Already gathering heat in the club circuit, this rework of Lightforce’s classic ‘Join Me’ has Bryan Kearney’s signature quality written all over it. Fusing UK garage textures with the timeless trance sound, this update is primed to bowl over crowds on dance floors worldwide.
Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Lightforce & Bryan Kearney - Join Me[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Bryan Kearney’s rework of Lightforce’s classic “Join Me” is a masterclass in modern trance production, fusing high-octane energy with meticulous sound design. Already making waves in the club circuit, this 140 BPM tech trance stormer offers a perfect balance between power and emotional resonance, making it a must-hear for fans of both uplifting and tech trance. From the first beat, the track establishes its identity through a dark, brooding bassline that utilizes layered low-end synthesis and subtle saturation to create that moody, immersive foundation. The kick is tight and punchy, sidechained perfectly against the sub frequencies to give the groove relentless drive. Over this, Kearney introduces UK garage-influenced percussive textures, adding off-beat shuffles and syncopated hi-hat patterns that inject movement and forward momentum—an unexpected twist for a trance rework. What truly elevates this version are the arrangement and dynamic transitions. The track teases the iconic “Join Me” melody and ethereal vocal snippets sparingly in the early sections, using filters, reverb tails, and granular delays to keep the crowd on edge. When the first breakdown arrives, Kearney strips the energy back to a floating bed of pads and that instantly recognizable piano motif. This piano is processed with a touch of stereo widening and a wet reverb chain, allowing it to bloom in the mix and send literal goosebumps across the floor. The build-ups are constructed with precision—rising white noise sweeps, pitch-bent risers, and gated vocal echoes create tension without overloading the spectrum. Then comes the in-your-face climax, where the lead synths surge forward in layered supersaw form, but with a dark, industrial edge that sets this apart from standard euphoric trance. The second breakdown mirrors the first but introduces more harmonic variation, deepening the emotional impact before plunging back into the driving main section for a final floor-filling release. From a production standpoint, Kearney’s attention to EQ carving, stereo imaging, and transient control is evident. The track maintains crystal clarity despite its dense layers, with every element—from the brooding bassline to the sparkling arpeggios—sitting precisely in its sonic pocket. His use of subtle automation throughout (filter sweeps on the leads, LFO-driven volume modulation on atmospheric layers) keeps the track alive and constantly evolving. For uplifting trance lovers, this rework offers the emotional highs and melodic satisfaction they crave, especially in the piano-driven breakdowns. Meanwhile, tech trance enthusiasts will appreciate the driving low end, the hypnotic percussive work, and the industrial grit that gives the drops undeniable peak-time power. This is a track that not only honors the original but also expands its reach, bridging classic trance nostalgia with modern, forward-thinking production. Simply put: Bryan Kearney has delivered #PureGold, and it’s poised to be a staple in both festival sets and underground clubs alike. #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]
Additional info:
www.linktr.ee/bryankearneyofficial
www.linktr.ee/bryankearneyofficial
