Yanada Recordings continues its journey with a brand-new double A side from Luke Terry. Into the Sun and Horizon Protocol showcase two distinct yet complementary shades of trance, reaffirming the label's dedication to timeless melodies and forward-thinking club energy. Into the Sun. Luke Terry delivers a chunky, uplifting club stormer built around a hypnotic lead. With driving percussion and radiant energy, this track is engineered for peak-time moments, channeling the euphoric spirit of trance while keeping its sound fresh and contemporary. Horizon Protocol. On the flip, Horizon Protocol takes a more haunting, melodic path. A classically infused arrangement unfolds with elegance, weaving emotive harmonies into a trance framework that feels both cinematic and deeply moving.
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[item value="10"]Luke Terry - Into the Sun / Horizon Protocol[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Luke Terry’s double A-side release “Into the Sun / Horizon Protocol” on Yanada Recordings demonstrates a masterclass in trance production, delivering an experience that is as technically polished as it is emotionally resonant. “Into the Sun,” clocking in at 137 BPM, immediately sets a vibrant tone with its driving percussion, smooth rhythmic programming, and perfectly balanced groove. The kick and bass relationship is clean and tight, anchoring the track while allowing the upper melodic layers to breathe, which is essential for maintaining momentum in a progressive club environment. “Horizon Protocol,” at 135 BPM, contrasts this high-octane energy with a cinematic and emotive approach, leaning into haunting melodies and harmonic layering that evoke a sense of introspection and serenity. The melodic architecture of both tracks is exceptional. Luke Terry carefully weaves harmonic layers, using finely tuned synth patches that interlock to create a compelling sonic tapestry. The transitions are flawlessly executed, with well-crafted build-ups and drops that avoid predictability yet offer the euphoric payoffs trance enthusiasts crave. These seamless transitions are supported by nuanced use of effects and spatial design, including reverb swells, subtle delays, and panning automation, which create a three-dimensional listening experience and enhance the immersive quality of the music. From a production standpoint, the sound design and dynamic range reflect meticulous attention to detail. Each element occupies its own frequency space, with an impressive loudness balance that retains punch and clarity without sacrificing headroom. The tracks maintain consistent BPMs and smooth cue points, making them highly DJ-friendly while supporting dynamic set flow. The storytelling within the arrangements is clear, with intros and outros that facilitate effortless mixing, and drops that are powerful yet organically integrated. The originality of the structure—particularly the way “Horizon Protocol” builds emotional depth through gradual harmonic tension—demonstrates artistic identity and creativity at its core. Beyond the technicalities, the release has profound positive effects on mental health and wellness. Scientific research has shown that rhythmic entrainment through music can reduce stress and promote endorphin release, supporting improved mood and focus (Thoma et al., 2013; Levitin, 2006). The euphoric melodies and steady trance rhythms of “Into the Sun” are particularly suited for fitness and wellness classes, as they enhance motivation and support flow states during cardiovascular or yoga sessions (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). Meanwhile, the atmospheric and emotionally resonant tones of “Horizon Protocol” encourage relaxation and emotional release, which are beneficial in mindfulness and stress-reduction programs. The tracks’ ability to stimulate positive emotional responses aligns with cognitive neuroscience studies demonstrating that music with strong melodic engagement and rhythmic predictability can activate the brain’s reward system and improve overall psychological well-being (Zatorre & Salimpoor, 2013). #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]
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Suggested Bibliography:
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.
Levitin, D. J. (2006). This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession. Dutton.
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.
Zatorre, R. J., & Salimpoor, V. N. (2013). From perception to pleasure: Music and its neural substrates. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(Supplement 2), 10430–10437.
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