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Trance Review: Armin van Buuren & Punctual feat. Alika - On & On (JOA Remix) out on Armind / Armada Music

 


Following multiple releases on Armada Music, including a massive collaboration with Armin van Buuren on Heavy, rising talent JOA brings his sought-after sound to Armin van Buuren and Punctuals global streaming smash On & On. Fusing Alikas infectious vocals with edgy rave synths and a driving deep-tech beat, this remix will bring the heat all night long.





Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Armin van Buuren & Punctual feat. Alika - On & On (JOA Remix) [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] JOA’s remix of On & On stands out as a masterclass in modern electronic music production, merging creative artistry with technical precision. The track opens with a deep, driving kick and a pulsating low-end groove that immediately captures attention. Layered above this solid rhythmic foundation are sharp, dark rave synths and meticulously processed percussive elements, which provide both texture and momentum. The track’s BPM of 128 ensures synchronicity with most mainstage and club sets, making it highly DJ-friendly, with clean cue points and loop potential for seamless mixing. The remix showcases exceptional sound design, where each sonic element occupies a distinct space in the stereo field. JOA employs sidechain compression to ensure the kick and bass cut through the mix, while high-frequency synths and Alika’s vocals maintain clarity without becoming harsh. Advanced reverb and delay effects contribute to spatial depth, enhancing the track’s immersive qualities. The dynamic range is carefully balanced, maintaining loudness suitable for club play without causing listener fatigue. The transitions, drops, and build-ups have been engineered with precision, utilizing filter sweeps, risers, and rhythmic modulation to maintain energy flow and engage the audience continuously. Melodic hooks and harmonic layers are integrated seamlessly with the rhythmic drive, creating a sense of narrative progression throughout the track. The vocal performance by Alika, with its cool and catchy delivery, functions as an emotional anchor amid the energetic production. JOA’s arrangement demonstrates originality in its structure, crafting a sonic journey that moves fluidly from tension-building intro sections into explosive mainstage drops, maintaining cohesion and storytelling from start to finish. Beyond its club and festival suitability, the track has significant potential for positive effects on mental and physical well-being. Scientific research suggests that high-energy electronic music can enhance mood and reduce stress by stimulating dopamine release and promoting endorphin production (Thoma et al., 2013; Chanda & Levitin, 2013). The repetitive rhythmic patterns and predictable drops facilitate a state of flow, which has been shown to improve focus and reduce anxiety. In fitness and wellness classes, tracks at 128 BPM align with ideal heart rate zones for cardio sessions, boosting physical performance and endurance (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). Moreover, the immersive soundscapes and emotional resonance of Alika’s vocals can foster a sense of euphoria, encouraging overall mental wellness and social connectivity in group exercise or dance settings. JOA’s remix of On & On is not just a festival-ready anthem; it is a high-quality production that excels in musicality, technical execution, and emotional impact. Its combination of driving beats, vibrant synth work, and captivating vocals creates a track that resonates on the dance floor and contributes to positive mental and physical states for listeners. DJs, fitness instructors, and listeners alike will find it an invaluable addition to their playlists. #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

Chanda, M. L., & Levitin, D. J. (2013). The neurochemistry of music. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(4), 179–193.
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.
Thoma, M. V., Ryf, S., Mohiyeddini, C., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). Emotion regulation through listening to music in everyday situations. Cognition and Emotion, 27(3), 534–543.




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