From one side of the Galaxy to the other, there is no better place to dance on a Friday night in Toronto than at an ESP Tranceformers party! This truth was once again evident at Electric Star Productions‘ latest instalment, Tranceformers: The Galactic War. Once again the Autobots and Decepticons trance-formed Club 120 – with the help of deco mistress Lilian Moon – in their ongoing quest for peace and unity within the EDM community – oh, and some really great music!
Entering the party fashionably late – thanks to TTC – I slipped in the door to the calm but dancy trance DJ John McDonald was laying down for the Autobots. Although I had not been able to attend the first collaboration of ESP and Entranced Island, Euphoria, which had taken place over the summer, it was immediately evident why they had decided to cooperate again so soon. The set climbed slowly but surely in speed, creating an energetic tension that ethereal melodies floated atop. I was only sorry that I had not been able to arrive any earlier to catch more of the classic trance feel this set inspired!
The club began to fill and the tone of the music shifted with the first switch of the night. Though the changeover was as seamless as I’d expect from the talent lined up for the night, I found myself noticing the turnover as one notices a shift in flavours over the palate. From sweet to spicy, DJ Davide skillfully reminded the dancers that they were in a battle, as his mystical Goa beats contrasted their deep mystical qualities against the uplifting purity of previous set. I particularly loved hearing Mahadeva by Astral Projection closing Davide’s time on the decks, guiding the night towards the psychedelic side of things.
DJ Fraktl, Autobot Commander, barely had to touch the decks, and even those who weren’t on the dance floor were moving in rhythm. Momentum generated by Davide’s Goa set was carried along, through Fraktl’s expert mixing, and poured itself out to be translated, rippling out onto the dancefloor. The bouncy but driving intensity of tracks like Stresstest by John O’Callaghan created the perfect lead-in to the centerpiece of the night – Fraktl and Audi’s battleset.
Grabbing attention by playing with the beat, the showdown between the Autobot and Decepticons team leaders was greeted enthusiastically by a packed dance floor and the cheers of participants. Through the combination of the uniquely personal styles of both artists and the amazingly en point decor, the music, which paired spectacularly with the laser visuals, showcased exactly what everyone was there to witness – phenomenal talent battling it out for an hour of wonder and delight. Powered by the signature drink of the night – Energon (which was both amazing and affordable – I had at least three for less than 20$) – everyone danced while Audi and Fraktl threw tracks like Mystical Experiences – Electric Universe and Rene Ablaze & Ian Buff feat. Diana Leah – I’ll Find My Way (Davey Asprey Remix).
Needing a breath of fresh air, I missed the exact point where the battle set gave way to Decepticon leader Audi Étoffe‘s beautiful progressive beats. Returning to the warmth of the club, I was embraced by the energy and psychedelic elements that are a distinct part of Audi’s signature style. I don’t believe I stopped moving for the rest of this set! A veteran of many Traceformers events, Audi’s skillful transition to the next DJ, Johnny B was smooth as silk, though it brought about a dramatic shift in musical flavours.
DJ Johnny B recalled the classic vibe from his opening partner, but kept the faster driving beats that the battle set had initiated. Tracks like K90‘s Red Snapper and other bouncy melodies lifted spirits on the dancefloor and infused new energy through their uplifting, almost euphoric tones. Although it was getting late and the crowd had thinned, the dance floor stayed relatively full. I certainly hope to see more collaborations with Entranced Island in ESP’s future!
Closing off the night, MagicMushroom of the Decepticons dropped some fantastic fullon psytrance. With some amazing accent vocals from the popular Game of Thrones show – “we know no king but the King in the North whose name is Stark!” – and a galvanically impellent bass, MagicMushroom delivered a spectacular end to an awesome night. As the dance floor population dwindled down to the the true trance fanatics still stomping it out on the floor, a last remnant continued to move to the compelling beats until the very last note. What an experience!
Relive the magic through video, thanks to our friend to Tim H. Additionally, Kotsy Photography also preserved some wonderful memories of this night, and the photos can found here. Be sure to check out Electric Star Productions for more events!
Until next time, Happy Raving!
LINKS:
Event Page
Electric Star Productions (ESP)
Entranced Island
Club 120
Kotsy Photography
HARD TRANCE AUTOBOTS
DJ Fraktl
Facebook
Soundcloud
DJ Johnny B
Mixcloud
DJ John MacDonald
Mixcloud
PSYTRANCE DECEPTICONS
Audi Etoffe
Website
Facebook
Soundcloud
Mixcloud
Magic Mushroom
Website
Facebook
Soundcloud
Mixcloud
DJ Davide Ferrara
Facebook
Soundcloud
Mixcloud
Jade Benjamin – EDM TOR
