02:32:00
A+ A-

Trance Review: Solarstone & Susie Ledge - Haunt Me out on Black Hole Recordings

 



Bold prediction perhaps, but we’ll say it anyway: ‘Haunt Me’s a one-and-done — the kind of record that locks you in on first listen and plays on loop in the mind, long after the speakers have gone quiet.

In that instant catch, there’s a certain irony too, as, for the first time in his career, Solarstone delivers back-to-back single releases featuring the same vocalist. After December’s ‘star’ (drawn from his 2025 ‘innermost’ sessions), it’s clear, with Susie Ledge, that he knew he was onto something special.

She picks the mic back up for ‘Haunt Me’ — and true to its title … she absolutely will.

Ledge’s song explores the lingering imprint of love on memory, where physical distance is eclipsed by a closeness felt only in the mind. Through echoic metaphor, her words capture the intensity of absence —a lingering meditation on connections that endure beyond separation.

Setting her contemplations to melody, Solarstone answers it with a production that’s compelling but disciplined. The energy’s all there: striking, striving percussion and purposeful bass — yet his riffs are measured, never overreaching, and allow Susie’s voice to lead his synths. It walks the line between understatement and ascendance, keeping the energy high while the feels stay front and centre.

A track built not on spectacle, but on substance, with ‘Haunt Me’, Rich and Susie prove that subtlety can still move dancefloor mountains. You can Buy/Stream HERE

Tracklist
01. Solarstone & Susie Ledge – Haunt Me (Original Mix)
02. Solarstone & Susie Ledge – Haunt Me (Extended Mix)




Dimitris Kechagias Review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Solarstone & Susie Ledge - Haunt Me [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Solarstone & Susie Ledge’s “Haunt Me” emerges as a masterclass in modern euphoric vocal trance, blending technical precision with emotional resonance. From the very first beat, the rhythm and groove establish a pulsating drive at 136 BPM, designed to engage listeners both on the dancefloor and in personal listening environments. The track’s groove foundation, reinforced by clean kick-bass alignment, provides a perfect vehicle for movement, making it conducive for fitness and wellness classes where rhythmic consistency enhances physiological synchronization, as supported by studies on music tempo and exercise performance (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). The layering of melodic hooks and harmonic structures demonstrates meticulous attention to harmonic balance, with Solarstone’s synth lines weaving around Susie Ledge’s vocal timbre in a way that builds immersion without overwhelming the central melody. Transitions, drops, and build-ups are handled with an elegance that reflects Solarstone’s years of production expertise. Subtle risers, carefully modulated filter sweeps, and restrained use of reverse reverbs create a natural flow between phrases, ensuring that the track maintains a seamless energy curve. This dynamic energy flow is crucial for both club and wellness environments, as research by Thaut et al. (2015) highlights how consistent musical momentum can positively influence mental focus and reduce perceived exertion during physical activity. The production quality is pristine, with remarkable attention to sound design and spatial imaging. Delicate delays on the vocal, balanced reverb tails, and stereo-panned arpeggios contribute to an immersive soundstage that enhances the track’s meditative qualities. Originality in arrangement is evident through the track’s subtle interplay between minimalistic breakdowns and euphoric peaks. Each section supports the overarching narrative of emotional longing, and the effects and spatial design create a sensation of depth and lingering presence, supporting the lyrical theme of haunting memories. Dynamic range and loudness balance are expertly managed; the track avoids the pitfalls of over-compression, allowing emotional swells to breathe fully while maintaining club-ready loudness. This balance reinforces the atmosphere and immersion, encouraging a deep psychological response, which aligns with research showing that immersive auditory experiences can lower stress levels and boost mood (Garcia-Gil et al., 2021). The emotional resonance of “Haunt Me” lies primarily in the synergy between Susie Ledge’s ethereal vocal performance and Solarstone’s disciplined instrumentation. Her lyrical delivery, filled with reflective imagery, connects with listeners on a neuroemotional level, activating regions of the brain associated with memory and emotional processing (Koelsch, 2014). In fitness and wellness class settings, such music has been shown to enhance endurance and foster a sense of flow state, further improving mental well-being. The track’s cohesion and storytelling are exemplary, guiding the listener through a journey that feels both intimate and expansive. Catchiness and replay value are ensured through melodic recall and consistent thematic unity, while its intro and outro structures, BPM stability, and seamless looping potential make it a DJ-friendly tool for both live and studio contexts. “Haunt Me” stands as a testament to how trance music can merge technical excellence with profound emotional impact, elevating mental health and enhancing wellness when experienced mindfully. Its crowd reaction potential is significant, yet its therapeutic and meditative qualities make it equally powerful in non-club scenarios. The combination of artistic identity, high production values, and humanistic resonance solidifies this track as a modern classic in the genre. #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:
Karageorghis, C. I., & Priest, D. L. (2012). Music in the exercise domain: a review and synthesis. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(1), 67–84.
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.
Garcia-Gil, M., Llinares, C., & Montagud, M. (2021). Effects of soundscapes on human well-being: A narrative review. Applied Sciences, 11(9), 4257.
Koelsch, S. (2014). Brain correlates of music-evoked emotions. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 15(3), 170–180.






Additional info: