Guiding Lights gets an exciting melodic-tech remix treatment mix by AL-Faris & Andrew Wooden, a brilliant reimagination of the original track. With infectious progressive beats, deep basslines, and an absorbing sonic arrangement, the AL-Faris & Andrew Wooden Mix takes Guiding Lights to new heights. Seamlessly merging intricate layers of sound, he creates an atmosphere that captivates the senses. AL-Faris & Andrew Wooden, a well-known producer team since the early 90s, has had their releases and remixes on labels such as Harthouse, WePlay, Eye Q, Strictly Rhythm, Primate, Stigmata, Drizzly Eclipse, UPB, Trax Chicago, CLR, TommyBoy and many more.
The thought for the lyrics was that there’s a lot of silent suffering like depression and hardship in people, but with a hope that you don’t have to walk alone or suffer alone. The track Guiding Lights started out in the cold January last year with the working title Indian Summer. It was probably the longing for summer to com e back as the winters can be rough up here in Norway. Abbey made some nice contributions to the track as we were working back and forth on several other tracks with him at that time. We had wanted to work with Amin ever since we heard Lonely Soul and we finally decided to contact him. The result is a wonderful cooperation and the track Guiding Lights.
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]The latest remix of "Guiding Lights" by AL-Faris & Andrew Wooden is nothing short of a sonic masterpiece, redefining the original track through an intricate melodic-tech lens. This reimagination showcases their refined production skills, blending infectious progressive beats and deep basslines with an absorbing sonic architecture that elevates the track to unprecedented heights. Technically, the remix thrives on a meticulously crafted 128 BPM backbone, characteristic of progressive house. The basslines are profoundly rich, layered with precision to create a deep, resonant foundation that drives the track’s intensity. Complementing this are the techy kicks—punchy, clean, and calibrated to deliver maximum impact without overpowering the melodic elements. The thumping tribal drums inject a rhythmic vibrancy, adding complexity through polyrhythmic patterns that keep the energy dynamic and engaging. The production values here are stellar. AL-Faris & Andrew Wooden have employed advanced sound design techniques, including the seamless merging of intricate layers using high-quality synthesis and modulation. The hypnotic, dark mood is achieved through atmospheric pads, reverb-drenched synth swells, and subtle automation that adds movement and depth. The vocals, mesmerizing and ethereal, are processed with precision—utilizing reverb, delay, and subtle pitch modulation to enhance their emotional resonance without overshadowing the instrumental components. From a DJ's perspective, this remix is highly versatile. Its progressive trance and melodic house elements make it an ideal addition to sets aiming to build emotional peaks and hypnotic valleys. The track’s structure facilitates smooth transitions, with breakdowns and build-ups that are both dramatic and controlled, allowing DJs to manipulate energy levels adeptly. The nostalgic touch embedded within its melodic framework recalls infectious late '90s anthems, adding a timeless quality that resonates with diverse audiences. Overall, "Guiding Lights" in its AL-Faris & Andrew Wooden Mix incarnation is a prime example of how technical prowess, creative arrangement, and emotional depth can coalesce into a track that is both dancefloor-ready and sonically profound. #PureGold indeed. Love IT [/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item] [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item] [item value="10"] Melody [/item] [item value="10"] Synths [/item] [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item] [item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item] [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item] [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item] [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item] [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item] [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item] [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item] [item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item] [item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item] [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item] [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item] [/review]
The thought for the lyrics was that there’s a lot of silent suffering like depression and hardship in people, but with a hope that you don’t have to walk alone or suffer alone. “Guiding Lights” is wonderful melodic vocal trance anthem that stings to the core.
The track “Guiding Lights” started out in the cold January last year with the working title ‘Indian Summer’. It was probably the longing for summer to come back as the winters can be rough up here in Norway. Abbey made some nice contributions to the track as we were working back and forth on several other tracks with him at that time. We had wanted to work with Amin ever since we heard “Lonely Soul” and we finally decided to contact him. The result is a wonderful cooperation and the track “Guiding Lights”.
Amin Salmee
Driven by an endless passion for music, Amin Salmee comes from being a lead singer of a band to an unmistakable voice of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene in Asia, today. The aspiring singer-songwriter, hailed from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marks his name in the industry with tracks signed by both local and international labels such as Warner Music Malaysia, Reaching Altitude, Suanda Music and inHarmony Music, Armada Music.
Fusing various styles and mixing influences together with his diverse repertoire of songs, Amin Salmee has instantly become one of the most sought-after live vocalists in the scene. His music has been aired not only on national radio stations but also in other radio shows across the globe alongside supports from top DJs in the world like Armin van Buuren, Andrew Rayel, MaRLo, Ruben de Ronde, Bobina, Avao, Roman Messer and many more. Following his recording success, he has been headlining one of Asia’s biggest dance festivals, NEON Countdown within these past few years on top of opening for international acts such as Zedd, KSHMR, W&W, Maurice West and Dimatik. With a lot of new collaborations with top DJs and producers on deck, Amin Salmee is someone worth looking out for. Expect more to come from this fresh emerging talent as we are likely to see him ascend beyond the top tier of the music industry.
Northern Project
is a Norwegian producer-duo with Lars Hansem and Finn Kverno The two met back when Trance was at its peak in the early 2000’s and quickly found a common passion for making music. After a long break from 2008 they decided to start back up again in 2019 and has been producing ever since, with a passion to share their own unique sound and ideas. With support from Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, AL-Faris, Sven Kuhlmann, Aly & Fila, Daniel Wanrooy, Johan Gielen, Hel:Sløwed, Eugenio Tokarev, Dim3nsion, Tritonal, Suzy Solar, amongst others, it's safe to say that Northern Project is an act to look out for in the near future.
