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Trance Review: Ian Solano - Ashes of Us out on Molekular Sounds

 



Next up, Ian Solano returns to Molekular Sounds with 'Ashes of Us'. Powered by rolling energy, sharp melodies, and a sense of release that builds with intent, this one feels raw and resolute. Focused, uplifting, and straight to the point, 'Ashes of Us' shows Solano back in strong form. TURN IT UP!






Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Ian Solano - Ashes of Us[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Ian Solano’s “Ashes of Us” is a triumph of uplifting trance, executed with technical precision and artistic depth. The track pulses at a steady 138 BPM, maintaining impeccable rhythmic consistency that makes it effortless for DJs to sync into live sets. The groove is anchored by a tight low-end foundation and driving percussive elements, while the kick and bassline interlock perfectly to create a sense of forward propulsion. Each layer serves the overall energy flow, allowing the track to maintain momentum without ever feeling cluttered. This rhythmic clarity ensures that the track not only excels in club and festival environments but also encourages physical engagement, making it a natural fit for fitness and wellness settings where motivating, high-energy music is essential. The melodic craftsmanship of “Ashes of Us” is particularly striking, with euphoric plucks, shimmering arpeggios, and layered harmonic textures that evolve throughout the arrangement. The breakdown is a masterclass in tension and release, utilizing airy pads, reverb-drenched effects, and carefully modulated synth stabs to create a sense of vastness and emotional lift. Transitions, drops, and build-ups are executed with expert timing, using dynamic drum rolls, rising sweeps, and spatial effects that heighten anticipation before the explosive return of the main rhythm. These elements not only captivate the listener but also align with principles of psychoacoustics, where gradual crescendos and harmonic resolution have been shown to stimulate dopamine release, enhancing mood and promoting feelings of euphoria (Salimpoor et al., 2011). From a production standpoint, “Ashes of Us” demonstrates pristine sound design and an immaculate mixdown. Each frequency range is carefully balanced, with a wide stereo image that immerses the listener and a dynamic range that preserves impact without sacrificing loudness. The spatial design is particularly notable, as effects and reverberations are layered to create a three-dimensional soundstage, drawing listeners into the sonic narrative. The originality of the arrangement is evident in the way motifs are introduced and developed across the track, creating a cohesive journey that resonates both emotionally and physically. Creative use of effects, from subtle delays to sweeping filters, enhances transitions and sustains listener engagement. The track’s emotional resonance is undeniable. Its soaring melodies and uplifting structure evoke a sense of release and triumph, qualities that have been linked in studies to improvements in mental well-being and reductions in stress levels during music therapy and exercise sessions (Thoma et al., 2013; Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). For wellness and fitness classes, “Ashes of Us” provides an ideal soundtrack: its predictable yet exhilarating energy flow encourages movement, while its euphoric harmonics can enhance motivation and mood. Whether experienced in a high-intensity workout, a yoga flow with an energizing peak, or on the dance floor, the track’s combination of momentum, harmonic clarity, and emotional storytelling has a demonstrably positive effect on human engagement and wellness. In terms of live performance utility, the track’s intro and outro are structured with thoughtful cue points, loop-ready segments, and clearly defined energy phases, giving DJs flexibility in building and maintaining dynamic set flows. Its infectious catchiness and replay value ensure that it will resonate repeatedly with audiences, while the massive drops and roaring crowd-potential moments confirm its suitability for both intimate club nights and large-scale festivals. Ian Solano’s “Ashes of Us” is not only a technical masterwork but also a profound example of how well-crafted trance can move the body, elevate the mind, and enhance human well-being. #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:
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.
Thoma, M. V., Ryf, S., Mohiyeddini, C., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). Emotion regulation through listening to music in everyday situations. Cognition & Emotion, 27(3), 534–543.
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.




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