Trance Review: CIS - I Need It out on A State Of Trance / Armada Music

"I Need It" is the high-octane single from rising phenom CIS, delivering an explosive sonic weapon directly to Armin van Buuren's legendary A State of Trance label. Seamlessly blending old-school acid techno aesthetics with futuristic modern trance elements, the track stands out as a fierce, peak-time anthem. Built around a relentless 303 groove, hypnotic rhythmic loops, and a devastatingly heavy drop, "I Need It" encapsulates the raw energy of underground warehouse culture while commanding the grandeur of the world's largest festival stages. The peak-time weapon quickly captured widespread acclaim, receiving a massive spotlight during his guest mix on ASOT Episode 1230 and heavy rotation on the A State of Trance 2026 compilations.

Behind the project is CIS, an exceptionally talented 21-year-old Dutch DJ and producer who is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about new names in the European electronic sub-genres. Having developed an intense obsession with raw synthesizer design and driving beats during his teenage years, he has successfully carved out a unique lane where hard techno, acid, and high-energy trance collide. His uncompromising studio style quickly caught the attention of electronic music’s elite tier, earning consistent track support from techno titans like Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens, KI/KI, and Patrick Mason.

Before unleashing "I Need It" and his equally devastating follow-up single "Funk" on A State of Trance, CIS built a formidable reputation across highly respected underground labels. His breakthrough came with the acclaimed four-track debut EP 200303 on the Everyone On Acid imprint, followed by hard-hitting club releases on SLASH and collaborative works on Armada Music alongside Ben Gold. Seamlessly bridging the gap between dark techno warehouses and melodic mainstages, CIS has already commanded major festival stages, leaving permanent marks with standout performances at Thuishaven, the official A State of Trance Festival, and elite club spaces like Basis.

Find on Beatport HERE

Dimitris Kechagias Review:

[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]CIS - I Need It [/item]

[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]CIS’s “I Need It” emerges as a masterclass in modern electronic music production, delivering an unrelenting surge of energy that resonates across the spectrum of technical, emotional, and functional criteria. The 145 BPM neo-rave trance track fuses nostalgic hard house vocal elements with driving acid lines and euphoric trance synths, creating a cohesive sonic journey that is as powerful in underground club settings as it is on major festival stages. The rhythm and groove are anchored by a tight, punchy kick and an elastic 303 bassline, providing a hypnotic drive that keeps listeners locked in motion. The seamless layering of harmonic content—spiraling pads, sharp lead stabs, and vocal punctuations—ensures that while the track maintains relentless energy, it never becomes monotonous. Transitions are expertly crafted, with tension-building risers and well-placed percussive fills leading to explosive drops that generate ecstatic crowd reactions. The production quality behind “I Need It” is exemplary. CIS’s commitment to sound design is evident in the meticulous use of analog-inspired acid sequences and modern digital effects, resulting in a mix that balances clarity with raw intensity. The dynamic range is carefully managed, allowing the track to hit with maximum impact without sacrificing detail or space. Spatial effects are deployed with precision, enveloping the listener in an immersive soundstage that enhances the overall atmosphere. Each element—from the thunderous low-end to the crystalline high-frequency effects—serves the narrative flow of the track, reinforcing CIS’s artistic identity as a creator of high-octane sonic experiences that bridge hard techno and trance. Scientifically, tracks with high rhythmic intensity and euphoric harmonic structures have been shown to positively affect mood and mental resilience. Research in the Journal of Positive Psychology and Frontiers in Human Neuroscience indicates that fast-tempo, harmonically rich electronic music can elevate dopamine levels, enhance cardiovascular activity, and synchronize brainwave patterns associated with motivation and reward. “I Need It,” with its propulsive energy and emotionally charged melodic contours, aligns perfectly with these findings, making it an ideal soundtrack for high-intensity workouts, spin classes, and mental wellness sessions aimed at boosting focus and reducing stress. In fitness contexts, this type of fast-paced trance supports sustained energy output and perceived endurance, while in therapeutic or well-being settings, the euphoric builds and releases can evoke cathartic emotional responses and support group cohesion. Ultimately, “I Need It” succeeds not only as a technical and artistic triumph but also as a functional tool for enhancing human performance and emotional well-being. Its combination of intricate sound design, flawless structural flow, and visceral energy ensures high replay value and universal dancefloor suitability. CIS proves with this release that he is not just a new talent but a transformative force in shaping the intersection of electronic music and human experience. #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:
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.
Salimpoor, V. N., Benovoy, M., Larcher, K., Dagher, A., & Zatorre, R. J. (2011). Anatomically distinct dopamine release during anticipation and experience of peak emotion to music. Nature Neuroscience, 14(2), 257-262.
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.