Signed to Solomun's Diynamic label, their unique signature sound has been described as Indie Dance meets Melodic House & Techno. Described by Pete Tong as "Rising Stars"', the duo have previously released on the famous Nervous Records, Insomniac, Solotoko and Sony to name a few. Their 'So High' release on Diynamic was selected as Pete Tongs 'Essential New Tune' on BBC Radio 1, with the duo also gaining support from the biggest DJ's in the world such as Solomun, Pete Tong, Vintage Culture, Camelphat, David Guetta & Oliver Heldens. Sonickraft have recently released on CamelPhat's 'When Stars Align' with their 'Keep The Faith' EP being released on Diynamic, with Pete Tong again championing the duo by supporting the release on his BBC Radio 1 show.
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Sonickraft - Tearing Us Apart/Bohemia[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Sonickraft’s latest dual release on Days Like Nights showcases their mastery of melodic house and techno with a touch of indie dance artistry. Tearing Us Apart runs at 123 BPM and features a memorable synth-driven melody layered atop a commanding groove. The track’s production embraces punchy basslines, a tight kick, and robotic spoken vocal samples that create a hypnotic sonic tapestry. Its clean transitions, polished drops, and fluid energy flow contribute to a seamless listening experience and a dancefloor-ready profile. Technically, Tearing Us Apart demonstrates advanced production techniques, including precise sidechain compression to let the kick and bass breathe, stereo imaging for spatial depth, and the judicious use of reverb and delay to craft an immersive atmosphere. The dynamic range is carefully balanced, allowing every element from the driving percussion to the ethereal synths to shine without crowding the mix. The track’s arrangement highlights Sonickraft’s strength in storytelling, with progressive build-ups, tension-and-release drops, and a structure that maintains BPM consistency for DJ-friendly mixing. Bohemia, clocking in at 122 BPM, drifts into an indie dance-meets-melodic techno territory, blending pounding drums, pulsating basslines, and an emotive main melody. The track’s production emphasizes harmonic layering and textural depth, with melancholic electro-pop motifs that evoke a sense of introspection and emotional resonance. Techniques such as filtered risers, subtle use of phasers, and automated panning enhance the track’s movement, making it feel both expansive and intimate. Beyond the technical craftsmanship, these tracks have noteworthy positive effects on mental health, fitness, and wellness. Research indicates that rhythmic, repetitive electronic music can reduce perceived stress, enhance mood, and promote flow states (Thoma et al., 2013; Pelletier, 2004). The hypnotic grooves and entrancing melodies of Sonickraft’s tracks are ideal for wellness classes like yoga or cycling, supporting improved focus and endurance (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). Their carefully engineered energy flow can induce a state of mild euphoria, often linked to increased dopamine release during rhythmic musical engagement (Salimpoor et al., 2011). From a fitness and group exercise perspective, the BPM range of 122–123 is optimal for activities such as spin classes, low-impact aerobics, or dance-based workouts, facilitating synchronization of movement with rhythm. Additionally, the emotional qualities of both tracks—uplifting yet meditative—align with findings that music with positive valence enhances motivation and adherence to physical routines (Terry et al., 2020). #PureGold Loveit [/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.
Pelletier, C. L. (2004). The effect of music on decreasing arousal due to stress: A meta-analysis. Journal of Music Therapy, 41(3), 192–214.
Karageorghis, C. I., & Priest, D. L. (2012). Music in the exercise domain: A review and synthesis (Part I & II). International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(1), 44–79.
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.
Terry, P. C., Karageorghis, C. I., Curran, M. L., Martin, O. V., & Parsons-Smith, R. L. (2020). Effects of music in exercise and sport: A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 146(2), 91–117.
Additional info:
