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Trance Review: John O'Callaghan & Lyd14 - Never Leave Your Side out on Subculture

 


John O’Callaghan returns with Never Leave Your Side, a heartfelt collaboration with vocalist Lyd14 that pays tribute to his enduring connection with trance music. Echoing the emotion and lift of his classic How Can I remix, it’s blissfully uplifting, the kind of trance that stays with you long after the lights come up. A love letter to the genre. John O’Callaghan will never leave its side.





Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]John O'Callaghan & Lyd14 - Never Leave Your Side [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]John O’Callaghan’s "Never Leave Your Side," featuring the evocative vocals of Lyd14, is not just a trance track—it's a masterclass in modern electronic production. The song pays homage to O’Callaghan’s deep-rooted connection with trance music, resonating with the emotional intensity found in his iconic "How Can I" remix. Technically, the track is anchored at a pulsating 140 BPM, showcasing a euphoric structure that reflects the high-energy essence of classic trance. The production process beautifully balances both analog and digital elements. The solid, driving basslines are crafted using layered sub-bass synths, meticulously EQ'd to prevent frequency clashes and ensure a clean, powerful low-end. The thumping kicks are synthesized with precision, employing sidechain compression techniques to create that signature "breathing" effect, giving space to the melodic elements. The percussion is dynamic, featuring pounding drums complemented by crisp hi-hats and snare rolls that build tension and release throughout the arrangement. The breakdown is a standout segment—long, atmospheric, and emotionally charged. Here, O’Callaghan employs lush reverb and delay effects to widen the soundstage, making the incredible piano chords and orchestral cinematic strings soar. The strings are layered in octaves, adding depth and warmth, and are subtly automated to swell at key emotional peaks. Lyd14’s vocals are a highlight, processed with careful attention to detail. The emotionally charged performance is enhanced with subtle pitch correction, harmonic doubling, and spatial effects that make her voice ethereal yet intimate. The colorful, optimistic synths are crafted using a combination of classic analog emulations and modern digital wavetable synths, designed to evoke nostalgia while delivering a fresh, contemporary sound. The track’s Balearic, sun-kissed vibe is achieved through the use of airy pads, shimmering arpeggios, and melodic motifs that oscillate gently, creating a sense of movement and travel. The meticulous layering of sounds, combined with expert mixing and mastering techniques, ensures that "Never Leave Your Side" is both a technical marvel and an emotional journey—a trance anthem designed to make you fly high. #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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