MUSIC REVIEWS – Trance – Patrick Evans – Zone Magazine Issue 052 –

My name is Patrick Evans, I am a DJ and Producer, and founder of Reinstate Records. Over the years I’ve released music on respected labels including Paul Oakenfold’s Perfecto Black, Lost Language, e=mc2, Elpida Music, Melodic Beats Recordings and more.

I recently graduated with a 1st Class BA Hons Electronic Music Production degree at dBs in Plymouth. Here are some reviews I am really enjoying this month which help to bring light to talented artists that deserve to be heard!

Submissions – reinstaterecords@gmail.com

10/10 Top Release –

Progression x Daniel Wanrooy & Ruben De Ronde – Technophobia [Elpida Music]

Dutch producers Ruben de Ronde and Daniel Wanrooy come together on a fresh rework of Technophobia, the well-known 2006 trance classic from Progression. Released on Elpida Music, a label I’ve followed closely over the years, especially after having some of my own releases signed there this version instantly stood out to me.

Taking on a track as respected as Technophobia is always going to be a challenge, but I feel they handled it in the right way. They’ve kept the soul and atmosphere of the original while bringing in a more modern production style. The groove feels tighter, the low-end has much more presence, and the synth work gives the track a bigger and more updated sound without losing what made the original special in the first place.

What really grabbed me was the darker tone running through the track. It adds a lot of depth and emotion while still keeping that driving trance energy. The breakdown builds naturally, creating tension without overdoing it, and when the drop hits it feels powerful but still controlled. You can hear the experience behind the production because every element sits where it should.

For longtime trance listeners, it brings back the feeling of a classic while introducing it in a fresh way for newer audiences. For me, it’s one track that has a lasting impression and keeps pulling you back for another listen.

10/10 – Recommended Release –

Nick The Kid & Name is Critical – Blinded [Create Music]

Released on Create Music, Nick The Kid joins forces with Name Is Critical on Blinded, a debut on the label that really stood out to me.

From the very start, the bubbling TB-303 lines bring a raw and driving energy that instantly pulls you into the track. What I enjoyed most was how it didn’t rely purely on that intensity. Instead, it drops into a more stripped-back section where the plucked sounds, atmospheric vocals, and subtle hints of the main melody start to come through, giving the track a lot more depth and feeling.

That breakdown creates the perfect balance before everything starts to build again. It gives the production room to breathe and allows the emotion to come through naturally. Then when the main payoff arrives, it delivers that full euphoric trance feeling without sounding forced or overdone.

For me, the strength of the track comes from the way it balances the acid-driven energy with the melodic side of the production. It feels well thought out, flows naturally, and is the kind of track that gets better with every listen. A very strong debut on the label and definitely one that deserves attention.

9/10 – Reminiscence & Stacey Jay – Poison Ivy [Reinstate Trance]

Reminiscence, also known as St Remy, delivers a trio of standout interpretations for Reinstate Trance, each offering a distinct perspective on his production style.

Leading the release is the Original Mix, featuring the unmistakable vocals of Stacey Jay, co-label director at Reinstate Trance. The collaboration felt like an immediate fit, a track that not only aligns seamlessly with the label’s sonic identity, but also reflects the ethos that Reinstate continues to champion.

Interestingly, the Dub Mix came first, originally standing as the core version of the track. Its strength and emotional depth sparked the idea for a vocal feature, with Stacey Jay stepping in to elevate the composition further. Building on that foundation, a chilled rework was developed stripping back the percussion to spotlight the intricate layers and allow the emotion within the track to breathe more freely. It’s in this space that Reminiscence’s artistry becomes most apparent, giving his sound room to fully express itself.

Reminiscence proves himself to be a producer with a rare gift for musical storytelling, crafting soundscapes that resonate on a deeper level and with multiple releases already signed to Reinstate, it’s clear this is an artist whose journey with the label is only just beginning.

9/10 – Juan Alminana Obando – The Last Horizon [Reinstate Trance]

Reinstate Trance continues to showcase emerging talent with its latest signing from Spanish producer Juan Alminina Obando an artist whose persistence has clearly paid off.

Having submitted multiple demos to the label over the past year, Juan’s early work showed promise, but it was clear he was still developing his sound. Rather than stepping back, he took on board the feedback, using it as motivation to refine his craft, a commitment that is now evident in The Last Horizon.

