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Progressive Review: Ferry Corsten - Blueprint (Matt Fax Reprint) out on Flashover / Black Hole Recordings

 


Ferry Corsten's 'Blueprint' just got a fresh, progressive overhaul.

Ferry Corsten’s iconic original meets the slick, melodic genius of Matt Fax for the Reprint. This is deep, driving, and perfectly weighted progressive house, built for the after-hours session. Matt Fax layers up the emotion and gives the groove a serious push. Serious heat on Black Hole.

File under: Essential Progressive House. Spin this loud!




Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Ferry Corsten - Blueprint (Matt Fax Reprint) [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Matt Fax’s reimagining of Ferry Corsten’s classic “Blueprint” delivers a masterclass in contemporary progressive house production. Technically, this 125 BPM track is a study in layered melodic structures, precise rhythmic programming, and immersive spatial design. The production opens with a restrained yet driving kick-and-bass foundation, providing a perfectly quantized groove that remains consistent for seamless DJ synchronization. As the track develops, subtle percussive elements and syncopated hi-hats introduce micro-rhythms, enhancing momentum and fostering a hypnotic listening experience. From a sound design perspective, the Reprint shines with its use of harmonic layering and atmospheric effects. Matt Fax carefully isolates the original’s melodic DNA, introducing lush, reverb-washed synth pads, crystalline arpeggios, and carefully filtered leads that evolve through automated modulations. The transitions are executed with surgical precision: each build-up employs white-noise sweeps and frequency risers, culminating in drops that release energy without overwhelming the dynamic range. The stereo field is meticulously managed, with delays and spatial reverbs adding depth while maintaining clarity in the mid and high frequencies. The structural arrangement reflects a deep understanding of progressive house flow. The track maintains a coherent narrative arc, gradually escalating energy with each 16-bar progression, making it perfect for both peak-time club sets and immersive after-hours sessions. Cue points and loopable phrases are intuitively placed, which enhances its utility for DJs in live performance environments. Beyond its dance floor appeal, this version of “Blueprint” has notable benefits for mental wellness and fitness contexts. Scientific studies have shown that rhythmic, melodic electronic music at moderate tempo ranges (120–130 BPM) can improve focus, reduce perceived exertion during exercise, and elevate mood through dopamine release (Thompson et al., 2014; Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). In meditation or low-impact fitness classes, the track’s hypnotic harmonics can support flow states associated with stress reduction and mental clarity (Labbé et al., 2007). The combination of deep groove and euphoric melodic layering engages auditory reward circuits while providing a sense of emotional release, making it a powerful tool for both physical and mental wellness routines. #PureGold Love IT[/content]
[item value="10"]Rhythm, Groove & Drive[/item]
[item value="10"]Melodic Hooks & Harmonic Layers[/item]
[item value="10"]Transitions, Drops & Build-Ups [/item]
[item value="10"]Energy Flow & Momentum [/item]
[item value="10"]Sound Design & Production Quality[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality of Arrangement & Structure[/item]
[item value="10"]Use of Effects & Spatial Design[/item]
[item value="10"]Dynamic Range & Loudness Balance[/item]
[item value="10"]Atmosphere & Immersion[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional Resonance[/item]
[item value="10"]Creativity & Artistic Identity[/item]
[item value="10"]Cohesion & Storytelling[/item]
[item value="10"]Vocal Performance & Lyrical Impact[/item]
[item value="10"]Catchiness & Replay Value[/item]
[item value="10"]Club / Festival Suitability[/item]
[item value="10"]Track Intro/Outro Structure[/item]
[item value="10"]BPM Consistency & Sync Ease[/item]
[item value="10"]Cue Points & Loop Potential[/item]
[item value="10"]Dynamic Energy for Set Flow[/item]
[item value="10"]Crowd Reaction Potential[/item]
[/review]


Suggested Bibliography:
Karageorghis, C. I., & Priest, D. L. (2012). Music in the exercise domain: A review and synthesis (Part I). International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(1), 44–66.
Labbé, E., Schmidt, N., Babin, J., & Pharr, M. (2007). Coping with stress: The effectiveness of different types of music. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 32(3–4), 163–168.
Thompson, W. F., Schellenberg, E. G., & Husain, G. (2014). Arousal, mood, and the Mozart effect. Psychological Science, 12(3), 248–251.
Juslin, P. N., & Västfjäll, D. (2008). Emotional responses to music: The need to consider underlying mechanisms. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 31(5), 559–621.



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