1995 [PLAT24CD]), featuring a fun percussion based beat and an effective gate effect on the vocal sample. Overall the track is less anthemic than its predecessors, but this is outweighed by the way this mix gradually builds up to its finale. Ferry Corsten beefs up the beats and combines elements of Albion's 'Air' [PLAT38] which is quite effective. The vocal content is far more obvious than the Quivver remix and the theme is far more Euro - overall two quality new remixes, both of which add new dimensions to the original and are worthy spins.

CDS: Libra Presents Taylor Anomaly - Calling Your Name

Track Listing: Granny's 7" Edit (3.59) Original BT and Taylor Mix (9.56) Granny's Epicure Remix (7.57) Evolution's Autodub Remix (9.44) Forth's Remix (8.08) L.A.'s Groove Radio 'Brat Edit'

Released 1997 on MusicNow. Written and produced by Brian Transeau and Taylor. Vocals by Jan Johnston. The 6th track is not listed on the sleeve and is only denoted by a sticker on the wrapping. It sounds similar to the original. Thanks to Brian Harris for this information.

LSG - Hidden Suns of Venus

Track Listing: Track Listing : Oliver Lieb Remix - Radio Edit (3.56) 12" Version (8.09) Oliver Lieb Remix (7.55)

L.S.G. is actually the German trance master Oliver Lieb. Platipus have scooped up yet another oldie trance classic, Hidden Suns..., which on the one hand is nothing amazing, but on the other is still a great track.

LoveClub - The Journey

Track Listing: The Journey - Trouser Enthusiasts Edit (4.02) The Journey - Light Remix (9.01) The Journey - Original Mix (7.46) The Journey - Trouser Enthusiasts Remix (8.50)

Springing from Orlando Florida Loveclub have been making progressive trance records and releasing them on their own DB imprint. The Journey caused a stir when it was initially released on import last year. Its full UK release showcases a tweaked original version plus new remixes by The Light (AAA Records) and Trance Enthusiasts (taken from the Platipus web site).
An excellent slice of hands-in-the-air Euro-trance which has been remixed by The Light (AAA Records) and Trance Enthusiasts. The Light remix isn't anything to write home about, especially when compared to original mix and the amazing Trouser Enthusiasts remix. Lots of bounce and piano melodies in this new signing to Platipus.

Clanger - Seadog

Track Listing: Seadog - Original Mix (7.18) Seadog - Way Out West (6.46)

Written by Simon Berry (Art Of Trance and main man behind Platipus Records) and Paul Brogden (POB) back in '94, and whilst it was never released as a 12" back then it did feature on the Platipus Compilation Vol 1. I'm not sure why Way Out West chose to dig up this track, but they did and proceeded to give it a drum and bass revamp in '97 - and in my humble opinion they may as well not bothered.

Chromium - Chrome

Track Listing: Chrome - Original Mix Chrome - Terra Ferma Mix

The original track is a lovely trancy track; medium paced trancer broken down by a simple mid track tinkling on a piano and an eerie x-file'ish sample. The Terra Ferma whips this into a more frenzied affair, where the pace is increased considerably and the beats are more acid trance style. However, its not a case of the faster the better, as the beats in this remix almost sound distorted. Also, take away the chants and the acidic 303 and what is left is too reminiscent of some of Claudio's other tracks. Overall, the original mix wins hands down, which will probably go down a treat on the more harder trance floors.
Described by Claudio as "a fairly manic affair. Very percussive based, 140 BPM and with a very unusual breakdown. The track is around the nine minute mark, with a short intro and breakdown, banging all the way and ending with a nice string / melodic outro to contrast the intensity of the main part of the track. The Terra Ferma remix also features on the Platipus A.R.C.

12": Albion - Air

Track Listing: Air (6.43) Air - Palefield Mountain Remix (9.17)

Released 6/98. Written and produced by Ferry Corsten. Additional remix and production on track 2 by Palefield Mountain. This early track by Ferry Corsten which, incidently, was released about a year before he became a big name in the dance music industry, is a classic trance anthem. The opening minute is ambient with blasts of powerful chords, from which the track bursts into dance mode. In terms of a track for DJing with its not exactly DJ friendly - its easy to get caught out by the loud chords blasting out - but as a trance track to listen to from end to end this is pure excellence. The Pale Mountain remix is a much harder edged trance version with fat beats, growling synths, and driving acid 303's. This mix is very powerful with huge build-ups - this is an excellent alternative to the euro-trance style of Ferry Corstens original mix. An essential purchase.

Track Listing: Air (6.43) Air - Palefield Mountain Remix (9.17)

Released 1998 on Platipus. Thanks to Brian Harris for this information.

