Album Review: 'Scars' by Ilan Bluestone

The day is finally here. Yes, the day Ilan Bluestone's album 'Scars' is released.  The loyal fans of Above & Beyond's label Anjunabeats (Anjunafamily) have been anticipating this day for quite some time. Mr. Bluestone has garnered a positive reputation of great remixes and original tracks over the years that (in his accent) represent TRONCE. However, as a overall supporter of trance at this blog, this album has been anticipating this album for just as long.

If you have been paying attention, you have probably already been listening to "Scars" & "Frozen Ground" for awhile now. Both tracks feature the vocals of Giuseppe De Luca, and unless you are incapable, will get you in a great mood. "Everybody" features Maor Levi, another Anjunabeats family member. The track is just so catchy, you will be chanting "everybody" right along with the track. "Rival" is the quintessential vocal trance track featuring the vocals of Ellen Smith. The track is well produced from beginning to end. You will notice the inclusion of sound most on the Anjunabeats roster have garnered over the years as you listen to the album in its entirety. It is highly recommended that you support this album in anyway you can!

Track List:

1. Scars featuring Giuseppe De Luca
2. Frozen Ground featuring Giuseppe De Luca
3. Everybody featuring Maor Levi
4. Rival featuring Ellen Smith
5. Noa
6. Guru
7. Let Me Know featuring Giuseppe De Luca
8. Will We Remain? featuring Maor Levi & EL Waves
9. I Believe featuring Giuseppe De Luca
10. 43+86=129 featuring Sunny Lax
11. Not Alone
12. Cosmic Feeling
13. Another Lover featuring Koven
14. Blue Angel
15. Eclipse

Track Review: "AR" by Markus Schulz & Cosmic Gate (Sean & Xander Remix)

If you haven't figured out the love for trance music by this blog yet, then you are just not paying attention. From the previous reviews and highlights about the work from Sean & Xander, to the highlights of talent from Markus Schulz and Cosmic Gate themselves, this blog aims to educate. At the end of 2017 leading up to Groove Cruise Miami 2018 (Annual Voyage in January), Markus Schulz & Cosmic Gate held a remix competition for their collaborative track "AR".  With thousands of entries and a deadline dealing with Groove Cruise Miami departure, only one track was declared the winner.

Luckily, Sean & Xander are celebrating the 100th episode of their radio show Inspire with the FREE download release of their remix. Without throwing in the bias, the blog urges you to download and listen to this remix. It captures the essence of the original track, but adds flare to cleanse your listening palette. Hopefully, this remix will be featured in upcoming sets and radio shows/podcasts in the future!
 

Track Review: "Banshee" by Stuart Ferguson (The Remixes)

The success of the original released tracks on OHM Music have garnered fantastic remix attention. Thus, this blog wants to highlight the talent it takes to create quality remixes of a trance tracks while maintaining integrity to the original. The previous review of "Banshee" by Stuart Ferguson will explain the brilliance of the track.

Two of the remixes of "Banshee" have a progressive house feel, and are produced by Alex Moreli and Division One.  While they stray from trance, they still capture magic from the original track. Kjuna and Nameless have produced two great trance remixes that will be revered by the scene in the future. No matter your particular taste, make sure you support the release of these remixes May 4th on Beatport!
 

E.P. Review: Markus Schulz Presents 'In Bloom Volume One'

Last year (2017), Markus Schulz introduced the fourth part of series of special episodes on the Global DJ Broadcast called "In Bloom" to feature vocal trance. This special episode features requests through Markus's social media and website. This addition blends nicely with the other special episodes throughout the year on the broadcast. Well, it is spring time, and 'In Bloom' has returned on the Global DJ Broadcast, but also in the form of a E.P.

'In Bloom Volume One' features vocals from JES, Emma Hewitt, Adina Butar, Ellie White and Victoriya. Many fans and players in the trance scene regard vocal trance tracks as a staple for the entire genre. Markus Schulz, Andy Moor, Dave Neven, & Anske have all captured those trance melodies while featuring beautiful vocals sure to make you think while uplifting during this Springtime season.  Feel free to show your support on every platform available!

Track List:

1. Calling for Love featuring JES
2. Safe from Harm-Club Mix featuring Emma Hewitt
3. Wild Dream by Andy Moor featuring Adina Butar
4. Try for Me by Dave Neven featuring Ellie White
5. Love Won't End by Anske featuring Victoriya

Tribute to Avicii

When the news of the death of Avicii (Tim Bergling) happened two days ago, the electronic dance community worldwide began to mourn. When you look at the entire career of Avicii, it is almost hard to fathom just how successful and iconic this man truly was for the electronic dance music scene. Many other producers/DJs and celebrities have already made their thoughts known on social media and other platforms.

The amount of musical genres and styles Tim bridged the gap is amazing. The brilliance of combining Country with Electronic beats in "Wake Me Up" or feature the vocals of Etta James in "Levels" made EDM become mainstream.  The masses began to embrace electronic dance music more, which in turn has changed popular music. From Madonna to Coldplay to many other artists, his skills as a producer have been revered.

On the other hand, if you look at the health problems that lead to his retirement from touring a couple of years ago, and possibly (since details haven't been released) his death, this is all very sad. For someone to die at 28 in any regard is way too young!  Thoughts continue to be with his family and friends.

Sadly as when anyone iconic in music dies (Michael Jackson, Prince, Elvis), the support of their art will increase, however, Avicii's legacy will live on.  Shout out to Spotify for your "This Is Avicii" playlist! 

Track Review: "Fake News" by OMAIR

In a world where music can be an escape from all of the negativity going on, why not gain inspiration from present times? OMAIR A.K.A. Omair Mirza (featured on this blog many times) has taken upon himself to create a trance track that draws from the current United States political climate.

"Fake News" not only is titled from the catchphrase of the current U.S. President, but the track takes you on a journey of discovery. From the very first beat, to the melodic layers, to the final beat drops, this track should make you reflect on the times. "Fake News" has some progressive trance influence, but will be revered as a pure trance track. Along with the mystery OMAIR has created, make sure you support this track when it is officially released on OHM Music May 11th! Also, make sure to check out OMAIR's set at the quantumVALLEY stage at EDC Las Vegas 2018!

Album Review: 'Gem of the Peak' by FRANK

The vast world of music is showing really no signs of slowing down. The more the blog becomes aware of bands and artists creating great quality music, the more the blog is motivated to highlight their talent. An upcoming band FRANK has been making some waves in the world of Indie Rock.  Their addition to the roster at Sound Hub Records has certainly put them on the map.

Their debut album 'Gem of the Peak' has ten well developed songs.  It's clear that this band has put the time in to hone their craft, and the team at Sound Hub Records believe in their talent. The album is structured beautifully to take you on a journey.  Every song tells a story of love and heartbreak that is sure to relate to anyone. Even more in depth, their musicianship should not go unnoticed along with every vocal.  If you love feel good music with a tad of depth, then it is suggested you support this album when it is released May 11th! Make sure to follow their social media for their single "Life People" May 1st!

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