From the first listen, the progression is unmistakable. Shared with both myself and Stacey Jay, the track immediately stood out not just for its technical improvement, but for the depth of emotion embedded within it. At its core lies a melody that captures the essence of trance: evocative, transportive, and deeply personal. It’s this melodic strength that drives the record, allowing Juan to tell his story through sound in a way that feels both authentic and immersive.

The impact of “The Last Horizon” extends beyond its original form. Its emotional resonance sparked further creative direction, leading to an upcoming remix by myself later this year. Inspired by Juan’s vision, the rework will build around the track’s melodic foundation, exploring a new interpretation while maintaining the spirit of the original.

For Reinstate Trance, this release represents more than just another signing; it’s a testament to artistic growth, perseverance, and the power of staying committed to your sound. Juan Alminina Obando is proving that with dedication and belief, progression is inevitable.

8/10 – Chris M – God Mode [Future Force Recordings]

Emerging from Stoke-on-Trent, Chris M is a rising name within the trance scene and one I’ve followed closely over the past year. Released on FFR Future Force Recordings, this track stands out as one of his most compelling productions to date.

What immediately draws attention is his command of melody. The track is built around a carefully crafted chord progression that carries a genuine sense of emotion, something that can often feel elusive in modern trance. Chris M manages to strike that balance, allowing the melodic structure to breathe while maintaining a strong forward momentum.

The breakdown is where the track truly comes into its own. As it unfolds, the melody lifts with an almost cinematic quality, creating a moment of clarity that feels both immersive and uplifting. It’s a passage that doesn’t just sound good, it resonates, capturing mood and feeling in a way that lingers long after the first listen.

When the drop arrives, it lands with precision. Every element feels considered and well-balanced, reinforcing the melodic core without overwhelming it. The energy is controlled yet impactful, making it a track that not only connects emotionally but also translates effortlessly onto the dancefloor.

This is a production that leaves a lasting impression, one that continues to draw repeat listens. With several releases on the horizon, Chris M is clearly an artist on an upward trajectory, and this track is a strong indicator of what’s still to come.

7/10 – Rem X – End Of An Error [Positive State]

Positive State delivers another strong release with this standout track from Rem X, a production that immediately caught my attention. From the outset, it’s a genuinely enjoyable listen, built around a vocal that ascends and evolves beautifully over the main melodic lead.

The breakdown is where the track really opens up. The lead melody lifts with purpose, while the vocal sits perfectly in the mix, adding both clarity and emotion. As the tension builds through the snare fills, there’s a real sense of anticipation leading into the drop a transition that feels natural and rewarding rather than forced.

What stands out most for me is the impact of the drop itself. The kick and bass are punchy, driving the track forward with energy while still allowing the melodic elements to breathe. It’s a well-balanced approach that works effectively both from a listening perspective and in a club setting.

Having followed Positive State more closely over the past year, it’s clear their catalogue has been growing in both consistency and quality. They’ve put out a number of strong releases, but this one, in particular, stood out not just for its production value, but for the way it captures emotion and momentum in equal measure.

7/10 – Ramsey Westwood – Losing Control [AVA Recordings]

Ramsey Westwood delivers a peak-time techno-trance cut that feels purpose-built for the mainstage, combining raw intensity with flashes of melodic euphoria. From the outset, the track establishes its energy through detuned, high-impact stabs that drive the rhythm forward, while a well-placed vocal hook enhanced by clever chops keeps the groove engaging and memorable.

As the track develops, it builds with intent. The arrangement flows naturally into a soar melodic section that elevates the atmosphere, creating that unmistakable hands-in-the-air moment. It’s a transition that feels earned, striking a balance between power and emotion without losing momentum.

One of the strongest elements here is the bassline. It carries a real sense of grit, yet remains warm and tightly controlled, sitting perfectly within the mix. The layering is precise, giving the low-end both weight and clarity something that anchors the track effectively during its more energetic passages.

There’s also a noticeable hard trance influence running through the groove, adding an extra edge while still staying true to a modern trance structure. That fusion works well, giving the track a slightly tougher character without drifting too far from its melodic core.

Overall, it’s another strong addition to an already impressive catalogue, a track that feels designed to move a crowd and one that continues to build energy with every listen.