This review covers the progressive trance track Darren Porter & Ana Criado – Dream Like I Do (Extended Mix).
This track was released in 2019 as a single.
The track starts with a cymbal crash, sweep, and drum kit. A bassline is also present. Brief choir elements make appearances. A filtered snare roll makes an appearance. A second vocal choir sample makes an appearance. The high hats then join the track along with a third choir sample.
The track then hits a drop with a brief piano element. After a few snares, the vocals hit a verse. This is backed by the drum kit. Other synths join the track at this stage. A snare roll makes an appearance before the vocals hit the main chorus. There is a back and forth effect between the vocals and a synth. The kick then hits a drill effect before the track drops with the piano leading things out.
All that is left is the choir elements. Gradually, the choir elements drop out and string replace the choirs. The vocals then rejoin the track with a main chorus again. A kick makes a brief appearance before some filtered white noise is added. The vocals then drop out and a synth melody joins the track. The white noise fades out. A reverse cymbal makes an appearance and the resonance is enhanced in the synth.
The main vocals then return to repeat part of the main chorus. This is backed by a choir element. A rising synth then takes over. A drill kick makes an appearance before the drum kit returns. The main synth melody takes over. There is another round of the kick drill before the vocals return for another round in the main chorus. Another kick drill makes an appearance at the end. The vocals drop out and the main synth melody takes over. There’s another kick drill and the vocals return for a part of a main chorus. Most of the track drops out otherwise.
Another drill kick makes an appearance before the vocals end. The drum kit continues along with a few synths and choir elements. A cymbal crash makes an appearance and some of the synths drop out. A synth effect and choir elements then swell up and lead the track out with a delay effect.
One thing that quite easily stands out in this track is the vocals. They really are a centrepiece in this track and the quality is quite impressive. They really are excellent here.
Backing those vocals are high quality synths. The melody offsets the vocals quite nicely and gives the track a nice complete sound.
Meanwhile, the choir elements really gives this track a nice angelic sound to it. This does help push the needle up in terms of quality.
My only quibble is that there could have been at least a second verse. The track does rely a bit too heavily on the main chorus, so the variety is a bit hamstrung.
Still, this is a great track. It’s got great vocals, great synth, and nice choir elements to round things out. Wished there was a bit more in the way of lyrics, but otherwise, I can’t really complain about this one. A definite recommendation in my book.
Score
8/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
