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ALBUM REVIEW: Paul Denton - Retrospekt out on FSOE

 


FSOE proudly presents Retrospekt, the long awaited debut artist album from Irish talent Paul Denton. A heartfelt tribute to the diverse sounds that have shaped his 20 year journey in music, Retrospekt delivers a genre spanning experience that reflects Paul's evolution as both a DJ and producer. From 122 BPM breakbeats to progressive house driven grooves and peak time trance anthems, right through to the raw energy of 144 BPM hard trance, this album is a true journey. Featuring powerful vocal collaborations with Storm State, Ren Faye, Linnea Schossow, and Lyd14, Retrospekt captures the full spectrum of Paul Denton's sound.

Check here: https://pauldenton.bandcamp.com/album/retrospekt







Dimitris Kechagias Review:
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[item value="10"] [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Paul Denton’s debut album Retrospekt is a 14-track journey through the diverse sonic palette that has defined his 20-year career as a DJ and producer. The collection is as much a love letter to trance and its many subgenres as it is a showcase of Denton’s technical mastery. Thoughtfully crafted for both energetic club sets and immersive home listening, Retrospekt balances meticulous production, layered sound design, and an instinctive understanding of dancefloor dynamics—made even richer by the contributions of its featured vocalists. 1. Serenity with Ren Faye (Original Mix): Opening the album at 122 BPM, “Serenity” sets an atmospheric tone with lush pads, airy textures, and breakbeat-inspired percussion. Ren Faye’s ethereal vocal layers weave in and out of the arrangement, adding emotional depth without overpowering the delicate ambience. Perfect for an early set intro or reflective home listening. 2. Carried Away with Storm State (Original Mix) “Carried Away” is a melodic progressive number with a driving groove, where Storm State’s airy vocal hooks add a hypnotic, floating quality. Crisp hi-hats and a warm bassline glide underneath harmonic plucks, while the vocals shine in the breakdown, building emotional tension before the satisfying drop. 3. Control (Original Mix) An instrumental track that picks up the energy with a tech-infused trance approach. Tight kick and rolling bass patterns are layered with percussive synth stabs. Stereo panning and filtered sweeps create motion, making this a peak-time weapon. 4. Eivissa (Original Mix): Another instrumental, “Eivissa” radiates sun-soaked Balearic vibes. Wide-open pads and subtle guitar-inspired plucks create a serene atmosphere, emphasizing clarity and warmth. 5. Retrospekt (Original Mix): The title track is an instrumental statement piece, fusing classic trance energy with modern production. Layered arpeggios, euphoric chords, and a tight low end show Denton’s precision in crafting club-ready euphoria. 6. We Are One featuring Lyd14 (Original Mix) Lyd14’s soaring vocals turn this track into a hands-in-the-air anthem. Her performance is processed with pristine clarity, while side-chained pads cushion the melody and heighten the emotional impact. This is the album’s undeniable peak of vocal-driven trance. 7. Around in Circles (Original Mix) A darker, tech-trance instrumental with syncopated basslines and subtle acid elements. Its hypnotic drive and clean arrangement make it a strong transitional piece. 8. All I Need (Original Mix): A vocal-led progressive track with heartfelt delivery from an uncredited vocalist. The soft piano motifs and evolving pads give space for the emotive lyrics to resonate, making it a strong crossover piece for radio and home listening. 9. Losing Faith with Linnea Schossow & H4lo (Original Mix): This collaboration brings a melancholic yet powerful energy, with Linnea Schossow and H4lo’s emotive vocals intertwining across the cinematic breakdown. Their harmonies build tension that surges into a euphoric finale, perfectly supported by Denton’s layered supersaws and punchy snares. 10. Tripod (Original Mix): A purely instrumental DJ tool, “Tripod” is rhythmic and driving, with techy percussive details and a minimalistic lead for seamless layering in live sets. 11. Chime (Original Mix) An instrumental leaning into melodic trance, “Chime” features bell-like tones and ethereal pads. Its meticulous sound design and transient clarity make it sparkle even without vocals. 12. The Vault (Original Mix): A hard trance instrumental at 144 BPM, “The Vault” is all about raw energy, rolling basslines, and slicing synths. Its punchy kick and polished mastering highlight Denton’s technical prowess. 13. Ping (Original Mix): Experimental and percussive, this instrumental track plays with delay effects and off-kilter rhythms. Its creative use of stereo imaging and FX automation makes it a standout for adventurous DJ sets. 14. Lights (Original Mix): Closing the album on an uplifting note, “Lights” unites Denton’s signature emotive melodies, airy pads, and strong rhythmic foundation into a reflective outro, suitable for both home listening and late-night dancefloors. Retrospekt succeeds as both a cohesive artist album and a versatile toolkit for DJs. With memorable vocal contributions from Ren Faye, Storm State, Lyd14, and Linnea Schossow & H4lo, Paul Denton balances emotional storytelling with practical, club-ready structures. The top-tier production, genre-spanning approach, and thoughtful arrangements make this a standout debut and a must-listen for trance lovers. #PureGold LoveIT [/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]
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