XiJaro & Pitch have taken the haunting beauty of "Once" and cranked the energy to 11. Built around those gut-punching vocals about love being a "passing phase", this remix is pure peak-time fire. Expect driving percussion, a breakdown that’ll have the crowd in their feels, and a drop that hits like a freight train. It’s heavy, it’s emotional, and it’s a certified floor-filler. Don’t sleep on this one—get it in your crates now.
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Solarstone & IKO - Once (XiJaro & Pitch Remix)[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]XiJaro & Pitch’s remix of Once is a masterclass in modern uplifting trance production that seamlessly balances raw energy with emotional depth. The remix elevates the haunting original with precise technical craftsmanship, particularly in the rhythm and groove department. The track moves with a relentless drive thanks to crisp, syncopated percussion layered with sidechained basslines, ensuring a powerful low-end presence without muddying the mix. Every beat feels intentional, polished with immaculate transient shaping and stereo imaging that places each element in a defined space. The remix thrives on its harmonic layering. Ethereal pads and cascading arpeggios underpin the soaring vocal of IKO, while lush supersaws swell during the breakdown to create an expansive, cinematic atmosphere. XiJaro & Pitch utilize modal mixture and carefully planned harmonic transitions that resolve in euphoric drops, demonstrating both musicality and an understanding of emotional progression in trance. The melodic hooks are instantly memorable, supported by precise reverb tails and subtle delay effects that fill the spectrum without oversaturating the mix. From a production standpoint, the track is a study in layering and dynamic control. The kick drum cuts through with a tight low-frequency punch, sidechained to bass elements for consistent energy flow. White noise risers, reverse cymbals, and granular effects enhance the build-ups, creating tension before the massive mainstage drops. Filters are automated with expert precision, sweeping frequencies to generate motion and anticipation. The midrange remains uncluttered, leaving room for the vocal to shine, while the stereo field is meticulously managed, with shimmering plucks and pads dancing on the sides. For DJs, this remix is highly functional: its BPM consistency and structured intro/outro sections allow seamless mixing, while dynamic energy shifts provide natural cue points and loop potential. The track’s energy flow and momentum are finely tuned for peak-time festival sets, transitioning smoothly from emotionally resonant breakdowns into explosive drops that guarantee crowd impact. Beyond the dance floor, this kind of uplifting trance has measurable positive effects on mental health and well-being. Research in music psychology shows that high-tempo, emotionally engaging music increases dopamine release and can enhance mood regulation (Menon & Levitin, 2005). The track’s 138 BPM, combined with euphoric melodies, aligns with the optimal heart rate zone for cardio training, making it ideal for fitness and wellness classes (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). Studies also highlight that rhythmic entrainment to music of this tempo improves focus, reduces stress hormones, and encourages flow states during exercise or mindfulness-based movement practices (Thaut et al., 2015). In a club or group fitness setting, the collective emotional resonance of a track like this amplifies social bonding and shared positive experiences. XiJaro & Pitch’s take on Once transforms the already poignant original into a powerful, festival-ready euphoric journey that doubles as a mental health and fitness booster. By combining cutting-edge production with emotionally charged melodic storytelling, this remix not only commands the dancefloor but also enriches listeners’ mental and physical well-being. #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:
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.
Menon, V., & Levitin, D. J. (2005). The rewards of music listening: Response and physiological connectivity of the mesolimbic system. NeuroImage, 28(1), 175-184.
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.
Additional info:
