UK-based melodic and Afro house producer Haska returns with his new single Toro. An emotive Afro house record, the track is driven by rich rhythms and powerful gospel-style vocals that add depth and soul. Best known for his breakout rework of Salif Keita’s Madan, which has amassed over 15 million streams, Haska continues to showcase his signature blend of Latin, Afro and house influences with Toro.
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Haska feat. Soul Star - Toro [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Haska feat. Soul Star – Toro is a luminous example of Afro house craftsmanship that captivates both the ear and the body. The track’s 122 BPM framework is meticulously engineered to balance steady dance floor drive with emotional resonance. The rhythmic foundation leans on layered tribal percussion, congas, and crisp hi-hats that interlock seamlessly to create a hypnotic groove. This rhythmic architecture guides the listener through a flow that is simultaneously meditative and invigorating, positioning the track as ideal for both club sets and wellness sessions such as yoga or fitness dance classes. Scientific research demonstrates that music with repetitive rhythmic structures in the 120–130 BPM range can enhance motor coordination and improve mood regulation by engaging the brain’s reward and movement networks (Thaut et al., 2015). The melodic content of Toro is equally compelling. Haska’s signature blend of sun-soaked harmonic layers and lyrical Afro-inspired hooks provides a rich tapestry of sound where Soul Star’s gospel-inflected vocals soar with clarity and warmth. Cinematic strings and subtle synth pads underpin the vocal performance, giving the track a sense of spacious grandeur. This attention to harmonic balance and layered sound design reflects high-level production techniques, with each element occupying a precise frequency range and dynamic space. Psychoacoustic studies have shown that harmonically rich music with smooth layering can reduce stress hormones and promote emotional well-being (Chanda & Levitin, 2013), making tracks like Toro powerful tools for mental health and mindfulness practices. The track’s structural flow showcases masterful transitions, drops, and build-ups, which are engineered for maximum emotional impact. The use of subtle filtering, reverb tails, and stereo imaging creates a spatial design that envelops the listener, enhancing immersion. Dynamic range is carefully preserved, ensuring that drops hit with clarity without causing listener fatigue. This level of production detail not only supports club and festival performance but also strengthens its suitability for guided movement, meditation, or high-energy fitness classes. Furthermore, the track’s pacing and energy momentum allow for easy cueing, looping, and integration into a DJ set, promoting continuous flow and audience engagement. Toro’s originality lies in its seamless fusion of Latin and Afro influences with contemporary melodic house aesthetics. Its arrangement tells a cohesive sonic story, moving from introspective passages to euphoric peaks, while the vocal performance provides a unifying emotional throughline. Studies on music and exercise have indicated that tracks with strong rhythmic and melodic cues increase endurance, perceived enjoyment, and adherence to fitness regimes (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). The positive crowd reaction potential of Toro is therefore not limited to dance floors; its capacity to uplift mood and energize physical activity underscores its broad impact on human wellness. #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
Chanda, M. L., & Levitin, D. J. (2013). The neurochemistry of music. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(4), 179–193.
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.
Additional info:
