Trance Review: Cold Blue - Rewind out on Cold Blue Records

10.0

Overall Score

Two steps forward, one step back.

The rollarcoaster of life takes us through all kinds of circles and loops, upward spirals and vicious circles going down.

I've been fascinated more and more about how everything in life goes in circles and how I learn new things with each round, but also how frustrating it can be having to deal with past emotions again and again, trying to overcome them and finally heal.

But then it also seems like everytime I stumble upon the same challenges or mistakes, I grow out of them faster and learn another new lesson.

Step by step, loop by loop I become better in making decisions that really serve my life and bring things back into harmony.

A humble and desillusioning feeling remains, that it seems nearly impossible to overcome those old pains once and for all. They keep coming back in different colours and shapes and offer me another chance to face and embrace them again and keep practising to deal with them in a healthy way.

Or to just let the music speak... :)

Here is Rewind, out now on Cold Blue Records.

Discover HERE

Dimitris Kechagias Review:

Cold Blue - Rewind 10

Summary

Cold Blue stands as one of the most trustworthy trance producers in the genre's history, with an impressive arsenal of releases and a reputation as a superb DJ. His track "Rewind" exemplifies his mastery, delivering an exceptional, exciting trance anthem rooted in meticulous production techniques and processes that elevate its sonic quality. "Rewind" is crafted at a high-energy 140 BPM tempo, characteristic of uplifting trance, designed to drive peak-time dancefloor moments. The track opens with big, pulsating basslines, crafted through sidechain compression techniques that allow them to pump rhythmically against the thumping kick drum. This kick, likely synthesized with a tailored low-end EQ curve to maintain clarity and punch, sets the foundation with its clean, resonant thud. Layered atop are pounding drums that incorporate a mix of acoustic and electronic samples, processed with reverb and delay to add spatial depth. The energetic, tough driving sound is achieved through the careful layering of percussive elements, including crisp hi-hats and shakers with precise stereo imaging, creating a dynamic groove that keeps the momentum alive. The melodic structure features cool, percussive-like synth melodies, likely crafted with plucked virtual analog synthesizers, utilizing modulation envelopes and LFOs to add movement and texture. As the track progresses, it reaches a long and atmospheric breakdown, a hallmark of Cold Blue's style. Here, orchestral strings and ethereal synth pads are meticulously arranged, layered with reverb and subtle delay to create an expansive, cinematic atmosphere. This section showcases advanced sound design skills, blending organic orchestral elements with synthetic textures seamlessly. The tension and intensity build through the use of risers, filter sweeps, and automation, meticulously controlling parameters like cutoff frequency and resonance to heighten anticipation. The return of the beats is executed with precision, reintroducing the powerful bass and kick while maintaining melodic continuity, leading to a euphoric, "hands-in-the-air" climax. The production is clean and crispy, adhering to the "written by the book" principles of trance music while pushing creative boundaries. The mixdown showcases exceptional clarity, with each element occupying its own frequency range, and the mastering process ensures a polished, dynamic final product that translates well across various sound systems. "Rewind" is a beautiful trancer, full of orchestral synths and expertly crafted soundscapes, reflecting Cold Blue's dedication to technical excellence and emotional resonance. #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