“
Reinventing what you consider Tech-Trance ” - Andre
8/10
Claudia is likely one of the most popular female trance producer/dj in modern history, and it’s with good reason! Her sound has been evolving over the past years, and as a DJ she’s extensively toured the world. With her breakthrough release on her very own label Couture in 2007 she cemented her place among the boys atop the trance production world, and today she’s back with her follow up to the massive 2009 release, Quatrain.
Quatrain 3 kicks things off with an underspoken agenda that becomes quite clear as we enter the breakdown. Claudia has crafted a ridiculously catchy riff that belongs in a banging techno tune the likes of John Askew or Bryan Kearney might drop on any given night. I seriously had no idea what to expect out of this track and given that monster breakdown, I’m completely smitten with it. On the B Side we’ve got Quatrain 4, a track that kicks off with what sounds like a groovy tribal groove and as it moves along I’m reminded of Randy Katana, Mr Pit and Claudia’s cultivated sound. She’s created a rather unique production with this gem, and you might find it will take a few listens to finally get into it.
Read on past the break for high quality samples of these fine productions and be sure to vote for your fave!
The word “classic” in electronic dance music means that a track is so strong, that it will never lose its effect on the audience. There are certainly a handful of tracks that have come and gone and garnered the title, but none are as iconic as Cruising. Airscape, of course the moniker of world renowned DJ/producer Johan Gielen, scored a world wide hit single with it in 1993 and now the song still sounds as solid and fresh as it did seventeen years ago thanks to a few 2010 reworks. This seems to be a recurring theme for Black Hole in 2010, I wonder what remix is next?
For the new Cruising 2010 Johan Gielen went back to the studio and delivered a brand new rendition, which he created together with Cor Fijneman. New and tighter beats, crisp synth lines and percussion lift up the theme of the original version and turn it into a state of the art floor filler for every DJ in the industry.
Marco V gave the original a brand new trance make over and the guys from Alkatraz added a bit more drama to the arrangement. In fact, all three versions are worth listening to and prepare yourself to have this track take over the dancefloor again for the first time, 17 years after it was originally unleashed.
We’ve been busy reporting on the tracks on John Askew’s upcoming artist album (sampler 1 and sampler 2) and if the last two samplers deliver the same ass kicking goodness as these first two, lord help us. I mean, seriously. This much epic has never before been contained in one release before, and when this album lands in 2 parts; The first of which includes 24 unmixed remixes and the second which is a 70 minute continuous DJ mix, I’ll be partying for hours. Just me and my headphones.
And not the ones to be selfish, we at MusiCritics.com have arranged to giveaway 1 copy of John Askew’s Rediscovered Album to 2 lucky winners! This two CD Album and DJ Mix pack is every trance lover’s dream and to get your grubby hands on a copy simply leave a comment below. We’ll be drawing two winners once the Album is released on May 31st, so be sure to get your entry in! And please, only one entry per email address.
Be sure to check out our prior ReDiscovered reviews and come back for our full album feature in the coming weeks!
Making their debut EP release on Dangerbox Recordings, we welcome “Second Way” with their two track EP titled The Friend.
This release has the perfect balance between soft progressive grooves and rough edgy basslines, a balance that is becoming harder and harder to find for many of today’s young producers. Second Way brings us two melodic tracks with a twist of dirt and pride in them along with a remix from Teana & Tilda. Teana & Tilda provide a soft progressive version of Second Way’s monster “The Friend Always Remains The Friend.”
Adding to the release’s charm is the cover art, something that sets apart Dangerbox from other labels. This is truly a visual and audio pleasure. Read on past the break for some high quality samples and be sure to vote for your favorite!
Oliver Brooks serves up the 5th release on DS-R with this tough and uplifting double header. At a young age Oliver shows he’s adept at slick, tight production with a succession of top draw recent releases, including a tight remix of X Marks The Spot by Garry Heaney. It wasn’t until last year that I discovered Oliver’s sound, and it seems he knows when he’s due for a new release, as I never find myself craving more, but always welcome his new material. No Sean Tyas / Heatbeat syndrome here folks!
Changes will find favour with those who enjoy the style of Activa’s recent remix on DS-R as this belter is tough, driving trance with techy elements that balance well with the track’s energy and drive. I’m definitely reminded of the Discover sound on this A Side, while the second track of the EP, With You, has a more refined, classic trance sound with lush, crisp leads and a warm bass that will wrap you up and cuddle. Don’t be fooled though, this B Side is the highlight of the EP and carries tons of energy straight from London, UK.
