We welcome Wales’ Stoby back to the Pure shores with this elegant & deep, progressive trance gem. Following his Wife Sonia’s recent ‘Echoes of Tanit’ collaboration with Simon Sinfield, husband Stoby takes us on a +9-minute 124bpm Balearic journey complete with a lush lapping-waves intro, haunting vocal stabs, understated & sonorous lead melody, hypnotic rhythms and gentle keys, all enveloped in a warm & thoughtful production. Dream on, dreamers.
Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Stoby - Light Harbour[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Stoby with Light Harbour embarks on a mesmerizing nine-minute, 124 BPM Balearic odyssey, rich in both technical finesse and emotional depth. From the very first note, the production showcases meticulous attention to detail. The track opens with a lush, lapping-waves intro that sets a serene, immersive atmosphere, achieved through carefully layered field recordings and subtle reverb processing to create spatial depth. Haunting vocal stabs are delicately woven into the mix, treated with ethereal delays and modulation effects that enhance their hypnotic quality without overshadowing the instrumental components. The understated, sonorous lead melody stands out as a hallmark of progressive trance, crafted using warm analog synth patches that evolve subtly over time. The interplay of hypnotic rhythms is anchored by deep, pulsating basslines, designed with sidechain compression to breathe seamlessly with the moody kicks. These kicks, characterized by a punchy yet subdued timbre, maintain groove while leaving space for the melodic elements to flourish. Tribalish percussion elements are intricately programmed, featuring syncopated patterns that add dynamic drive and rhythmic complexity. Gentle keys and beautiful string arrangements provide harmonic richness, layered with atmospheric synth pads processed through high-pass filters and reverb to evoke a sense of vastness synonymous with Balearic soundscapes. The subtle yet effective use of seawaves sound effects ties the auditory journey together, enhancing the organic feel amidst the electronic framework. This track is a treasure trove for progressive trance DJs. Its evolving structure and thoughtful arrangement offer the flexibility needed for seamless integration into DJ sets. The hypnotic build-up and breakdowns create natural transition points, allowing DJs to manipulate energy levels with precision. The warm, dynamic mix ensures excellent translation across various sound systems, from intimate beach gatherings to expansive festival stages. Stoby’s production values shine through in his ability to balance technical sophistication with emotive resonance. The track’s depth invites repeated listens, revealing new sonic details each time. For DJs seeking a piece that captivates both the mind and the dancefloor, this progressive trance gem is pure gold—an adventure from start to finish, resonant with both technical mastery and heartfelt artistry. 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]
LISTEN TO THE REVIEW HERE
