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Trance Review: Rinaly & Christina Novelli - Set A Fire out on Black Hole Recordings

 


Marking a kinetic first-time head-to-head, Japanese trance force Rinaly meets the globally renowned, multi-talented Christina Novelli. The result: a firestarting cut that fuses her atmospheric vocal textures with a production that’s all-out clubfloor draw!

‘Set A Fire’ lands as the final single before Rinaly’s October-slated, hotly anticipated debut album ‘Ecliptica’. Following ‘Running’ with Julie Thompson and late-summer’s ‘Echo’ alongside Cari, it closes the longplayer’s preshow, brilliantly laying the groundwork for her album’s full-spectrum sound.

Rolling the drums, Rinaly’s ‘Set A Fire’ production is fire, building its pulse with precision, before weaving in elevation that cuts cleanly upwards through each layer of the track.

Lyrically, Christina paints an unflinching picture of reprise and desire, orbiting a relationship that refuses to be resolved. Both in admission and resignation, she sings: “here we are, back at the start”, before confessing  you’re in my bloodstream”, blurring that line between love and dependency.

As one of a select few female DJ/producers to carve out a distinct presence in the global trance scene, Rinaly balances forward-looking studio work with Novelli’s supremely-expressive delivery. You can find ‘Set A Fire’ wherever the finest music is streamed or sold HERE.

Tracklist:
01. Rinaly & Christina Novelli - Set A Fire (Original Mix)
02. Rinaly & Christina Novelli - Set A Fire (Extended Mix)




Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Rinaly & Christina Novelli - Set A Fire [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Rinaly & Christina Novelli – Set A Fire is an exhilarating vocal trance anthem that blends emotional storytelling with top-tier production. Clocking in at 138 BPM, this track is a prime example of euphoric trance designed to ignite both the dance floor and the heart. From a technical perspective, the production is meticulously polished. The intro opens with metallic kicks and tight, punchy percussion that immediately signal energy and drive, smoothly layered over rolling basslines. Subtle sidechain compression ensures that the bass breathes in sync with the kick, giving the low end a powerful yet clean presence. As the track progresses, lush atmospheric pads and filtered plucks establish an emotional foundation, gradually building tension toward the first breakdown. Christina Novelli’s vocals enter in the breakdown, soaring over a bed of soft pads and reverb-drenched piano accents. Her haunting performance is elevated by delicate vocal processing—light EQ, subtle delay, and tasteful reverb—ensuring clarity and emotional resonance without losing warmth. The lyrics tell a story of resilience and self-empowerment, which perfectly complements the track’s uplifting progression. The build into the drop is a masterclass in tension and release: risers, reversed cymbals, and automated filters swell together, culminating in a euphoric burst of supersaw leads. The main drop unleashes a wall of sound with layered lead synths, supported by a sidechained mid-bass and crisp high hats that drive the rhythm forward. The contrasting interplay between the rough, pounding drums and the gentle, sensitive harmonies keeps the track engaging and emotionally impactful. Vocal trance DJs will adore Set A Fire because of its flawless structure and dance floor adaptability. Its intro and outro are DJ-friendly, offering clean 32-bar segments for seamless mixing, while the midsection’s emotional breakdown ensures a peak-moment highlight in any set. The track strikes a perfect balance between festival-ready energy and heartfelt depth, making it a versatile weapon for live performances, radio shows, or podcast mixes. With its cinematic progression, pristine production, and Christina’s unforgettable vocals, Set A Fire is a must-have for any vocal trance enthusiast and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for DJs looking to lift spirits on the dance floor. #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]