Total Solar Eclipse: A Hidden Gem from the UK’s Trance Scene
If you’re a fan of late '90s electronic music, Total Solar Eclipse by Angel Farringdon & Warren Street might just be the album that slipped under your radar. Released in 1999 on JBR (Jonny Biscuit Records), this trance masterpiece doesn’t scream for attention—it whispers, pulling you into its hypnotic world with understated brilliance. Hailing from the UK, the duo crafted something that feels both nostalgic and oddly timeless.
The title track, “Total Solar Eclipse,” is where the magic starts. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. The build-up is slow, almost teasing, with layers of synths creeping in like shadows before the sun disappears during an eclipse. Then BAM—those pulsating beats kick in, and suddenly you're not just listening; you're floating. There's this one moment around the three-minute mark where everything drops out except for a single, shimmering melody. It’s simple, sure, but man does it stick with you. You’ll find yourself humming it hours later, maybe even days.
Then there’s “Passing Of The Days.” This one hits different. Where “Total Solar Eclipse” is all about energy and euphoria, this track leans into introspection. The pads are lush, almost cinematic, and the rhythm has this steady, heartbeat-like quality. It’s the kind of song that makes you stare out a rainy window or think about life choices you’ve made (or haven’t). Honestly, it feels more like a journey than a track. By the time it fades out, you kinda wish it hadn’t.
What stands out about this album isn’t flashy production or over-the-top drops—it’s the vibe. These guys weren’t chasing trends; they were making music that felt personal yet universal. Sure, some parts sound a little dated now, but isn’t that part of the charm? Listening to Total Solar Eclipse feels like stepping back into 1999, when trance was still finding its feet and experimenting freely.
Here’s the thing though—this album shouldn’t have stayed so underground. Tracks like these deserve to be heard by anyone who loves electronic music. Maybe it’s better that way, though. Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones you stumble upon accidentally, like finding an old mixtape in the attic and realizing it’s gold.
So yeah, give Total Solar Eclipse a spin if you can track it down. Just don’t blame me if you end up lost in its grooves for hours. Oh, and here’s a random thought: I bet aliens would totally dig this album. Something about those swirling synths feels… intergalactic, don’t you think?
