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Trance Review: Solarstone & Susie Ledge - Star (Solarstone & Leon Bolier Starburst Mix) out on Black Hole Recordings

 


An uptick in the upbeat, a lift to the lively and a swell of the spirited: with the seasons’ shift, Solarstone vibe has gotten itself locked in the ‘up’ position of late! First came last month’s floor-entrancing ‘Memoryland’ – a release that picked out the innerspace between dream-state and total recall … while also arriving with something mother-clubbing magnificent!

Now we have ‘star’ – which has Rich dipping back into his ‘innermost’ album trove.

That said though … that ‘star’ is not this ‘star’!

Originally conceived as an atmospherically laidback “Sabres Of Paradise’s ‘Smokebelch’ meets Enya” number, the track began its 4/4 metamorphosis when singer Susie Ledge began ghosting its circuitry. Now adding further club weight, Solarstone’s tapped Leon Bolier to create a Starburst rework, that boosts it that much later into late-night.

It’s half criminal and half-astonishing that, despite their similar timelines, the pair haven’t shared studio space before. They make amends here though, with a production that fair explodes with drumatic orchestral kicks, sky raking synths, and an end-of-the-night paced bass. That in turn projects Susie Ledge’s Gaelic-tinged (and irrepressibly sing-along-catchy!) song into a whole other galaxy.

Too early to say “anthem” !? Maybe, but the Solar, ‘star’ (and Starburst!) planets are very much aligning for ‘innermost’’s latest here. Find it through all good streaming and sales channels hereabouts 

Tracklist
01. Solarstone & Susie Ledge – star (Solarstone & Leon Bolier Starburst Mix – 7” Mix)
02. Solarstone & Susie Ledge – star (Solarstone & Leon Bolier Starburst Mix – 12” Mix)




Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Solarstone & Susie Ledge - star (Solarstone & Leon Bolier Starburst Mix) [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Solarstone & Susie Ledge’s “Star,” in its Starburst Mix with Leon Bolier, is a masterclass in modern uplifting trance production that pays homage to the golden era of the genre. The track operates at a driving 144 BPM, a tempo that maintains peak energy while allowing for complex melodic interactions. Its rhythmic foundation is built on a solid four-on-the-floor kick, tight percussion layers, and deep, pulsing basslines, all of which create a dynamic groove that flows effortlessly from start to finish. The transitions are executed with precision, using carefully automated filter sweeps and risers that feed into the drops, creating moments of tension and release that are critical for both club and festival play. From a production standpoint, the harmonic architecture of this track is as immersive as it is meticulous. The Starburst Mix features soaring melodic hooks layered across lush pads and arpeggios, exemplifying the art of harmonic layering. Solarstone’s signature touch is evident in the mixdown, with each sonic element occupying a precise space in the stereo field, allowing Susie Ledge’s ethereal vocal to shine without ever clashing with the instrumentation. The use of reverb and spatial effects enhances the sense of immersion, while the dynamic range is carefully managed to retain clarity and impact even at high playback volumes. The arrangement itself demonstrates a strong narrative flow, rising and falling in waves that tell a story—an essential hallmark of trance’s capacity for emotional resonance. Beyond its technical brilliance, “Star” has notable positive effects on mental health and wellness. Studies in music psychology suggest that trance music with uplifting melodies and consistent rhythmic patterns can reduce stress and promote mood elevation (Thoma et al., 2013; Schäfer et al., 2013). The track’s repetitive yet emotionally charged structure encourages a state of flow, which is beneficial both for meditative listening and for fitness activities such as running or cycling, where synchronization to tempo can enhance physical performance (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). Wellness and fitness instructors often incorporate high-energy trance into classes to promote endorphin release and improve overall participant engagement, and “Star” is an ideal candidate for such applications. In terms of live performance, the track’s carefully designed intro and outro facilitate seamless integration into DJ sets, with cue points and loop potential that make it versatile for both peak-time drops and extended transitions. Its festival suitability is unquestionable: the euphoric breakdowns and explosive drops are engineered to elicit strong crowd reactions, making it not just a listening experience but an emotional event. #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:
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.
Schäfer, T., Sedlmeier, P., Städtler, C., & Huron, D. (2013). The psychological functions of music listening. Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 511.
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.
Juslin, P. N., & Sloboda, J. A. (2010). Handbook of Music and Emotion: Theory, Research, Applications. Oxford University Press. 




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