Last Horizon’s Self-Titled EP: A 1997 Italian Acid Trip Worth Losing Sleep Over
Alright, let’s cut the crap. This little slice of Italian electronica gold from Last Horizon isn’t just another relic from the '90s rave scene—it’s a punch in the gut for anyone who thinks progressive trance is all about predictable builds and cheesy drops. Released under Sonic-X-Perience (a label that clearly didn’t give a damn about trends), this four-track EP hits hard like a double shot of espresso laced with something stronger.
First off, “Acid Water.” Holy hell, does this track slap. If you’ve ever been stuck in a sweaty club at 3 AM questioning your life choices, this is the anthem that’ll make you stop caring. The acid lines? Razor-sharp. The bassline? Vicious enough to choke a bull. It’s not trying to be clever or artsy—it’s raw energy bottled up and thrown straight at your face. You remember it because it doesn’t mess around. No frills, no apologies—just pure, unfiltered chaos wrapped in a beat.
Then there’s “Blue Ocean,” which flips the script entirely. Where “Acid Water” punches, “Blue Ocean” floats. But don’t mistake its calm vibes for weakness; this thing sneaks up on you like a ninja in foggy waters. The synths swell and recede like waves crashing against rocks, pulling you into some kind of hypnotic trance. By the time the breakdown hits, you’re either zoning out completely or losing your mind on the dancefloor. Either way, it sticks with you—not because it’s flashy, but because it feels. Like, deep down in your chest feels.
“Sea Reflex” and the title track “Last Horizon” round out the EP, but they play second fiddle to these two bangers. Not bad by any means—they just don’t grab you by the throat the same way. Still, they show off the band’s range, proving these Italians weren’t one-trick ponies.
So yeah, here’s the kicker: this EP came out in ’97, when everyone was obsessed with big-room anthems and overproduced garbage. And yet, Last Horizon dropped something so stripped-down, so unapologetically wild, it feels like it could’ve been made yesterday. Maybe that’s why it still resonates—or maybe it’s just the acid talking. Whatever the case, crank this sucker up loud and let it remind you what real electronic music sounds like. Because trust me, most of what passes for “trance” today couldn’t hold a candle to this beast.
Oh, and if you see someone selling an original copy on vinyl, buy it immediately—even if you have to sell your soul.
