Reflections by Nuclear North: A Trip Down Memory Lane (With Some Glitches)
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into Reflections by Nuclear North—a 1998 gem that’s equal parts brain-melting and foot-stomping. This Spanish electronic masterpiece is like a time capsule from the late '90s rave scene, blending Progressive Trance, Acid, and good ol’ Trance vibes with enough energy to power a small city. Produced by Angel Molero, DJ Gollum, and Torben Meier (who also wrote the tracks), this album feels like it was cooked up in a garage studio fueled by Red Bull and questionable life choices.
Let’s talk tracks. The two standouts here are “Reflections (Progressive Mix)” and “Reflections (Dominator Mix).” Spoiler alert: they’re both bangers, but for very different reasons.
First up, the Progressive Mix. Oh man, this one hits you like a warm hug from an old friend who still owes you $20. It starts slow—almost too slow—but then BAM! The bassline kicks in, and suddenly you’re transported to a neon-lit warehouse party where everyone’s wearing bucket hats and oversized sunglasses. The build-up is smooth as butter, and just when you think it can’t get any better, those synth stabs come in like laser beams straight out of a retro sci-fi movie. You’ll remember this track because it’s got that perfect balance of chill and chaos. Plus, it’s the kind of song that makes you feel profound even if all you’re doing is staring at your ceiling fan.
Now, onto the Dominator Mix. If the Progressive Mix is your friendly neighborhood DJ, this one’s the guy at the afterparty who won’t stop showing off his sick dance moves. It’s darker, grittier, and packed with acid squelches that sound like robots having a tantrum. There’s something hypnotic about how the layers twist and turn—you almost forget there’s no actual melody until you realize you’ve been nodding along for six minutes. This mix sticks in your head because it’s relentless, kinda like that one mosquito buzzing around your room at 3 AM.
What’s wild about Reflections is how it manages to feel both dated and timeless. Sure, some of the production screams ‘90s (in the best way possible), but the beats still slap harder than most modern EDM playlists. Maybe it’s the rawness, or maybe it’s just nostalgia goggles kicking in, but this album has a charm that Spotify’s algorithm could never replicate.
Fun fact: Spain isn’t exactly known for its Trance output, which makes Reflections feel like a happy accident. Like finding a twenty-dollar bill in an old jacket pocket—it shouldn’t be there, but damn, are you glad it is.
So, would I recommend Reflections? Absolutely. Just don’t blame me if you end up accidentally booking flights to Ibiza at 2 AM while listening to it. And hey, if nothing else, it’s proof that three dudes locked in a studio can create magic—even if they probably argued over pizza toppings half the time.
