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Trance Review: ilan Bluestone, Maor Levi and Giuseppe De Luca - Ignite out on Anjunabeats

 




Out now on Anjunabeats: ilan Bluestone, Maor Levi & Giuseppe De Luca ‘Ignite’.

It’s the honesty in both his music and personality that has made ilan Bluestone a staple in the dance and trance world for over a decade.

As an Anjunabeats stalwart, the early ‘Anthem Test’ Instagram previews of his late-night writing sessions forged an instant connection with his audience years ahead of it becoming common practice on social media platforms. He provided the audience with insight into what it’s like to be a musician, producer, and DJ in the 2010s — a sentiment echoed in his high-energy, euphoric, and melodic music that has taken him to the stages of Madison Square Garden, Tomorrowland, Creamfields, and EDC.

His albums are the clearest window into his current headspace as a musician. 2018’s ‘Scars’ is a love letter to the inspirations that had informed and imprinted his early musical journey. 2021’s ‘Impulse’, a thoroughly ‘Tronce’ coming of age LP embracing the high energy club side of life post pandemic.

Completing a trilogy of ‘heart on sleeve’ LPs is ‘Ignite’, the story of an artist reigniting his creative fires after burnout in 2023.
“Touring ‘Impulse’ after the pandemic was amazing” ilan shares. “But by November 2023, I’d played 70 shows in just over a year. The constant travel took its toll, and I had to come off the road to recharge by being in the studio again, explore new sounds, and work with fresh collaborators.”
Ignite is ilan’s most eclectic project yet: 15 tracks spanning 80s synthwave, cinematic ballads, melodic progressive house and new-age electronica, all grounded by the uplifting trance that defines his live sets.
“There are darker moments on there, but ultimately ‘Ignite’ is about the emotions and experiences that spark us into life. Writing these records felt like a weight coming off my shoulders and I’m hoping they inspire others to tackle and overcome their challenges in life”.
Bluestone’s love for string orchestration shines through the album, including the opening track ‘40’ with composer Jasper Blunk. The title track and first single, ‘Ignite’, is an electrifying blend of hypnotic melodies, soaring vocals, and explosive drops. It partners ilan with two artists who have been heavily involved in his story so far: Maor Levi and Giuseppe De Luca, marking the first time the three have collaborated on a record. Leeds-based writer and singer Giuseppe features more across the album, as well as on records with longtime contributors EL Waves, Gid Sedgwick and Ellen Smith. The album also introduces several new voices to ilan’s story.

ilan Bluestone’s Ignite arrives on Anjunabeats this August and is available to pre-order now on vinyl via the Anjuna Music Store. The title track, featuring Maor Levi and Giuseppe De Luca, is out now.

A revitalised ilan returns to touring soon, with the Ignite tour kicking off this weekend in Prague. Check out the tour dates here: ilanbluestone.com/tour

Release Date: 20 June 2025




Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]ilan Bluestone, Maor Levi and Giuseppe De Luca - Ignite [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Ilan Bluestone and Maor Levi's collaboration with Giuseppe De Luca on "Ignite" is an electrifying 132 BPM anthem that showcases impeccable production techniques and masterful attention to detail. The track opens with energetic, pulsating basslines that create an immediate sense of momentum, perfectly complemented by techy, crisp kicks that provide a solid rhythmic foundation. The groove is driven by electro-infused chunky rhythms, expertly layered to deliver a powerful, dancefloor-ready vibe. The production shines in its ability to merge these dynamic elements with melodramatic string arrangements, creating an emotional depth that contrasts beautifully with the high-energy beats. This juxtaposition adds a rich, cinematic quality to the track. A standout feature is the atmospheric breakdown, where the production takes a step back to highlight Giuseppe De Luca's soulful vocals. The use of spacious reverb and subtle delay effects around his voice adds a haunting, ethereal quality, allowing it to become the focal point. This section is meticulously crafted with ambient pads and nuanced sound design that create an immersive listening experience. The transition from the breakdown to the climax is marked by a brief, strategic silence—a technique that heightens anticipation. Following this pause, big uplifting synths burst forth, characterized by layered, detuned leads that create a wide, expansive soundscape. The synths are rich with harmonic overtones, adding to the track's euphoric, festival-friendly energy. "Ignite" is a testament to Bluestone and Levi's technical prowess, blending complex production techniques with emotional resonance. From the meticulous arrangement to the high-quality sound design, every element is polished to perfection, making it a standout anthem in the progressive trance scene. #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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