12": Albion - Air 2000

Track Listing: 12" 1: Air - Ferry Corsten Open Air Remix Air - The Swimmer Monkey Mix 12" 2: Air - Oliver Lieb Remix Air - Hybrid's Supersonic Remix

Released 5/00 on Platipus Records. Written and produced by Ferry Corsten. Additional remix and production on 12" 1:track 1 by Ferry Corsten and on track 2 by The Swimmer. Additional remix and production on 12" 2:track 1 by Oliver Lieb and on track 2 by Mike Truman, Lee Mulin and Darren Wolf (Hybrid). The Ferry Corsten remix is far more DJ friendly than the original version that he wrote (on the first Platipus release back in 1998 [PLAT38]). However, even though its a great trancer track the power and anthemic status is lost in this new mix. The Swimmer mix, which is annoyingly absent on the CD release, is quite fun with added percussion throughout, and has quite a laid back air (excuse the pun) about it whilst maintaining the uplifting and upbeat vibe. The Oliver Lieb mix is also very good, and surprisingly light with a definite housey vibe to it - not what I'm used to hearing from Oliver Lieb who usually produces quite deep techno/trance. Hybrid provide the most adventurous mix, producing a breakbeat laiden mix with a chilled edge that works beautifully with the melody floating over the top. Overall we have four quality new mixes, with the Hybrid mix standing out as the better of the bunch and the others dwarfed by the original and Pale Mountain mix from the 1998 release.

CDS: Albion - Air 2000

Track Listing: Air - Ferry Corsten Open Air Remix Air - Oliver Lieb Remix Air - Hybrid's Supersonic Remix

Released 5/00 on Platipus Records. Written and produced by Ferry Corsten. Additional remix and production on track 1 by Ferry Corsten, on track 2 by Oliver Lieb and on track 3 by Mike Truman, Lee Mulin and Darren Wolf (Hybrid). See above for review. Thanks to Brian Harris for this information.

122: Conscious - Northern Lights

Track Listing: Northern Lights - Original Mix (7.53) Northern Lights - POB Remix (8.05)

Released 1998 on Platipus Records. Conscious is a collaboration between Simon Berry (Art Of Trance and main man behind Platipus Records) and Andy Chatterley (main man behind Sperm Records and the artist Yum Yum). Under the guise of Conscious the duo actually go back to the hardcore era, although I've no other information of any other releases. Both tracks on this 12" are wicked, and another "must have" for the collection.

CDS: Conscious - Northern Lights

Track Listing: Northern Lights - Original Mix (7.53) Northern Lights - POB Remix (8.05)

Released 1998 on Platipus Records. Conscious is a collaboration between Simon Berry (Art Of Trance and main man behind Platipus Records) and Andy Chatterley (main man behind Sperm Records and the artist Yum Yum). Under the guise of Conscious the duo actually go back to the hardcore era, although I've no other information of any other releases. Both tracks on this CD single are wicked, and another "must have" for the collection.

Humate - 3.1 1998

Track Listing: 3.2 Bedrock Mix (12.16) 3.1 (7.07) 3.2 (10.10) 3.3 (5.27) Humate's '98 Mix (6.07) Mijk Van Dijk Remix (6.07) 3.2 Bedrock Ambient Mix (6.55)

Released 12/98. The last release of '98 from Platipus is the excellent 3.2 by Humate, the best of which is the 3.2 Bedrock Mix. The other mixes aren't anything to write home about really.
And a little message from Platipus on the back cover of this CD reads: "The Chart Information Network (C.I.N) have changed the rules so that 'You' the Punter, can no longer purchase a single with more than 3 mixes on it. That's why we have made this CD single with 7 mixes on it, the way it should be - 'Value for your money'. For anyone from C.I.N. that reads this, f**ck your rules!"
I personally applaud Platipus for standing up against C.I.N. I encourage everyone to do the same - C.I.N are fucking up our music industry - they need to be made to listen.

Track Listing: 3.2 - Digiweed and Muir's Bedrock Mix 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.1 - Humate's '98 Mix 3.1 - Mijk Van Dijk Remix 3.2 - Bedrock Ambient Mix

Released 1998 on Shock. Thanks to Brian Harris for this information.

Narcotik - Blue / Twelve Miles

Track Listing: Blue (9.14) Twelve Miles (9.32)

Released 2/99. Written and produced by CJ Dolan and Gab Oliver. Lisenced from Zero Tolerence Recordings. Whilst the rather average 'Blue' features on Platipus Volume 4, its 'Twelve Miles' that makes this 12" an essential purchase.

S.O.L. - Quantensprung 1 / Solaris

Track Listing: Quantensprung 1 (8.09) Solaris 1 (6.37) Solaris 1 (6.38)

Released '99. All tracks written by Oliver Lieb. Licensed from Superstition Recordings (Hamburg).

Yello vs Hardfloor - Vicious Games

Track Listing: PLAT52: Vicious Games - Art of Trance Remix (8.07) Vicious Games - Club Mix (7.05) PLAT52X: Vicious Games - Headroom Mix (6.52) Vicious Games - Bomb Remix (6.59) Vicious Games - Blank @ O. Wollschlanger Mix (6.34)

Released 4/'99. Original music composed by Borris Blank. Produced by Oliver Bondizo and Ramon Zenker for Go Gang Music Production. Lyrics and vocals written by Dieter Meier. Licensed from Orbit Records GMBH.

