Pigs In Space – Pigs In Space

I don't necessarily agree this is the first full-on psy album, as there was a broader, natural evolution to that sound that spanned over many artists and years. This album feels very much like later 90s goa through and through. And executed very well.

For me, the Tandu album is about twice as provocative and is a much more thorough, varied, and original album, but Pigs In Space follows up nicely. It is a smoother listen--not that Tandu is super challenging, but Pigs In Space is much more by the books and flows well even if I'm sometimes not fully engaged. Some tracks can border on routine or "default" if I'm being honest.

What helps this album though is the craftsmanship. Excellently mixed and immersive sound. And a good sense of depth and sophisticated use harmony. At this time, a lot of artists still dedicated to goa trance in its most essential form, especially Israelis, were still using predictable phrygian riffs ad nauseum. But Ofer never fell into that trap. He had a more advanced take on modes/scales and harmony than even Israeli artists as elite as Astral Projection. Just listen to his Inscape song from TIP Blue, amazing use of modes/scales. I digress, but those skills are still quite present here.

Had this one in my waitlist for sometime. After reading the below reviews which were pure adulation, I finally listened to all the songs. I am a diehard, old school Goa Trance devotee and this release, for me, did not have the soul and depth of feeling that I appreciate in Classic Goa Trance. I love full on, break loose from the mothership Goa Trance, but this group of songs did not move me. Lot's of Yang here.....no Yin.

What the previous reviews forget to mention is that this is the first true full-on psytrance release, with a 2 year head start to the widely acknowledged full-on architects. Yes, it still has goatrance elements in it (layers of acid melodies), but you can clearly hear the foundation on which all that full-on is built (very thorough production especially of kick and bass, rolling bass, more attention to drums and bass, more attention to soundscaping, and a more 'roomy' or 'open' overall sensation). This album is a milestone in the history of goatrance and psytrance, there is absolutely no mistaking that, and it hasn't lost much of its appeal even today. Exceptional stuff... And I don't even really like full-on psytrance... I'm more of a goatrance/spugedelic man...

Euphoric, magnificent, melodic, energetic, pumping, eclectic, defining, top-notch production – any (positive) adjective can fit this album.

Ofer Dikovsky was one of the pioneers in the Goa-scene and gained cult status with the group “Phreaky” and other great collaborations. This album released under this curious alias was certainly another turning point in 1998 when the Goa scene started to mutate into different directions. This self-titled album has no flaws. As I described in my first sentence, practically it’s complete – you have it all in 80 (yes eighty!) minutes of music packed in a very cool artwork also. Shall I mention also the appearance of the legendary Martin Freeland ? And the hidden chilled track at the end ?

Nicest thing is that this album is still very easily available so if you’re still wondering about it just get it now.

Goa trance at its perfection; euphoric, energetic, progressive and magic. Every single note is put in place with greatest perfection. If this CD is not a part of your collection, make it one, right now!