Nitrous Oxide returns to Anjunabeats with 'Stardust', out now.
Nitrous Oxide is Krzysztof Prętkiewicz from Poland, a prolific producer who has created some of our label’s most memorable big room tracks. An essential part of the Anjunabeats sound during the late 00s, tracks like “Aurora”, “Downforce” and “Show Me” were staples in our radio show and live sets. His last release on Anjunabeats, 'The Center', featured on the Anjunabeats Worldwide 11 compilation mixed by Alex Sonata & TheRio.
It's been a busy year for Nitrous Oxide, with shows at Luminosity Beach Festival, Stogi Beach Party, We Love Trance Open Air and Freedom Parade in Łódź, as well as the release of his album 'Drive'. Earlier this month, he also opened for Above & Beyond at B90 in Gdańsk on the trio's ongoing 'Bigger Than All Of Us' album tour.
Buy/Stream: https://anjunabeats.ffm.to/b2z9k13.oyd
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Nitrous Oxide - Stardust [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Nitrous Oxide’s Stardust is a masterclass in modern uplifting trance production, skillfully blending classic elements with polished contemporary techniques. Operating at 138 BPM, this track adheres to the structural hallmarks of the genre, showcasing clean and precise sound design. Its foundation is built upon a powerful low-end with an energetic, pulsating bassline that locks tightly with thumping kicks, providing the rhythmic drive necessary to keep both club and festival audiences engaged. Metallic percussion layers and carefully programmed hi-hat patterns add crispness to the upper frequencies, while the long atmospheric breakdown introduces lush pads, gated voices, and heartfelt synths. The euphoric stabs during the climax are harmonically layered to create a wide, immersive stereo field that reflects meticulous spatial design. From a production standpoint, Stardust demonstrates expert use of dynamic range and loudness balance. The mix maintains clarity across the spectrum, with no element overpowering another. Transitions are fluid, supported by subtle risers, white noise sweeps, and filter automation that guide the listener seamlessly through build-ups and drops. The minimal yet impactful arrangement employs a “less is more” philosophy, leaving space for each element to breathe. This approach not only enhances the track’s cohesion and storytelling but also makes it highly adaptable for DJs, with clear cue points, loop potential, and stable BPM consistency for effortless syncing. Beyond its technical excellence, Stardust has profound positive effects on wellness and mental health. Scientific research indicates that electronic dance music, particularly uplifting trance, can stimulate dopamine release and improve mood regulation (Salimpoor et al., 2011). The combination of steady rhythmic patterns and euphoric harmonic progressions has been linked to reduced stress levels and enhanced focus during physical activities such as fitness or wellness classes (Thoma et al., 2013). Furthermore, repetitive beat structures can promote entrainment—a synchronization of neural oscillations to rhythmic stimuli—which supports flow states and meditative experiences (Nozaradan et al., 2012). For group exercise or yoga sessions, Stardust’s driving energy and emotional resonance can elevate motivation, foster social bonding, and contribute to overall mental well-being. In conclusion, Nitrous Oxide’s Stardust is not only a technically flawless trance production but also a track that resonates on a psychological and physiological level. Its perfect balance of rhythmic drive, melodic euphoria, and immersive soundscapes makes it a valuable addition for DJs, wellness practitioners, and listeners seeking both energetic and restorative auditory experiences. #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]
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 and Emotion, 27(3), 534–543.
Nozaradan, S., Peretz, I., & Mouraux, A. (2012). Selective neuronal entrainment to the beat and meter embedded in a musical rhythm. Journal of Neuroscience, 32(49), 17572–17581.
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