Alex Sonata & TheRio team up with Elevven on ‘Blue Java’.
Fraser Shaw and Riccardo Derio first began producing together in 2018 and two years later they officially emerged as Alex Sonata & TheRio. In 2021, the duo made their debut on the label with ‘Time’, released as part of the Anjunabeats Rising series. The Scottish-Italian duo then followed up with a string of trance floor-fillers such as ‘Are We Dreaming’, ‘Cala Luna’, ‘Breath Of The Wild’ in 2022.
In 2023, Alex Sonata & TheRio joined forces for the first time with Elevven on ‘Hanalei’ which saw extensive support amongst the trance community and amassed over 1M streams. 2023 also saw the release of ‘Mantra’, supported extensively by Above & Beyond, notably during the trio's headline performances at Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas and London’s Printworks. The duo also collaborated with trance linchpin Giuseppe Ottaviani and electro-pop vocalist Tishmal on ‘Tears Of The Kingdom’, as well as mixing the hotly-anticipated Anjunabeats Worldwide 11 compilation, which shot to #1 on the US iTunes Dance chart.
Last year, they released ‘Halcyon’ alongside Equinøx, which saw radio spins from Armin van Buuren, Farius and Ferry Corsten, as well as support from Kyau & Albert and many more. The duo also remixed Darren Tate & Solarstone’s ‘A Long Way From Home’, featuring vocals from Julie Scott.
US-based duo Elevven first appeared on the label with their remix of Gabriel & Dresden’s ‘You’, going on to become one of Above & Beyond’s most played tracks of 2018. Following this, the duo have remixed 7 Skies ‘Sushi’, Andrew Bayer & Red Dragons ‘Matriarch’ as well as releasing their first original release on Anjunabeats, ‘The Distance’.
Alex Sonata & TheRio marked the beginning of their 2025 with an official cover of iconic 2000s electro track ‘The Drill - The Drill’, debuted by the duo in front of 12,000 fans at ABGT600 in Mexico City. Now, they join forces with Elevven again for the second time on ‘Blue Java’, which has earned repeated spins by Above & Beyond on their recent run of dates in Australia.
Alex Sonata & The Rio x Elevven ‘Blue Java’ is out now on Anjunabeats.
Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Alex Sonata & TheRio x Elevven - Blue Java [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Alex Sonata & TheRio x Elevven's collaboration, "Blue Java," stands out as a masterclass in progressive uplifting trance production, combining technical sophistication with emotive resonance. This 132 BPM proglifting anthem is meticulously crafted, showcasing a deft blend of sound design, arrangement, and mixing techniques that hallmark the Anjunabeats aesthetic. Starting with its rhythmic foundation, "Blue Java" employs chunky, well-processed drums that anchor the track with precision. The kick drum is notably metallic, achieved through layering techniques that merge a punchy low-end subkick with a high-frequency click, ensuring clarity and impact on large sound systems. The snare and clap elements are tight and crisp, often treated with transient shaping and subtle reverb to maintain their snap without muddying the mix. The bassline is infused with electro touches, likely crafted using subtractive synthesis with a focus on modulation to create movement within the low frequencies. Techniques such as sidechain compression are evident, particularly in how the bass ducks subtly under the kick, providing that signature pulsating groove essential to trance energy. The arrangement is both playful and dynamic. Automation plays a crucial role here—filter sweeps, reverb tails, and delay feedback loops are meticulously controlled to build tension and release seamlessly. This leads to the breakdown, a mesmerizing, feel-good segment that acts as a meditative pause. Here, lush pads, possibly created with virtual analog synthesizers, fill the stereo field, layered with atmospheric textures and subtle field recordings to enhance the emotional depth. The climax is an epitome of euphoric trance energy. Big, anthemic synth stabs dominate, crafted with rich saw waves, detuned slightly to create a wide, thick sound. The melodies are colorful yet tinged with melancholy, a testament to the careful selection of scales and chord progressions that evoke both joy and introspection. Advanced layering techniques are used to stack harmonies, while dynamic processing ensures that each element retains its place in the busy mix. Overall, "Blue Java" is not just a track; it's a testament to the meticulous art of trance production. Its energetic foundation, dynamic flow, and emotional peaks ensure it resonates deeply with listeners and keeps dancefloors vibrant. #PureGold indeed. Love IT[/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item][item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[/review]
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