Trance Review: Above & Beyond and Zoë Johnston - Quicksand (Don't Go) out on Anjunabeats

10.0

Overall Score

“This album is us appreciating how amazing this thing we have is. The realisation of how lucky we are that we get to be part of something like this for 25 years, and to have built a community that cares for each other in the way it does. It’s not about any of us individually. When we all work together to make something happen, something bigger happens.” - Jono, Paavo and Tony – Above & Beyond.

If much of the mindset and mantra behind Above & Beyond over the last quarter of a century has been born from the idea of connection, then their fifth artist album ‘Bigger Than All Of Us’ is best summed up in one word: reconnection.

Introducing, then, Quicksand (Don’t Go), the new single that is, in all the right and best ways, the comeback of Above & Beyond. The lead track from a record where the power, strength, range, appeal and adaptability of the band is baked into the title: their fifth album is Bigger Than All of Us.

Debuted during the bands’ sold out global Group Therapy 600 broadcast in Mexico last October, it reunites Jono, Paavo and Tony with Zoë Johnston – partner in ‘We’re All We Need’, ‘Good For Me’ and ‘Love Is Not Enough’ among countless other favourites.

“It's classic Zoë Johnston”, explains Above & Beyond. “We've been working with her for 22 years now, so she's a part of the band. By that token, a song with her vocals is a very reassuring thing for our audience. It says: Above & Beyond are back, in a very recognisable form.”

As Johnston puts it of her deeply personal but sublimely universal lyrics: “I think most of us can relate to that feeling of desperation and dread when it comes to losing someone we love so deeply. The despair can be massive when you’re watching the grief rattle down the track towards you for quite some time before the moment of impact actually happens. Disappearing into quicksand. It’s scary, it hurts, and it’s lonely. Hopefully a song like this one makes anyone going through the pain of a seismic loss feel a little bit less alone.”

‘Quicksand (Don’t Go) with Zoë Johnston is out now on Anjunabeats.

‘Bigger Than All Of Us’, the new album from Above & Beyond will be released on July 18 on Anjunabeats.

The album is available to pre-order on vinyl and CD, limited edition coloured vinyl and picture disc via the Anjuna music store.

Lyrics
[Verse]
There will come a time when I'm in quicksand
When I have to help my heart to stand
So I can say goodbye to you
And there will be a day when we'll meet again
We'll be like strokes of warm rain, sweet as sugarcane

[Build]
Can't change the way the wind blows
Can't change the way my heart feels
Don't go
Can't change the way the waves flow
Can't change the way my heart feels
Don't go
Don't go, don't go, don't go, don't go
Don't go, don't go, don't go, don't go
Don't go, don't go

[Drop]
Can't change the way the wind blows
Can't change the way my heart feels
Don't go
Can't change the way the waves flow
Can't change the way my heart feels
Don't go

Dimitris Kechagias Review:

Above & Beyond and Zoë Johnston - Quicksand (Don't Go) 10

Summary

Above & Beyond and Zoë Johnston's collaboration on "Quicksand (Don't Go)" is a masterclass in progressive trance production, blending technical precision with emotional depth. Operating at an energetic 128 BPM, the track exemplifies the "proglifting" trance style, characterized by its dynamic build-ups and euphoric releases. The foundation of "Quicksand (Don't Go)" is its robust rhythmic structure. The track is anchored by big, pulsating basslines that provide a driving force, while the thumping drums and pounding percussions create a layered, dynamic beat that keeps the energy high. The meticulous EQ balancing ensures that each percussive element maintains clarity without overpowering the melodic components. The emotional breakdown is a standout feature, showcasing Above & Beyond’s signature integration of orchestral elements with electronic music. Lush orchestral strings and poignant piano chords are arranged to mimic a live band, adding warmth and organic texture to the electronic framework. This live band arrangement technique creates a rich, immersive soundscape, bridging the gap between classical instrumentation and modern trance. Above & Beyond meticulously craft each synth layer, employing complex modulation and automation to achieve their trademark euphoric sound. The massive drop, a hallmark of their style, is engineered to maximize emotional impact, with soaring, classy synths that elevate the track’s intensity, perfect for peak-time dancefloor moments. Zoë Johnston’s vocal performance is both heartfelt and technically flawless. Her voice carries a natural, emotive quality that complements the melancholic undertones of the track. The lyrics are profoundly moving, offering enlightenment and encouragement to listeners grappling with loss. Zoë’s ability to convey vulnerability and resilience simultaneously adds a powerful emotional layer to the song. Her vocal delivery is expertly woven into the mix, with precise reverb and delay effects that create a sense of space without detracting from the intimacy of her performance. The dynamic range of her vocals is well-preserved, allowing the emotional crescendos to parallel the track’s instrumental peaks."Quicksand (Don't Go)" is a testament to Above & Beyond's mastery of blending technical sophistication with emotional storytelling. The meticulous production techniques, combined with Zoë Johnston’s poignant vocals and heartfelt lyrics, result in a track that resonates on both a sonic and emotional level. It’s an extraordinary opener for their upcoming album, capturing the essence of what makes Above & Beyond’s music universally cherished. #PureGold Love iT

10.0

Overall Score

Beat and Rhythm10

Basslines and Groove10

Melody 10

Synths 10

Breakdown10

Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment10

Intensity, Drive and Energy10

Sound-design and Arrangement10

Overall Atmosphere10

Goosebumps / Shivers moments10