Albums, Review, Trance | Anjunabeats Volume 10 (Review)
Posted by Middy on March 5, 2013
While Anjunabeats Volume 9 seemed to have a noticeable difference between the two CDs, the landmark 10th volume found a way to make it seem as though there was no distinction between the two CDs and created a smooth, uplifting journey that transcends traditional genre barriers and shows the direction of Above & Beyond’s flagship label into the future as one that is forward thinking and defies labels. The compilation features tracks from familiar faces on the label like Maor Levi, Norin & Rad, Andrew Bayer, Jaytech, Arty, Oliver Smith and Kyau & Albert, while giving the chance for many others to shine on this 2 CD, 30 track album. Above & Beyond do a flawless job of mixing between tracks, making the intros and outros between songs seamless and almost not noticeable. Grab a copy below and start listening to the tracks below. Read on to dive into the review of the full compilation.
Beatport | iTunes | Physical CD
Preview, Trance | Estiva & Cardinal feat. Arielle Maren – Wait Forever (Daniel Kandi’s Bangin’ Remix)
Posted by Spice on February 26, 2013
In the immortal words of Carl Cox: Oh yes oh yes! This track is massive, end of story, and while I don’t think anyone really gets hyped by previews these days sometimes something comes along that’s so worthy that you’ve just got to post the YouTube video and grin and bear it. Closest analogue to this song? The inimitable “Satellite” by OceanLab. Similar lyrics, similar chord progression after the chorus, similar overall vibe. That’s not to accuse Mr. Kandi of ripping off the boys of Above & Beyond, however; this remix is excellent in its own right, thanks to an amazing instrumental and otherworldly vocals. Look for this to drop on Beatport on March 18th via Enhanced Recordings — and if you can’t get enough Daniel Kandi, check out his recent remix of “Jewel” by Solarstone and Claire Stagg.
Progressive House, Trance | Above & Beyond – Black Room Boy (Above & Beyond Club Mix)
Posted by Spice on February 25, 2013
After weeks of hype and airtime, Above & Beyond’s club mix for “Black Room Boy” has finally dropped on Anjunabeats. In all honesty, this isn’t my favorite thing the trio has put out by any stretch — while I do like the way they’ve refashioned the chord progression in the chorus, I think the overall sound is a little generic. Of course, it’s not objectively bad by any means; it successfully takes the dark, Pet Shop Boys-ish vibe of the original and gives it a harder edged spin, and that’s generally the aim of their club mixes. It’s also guaranteed to appeal to a broader audience (think a large festival event). But at the end of the day this will always be a third or fourth tier A&B track to me — that’s just what happens when you’ve set the bar as high as Tony, Jono and Paavo have. Don’t just take my word for it, however; give it a listen and let us know what you think.
Beatport: Above & Beyond – Black Room Boy (Above & Beyond Club Mix)
Techno, Trance | Oscillator Z – Perpetually Finite
Posted by Mach on February 19, 2013
Oscillator Z has definitely been the topic of the past couple weeks. He has been releasing one great free track after another. This time he hits us with a Trance/Techno twist. The melody of this track is ever-sweet and matches the robotic vibe that the vocals send out.
Trance | BT – Skylarking
Posted by Spice on February 18, 2013
It’s rare to see a track clocking in at over ten minutes in this day and age, but if there’s anyone who can pull off a playtime of that magnitude, it’s BT. “Skylarking” is an atmospheric and otherworldly journey that is absolutely stunning from start to finish — it’s pure trance at its best. The build is slow — it takes about six minutes to really get going — but the wait is unquestionably worth it. This is a must-have for trance connoisseurs and lovers of gorgeous music alike.
Beatport: BT – Skylarking
Trance | John O’Callaghan & Full Tilt – Breathe (feat. Karen Kelly)
Posted by Spice on February 18, 2013
Trance maven John O’Callaghan teams up with fellow Irish producers Full Tilt on “Breathe,” featured on Armin van Buuren’s A State of Trance 2013 compilation and out today as a single on Armada’s Captivating Sounds imprint. Combining warm vocals from Karen Kelly, a driving bassline, and JOC’s trademark adrenaline-baiting sound, it’s a surefire hit and one that will undoubtedly be making the rounds now that ASOT 600 has officially kicked off.
Beatport: John O’Callaghan & Full Tilt – Breathe (feat. Karen Kelly)
Trance | Lange vs. Genix – Immersion (Original + ilan Bluestone Remix)
Posted by Middy on February 14, 2013
Another cut from Anjunabeats Volume 10, Lange & Genix collab on the this silky smooth track that marks yet another outstanding release from Above & Beyond’s Anjunabeats label. “Immersion” immerses you in lush pads, atmospheric synths and emotive, reverbed piano, providing for a rich arrangement. ilan Bluestone, coming off of his single “Sinai” keeps much of the original and adds a subtle, growling low end and a pitched top line that makes his remix stand out.