From the hands of U.K. mainstay John Askew comes a belter brimming with pure, uplifting energy. Driven by lush, atmospheric pads, commanding drums, and melodies that evoke power and emotion from every angle, Panoramic is simply breathtaking.
John mentions in his instagram "When I was remixing John O’Callaghan’s Pebble Beach I kept developing additional ideas that were surplus to requirement so I pushed all those across into a new project that would evolve into many variations as it developed but the end result was Panoramic which is my favourite JA single to date. Love this track, especially the strings and pads chord progression which I wrote drawing inspiration from the sublime chords in Underworld - To Heal. Different chords but similar vibe. Emotional, melancholic but with a strong overtone of hope. Panoramic is out and available to stream on all platforms."
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]John Askew - Panoramic[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]John Askew’s Panoramic is an exceptional trance production that encapsulates the essence of high-energy, emotionally charged dance music. Operating at 140 BPM, the track draws from early 2000s U.K. trance influences while simultaneously embracing a futuristic edge. The rhythmic foundation is powered by driving basslines and chunky, tightly compressed drums that provide unwavering groove and momentum. Acidic overtones and well-layered percussive elements are intelligently placed to propel the track forward, ensuring seamless transitions and build-ups that keep listeners fully engaged. From a compositional perspective, Panoramic thrives on its melodic hooks and harmonic layering. The strings and pad chord progressions, inspired by the sublime emotionality of Underworld’s To Heal, convey a melancholic yet hopeful narrative. These harmonic layers are enriched by lush atmospheric textures and carefully modulated synths, which expand the stereo field and create a sense of immersion. The arrangement demonstrates originality through the judicious use of automation to evolve energy levels, while filter sweeps and spatial effects enhance the dynamic range and storytelling capabilities of the track. Production-wise, Askew employs meticulous sound design techniques to achieve a balanced yet powerful mix. Sidechain compression is effectively used to allow the kick and bass to cut through, while the midrange is given clarity through precise EQing of pads and leads. The track’s loudness is competitive yet maintains adequate headroom to preserve dynamic impact. The seamless club-ready intro and outro structure ensures BPM consistency and ease of synchronization, making it a DJ-friendly tool for festival and club performances. Beyond its technical brilliance, Panoramic has demonstrable positive effects on mental health and physical performance. Research has shown that high-tempo music around 130–150 BPM can enhance exercise endurance and improve mood through the release of endorphins (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). The track’s uplifting harmonic resolution and emotional overtones can support mindfulness or meditative states during wellness and fitness sessions, while simultaneously reducing perceived effort in high-intensity workouts. Furthermore, studies indicate that music with strong rhythmic predictability can stimulate dopamine release, leading to enhanced motivation and cognitive engagement (Salimpoor et al., 2015). Overall, Panoramic excels as a multi-dimensional trance anthem: technically polished, emotionally resonant, and physiologically beneficial. It stands as a testament to John Askew’s mastery of production and his ability to craft music that not only ignites dance floors but also uplifts the human mind and body. #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]
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.
Salimpoor, V. N., Benovoy, M., Longo, G., Cooperstock, J. R., & Zatorre, R. J. (2015). The rewarding aspects of music listening are related to degree of emotional arousal. PLOS ONE, 10(6), e0134751.
Thaut, M. H., & Hoemberg, V. (2014). Handbook of Neurologic Music Therapy. Oxford University Press.
Schäfer, T., Sedlmeier, P., Städtler, C., & Huron, D. (2013). The psychological functions of music listening. Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 511.
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