August: 10 trance releases you need to hear this month

Ruben de Ronde & Rodg 'Togetherr' (Armada Music)

Back in February, this album was premiered in its entirety during Ruben de Ronde and Rodg’s B2B set at A State of Trance 800 Utrecht. It should come as no surprise, then, that every track will make you want to dance. Featuring huge collaborations with Genix, Estiva, Ben Gold and Orjan Nilsen (who helped them to produce the recently released ‘Booya’), it mixes banging instrumentals and rousing vocal tracks. It also includes the thought-provoking ‘This Is Not’ with Chadlantis, who provides an amusing voiceover about how records can (or can’t) be categorised as ‘trance’. An ingenious fusion of hands-in-the-air euphoria and relentless club beats, it’s the best party LP we’ve heard in a very long time.

9/10

Jason Bye 'Love Drum' (Perfecto Records)

There was a fair bit of hype surrounding ‘Love Drum’ at the start of the year (Pete Tong premiered it on his Radio 1 show in January), despite it not having a proper release at the time. It’s since been picked up by Perfecto and, because of its euphoric synths, is being sold as a trance track. It’s built on solid 4/4 drums and could be called progressive house, but the melodic, uplifting bass reflects the type of music Ibizan resident Bye was making in the early 90s. It could be house, it could be trance – but it’s definitely Balearic.

9/10

Danny Legatto 'Rapture' (Mashbuk Recordings)

Nothing can compare to iiO’s 2005 classic ‘Rapture’, andwhile they share the same name, Danny Legatto’s new single doesnt try to do so, either. Featuring a much higher BPM and some warm, embracing piano melodies with not even the hint of a vocal, it’s uplifting, energetic and 100 per cent his own production. If you’re after something more melodic, there’s a remix from Mexico’s Mike Sang, as well as a harder rework from Russian producer Xander.

7/10

Luis Gonzalez 'Ethereal' (The Remixes) (Freegrant Music)

Last summer, Luis Gonzalez’ ‘Ethereal’ track was a huge hit, garnering support from Above & Beyond, Chicane, Cosmic Gate and ATB. This summer it’s getting another outing, with three new remixes. While Dezza’s rework is groovier and less dreamy than the original, Steven De Sar’s take on the record hits hard with its electro elements and Anden opts for a more techy approach. Overall, it’s a varied remix package that adds some nice twists to the original version.

8/10

Iversoon & Alex Daf 'Sorry, Not For Us' (Create Music)

With a tongue-in-cheek title like this, it’s hard to ignore Iversoon & Alex Daf’s latest collaboration, which pokes fun at the way tastemakers react to the promos they’re sent. But it’s not just the name that’s intriguing here: the record itself features an interesting mix of sounds, combining dark growling bass and stabs with melancholic vocals and a breakdown that reveals soft chords and half-beat drums underpinning a synth top-line. Whether this one’s for you or not, there’s no denying the solid production we’ve come to expect from the Ukrainian duo.

7/10

Dakota feat Bev Wild 'Running Up That Hill' (Coldharbour Recordings)

If only Kate Bush were a trance vocalist. But seeing as she’s not, Bev Wild does a remarkable job of singing her lyrics on Markus Schulz’ adaptation of the singer’s 1985 hit. Released under his Dakota alias, Schulz’ latest track echoes the pulsing feel of the original, and he develops its hypnotic theme by slowly raising the synths from deep within the drop. Bringing a vocal conviction beyond her years, Wild simulates Bush’s beautiful, breathy inflections expertly, and together they create a dance track that doesn’t compromise on the brutally truthful, painfully sensual vibe of the original.

8/10

Yoel Lewis 'Tuviana' (Armind)

Featuring on Armin van Buuren’s ‘A State Of Trance 2017’ mix compilation, the chances are you’ll have already heard this record from Israeli duo Yoel Lewis. But as it’s also currently being played by W&W, Ben Gold, Alexander Popov and Bobina, you’ll likely be hearing it all summer too, so we think it deserves a mention here. An uplifting dancefloor track, it’s got a unique, Middle Eastern-inspired sound; considering the pair have only put out a handful of releases so far, it’s obvious their talent comes naturally.

7/10

Illumina 'Beast Force' (Serious Recordings)

There might not be much information online about Serious Recordings, but the label has released a fair few records and is starting to become known for its banging, pure-trance sound. Its latest release comes from newcomer Illumina, but while the pounding beat and melodic build-ups make for a good start, the EDM drops and random one-off vocal result in a slightly disjointed record. It feels like the Turkish producer hasn’t quite found his feet, but it is his label debut – and there’s always room for improvement.

6/10

FloE 'The Rule Of Two' (Entrancing Music)

In the past, Entrancing label boss FloE has had success on Markus Schulz’ Global DJ Broadcast with his edgier, more progressive releases. Now, he’s making a return to that old sound with his latest single, which is dark, dirty and full of tension. Strangely, it’s Arkam Reborn’s bass-heavy remix that’s the lead track in this release package, even though Cyril Ryaz’ rework – with its high BPM, rattling acid lines and uplifting melodies – is the one that’s seeing early support from the likes of Paul van Dyk.

7/10

Pobsky 'Jenova' (Addictive Sounds)

Four-year-old record label Addictive Sounds takes pride in only putting out dark, melodic and progressive trance music. And for its 150th release, label boss Pobsky is religiously adhering to that mantra. Combining a massive driving bassline with a skilfully arranged groove and standout melodies, the result is a moody, rather unnerving record that’s also (unsurprisingly) being supported by Markus Schulz, who’s recently resurrected his deeper, more progressive Dakota alias.

8/10