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 with ‘Time’, released as part of the Anjunabeats Rising series.
Following on from this, the duo released a string of trance floor-fillers in 2022, ‘Are We Dreaming’, ‘Cala Luna’ and ‘Breath Of The Wild’, before going on to release their ‘Feels Like Home EP’ in 2023. Featured on the EP, ‘Mantra’ became a staple in Above & Beyond’s set that summer, notably being played out at Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas and Printworks, London. During that year, the duo also mixed the hotly-anticipated Anjunabeats Worldwide 11 compilation, which shot to #1 on the US iTunes Dance chart.
Kicking off 2025 strong, Alex Sonata & TheRio covered iconic 2000s electro track ‘The Drill’, before collaborating with Elevven on ‘Blue Java’; both tracks originally debuted at Above & Beyond’s Group Therapy 600 in Mexico City in front of 12,000 fans. The duo then continued the momentum with their ‘Crescendo EP’, released in May.
A secret weapon in Alex Sonata & TheRio’s DJ sets going back to October 2023 in its original form, the Scottish & Italian duo finally release ’Love To Give’. An in demand ID cover of Freeloaders' early 00s hit, ’So Much Love To Give', Alex Sonata & TheRio combine their trademark high energy trance flair with the original vocals of soul band, The Real Thing, which Freeloaders later took into the mainstream.
Release Date: 11 July 2025
Out now on Anjunabeats: Alex Sonata & TheRio ‘Love To Give’.
Buy/Stream: https://anjunabeats.co/bzlrq4n.oyd
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Alex Sonata & TheRio - Love To Give[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Alex Sonata & TheRio's collaboration "Love To Give" is a masterclass in proglifting trance, clocking in at an energetic 130 BPM. This track showcases exceptional production techniques that elevate its rich atmospheric layers and relentless drive, making it a standout summer anthem. The foundation is set with chunky, groove-laden basslines that are meticulously side-chained to create ample space for the punchy, crisp drums. The kick drum is particularly noteworthy—processed with precise EQ cuts to eliminate muddiness while retaining a powerful low-end thump. Layering techniques are employed extensively, with multiple percussive elements—claps, hi-hats, and shakers—carefully panned to create a wide stereo image, giving the track a dynamic and immersive feel. Central to "Love To Give" is the timeless vocal sample, which is delicately processed with reverb and delay effects to give it an ethereal quality. This vocal adds an emotional resonance, complementing the track’s driving energy. The production employs advanced automation techniques, gradually introducing filter sweeps and modulations to build tension and release, especially leading into the breakdown. The breakdown itself is a dreamy, atmospheric section, rich with airy pads and lush reverb tails. Here, the melodic elements take center stage, with synth stabs that are crafted using layered saw waves, detuned slightly to create a warm, euphoric texture. The sound design is enhanced by subtle use of white noise risers and reverse effects, amplifying the anticipation for the drop. When the track hits its anthemic drop, the energy is explosive. The euphoric synth stabs dominate, underpinned by bouncy grooves that maintain high momentum. These synths are processed with side-chain compression to ensure they sit perfectly within the mix, creating that quintessential "pumping" trance feel. Moreover, harmonic layering adds richness, with mid and high-frequency elements meticulously EQ’d to prevent frequency clashes. "Love To Give" is furious, feel-good, and sun-soaked—a testament to Alex Sonata & TheRio's prowess in modern trance production. It’s not just a track; it’s an experience, meticulously engineered to bring smiles and elevate dance floors worldwide. #PureGold 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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