This review covers the trance track King of Clubs – Revelation (Airwave Remix).
This track was released in 2001 as a single. It was released with two other mixes.
The track starts with a kick. A synth pad fades in. A second synth then makes an appearance along with a subtle layered choir element. The synth then fades in even more, adding rhythm to the track. The kick then drops out, leaving a high hat in its place. That high hat fades out. A reverse cymbal makes an appearance and the kick continues. A clap then is added. After a crash, the lead hat is added. Another synth is then layered in.
From there, the drum kit drops out briefly before the all the elements continue to play out. The kick then rolls before a crash initiates the drop. The drum kit drops out and the synths gradually fade out. A vocal sample makes an appearance with only one synth still being present.
The synth drops out and another synth fades in. After a bit, the choir element returns along with the kick. The clap then returns. A crash then makes an appearance and the rhythm synth returns. After a slight variation of the synth, the rest of the drum kit enters. Another synth joins after a crash.
Another crash makes an appearance and parts of the drum kit drop out. Other synths fade in while other synths drop out. After a roll with the kick, the drum kit returns again. The kick then rolls again before the track continues. There is a brief drop out of the drum kit again, though the track continues on.
After another roll with the kick, some of the synths start to fade out. Another crash and the drum kit drops out. This leaves a few synths and the choir element. The synth gradually fade out, leaving the choir element. After a reverse cymbal with a delay effect, the choir element drops out, ending the track.
One thing I do think is admirable about this track is the overall construction of the track. There are well defined sections throughout. What also helps is the fact that there are small adjustments added along the way. The dropping out of the drum kit, the note variations of the synths, and even what is faded in and out all give this track a nice progressive variety.
My complaint about the track is that the synths are only decent. They don’t necessarily stand out much. As a result, the track comes off as an exercise in ticking boxes off of what needs to be in the track. Even with the existing synths, more could have been done like add more notes to them or maybe even add in other synths to balance out the sound a little.
While there is good production value throughout to keep the track interesting from beginning to end, the track ends up leaving me wanting something more than what is actually here. It’s a bit difficult to really take a look at an element and say, “That is a great staple for this track!” So, while it is OK, I can’t help but think it could have been better as well.
Score
6.5/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
