10.0
Fusing the best qualities of trance and dance pop, Ben Nicky and HIX’s new release on Armada Music is soaked in euphoria with high-tempo, highly emotional production and an unforgettable vocal hook curtesy of Tori Smith!
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Ben Nicky & Hix feat. Tori Smith - Sober 10
Summary
Ben Nicky and HIX’s latest release on Armada Music is a masterful fusion of trance and dance pop elements, encapsulating pure euphoria through meticulous production techniques and high-energy compositions. Operating at an invigorating 138 BPM, the track exudes a summery, sunkissed vibe that’s both uplifting and infectious. The production showcases a dynamic interplay between robust, energetic basslines and intricate, punchy percussion. The basslines are crafted using layered saw waves, processed through sidechain compression to create that signature pulsing rhythm synonymous with trance music. This technique allows the bass to breathe around the kick drum, enhancing the track's driving force. The kicks themselves are sharp and dynamic, designed through careful EQing and layering of multiple kick samples to achieve both depth and clarity. The transient shaping ensures that each kick cuts through the mix, providing a solid foundation for the track’s rhythmic structure. A hallmark of this release is its colorful, euphoric synth work. The synths are created using a range of virtual analog synthesizers, featuring supersaw patches with extensive use of reverb and delay effects. This combination adds a lush, expansive feel, contributing to the track’s optimistic and hopeful atmosphere. The automation of filter cutoffs and resonance throughout the track adds dynamic movement, keeping the listener engaged. Tori Smith’s pop-infused vocals are a standout feature, seamlessly integrated into the mix. The vocals are processed with subtle tuning, reverb, and delay to maintain clarity while blending harmoniously with the instrumental layers. Vocal chops are skillfully used in the breakdown sections, adding texture and a catchy hook that encourages singalongs. The arrangement follows a well-crafted structure, with tension-building risers and snare rolls leading into euphoric drops, a tried-and-true method in trance and dance pop to maintain energy and excitement. The mastering process ensures a polished final product, with balanced frequency distribution, wide stereo imaging, and competitive loudness levels suitable for both club play and radio airwaves. Overall, this release is a testament to Ben Nicky and HIX’s prowess in blending technical sophistication with emotional resonance, delivering a track that appeals to a broad spectrum of dance music enthusiasts. #PureGold #LoveIT10.0
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
Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments10
Originality and Inventiveness10
Radio Friendly10
Vocals & lyrics10
You can’t get this memorable track out of your head10
It has potential to become an anthem or a classic10
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