REVIEWS – Patrick Evans – Trance

My name is Patrick Evans, a First honors BA Hons Electronic Music, Production Graduate, DJ, Producer and label director of Reinstate Records.

Submissions – reinstaterecords@gmail.com

10/10 Top Release –

Adam Schofield – Molecules [Reinstate Records] 

Adam Schofield’s ‘Molecules’ is a release on my own label Reinstate Records. Based in Dorset on the island of Portland, Adam and I have collaborated on a number of projects and he also showcases a range of fantastic material on other labels, in a multitude of styles. I love the way that ‘Molecules’ captures that unmistakable energy of a true dance floor moment. This track fuses emotion and euphoria with precision production. Its’ soaring synth lines and dynamic arrangement creates a sense of movement. This is the first solo track of a few from Adam that are forthcoming on Reinstate Records, and I look forward to their release, for you to hear in the upcoming months!

9/10 – Recommended Release –

Andy Newtz & Stacey Jay – Shadows From The Sky [Future Force Recordings] 

Uplifting trance producer Andy Newtz teams up with sublime vocalist Stacey Jay with ‘Shadows From The Sky’. A driving percussion and strong bassline with lots of wonderful synthelements create an emotive atmosphere keeping the energy sustained throughout.

This track really impressed me when I heard it. Stacey showcases her unique vocal style,giving the track an angelic vocal line complimenting the melodies already there. Future Force Recordings are most definitely a name to watch, with a wealth of other notable trance artists releasing on their label coupled with this one, go give it a listen, it’s definitely worth it!

9/10 – Jason Gray – Loven [Juiced Digital] 

This is the first release I have heard on Juiced Digital, and I absolutely love it! Jason Gray is a producer from the UK based in Manchester, which seems to be a hotbed of talented producers at the moment in the trance world. ‘Loven’ manages to be an energetic trance number, with power and some wonderful synth work that manages to resonate in the mind after listening.

I really enjoyed the vocal elements on offer here too. This is the sort of track that has a pride of place in the peak set time, or early on in a harder set and is good for transitioning from other genres into trance. With production quality like this I am definitely going to look out for more releases on the label, as this one really impressed me. Turn it up and play it loud!

8/10 – Jesh – Afterglow [Lost Language] 

It is good to see Lost Language still deliver the goods many years on. A firm favourite of mine and one that I was pleased remix Steve Jones ‘I Want More’ a few years ago. Label owner and A&R guru, Ben Lost has a very imaginative, cross genre approach to remixes which is refreshing in today’s age of many remixes normally being one genre for a release.

Jesh has two very strong originals here with ‘Afterglow’ and ‘My Mind’ catering for those who like things on the progressive tip. On remix duties, Sunda toughen up the proceedings slightly, while Halcyon goes all out with a very energetic reworking that should win favour for those of you who like it harder. There is something for everyone here and this is worth checking out.

7/10 – Marzz – Escape Velocity [Detox Records]

Holland’s Detox Records makes a welcome return, ever since the release ‘Enigma’ from Plymouth’s Leo Dantes with a wicked remix from fellow Plymouth artist Kevin Hoskin in 2018. Label favourite, Marzz dons a mellow, but serious two tracker with some techno and trance influences, with the title track ‘Escape Velocity’ being my favourite of the two.

Shuffly beats, a very driving synth riff, lots of percussion and detail make this track very special indeed. To round off the EP ‘Wonderful’, amelodic and driving track, is most definitely a welcome addition to my record box. It manages to compliment ‘Escape Velocity’ but in lighter way, despite being at 132 BPM. Very promising to see and very happy that Detox are back! Look forward to future releases.