In Search of Sunrise, Vol. 7: Asia (CD - 2008)

This two-disc set, the seventh volume in his IN SEARCH OF SUNRISE series, continues to document Tiesto's journey around the world as he increases his stature as one of the global community's most heralded DJs. Where previous IN SEARCH OF SUNRISE volumes have been recorded and mixed in Latin America, Ibiza, and elsewhere, VOL. 7 makes its base in Thailand. Asian flavors may creep in from time to time, but the dominant vibe of this double-CD set still reflects Tiesto's trance roots, making for a heady musical statement that is sure to move the minds and bodies of trance fans the world over.

Continuing the series that began with 1999's In Search of Sunrise, the seventh volume provides pretty much exactly more of the same: a double-disc-length continuous live mix of new and rare trance remixes of songs by artists ranging from AAA singer/songwriter Cary Brothers (familiar to those who own the Garden State soundtrack) to Russian DJ Existone, whose trance epic "Wounded Soul" is the centerpiece of the sleepily chilled-out second disc. Other highlights include the propulsive Giorgio Moroder-type tick-tock of "Crossroads" by Swedish duo Zoo Brazil; Andy Duguid's dreamy, female-fronted "Wasted"; and Cressida's "6 A.M.," which recalls the old ambient house days. But nearly ten years on, the In Search of Sunrise formula has grown rather stale, turning into little more than pleasant but insubstantial lifestyle music for people who don't actually go anymore to the sort of clubs that play this music, but still want to seem hip. ~ Stewart Mason minimize