XTC Trax 7: A Trance Time Capsule That Still Bangs
Alright, let’s talk about XTC Trax 7. Released back in '97 by a bunch of Belgian legends under the XTC label (yeah, PolyGram Belgium too), this album is basically a snapshot of what trance and progressive trance were all about during that golden era. If you’re into hard-hitting beats, euphoric drops, and tracks that feel like they could power an entire rave on their own, this one's for you.
First off, can we just appreciate how wild some of these track titles are? Stuff like “Sexdrive (Big Thumb On Your Head Mix)” or “Naked Fantasy (DJ Philip Remix)” feels like it was pulled straight out of someone’s chaotic dream journal. But hey, don’t let the goofy names fool you—there’s some serious heat here.
One standout track I gotta shout out is “Heart Of Africa (Planet Trax Mix).” Man, this thing hits different. It starts with this tribal drumbeat that feels primal but futuristic at the same time, y’know? Then BAM—the synths kick in, and suddenly you’re not just listening to music anymore; you’re floating above the club, looking down at everyone losing their minds below. The buildups are insane, and when that drop finally comes, it’s like… woah. You know those moments where everything aligns perfectly, and you forget your problems because the beat has taken over your soul? Yeah, that’s this track.
Another banger worth mentioning is “Blue Fear.” This one’s darker, more brooding—it’s got this hypnotic vibe that sneaks up on you. At first, it feels understated compared to the rest of the album, but give it a minute. By the halfway point, it transforms into this pulsating monster that refuses to let go. There’s something almost cinematic about it, like it should be playing in the background while you’re running through a neon-lit cityscape in slow motion. Honestly, every time I hear it, I half-expect Keanu Reeves to show up riding a motorcycle.
The compilation itself was put together by Fly, who clearly had a knack for picking absolute gems. Shoutout also to Marnix B. and DJ Tom Leclercq for keeping things technically tight behind the scenes. And props to Koen Smits for the artwork—it’s simple but effective, kinda like the music inside.
Looking back now, XTC Trax 7 feels like a relic from another world—a time when electronic music wasn’t so polished and commercialized. Listening to it today reminds me of sweaty clubs, dodgy lighting rigs, and people dancing like nobody was watching. Weirdly enough, though, it still holds up. Like, really holds up. Maybe even better than some modern stuff trying way too hard to sound "vintage."
Here’s the unexpected part: after spinning this album again recently, I realized something kinda profound. Back then, no one cared if genres overlapped or if a track didn’t fit neatly into a playlist. People just made music because they loved it, without worrying about algorithms or social media clout. And maybe... just maybe... we should try bringing a bit of that spirit back today. Who knows? Maybe our future selves will thank us later.
So yeah, if you haven’t heard XTC Trax 7, do yourself a favor and dive in. Just don’t blame me if you end up staying up till 4 AM vibing to “Blue Fear” on repeat.