Read on past the break for some high quality samples and be sure to vote for your favorite!
David Forbes is recognized worldwide for his hard hitting trance beats that often times border the techno, or hard trance, tip. This latest effort on RESET Records is no different and it showcases a mature sound that is immaculately balanced. This Scottish producer jumped into the dance music scene some time ago at the tender age of 17 and saw his very first release land on Eve Records, a label that has seen many talented producers walk through their offices over the last 15 years.
This latest effort on RESET Records is titled Aria Waves, and this is a rather fitting title for David’s fans, as it is also the name of his radio show currently hosted on DI.fm. The show is now into it’s 4th episode, and this track is what you might consider the flag bearer for his 2010 sound. There are two versions included in this release, the first being a Light Mix. The Light Mix is quite similar to it’s B Side, but removes most of the tech/hard trance elements to create a mor euphoric and uplifting experience. If you’re looking for some serious energy, wild sirens and hard edged synths, then check out the Dark Mix as it certainly is capable of doing some damage.
Read on past the break for high quality samples and be sure to vote for your favorite.
Another top notch trance release on the mighty Liquid imprint that has brought to you so many fine releases from the likes of 4 Strings, Clokx, Sandler, Ummet Ozcan and many, many more. This time around we’re privy to a brand new uplifting gem from Vast Vision & Misja Helsloot!
This latest effort is pure trance bliss as it meanders through soft sound scapes that invigorate and energize the listener. The hook is typical of most Liquid Recordings as in it manages to latch onto the listener and whisks them away to another land, if only for a few minutes. You’ll definitely want to give this beauty a few listens. If you’re looking for a song full of warm hope and emotion, look no further!
Armada’s A&R man Ruben de Ronde returns to MusiCritics.com with a lush progressive trance number that’s already making waves. It’s seen airplay on Armin van Buuren’s A State of Trance radioshow (ASOT 448) and now it’s gracing our review pages! Clearly, this is the greatest award any release can receive, is it not?
But I digress. The last time Ruben was here he was chartering a deep and groovy sound, not unlike something Klinkenberg might peddle, and this time around he lightens things up slightly and amps up the energy levels with a faster paced tempo. This track is 1 part melodic trance, 2 parts minimal techno and 3 parts groovy ass-shaker. On remix duties we have a Neuroscience Recordings staple, Paul Rigel, who decides to expand on the original trance elements to create something that is packed full of atmosphere and unique production elements, while remaining firmly planted on the trance tip.
Read on past the break to hear the high quality samples of each version. Also, be sure to vote for your fave!
“
It's clear now, no one stood a chance! ” - Andre
10/10
After the massive impact of this years anthem by Sander van Doorn we still have the beautiful Sean Truby remix for you and this is coincidentally the winner of the Renegaderemix competition. I had no idea Sean had entered, but had I known he was, I’d have put out an All-Points-Bulletin to all other producers that read: Do not even bother, the contest has just been won by Sean Truby!
I’m definitely a little biased, but as I feel about Mike Mikhjian in the progressive realm, I feel for Sean in the epic/uplifting trance scene. He burst onto it just over a year ago and since then he’s been pumping out amazing release after amazing release for the likes of Discover, Infrasonic, Finity and many others! This remix takes Sander’s sleeping original and turns it on it’s head to create a dance floor frenzy. The energy in this track is out of this world, and if it doesn’t have you moving, you’ll likely find what you need at Wal-mart in the Bluegrass section.
Read on past the break for a high quality sample, you do not want to miss it!
Phynn loves a surprise every now and then, and we’re sure you do too! This time he brings us a lovely track on the pop tip, not his typical style, with the vocals of Antonia from the Canadian band Jets Overhead. GO CANADA GO. Hello Love makes for a great single, and you will surely agree that the true electronic dance sound of the production forms a perfect basis for Antonia’s angelic vocals. Am I right?
Phynn’s Hello Love caught the attention of Ferry Corsten, who immediately reserved it for his upcoming mix compilation, and we’re sure it’s caught your attention now too. Adding to the already catchy Original Mix are two new versions, one by Mr Pit, and another by Passive Progressive. Read on past the break as I’ve got a quick rundown of each version, high quality samples for each, and a lovely voting poll!
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Claudia is likely one of the most popular female trance producer/dj in modern history, and it’s with good reason! Her sound has been evolving over the past years, and as a DJ she’s extensively toured the world. With her breakthrough release on her very own label Couture in 2007 she cemented her place among the boys atop the trance production world, and today she’s back with her follow up to the massive 2009 release, Quatrain.
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