Fans of Tiesto's progressive-flavored trance anthems of the early-`00s were already well versed on the DJ-turned-producer's fondness for ethereal, siren-like vocals and epic-sized productions (best illustrated on female-fronted remixes featuring the likes of Sarah McLaughlan, Sixpence None the Richer, and Faithless). But, despite the relative pop leanings of such past collaborations, Tiesto never enjoyed major success beyond the club circuit. KALEIDOSCOPE, the producer's 2009 album, not only has its sights set on a more mainstream pop/rock appeal but--with guests spots from Bloc Party's Kele Okereke, Sigur Ros' Jonsi, and Canadian twin-songstresses Tegan and Sara--possibly beyond into indie credibility. Betraying the influence of the aforementioned Icelandic post-rockers, the album kicks off with the appropriately majestic "Kaleidoscope," a hypnotic, leisurely epic of dreamy synth pads and Jonsi's wispy falsetto. A consistent, dreamlike quality is sustained throughout, particularly on the piano- and breaks-driven "It's Not the Things You Say," featuring Kele Okereke, and "Feel it in My Bones," a gritty electro-pop ditty backed by the clean vocal harmonies of Tegan and Sara. And even if Tiesto's nods to dreamy indie pop and rock may be unfamiliar ground for his diehard trance and progressive followers, KALEIDOSCOPE contains enough unmistakably Tiesto-esque calling cards along the path that they're sure to enjoy the ride either way.

Getting the neo-electro, indie dance fever so contagious in 2009, the usually trance producer and stadium DJ Ti‰sto surprises with fourth his effort, Kaleidoscope, a diverse album guided by its rangy guest list. The most surprising and the most successful collaboration is right up front when Sigur R¢s vocalist J¢nsi and a nostalgic Ti‰sto conjure the spirit of Tangerine Dream for an electronic meditation title track which captivates for seven-and-a-half minutes. It's the album's creative high point and Ti‰sto's most risky cut to date, but the alternative dance and indie ideas don't stop here, as Australia's Sneaky Sound System bounce between soul and Kate Bush-like drama for the great club track "I Will Be Here." Calvin Harris brings more retro ('80s-flavored this time) and some humor ("Now put your hands in the air/For a century") to the party while Bloc Party singer Kele Okereke offers some convincing art-pop heartbreak on the memorable "It's Not the Things You Say." Longtime fans get a handful of widescreen instrumentals plus familiar-sounding, straight dance tracks with Nelly Furtado plus Tilly and the Wall member Kianna Alarid. An overstuffed track list makes this otherwise accessible album a bit too cumbersome, but with a little editing, Kaleidoscope is an unexpected and satisfying step forward from a producer who could have racked up the big numbers by sticking with his proven formula. ~ David Jeffries

Alternative Press (p.117) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "[With] flanged rhythms, kinetic yet varied tempos, and enough anthemic bursts of sanctified electronica to incite a stadium of football hooligans to dance..."

Billboard (p.32) - "KALEIDOSCOPE represents a virtual avalanche of personality."

Q (Magazine) (p.104) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[His career] will be enhanced by this collection of stadium-size anthems, which proves almost as big a surprise as its guestlist.