Ric Scott and Alex Hush, known as Daybreakers, return to ZYX Trance with a masterful collaboration alongside the celebrated vocalist Roberta Harrison, following their previous success It Could Be True. Their new release, Complicated, is a 140 BPM uplifting trance gem that perfectly captures the essence of euphoric, hands in the air energy for DJs looking to elevate their sets.
From a production standpoint, Complicated is a showcase of polished craftsmanship. The track opens with crisp tribal percussions layered over a driving low end foundation, where pulsating basslines lock in with thumping, tight kicks to create immediate dancefloor momentum. The arrangement strategically utilizes sidechain compression and subtle filter sweeps, allowing a seamless build of tension without overwhelming the mix. As the track progresses, the first breakdown strips away the rhythm to spotlight Roberta Harrison’s hauntingly beautiful vocal delivery, processed with lush reverb and delay tails that create a wide stereo field and an emotional, otherworldly atmosphere.
The melodic structure is a nod to late 90s and early 2000s trance, yet modernized through pristine sound design. Layered supersaw leads, shimmering pads, and bright plucks intertwine to form a euphoric hook, each element carefully EQ’d to maintain clarity even at peak energy levels. The drop after the breakdown is a pure hands in the air moment, where the synth leads soar above the rhythmic elements, driving the track toward its explosive climax.
The final breakdown allows Roberta’s vocal to take center stage once again, gradually reintroducing the layers and filtering in the massive lead synths for a concluding peak that is both nostalgic and forward thinking. This careful structuring, combined with impeccable mixing and mastering, makes Complicated a powerful and versatile choice for uplifting trance DJs seeking an emotional yet high impact track to energize their sets.
Daybreakers and Roberta Harrison have delivered a production that bridges the golden era of trance with modern festival energy, making Complicated a must have for any uplifting trance arsenal.
Lyrics:
tell me everything will be okay
feed me more lies
all of your lies
I can’t find the words you need to say
tell me there’s time to look away
it can’t be that complicated
invisible and hated
it can’t be that complicated
tearing both sides down
it can’t be that complicated
lost and overrated
it can’t be that complicated
all the time we wasted chasing right
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Daybreakers & Roberta Harrison - Complicated[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Daybreakers & Roberta Harrison’s “Complicated” stands as a masterclass in contemporary uplifting trance, combining expert production techniques with an emotionally resonant sonic journey. From the first moments, the track establishes its kinetic energy through tight tribal percussion, punchy kicks, and a driving 140 BPM bassline that immediately engages the listener. The rhythmic precision and groove set a firm foundation for momentum, ensuring the track maintains dynamic energy throughout. Layered melodic hooks and harmonies unfold with luminous supersaws, shimmering pads, and sparkling plucks, creating a rich harmonic tapestry that sustains the euphoric mood while offering impeccable clarity in the mix. Each element is given room to breathe, demonstrating an impressive sense of balance in the dynamic range and loudness management. The transitions and build-ups are executed with surgical precision, lending to an effortless flow between sections. The breakdown is especially impactful: Roberta Harrison’s haunting vocal performance, enhanced with reverb and delay, expands into an immersive spatial design that envelops the listener. The meticulous use of effects subtly guides attention across the stereo field, heightening tension before releasing into an explosive drop. This design ensures the energy flow and atmosphere are immersive and meticulously controlled, maximizing crowd reaction potential in both club and festival environments. The drop’s soaring leads and rhythmic drive reinforce the track’s originality, seamlessly blending nostalgia-tinged trance elements with a polished, modern character that reflects the duo’s artistic identity. Beyond technical prowess, “Complicated” has profound implications for mental health and wellness applications. Scientific studies indicate that fast-tempo, euphoric music can elevate mood, trigger dopamine release, and enhance focus during physical activity (Thoma et al., 2013; Schäfer et al., 2013). The track’s uplifting harmonies and emotionally charged vocals resonate with psychological models of music-induced emotional regulation, making it a valuable addition to fitness and wellness class playlists. Its structured energy peaks and serene breakdowns support both motivational bursts and moments of introspective calm, aligning with research that links trance music to flow states and reduced stress (Labbé et al., 2007). The exceptionally high replay value, cohesive storytelling, and precise cue points further elevate its utility for DJs seeking seamless integration into set flows. In sum, “Complicated” is more than a festival weapon—it is a finely crafted, emotionally potent composition with demonstrable positive effects on human emotion and energy. Its combination of perfect BPM consistency, loop-friendly structure, and crowd-pleasing arrangement ensures it will remain a staple in both performance and personal wellness soundscapes. #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:
Labbé, E., Schmidt, N., Babin, J., & Pharr, M. (2007). Coping with stress: The effectiveness of different types of music. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 32(3), 163–168.
Schäfer, T., Sedlmeier, P., Städtler, C., & Huron, D. (2013). The psychological functions of music listening. Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 511.
Thoma, M. V., Ryf, S., Mohiyeddini, C., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). Emotion regulation through listening to music in everyday situations. Cognition and Emotion, 27(3), 534–543.
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