First review of Ben, better known as Spaniard on these pages, for Trancealert.com. Welcome on board.


Pharmacy music is one label sticking to its original commitment of making Trance tracks which are especially made for dance floors. With such successful releases as Christopher Lawrence’s ‘Continuation’ and Jonathan Allyn’s ‘Taking Sides’, the label has earned a reputation for being one of the few Trance labels which is still releasing material that is fresh and highly club oriented. The latest EP release by Los Angeles based producer Sean J. Morris entitled ‘Biopsy’ is no exception to that philosophy and the 3 tracks in the EP are what we will focus on today.


Sean J Morris

Residing in Los Angeles, California, Sean J. Morris is a regular face at the Pharmacy Label having released such tracks as Sunchaser, Aspire and his most famous work, the remix of Christopher Lawrence and Nicholas Bennison’s ‘Continuation’ which received a lot of airplay from Christopher himself and many other jocks. Aside from his Trance production, he is a professional composer with experience writing scores for various TV shows, movies and documentaries.


Sean J Morris – Biopsy EP (Pharmacy Music)

1. Sean J Morris – Biopsy (Original Mix)

This track may take people by surprise who have heard Sean’s previous productions because of its progressive approach. The progression in the track is really smooth and well layered for the first 2-3 minutes. Listening carefully, it is easy to hear the varied influences of club trance as well as some psychedelic melodies which are very subtle yet friendly and uplifting. The main melody to this tune is very catchy which may take some focus away from the more serious listeners but in no way does it make it cheesy. The track is a great tool for starting a set as its melody will catch the attention of the more mainstream minded clubbers while not boring any of the more serious music lovers. Great work by Sean on this track.

2. Sean J Morris – Biopsy (Jonathan Allyn Remix)

Being another regular at the label, Jonathan Allyn has been one of the brighter spots in American Trance both as a producer and a DJ. The remix of Biopsy contains a similar vibe as the original with a progressive feeling but is still much more subdued than Allyn’s previous Pharmacy material (Jonathan’s releases that have not been on Pharmacy are actually progressive trance with a more mainstream sound). Allyn has put a darker twist on it, something that reminded me of producer Rehnmark who had been producing a few years back. Some will like this track more than the original for its energy but it does not maintain the same balance and for that it comes in second place.

3. Sean J Morris – Halo (Original Mix)

Without question, the most Pharmacy sounding track on the EP is the third track entitled Halo. This is definitely something that anyone familiar with Christopher Lawrence’s track selections will nod their heads and say “yes, this is something he will be playing for the next while”. The track combines the signature sound of Morris which is a cross between tech and epic Trance. With the emphasis being on its driving bass line, the track does introduce a break with a melody reminiscent of Bedrock’s famous ‘Heaven Scent’ without blatantly copying it. As the breaks in the track go on, it can get increasingly tiring but it is good to hear the tech elements as the song goes on to help keep the listener interested. A track highly recommended for fans of Christopher Lawrence’s album ‘Un-Hooked: The Hook Sessions’.

Verdict: This is a good release from Pharmacy and helps the growing name of Sean J Morris as one of the better Trance producers still active in the scene. It is always good to hear producers getting away from their signature sound and showcase other ideas. Biopsy is a great example of the kind of talent Morris has when he wants to do something more progressive oriented.

Tracks to not miss in order of preference: 1, 3, 2.


For Youtube and purchasing links, check out the post on Trancealert.com: Sean J Morris - Biopsy EP


For more information about Sean J Morris and Pharmacy Music, check out:
www.myspace.com/seanjmorris
www.pharmacymusic.com

___________________
Trance Alert: Track the best in Trance