This review covers the ambient trance track Geert Huinink & Alco Rhythm – Dreamscape (Annette’s Chill Out Mix).
This track was released in 2001 as a single. It was released along with the Deep Groove Mix.
The track starts with a percussion hit. A synth pad then makes an appearance and the two sounds go back and forth. Additional percussion work is introduced into the track. A chime is also introduced into the track. A bassline then joins the track. The kick is also brought into the track. A second synth is brought in for a moment.
After that, a separate synth appears with a quasi-wah effect. The full drum kit is brought into the track. A clap also joins the track along with the high hat. A reverse high hat makes an appearance and the wah-like synth takes more of a presence. Another synth joins the track to serve as a melody. A synth chord also joins the track. An additional synth pad makes an occasional appearance. Parts of the track then start to fade out.
When a sweep makes an appearance, some synth effects take over. A synth string takes over with all the other elements being removed. A brass element then joins the track. The track juggles between those elements for a bit. The synth chord returns. That bassline also starts to reassert itself again. After that, the full drum kit returns as the track continues. Some of the pads drop out and the more melodic elements take over.
There is another brief drop before the kick and synth pads return. Some of the high hats also return at this point. The rest of the melodic elements return to the track with some of those pads taking up less of a presence. Some of the melodic elements then drop out along with the pads after. A reverse cymbal makes an appearance and a number of the melodic synths drop out. A few synths are left behind. Another cymbal crash hits and most of the drum kit drops out, leaving the more percussive elements. Another reverse cymbal hits and a synth leads the track out.
One thing about this track is that it really nails the ambient style of trance music. One could very easily remove a few elements in this track and it’ll almost immediately turn into a downtempo track. Still, with the four to the floor kick structure, the track manages to also make the trance foundation not seem one bit out of place.
The overall construction of the track is certainly spot on. There really isn’t anything that seems out of place, brought in too early, or cut oddly. Everything fits together nicely to produce a great soundscape from beginning to end.
While it may not be an overly energetic track, this is a really nice track to chill out to.
Overall, this track is a pretty solid one. It has great production value and a nice chilled out vibe throughout. It nicely blends downtempo/ambient into a trance track very nicely. So, a track that gets a thumbs up from me.
Score
7/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
