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Trance Review: David Forbes - Skylines out on Who's Afraid Of 138?! / Armada

 


Soaring high with the unrelenting energy hes known for, David Forbes Skylines is pure 138+ euphoria. Driven by pounding low-end, razor-sharp leads and a lift-off melody that hits with full-force adrenaline, this is peak-time trance engineered for maximum dancefloor elevation. Another weapon in Forbes arsenal, made for the true believers of the Whos Afraid of 138?! sound.





Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]David Forbes - Skylines [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] David Forbes’ Skylines is a masterclass in high-energy trance production, purpose-built for the 138+ BPM faithful. Sitting at a relentless 140 BPM, the track fuses euphoric uplifting trance with tech-trance intensity, offering a seamless hybrid that both captivates and energizes. From a production perspective, Skylines showcases meticulous sound design with its layered supersaws, punchy low-end, and crisp percussion that propels the groove forward. The track’s signature element—a radiant, soaring lead melody—emerges after an ethereal breakdown, punctuated by heavenly female vocals that evoke both nostalgia and exhilaration. The arrangement demonstrates exceptional transitions, drops, and build-ups. Forbes employs a combination of traditional trance layering techniques and modern electronic production workflows, using sidechain compression to maintain clarity in dense sections and careful EQ sculpting to ensure every synth and kick sits perfectly in the mix. The breakdown features lush pads and reverberant effects, creating a spatial and cinematic atmosphere before the acid-driven leads take over, guiding the track toward a more aggressive tech-trance climax. By balancing dynamic range and maintaining loudness consistency, Skylines achieves both intensity and clarity, making it a reliable choice for DJs in high-energy festival or club settings. On a psychological level, tracks like Skylines have been associated with increased dopamine release due to their euphoric melodies and rhythmic entrainment (Salimpoor et al., 2011). The repetitive 4/4 structure and gradual energy escalation align with the principles of auditory-motor synchronization, which research shows can enhance mood and physical performance during fitness or wellness classes (Thaut et al., 2015). The track’s uplifting harmonics and atmospheric pads can promote positive emotional arousal, while its driving rhythms support motivation, endurance, and a flow state during high-intensity workouts (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). Skylines is particularly effective in environments like spin classes, aerobics, or guided meditation sessions focused on movement. The steady tempo of 140 BPM supports cardiovascular exercises by encouraging pulsatile, synchronized movement, while the euphoric breakdowns offer brief moments for mental reset before the next energy surge. From a wellness perspective, the track’s combination of melodic immersion and rhythmic propulsion can contribute to reduced perceived exertion during physical activity, enhancing both performance and overall enjoyment. David Forbes’ Skylines stands as a testament to how high-quality trance music can transcend the dancefloor, benefiting mental and physical wellness while delivering a peak-time club experience. By blending cutting-edge production with emotional resonance, this track not only energizes but also uplifts, supporting both recreational and health-focused applications.#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
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., McIntosh, G. C., & Hoemberg, V. (2015). Neurobiological foundations of neurologic music therapy: rhythmic entrainment and the motor system. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 1185.
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.




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