PINOCCHIO
TRANCESYLVANIA
ALBUM FLUID RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 1, 1999 REVIEW: SEPTEMBER 15, 1999

Fluid Records was one of the first techno/trance labels in Sweden and their first compilations "Nordic Rave 1 and 2" were big hits among the fans of the genre. Among the bands on these were Antiloop, Earthbound and Peanut Planet.
And Pinocchio, of course. A Swedish duo consisting of a violinist and a sound technician, and musically much in the style as the above mentioned Antiloop. Only much better.
"Trancesylvania" is a twelve track electrifying experience, with strengths and sore bits, of which the first category is dominating. The single tracks "Flower on the Moon", "Hypnotized" and "Da da da" are the most commercial and the ones that are meant to sweep the market off its feet. There's no getting around these tracks' ability to make you want to dance, but some of the other tracks on "Trancesylvania" are just as intriguing.
"Le Petit Sadique" for instance, a monotonous, yet melodic four and a half minute composition with impressive soundscapes and lively bass drums. Or "Telepatico", the track ending the album, putting you in a slow moving, hypnotic web of electronics. Pinocchio reach far with this full-length, not as far as the Gods of the genre, Astral Projection or Man with No Name, but close enough to be interesting.
And no, my nose didn't get any bigger while listening to "Trancesylvania". Hopefully the Pinocchio fanbase will, though.

NIKLAS FORSBERG