January: 10 trance releases you need to hear this month

Kyau & Albert '20 Years' (Euphonic)

Ever since they burst onto the scene in 1996 with their debut single ‘Let Me In’, Ralph Kyau and Steven Albert have been putting out a steady stream of releases, developing a sound that’s so distinct you can tell it’s them even without looking at the track info. Vocal trance may be their strong point, as demonstrated on ‘Are You Fine?’ and ‘On A Night Like This’, but masterpieces such as ‘Megashira’ and ‘Bend Girl’ prove they have a knack for crafting instrumentals, too. This new, 22-track compilation takes some of the German duo’s best-loved singles and has them remixed by the likes of Genix, Stoneface & Terminal and Dan Stone. Packed with well-timed drops, discernible basslines and stirring vocals, it won’t just make you appreciate their achievements over the past two decades; it’ll make you want to go out.

8/10

Max Freegrant 'Fall In Love' (Freegrant Music)

If you’re a regular listener of Above & Beyond’s Group Therapy radio show, chances are you’ve already heard this tune. Although the trio first played it way back in 2014, it’s only getting a full release now; it’s also the first track to be taken from Max Freegrant’s forthcoming album, which is set for release later this year. Featuring stunning lyrics from a mysterious male vocalist, it’s a melodic, beautiful record that gives an indication of what we can expect from the album.

8/10

Tritonal & Jenaux feat Adam Lambert 'Broken' (Super8 & Tab remix) (Enhanced Recordings)

When Tritonal and Super8 & Tab get together, you know you can expect something big. Following their huge ‘Piercing Quiet’ rework, Super8 & Tab are one of seven remixers to put their stamp on Tritonal’s vocal-led, pop-infused summer hit and, by adding energy and pace, they turn it into a progressive stomper fit for peak-time main stage sets. The original might not be a favourite for trance fans, but this certainly won’t disappoint.

7/10

Scot Project 'W5' (Waiting For) (Outburst Records)

Although he played a lead role in starting the movement for edgier electronic music, hard trance legend Scot Project’s sound now comprises a diverse fusion of progressive, electro and trance. It should come as no surprise, then, that the follow-up to his ‘Acid Air Raid’ collab with Mark Sherry is a unique mixture of hard tech trance with warm, distorted analogue leads, pounding basslines and house-like vocals paying homage to the scene he helped shape back in the mid-90s.

8/10

Thomas Datt presents Datticus 'Infinity Loop' (Critical Overload)

He may have been making music since 2003, but no one can accuse Thomas Datt of becoming stale. From his melodic breakthrough track ‘Alone’ to his ambient, downtempo contributions to Recoverworld’s ‘Chilled Trance’ compilation, it’s clear he’s a producer who likes to experiment with his sound. And that’s never been more apparent than with his latest release. Featuring intricately evolving acid lines, energetic grooves and hypnotic vocal samples, it’s a progressive psy-trance track that brings the old renaissance sound back to life.

7/10

Vintage & Morelli 'Afterglow' Silk Music

When reading the title of this track, it’s hard not to think of Wilkinson’s huge 2013 d‘n’b single. It goes without saying that Serbian duo Vintage & Morelli’s version sounds completely different: taken from their ‘My Rose Enchanted Destiny’ debut artist album, it’s a stormy, trance-centred arrangement featuring hypnotic vocals and an ethereal climax. At more than eight minutes long it does get a little boring after a while, but SNR’s big-room mix and Mizar B’s deeper rework go some way towards making up for that.

7/10

Josep 'Love Spreadin’ (Anjunabeats)

Back in October, Will Atkinson announced the launch of a new alias to showcase his slower, more melodic and progressive side. The first single under his Josep guise certainly ticks those boxes. With subtle hints of 90s Sasha and Digweed, it’s an infectious track packed with feel-good vibes. Above & Beyond are fans: as well as using it to close their ABGT200 deep set, they also named it Record Of The Week on their Group Therapy radio show. A promising start.

8/10

Sied van Riel & Estigma 'BOW' (VANDIT)

It’s been a while since we heard something new from Sied van Riel, so it’s good to have him back with this collaborative track. He’s teamed up with Argentina’s Estigma, who’s previously featured on compilations from Armada, ASOT and Enhanced with releases on Black Hole, Discover and Critical State. Out on PvD’s VANDIT label, it’s your typical trance tune, with a euphoric melody and a breakdown to get lost in. It might not be anything to shout about, but at least the producer’s got a good mentor.

7/10

Giuseppe Ottaviani 'Aurora' (OnAir mix) (Black Hole Recordings)

Taken from the Italian producer’s recent album ‘Alma’, the original version of this track is hypnotic and dreamy, with female vocals and a beautiful melody. None of those qualities are lost with the OnAir mix; it’s just better suited to the club, thanks to a harder beat and some bigger drops.

7/10

Jam Da Bass & DJ TH feat Hanna Finsen 'Save The Day' (Remixes) (Entrancing Music)

Originally released last June, this track is getting a second outing with three new mixes. In contrast to OBM Notion’s uptempo version, Seawayz & Sollito’s mix is deeper and more atmospheric, while Mino Safy goes for a catchy, party sound. There are dub mixes too, but they feel redundant since the gorgeous vocals are what made the original so good. The German producers behind the track might not be particularly well known but, having received support from Armin and PvD, they must be doing something right. Hopefully these mixes will raise their profiles.

7/10