Ben Gold’s explosive three-track collaboration EP ‘Really Needed U Here’ delivers driving, high-octane trance from start to finish, with features from rising stars CIS, Trancemaster Krause and JOKESONYOU. Backed by early support throughout the EP from the likes of KI/KI, Pegassi & many more, the final track ‘Still Here’, featured on BBC Radio 1's Essential Mix, lands and is built for peak-time moments and pure release.
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Ben Gold - Really Needed U Here EP [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Ben Gold’s Really Needed U Here EP demonstrates a masterclass in modern euphoric hard trance production, delivering an experience that is as technically proficient as it is emotionally compelling. The final track, Still Here featuring JOKESONYOU, immediately immerses the listener in a wave of rhythmic intensity and sonic clarity. The 150 BPM framework drives a relentlessly energetic momentum, with grooves that feel both organically flowing and meticulously engineered. From precise kick and bass alignment to layered percussive patterns, every rhythmic element sustains the track’s propulsion, making it perfectly suited for high-energy club or festival settings. Melodic architecture forms the emotional backbone of the EP. The euphoric synth progressions echo the early 2000s trance era while integrating modern harmonic layering for increased depth. High-frequency leads interweave with lush pads and arpeggiated sequences, creating a sonic tapestry that is not only engaging but also immersive when experienced in headphones or on large sound systems. The melodic hooks are memorable without becoming repetitive, enhancing the track’s replay value and its potential to evoke strong emotional resonance. The transitions and drops are executed with precision, using tension-and-release techniques that captivate both live audiences and home listeners, while the build-ups are crafted to sustain anticipation without overwhelming the mix. From a production standpoint, the track excels in sound design, spatial imaging, and dynamic range. Metallic kicks and pounding drums are balanced by sub-bass foundations that retain clarity even under high loudness levels, ensuring cohesion across the frequency spectrum. Creative use of reverb, delay, and stereo modulation enhances spatial depth, while subtle filtering and pitch automations maintain forward motion. The arrangement maintains originality through evolving motifs and refrains, avoiding formulaic repetition and delivering a performance that feels intentional and narratively cohesive. This careful attention to dynamics and spatial design also makes the track highly adaptable for DJ mixing, with intros, outros, and cue points designed for seamless set integration. The psychological and physical effects of Still Here align with growing research on music and well-being. Studies have shown that high-BPM, harmonically rich tracks can enhance cardiovascular endurance and improve mood during fitness activities and wellness classes. Rhythmic synchrony with 150 BPM music can stimulate motor cortex activity and aid in rhythmic movement coordination, which is particularly beneficial for aerobic exercise and dance-based workouts (Thaut et al., 2015). Moreover, euphoric and harmonically uplifting music has been linked to increased dopamine release and reduced stress markers, supporting mental health benefits and promoting emotional resilience (Chanda & Levitin, 2013). In guided wellness sessions, this type of music fosters both individual focus and collective energy, enhancing the overall therapeutic experience. By fusing technical excellence with emotional depth and functional utility, Ben Gold’s Really Needed U Here EP achieves not only a perfect score across all evaluative criteria but also exemplifies the transformative power of music on mind and body. #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, 6, 1185.
Karageorghis, C. I., & Priest, D. L. (2012). Music in the exercise domain: a review and synthesis (Part II). International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(1), 67–84.
