This review covers the progressive trance track Mark Pledger Feat. Melinda Gareh – Time Stands Still (Original Mix).
This track was released in 2010 as a single.
The track starts off with some filtered white noise. After that, the drum kit comes into the track. A synth effect is added that has a bit of a formant. After that, the bassline comes in. Another synth effect comes in. The track briefly breaks with some synth strings.
After that, the vocals come in after the drum kit continues. There’s definitely a reverberation added to them. Some delay is also added, but filters have been added to the delay. After that, the track hits the drop. A brass element is added to this part briefly.
Synth strings and non-lyrical vocals hit. Shortly after, the vocals continue. A synth sub-melody enters the track. After a bit, the drum kit returns as the vocals continue into the main chorus. They hit some impressive high notes as well in the process. The main chorus repeats, though it should be noted that it is brief. The synth sub-melody speeds up as well.
From there, the track drops again as the vocals continue. The sub melody also speeds up one last time before fading out. The synth strings largely take over.
A synth melody comes in as the vocals continue on. The drum kit returns and the vocals hit the main chorus. The sub melody is at the highest speed. The vocals then briefly hit a non-lyrical moment before continuing on with another verse. That main chorus is repeated. This section is then capped off with yet another melody. Both main melodies play at the same time.
After that, the vocals return as the track hits another drop. The vocals repeat the main chorus as the strings largely take over.
From there, samples of the vocals enter the track as the track begins to break down. The synth effect with the formant also returns. Additional effects are added. After a rush of synth string, some of the vocal samples drop out. Eventually, the drum kit is mostly all that is left. A synth effect and strings lead the track out.
The first thing that sticks out to me is by far and away those vocals. Those vocals not only made this track great, but downright breathtaking. They sound great in the lead up, but when that first drop hits, it’s easy to get goosebumps hearing how well this track develops. If the main drop doesn’t do it, the main chorus easily has to. It’s so good, it almost overpowers the rest of the track at times. Those vocals are simply stunning.
Meanwhile, the strings and choir-like elements really give this track a lot to back the main vocals. Throughout the track, they add so much vibrancy to the track in this case.
What really sets the track ahead of a lot of others out there is the use of the synth melodies. The sub melody works quite well to give the track a nice progression. Of course, the two melodies added towards the end helps wrap the track up to amazing effect. They really give that “just when you thought the track couldn’t get any better, it does” moment.
Overall, this is an amazing track. The vocals are absolutely stunning. Those synth strings give this track so much quality. After all of this, the melodies don’t even seem to be necessary, but they are added to take this track to another level. So, an overall amazing track that is definitely worth listening to.
Score
9.5/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
