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Trance Review: Cosmic Gate - Perspectives Vol.1 out on Wake Your Mind / Black Hole Recordings

10.0
Overall Score

 

Cosmic Gate, the legendary Grammy-nominated electronic music producer duo, returns to the forefront with the release of the first EP from their highly anticipated album project, Perspectives. The album will be unveiled in three phases, commencing with Perspectives EP 1, which is currently available.



The Perspectives album concept employs a phased release strategy, with each EP serving as a building block towards the full album, which is scheduled for release later this year. This approach allows fans to experience the journey as it unfolds while simultaneously delivering the cohesive, narrative-driven experience that Cosmic Gate albums are renowned for.

Fusing elements of trance, progressive house, and melodic techno, the five tracks of EP take listeners on an electrifying journey through swirling synths, ethereal vocals, and powerful drum patterns. Perspectives EP 1 comprises five tracks in total: “I’m On Fire,” “Take Me,” and “Brave,” alongside “Battalion” with Ginchy and the exceptional ID 1.



“Battalion” signifies Cosmic Gate’s inaugural collaboration with Ginchy. Following several tracks by Ginchy being featured on Cosmic Gate’s weekly WYM Radio show, they established contact and immediately established a strong connection. The concept for a collaborative project emerged organically, and the outcome was universally met with great satisfaction. “Battalion” possesses a dark yet profound depth, impulsive energy, and an overwhelming presence on the dancefloor. Cosmic Gate has showcased “Battalion” throughout their Asia tour, and the audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. 


For over two and a half decades, German electronic duo Cosmic Gate has consistently pushed boundaries and showcased their dynamic sound to the global audience through acclaimed releases such as “The Drums” (1999), “Exploration of Space” (2001), and their recent two-part album series, MOSAIIK (2021-2023). Renowned for their electrifying live performances, the duo has graced the stages of the world’s most prestigious festivals, including EDC, Tomorrowland, Parookaville, and A State of Trance. Over the years, they have collaborated with esteemed industry figures such as Armin van Buuren, ATB, Ferry Corsten, and many others.


Discover Perspectives EP 1: HERE




Dimitris Kechagias Review:
Cosmic Gate - Perspectives Vol.110

Summary

Cosmic Gate's "Perspectives EP 1" is a masterclass in electronic music production, seamlessly blending trance, progressive house, and melodic techno across its five compelling tracks. Each composition showcases meticulous attention to detail, with advanced production techniques that elevate the listening experience. 1. "I’m On Fire" This track opens with atmospheric pads layered with subtle reverb, creating a spacious sonic environment. The rhythmic foundation is established through crisp, punchy kick drums complemented by tight hi-hats. The use of sidechain compression enhances the dynamic interplay between the bassline and lead synths, resulting in a pulsing groove. Delicate automation of filter cutoffs adds evolving textures throughout the track. 2. "Take Me" A standout for its ethereal vocal chops, "Take Me" utilizes granular synthesis to manipulate vocal samples, giving them a haunting, otherworldly quality. The progressive structure relies on gradual build-ups with tension created through rising white noise sweeps and pitch-modulated synths. The mid-bass elements are crafted with precision, using multiband compression to maintain clarity amidst complex melodic layers. 3. "Brave" "Brave" explores melodic depth with lush synth pads and arpeggiated sequences that shimmer with delay and reverb effects. The track's dynamic arrangement features well-timed breakdowns that strip back to emotive chord progressions, before explosive drops reintroduce the full spectrum of bass and percussion. Layered reverb tails and stereo widening techniques are employed to create a vast, immersive soundstage. 4. "Battalion" (with Ginchy) This collaboration introduces a grittier edge, with distorted basslines processed through analog saturation for added warmth and aggression. The drum programming showcases complex polyrhythms and syncopated hi-hat patterns, driving energy forward. Creative use of glitch effects and stutter edits punctuate transitions, adding a modern, experimental flair. 5. "ID 1" An exceptional closer, "ID 1" captivates with its intricate melodic motifs and evolving sound design. Employing advanced modulation techniques, Cosmic Gate manipulates oscillators and LFOs to produce shifting tonal textures. The track’s layered synth leads are enriched with harmonic processing, while the percussive elements benefit from transient shaping for crisp articulation. Overall, "Perspectives EP 1" is not just a collection of tracks but a sonic journey crafted with expert-level production techniques. Cosmic Gate’s ability to blend genres while maintaining technical precision cements their status as pioneers in the electronic music landscape. #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
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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