This review covers the progressive trance track Oceanlab – Sky Falls Down (Armin van Buuren Remix).
This track was released in 2003 as part of a single.
The track starts with a percussion and a synth effect. A kick then joins the track. After a different effect, other parts of the drum kit join the track. A reverse cymbal makes an appearance and more hats join the track along with a bassline. After a few effects, a synth pad joins the track. A piano element makes an appearance along with another synth melody.
After another appearance of the piano, the main vocals join the track for a verse. Occasionally, there is a delay effect applied to the vocals. An effect makes an appearance and most of the elements drop out. The vocals then rejoin the track as what’s left largely fades out for a main chorus. The vocals are backed by some pads. A synth then starts fading in, replacing the vocals. Some sweeps make an appearance as parts of the drum kit rejoin the track. A synth melody then rejoins the track.
From there, the main vocals rejoin the track, repeating the main chorus again. Parts of the track gradually fade out. This is capped off with a brief instrumental.
After that, the vocals rejoin the track for another verse. This is capped off with a drop which features only a synth melody and a pad. A few percussion elements rejoin the track as the vocals repeat the main chorus again. A synth joins the track. The vocals then drop out and are replaced by the synths. The cut off frequencies then expand as the main drum kit returns.
From there, the vocals return for another round of the main chorus again. This is capped off with another instrumental section. After an effect makes an appearance, some of the synths drop out. When the effect appears again, some of the high hats drop out. A reverse cymbal makes an appearance along with a synth effect and more parts of the drum kit and the bassline drop out. Another effect then leads the track out.
One thing about this track is that there are good elements in this track. The most obvious is the vocals. They really made this track shine quite well.
Another positive aspect of the track is the synth melodies. They add a nice aspect to the overall track.
A problem I have with this track is that it’s very stretched out. Elements get repeated and things seemingly get added for the sake of making this track longer more than anything. As a result, this track has the effect of just meandering it’s way through to the end. A lot about it could have been tightened up to make every aspect seemingly built with purpose.
In the end, this is an OK track. It has great vocals and some of the progressive melodies work pretty well. Unfortunately, it is very drawn out and a bit repetitive at times. So, it’s OK, but nothing to get overly excited over.
Score
6.5/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Facebook.
