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Trance Review: C-Systems & Hanna Finsen - Feel Alive out on Amsterdam Trance Records

 


C-Systems and Hanna Finsen return with their second slice of heaven on Amsterdam Trance Records, 'Feel Alive'. Another flawless production matched only by Hanna's timeless vocal, this trio have really hit their stride and we love everything about it.

Enjoy and PLAY LOUD!




LYRICS:
Hold me now
I need your help to stay strong
I’ve been walking on the sidewalk
to make me feel alive.
Holding on
I’m flying where the wind blows.
I barely know how faith goes
and how I do forgive

Oh can’t you see
It’s the same kind of me.
With the life I had in mind
where I can feel alive

So tell me please
what’s the reason to forgive
Is it only in my mind
So I can still be free

Moving on
The time will heal they say so
I am searching for the right goal
I hope you do forgive
I’m sorry for that I’ve being so cold
That’s something I’ve been told
It’s how I do survive

Oh can’t you see
It’s the same kind of me
With the life I had in mind
So I can feel alive

So tell me please
what’s the reason to forgive
Is it only in my mind
So I can still be free


Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"] C-Systems & Hanna Finsen - Feel Alive[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]C-Systems and Hanna Finsen’s “Feel Alive” on Amsterdam Trance Records stands as a pinnacle of modern melodic trance craftsmanship, demonstrating an impeccable balance of technical precision and emotional resonance. At 130 BPM, the track immediately captures listeners with its steady rhythmic drive and seamless groove, powered by crystal-clear kicks, pulsating basslines, and finely layered percussion that maintain an energetic momentum suitable for club and festival settings. Every rhythmic element is carefully synchronized, offering perfect BPM consistency and effortless integration into DJ sets, enhancing its utility through reliable cue points and loop potential. The melodic structure of “Feel Alive” showcases a sophisticated use of harmonic layering, with euphoric synths and lush piano chords that intertwine to create a fully immersive sonic landscape. The cinematic breakdown serves as a masterclass in tension and release, gradually building toward a cathartic drop that merges emotional uplift with peak-time energy. Transitions are executed with surgical precision, employing reverb tails, rising effects, and spatial modulations to create seamless build-ups and drops that feel both natural and exhilarating. The original arrangement maintains a strong artistic identity, balancing creativity with accessibility, and its cohesion tells a story that is both emotionally moving and structurally satisfying. From a production standpoint, the track exemplifies exceptional sound design and mixing. High-frequency elements like hi-hats and vocal air are polished yet never harsh, while the sub-bass and midrange layers maintain clarity and power without competing for space. The dynamic range is carefully managed, ensuring the track is loud enough for modern playback systems while retaining the depth and nuance needed for high-fidelity listening. Spatial effects are deployed thoughtfully, creating an immersive 3D soundstage that envelopes the listener, enhancing both its dance floor impact and headphone experience. Hanna Finsen’s vocal performance elevates “Feel Alive” into a transcendent experience, carrying lyrical content that resonates deeply with feelings of renewal, hope, and emotional liberation. Scientific research has shown that music with positive lyrical themes and uplifting harmonic progressions can trigger the brain’s dopamine release and reduce cortisol levels, contributing to improved mental health and emotional well-being (Chanda & Levitin, 2013). Furthermore, the track’s steady BPM and energetic yet non-aggressive sonic profile make it particularly suited to wellness and fitness settings, as studies on music and exercise indicate that rhythmic, uplifting tracks enhance endurance, coordination, and mood (Terry et al., 2020). Its euphoric qualities can also support mindfulness and flow states in activities like yoga or meditation, where emotional resonance and immersive soundscapes are essential. Overall, “Feel Alive” achieves the rare feat of being technically flawless, emotionally stirring, and universally appealing across contexts—equally at home in peak-hour festival sets and therapeutic wellness sessions. Its perfect scores across rhythm, melodic development, energy flow, and production design speak to the meticulous craftsmanship of C-Systems and the powerful artistry of Hanna Finsen. With its high replay value, storytelling cohesion, and proven potential to elevate both the dance floor and the human spirit, “Feel Alive” is a model of contemporary trance excellence. #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.
Terry, P. C., Karageorghis, C. I., Curran, M. L., Martin, O. V., & Parsons-Smith, R. L. (2020). Effects of music in exercise and sport: A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 146(2), 91–117.
Juslin, P. N., & Sloboda, J. A. (Eds.). (2010). Handbook of Music and Emotion: Theory, Research, Applications. Oxford University Press.




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