Abbey8k
is a rising electronic artist known for his chill, laid-back vibes and emotional feel. Blending smooth beats with dreamy melodies, he creates music that transports listeners to a relaxed, introspective space. Perfect for unwinding and finding calm in the chaos of everyday life.
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Drizzly Eclipse has once again captivated the trance community with "Guiding Lights," a standout collaboration featuring the talents of Northern Project, Abbey8k, and Amin Salmee on vocal duties. This 128 BPM proglifting trancer is not just a track; it's an immersive auditory journey that showcases meticulous production techniques and sophisticated sound design. At its core, "Guiding Lights" is anchored by pulsating basslines that provide a dynamic yet stable foundation. The bass is crafted with layered sub-frequencies and mid-bass elements, creating a rich, driving groove that complements the track's progressive nature. Bubble grooves interlace with the bassline, adding rhythmic complexity and fluidity, achieved through sidechain compression techniques that allow the kick to punch through cleanly. The drum programming features chunky kicks with a warm, analog texture—likely processed through saturation plugins to achieve that thumping, full-bodied sound. Thumping percussion elements, including crisp hi-hats and snappy claps, are meticulously EQed to sit perfectly in the mix, enhancing the track’s energy without overpowering the melodic components. Guiding Lights showcases great synth melodies, utilizing both hardware and software synthesizers to create lush, expansive soundscapes. The lead synths carry a bright, ethereal quality, achieved through layered saw waves with subtle detuning and reverb effects that add depth. Melodramatic, moody strings weave seamlessly with these synth lines, employing intricate automation of filters and modulation parameters to evoke emotional resonance. A key highlight is the use of melodramatic moody strings, possibly sampled from high-quality libraries, adding an orchestral texture that elevates the track’s emotive impact. The smooth tapestry of magical sounds is further enhanced with atmospheric pads and subtle background arpeggios, creating a hypnotic, absorbing soundscape. Amin Salmee’s vocal performance is superbly executed, with pristine clarity and emotional depth. The vocals undergo detailed processing: EQ cuts to remove muddiness, compression for dynamic consistency, and reverb/delay effects that provide a spacious, airy feel without losing intimacy. Harmonies and background layers are tastefully mixed, adding richness without overshadowing the lead vocal. The arrangement reflects a well-thought-out structure, embracing the "In Search of Sunrise" classic approach. Each section transitions smoothly, with tension and release carefully crafted through the use of risers, white noise sweeps, and dynamic automation. Breakdowns are expansive yet controlled, offering moments of serenity before the track surges back with uplifting energy. "Guiding Lights" is ready to be the anthem of a blooming spring and a spacious, sun-kissed summer. Its blissful melodies, superb lyrical performance, and expertly crafted arrangement make it #PureGold. Drizzly Eclipse, along with Northern Project, Abbey8k, and Amin Salmee, have delivered a masterclass in trance production that resonates with both technical brilliance and emotional depth.#LoveIT [/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item] [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item] [item value="10"] Melody [/item] [item value="10"] Synths [/item] [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item] [item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item] [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item] [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item] [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item] [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item] [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item] [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item] [item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item] [item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item] [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item] [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item] [/review]
Our Norwegian friends Finn and Lars a.k.a. Northern Project are back! This time they will take you on a journey that will make you fly high. After their previous successful Elpida Music hits Thought It Was My Time and Not Going Back they are back with Flying High. The mesmerizing lead of Flying High will be stuck in the head for a while we can guarantee that. Enjoy!
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] Flying High by Northern Project is a remarkable addition to the Elpida Music catalogue, masterfully curated by Daniel Wanrooy. This progressive trance track, set at a buoyant 130 BPM, is a testament to the genre's ability to transport listeners through intricate soundscapes and emotive musical storytelling. The track opens with an engaging bassline, both pulsating and expansive, providing a sturdy foundation for the journey ahead. The bass is layered with chunky grooves that propel the rhythm forward, effectively setting the stage for the rich tapestry of sounds that follow. The percussion is cleverly crafted, combining thumping wobbly elements with intricate hi-hat patterns that keep the listener engaged without overwhelming the primary melodic elements. One of the standout features of Flying High is its expertly executed breakdown. This section is drawn-out and meticulously designed to heighten anticipation, utilizing a memorable guitar riff-like synth hook. This hook is not merely a melodic highlight but serves as an emotional touchstone within the track, combining sensitivity and beauty to create a melodramatic yet serene experience. This element is crucial, as it provides a reflective pause before the track builds towards its climax. The production techniques employed in Flying High demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of trance music dynamics. The use of reverb and delay on the synths creates a spacious ambiance, enhancing the listener's sense of immersion. The sound design is pristine, with every element occupying its own space in the mix, ensuring clarity and depth throughout. As the track reaches its climax, the listener is enveloped in a lush soundscape that is both uplifting and serene. This soundscape possesses a dual nature, able to transport one to the sun-drenched beaches of Corfu, with its warm, inviting tones, or to the serene, snow-covered landscapes of Norway, evoking a sense of tranquility and wonder. This versatility is a hallmark of great trance music, offering a personal journey to each listener, guided by their own imagination. Flying High is more than just a dance track; it is an invitation to escape, to dream, and to explore the depths of one's own mind. Whether on a crowded dancefloor or in quiet contemplation at home, Northern Project's latest offering is a quintessential example of progressive trance's power to evoke and inspire. #PureGold Love IT[/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item] [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item] [item value="10"] Melody [/item] [item value="10"] Synths [/item] [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item] [item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item] [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item] [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item] [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item] [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item] [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item] [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item] [item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item] [item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item] [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item] [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item] [/review]
