Album Review: 'Fate' by Rodg

Across electronic dance music genres trance, house, and techno, a particular sub-genre has been gaining steam in the form of progressive. Depending on who you talk to or your own particular research, the actual definition of progressive varies.  However, progressive styles feature a range of BPMs (beats per minute) from the lower 100s.  Thus, it provides a chill vibe, and wide array of melodic possibilities. Rodg has become a prolific artist on the Armada roster boasting great progressive trance. The ability to create aforementioned styles within the genre provides overall variety.

'Fate' is a wonderful 18 track album that takes you on a journey through progressive melodies and beats. It is hard to pin point a particular favorite track after listening through the entire album a couple of times. However, specific tracks featured on radio shows/podcasts tend to be top of mind as singles. If you like delightful progressive styles within electronic dance music, then support 'Fate' through your favorite music portal.

 

Album Review: 'Confirm Humanity' by Mark Sherry

Despite highlighting many artists and genres of music on this blog over the years of its existence, it should be quite obvious the love for trance and other various forms of electronic dance music is showcased regularly. Mark Sherry has been well revered as a producer and DJ among the best for over 20 years, and yet has never released an album...UNTIL NOW.  Many revere Mr. Sherry as one of the pioneers of sub-genre Tech Trance.  The hard hitting trance with elements of techno, hence the name, tech-trance, has been gaining in popularity over the years. Outburst Records & Outburst Radio have both become well known focal point throughout the trance scene proving a great legacy by Mr. Sherry.

'Confirm Humanity' is a 18 track LP album that will take you on a journey from track #1 to #18.  For those unfamiliar with tech-trance, but love both techno and trance, you will love this entire journey.  The sub-genre has been known for artists including Mark, releasing a track or a few tracks, thus the art of a full length album should still be celebrated. Every track has great driving beats and melodic layers while offering a fresh take than other tracks within the sub-genre. As you will notice, the collaborations with other artists throughout the album, give it that flare to entice you for more. This album is released through Black Hole Recordings and is currently out for you to support where ever you support music.

 

Track Review: "The Last Thing" by Yoel Lewis & Jochen Miller

When a track is so captivating, it's hard not to highlight the talent who produced it.  The team at Coldharbour Recordings has been on a roll with recent releases on the label. Jochen Miller has been a juggernaut within the trance scene for years with brilliant melodies, and the same is true with this collaboration with Yoel Lewis.

"The Last Thing" takes you on the journey you might expect from trance music. The intro slowly builds as more melodic elements are revealed, then the beats kick in, igniting more within. As you may or may not gathered with all of the trance music featured on this blog, trance music grasps at your emotions.  Great job by Yoel & Jochen on this beautiful track! Please support this track where you support tracks!
 

Track Review: "Attack" by Nifra & Fisherman

Time for another track review from the Coldharbour Recordings family.  Both Nifra & Fisherman have been featured on this blog before, but this is the first track collaboration highlighted. Feel free to check out past reviews featuring these artists.  The model within electronic dance music, more specifically trance music, is to test the track out in DJ sets and on radio shows/podcasts for reaction and sound quality. That being said, this track has been an "ID" for awhile, and finally premiered on a recent episode of Global DJ Broadcast presented by Markus Schulz.

"Attack" is a driving big room trance track aligning with familiar Coldharbour sound that "attacks" your senses. As shown above by artwork, your imagination is triggered by the melodic layers and driving beats.  Looking forward to supporting this track when released May 3rd!
 

Soundtrack Review: 'Don't Go' (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Ferry Corsten

A review for a movie soundtrack or score on this blog is a long time coming. How many times have you said this to yourself after watching a great film, "What a great soundtrack!"? If you are just an novice consumer of entertainment, probably many times, or as a more dedicated consumer, you have probably lost count. This blog has highlighted the brilliance that is ambient music and it's connection to trance music, but now, it is time to highlight the connection of soundtrack or film scores to trance music. Ferry Corsten has been revered as one of trance music's pioneers, and by various aliases as well as the brilliant release of album 'Blueprint', the release of 'Don't Go' cements his brilliance tenfold.

For those still unaware of trance music's appeal in the world of electronic dance music, it is the classical, ambient, and/or emotional sub-genre fit for anyone willing to listen. As you listen to this soundtrack, close your eyes, and imagine the scenes each track might describe. The theater of the mind fits perfectly to your imagination, and hopefully to the themes within the film.  Just like other pioneers in trance such as, Paul Van Dyk & BT, the ability to create a journey through trance directly translates into soundtracks and/or scores. Listen for yourself on your favorite platform!

 

Artist Highlight: Bryn Liedl

Discovering or becoming aware through encouragement of new and talented artists is always welcome on this blog. That being said, a few of the tracks on the debut album 'SURREAL' by Bryn Liedl have been featured in recent months on various radio shows/podcasts, thus the release of this album has been anticipated. Mr. Liedl joins the talented roster on Euphonic Records, which is spearheaded by the talented duo Kyau & Albert. Looking forward to hearing more of his music in Progressive Trance/House/Techno. Pick up your copy here: https://www.beatport.com/release/surreal/2513245

BIO: 

Bryn Liedl is a Canadian producer and DJ, born and raised in Vancouver. His
childhood years of studying classical piano and music theory helped lay the
groundwork for the evolution of his musical career. Bryn’s love of music would bring
him to perform with multiple bands and musical projects as he explored his passion.
Over the past six years, Bryn has focused his attention on trance and progressive
music. His blend of driving rhythm and melody infused hooks, have helped define his
sound.
Bryn says: "My debut artist album is a story about finding yourself. Finding your true
purpose. Finding a path through the chaos of life. New dimensions are discovered as
we strive to evolve into the best version of ourselves. The whole experience can feel
quite Surreal."

Upcoming Tour Date: 
21. April 2019 Berlin (DE)- A Seven

Track Review: "Perception" by Markus Schulz Featuring Justine Suissa (Johan Gielen Remix)

Well over 10 years ago, Markus Schulz & Justine Suissa covered the classic trance track "Perception".  The combination of Justine's vocals mixed with the simple yet enticing melodic layers fit for the beach at sunrise/sunset or any relaxing setting for that matter helped propel Markus as one of trance music's signature producers.

Fast forward to present day, where this track in any form is timeless. 2018 saw the return of the signature compilation 'In Search of Sunrise', and the remix provided by Johan Gielen.  Without compromising the cover, Mr. Gielen has captured a sense of uplifting euphoria with this remix. This remix has been featured in recent DJ sets as well as radio shows/podcasts. The track is currently out NOW via Coldharbour Recordings, and will continue to be timeless for years to come!