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Trance Review: Milkwish x Solange UK - Citadel out on Black Hole Recordings

 



Listen up, this one's got that serious oomph! Black Hole is dropping a certified weapon: Milkwish x Solange UK - Citadel.

This is the sound you need when you're looking to take the energy levels from pukka to absolutely shelled. Milkwish provides a track that sits perfectly in that dark, driving space between progressive house and melodic techno. It’s got a sick groove, deep basslines, and that hypnotic, building synth work that tells a proper story. Solange UK's vocals cut through with a vibe that's both haunting and commanding, giving the track a real steeze and emotional punch.

This is a selection for the sophisticated floor—the kind of tune that will lock in the heads and get the whole room moving with a serious, focused intensity.







Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Milkwish x Solange UK - Citadel [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] "Citadel" stands as a masterclass in contemporary progressive house and melodic techno production. The track runs at a consistent 128 BPM, optimized for seamless integration into DJ sets and fitness class playlists. Its rhythmic foundation features razor-sharp kicks, punchy drums, and a round, pulsating bassline engineered using sidechain compression to achieve a balanced dynamic range. The layering of melodic synth hooks demonstrates a sophisticated use of harmonic stacking, with gradual filter automation and stereo panning contributing to its hypnotic energy. Solange UK’s haunting yet commanding vocal lines are treated with spatial effects—including long-tailed reverb, light chorus, and selective delay—to create a sense of immersion without overpowering the instrumental sections. The production embraces a structured arrangement with well-crafted transitions, builds, and drops. The first drop is introduced via filtered percussion and subtle risers, creating a tension-release cycle that sustains dance floor engagement. The second breakdown exhibits a cinematic quality, with evolving pads and modulated arpeggios, highlighting the producers’ mastery of atmospheric storytelling. High-quality mixing and mastering ensure loudness compliance without sacrificing clarity, making the track club- and festival-ready with minimal post-processing. Scientific research has shown that rhythmic, high-energy music can enhance both mood and physical performance. Studies indicate that tracks in the 120–130 BPM range can improve exercise intensity and endurance (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). The hypnotic grooves and melodic layers in "Citadel" promote a state of flow, which has been linked to reduced stress and heightened concentration (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). In wellness and group fitness classes, the track’s driving rhythm and emotional resonance can encourage synchronized movement, increasing group cohesion and participant motivation. The combination of progressive harmonic development and the emotional timbre of Solange UK’s vocals can also activate reward centers in the brain. Research in music therapy suggests that repetitive rhythmic patterns and melodic anticipation can trigger the release of dopamine, contributing to elevated mood and stress reduction (Salimpoor et al., 2011). Thus, “Citadel” is not only a dance floor weapon but also a valuable addition to playlists aimed at mental wellness, yoga flow warm-ups, and high-tempo cardio sessions. Beyond the technical polish, "Citadel" thrives as an emotionally resonant experience. Its narrative structure—from the deep, driving introduction to the euphoric crescendo—mirrors the psychological arc of peak experience in music, where anticipation and release foster both emotional and physical engagement. When leveraged in a fitness or wellness setting, the music evokes a sense of empowerment and connection, reinforcing the therapeutic potential of high-quality electronic production. #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:

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
Karageorghis, C. I., & Priest, D. L. (2012). Music in the exercise domain: A review and synthesis. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(1), 44–66.
Salimpoor, V. N., Benovoy, M., Larcher, K., Dagher, A., & Zatorre, R. J. (2011). Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music. Nature Neuroscience, 14(2), 257–262.
Thaut, M. H., & Hoemberg, V. (Eds.). (2014). Handbook of Neurologic Music Therapy. Oxford University Press.



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