CD Single: Yello vs Hardfloor - Vicious Games

Track Listing: Vicious Games - Radio/Video Edit (3.47) Vicious Games - Art of Trance Remix (8.07) Vicious Games - Da Bomb Remix (6.59)

Released 4/'99. Original music composed by Borris Blank. Produced by Oliver Bondizo and Ramon Zenker for Go Gang Music Production. Lyrics and vocals written by Dieter Meier. Licensed from Orbit Records GMBH.

I-Ching feat. DJ Patrick Reid - Ways of Love / Soulstorm

Track Listing: Ways of Love Soulstorm

Released 6/99. 'Soulstorm' written and produced by I-Ching and DJ Patrick Reid. 'Ways of Love' written and produced by I-Ching.

Moogwai - A Night Out / Moogwai

Track Listing: A Night out Moogwai

Released 6/99. 'A Night Out' written and produced by Ctrl + Chab & Fredric Vogel. 'Moogwai' written and produced by Ctrl + Chab.

Moogwai - Viola

Track Listing: CD: Viola - Original Mix Viola - Armin Van Buuren Remix Edit Viola - Keo 12": Viola - Original Mix Viola - Armin Van Buuren Remix

Released 5/00 on Platipus Records. Stick to the original mix of Viola which is a fantastic trancer from Mr Moogwai. Unfortunately Armin Van Buuren can't keep up the pace and Keo is rather average - not that i'm that bothered with such a strong Original Mix.

AMbassador - The Fade

Track Listing: The Fade - Original Mix (5.30) The Fade - Fade Mix (6.02) The Fade - Oliver Lieb Remix (7.11)

Released 8/99. Written and compossed by AMbassador. Fade mix by P.W. Bervoets, M.B de Goeij (who is one half of the Kamaya Painters with DJ Tïesto) and AMbassador. AMbassador is actually DJ Misjah (who co-wrote the ground breaking 'Access' with DJ Tim back in '96). And yes, its a great track too!

CDS: AMbassador - The Fade

Track Listing: The Fade - Radio Edit (3.46) The Fade - Original Mix (5.33) The Fade - Fade Mix (6.14) The Fade - Oliver Lieb Remix (7.04)

Released 2000 on Bonner Music. Written and compossed by AMbassador. Fade mix by P.W. Bervoets, M.B de Goeij (who is one half of the Kamaya Painters with DJ Tïesto) and AMbassador. AMbassador is actually DJ Misjah (who co-wrote the ground breaking 'Access' with DJ Tim back in '96). And yes, its a great track too! Thanks to Brian Harris for this information.

AMbassador - One of These Days

Track Listing: One of These Days - Original Mix (6.05) One of These Days - Today's Mix (7.37)

Released 1/00. Written and compossed by M.B. de Groeij and AMbassador. Today's Mix mix by P.W. Bervoets, M.B de Goeij and AMbassador. The original mix is a deep trancer featuring a rather simple synthy melody. The Today's Mix is much lighter, not only in terms of the beats but also by the dominating melody played out by a Spanish guitar.

Z2 - I Want You

Track Listing: I Want You - Original Mix I Want You - Lange Remix

Released 2/2000. Written and compossed by Rich Mowatt & Andy Bury (Solar Stone). The Original Mix of 'I Want You' is minimalistic, whilst Lange cranks up the pace and adds a bit of drive to the track, although all in all both mixes lack depth or direction. On a more positive note, Z2 provided an awsome remix of 'Run' by Ecano on Avantgarde Records.

12": Paragliders - Lithium

Track Listing: Lithium - Lithium 1 Lithium - Oliver Lieb Remix

Released 3/2000. Written and produced by Oliver Lieb. This is a minimalistic trance/techno crossover that I'm not very keen on. Its quite deep and dark in places and doesn't actually have much direction. Not the best I've heard from Herr Lieb. The CD single also features the Lithium 2 mix.

CD Single/12": Dawnseekers - Gothic Dream

Track Listing: CD: Gothic Dream - Original Mix Gothic Dream - John Johnson Remix Neural Net 12": Gothic Dream - Original Mix Gothic Dream - John Johnson Remix

Released 6/2000. Written and produced by Geert Huinink and Alco Lammers. Additional remix and production on track 2 by John Johnson, Brian Baskin and Matt Jefferson. Licensed from In Trance We Trust/Black Hole Recordings. Platipus deliver a big atmospheric, melodic trancer that has been previously doing the rounds on the In Trance We Trust label (see here). Both Gothic Dream and Neural Net are uplifting trancers, whilst John Johnson goes deeper and more progressive.

• Art Of Trance
• POB
• Quietman
• Terra Ferma
• Union Jack
  
• Platipus Compilations

For further information on Platipus artists see their web site or contact by: