Laurent Veronnez aka Airwave is definitely one of the more outstanding figures in the trance scene's history. A very talented producer and a hard working individual who has always been part of the scene for the right reason - the love for music - and has never compromised what he stands for. He's responsible for many of the biggest trance classics (mostly) in the 90s and early 00s under "hundreds" of different aliases.
I've always been a big fan of him as a producer, DJ and a person aswell. Needless to say I was very excited when he announced that "2012 will be a big year for Airwave" at the start of this year. He promised a big comeback and he soon started to make true on that promise with his first singles Atlas Winds, Chiricahua, Cathedrals of Hope and Reset. Sometime in that period I also found out he'll be releasing an album later this year, which was already in the making for a long time, so I immediately got my hopes sky high. A real trance album from a legendary trance artist in these dark times when cheese rules supreme? Hell yes!
Now, after quite a few months of waiting, the album has finally been released. I've been listening to it non-stop since Monday, so here are my thoughts:
The Absolute Relativity (vs John 00 Fleming)
What a way to start the album! The Absolute Relativity is everything I consider trance to be. It's a real musical journey through dark and trancey sounds combined with powerful kicks and some acid lines. It's one of those tracks where you can just close your eyes and let the music carry you. One of the best trance tracks I've heard this year and therefore a serious Tune of the year contender.
Score: 9.5/10
Atlas Winds
We continue with a track that caused some controversy when it was released as a single earlier this year. Apparently the vocals in the first version represented some silent prayer and were inappropriate to use in music. The version on this album includes the new/changed vocals.
Airwave again managed to create a very trancey atmosphere, but this time with a very middle-eastern vibe. The melody is catchy, dreamy and the background vocal samples complement it nicely. The track takes a long time to build up, but it never gets boring and we're rewarded with a powerful climax.
Score: 9/10
Romeo and Juliet (vs Nico Parisi)
This one is a bit more monotone than the first two. The build is very long, relaxing and is accompanied by some female vocal samples and a silent melody in the background. After the break the kicks sound harder and the track feels more aggressive.
Score: 8/10
Cathedrals Of Hope
It's been 6 months since this one was released as a part of an EP and it still hasn't lost any of it's appeal. Overall sound-wise it reminds me a lot of the well known Airwave track When Things Go Wrong. It's a very dreamy, trancey tune with a somehow rougher edge.
Score: 8.5/10
Chiricahua
The first and last breaks track on the album. This is one of those tracks where it almost feels like the music is painting a picture for you to see. The track starts off with some lovely flute and drum sounds and it felt like I'm watching a sunrise on a cold, misty morning. Later on when the beats and melodies start kicking and the track gains "life" it feels like a journey through different landscapes.
Score: 8/10
At Last (vs Philippe Van Mullem)
This track sounds like it was taken directly from the 90s. It has one of the tranciest melodies I've heard for a long time and in addition it feels euphoric aswell. The buildup is epic and the break that follows is short but magical.
Score: 9/10
A Simple Day (vs Michael & Levan and Stiven Rivic)
The build in the first third is more on the groovy side with some vocal samples and a catchy beat. That is followed by quite a long break, where the track turns more to the dreamy side. The last part is kinda the downside. There isn't much going on and it just feels like it's lacking something that would draw the listener in.
Score: 7/10
Particles Of Love (vs Astropilot)
Love the bassline here. It almost feels like it's cutting straight through my ears. The melody is very trancey yet again and the overall vibe is dark, sad and melancholic just the way I love it. The short acid lines, which appear throughout the track are a great addition aswell. Another gem!
Score: 9/10
Taketetcha
Great drive in this one. It just keeps on going and feels stronger and stronger as it progresses. The deep bass is awesome and the percussion is top notch.
Score: 8/10
Reset
This time we continue with some tribal vibes. I don't consider myself a big fan of tribal chants in trance, but they work pretty good here. The track as a whole is filled with energy and the chants just add to that.
Score: 7.5/10
Kabalash (vs DJ Fire)
More tribal vibes here, but this time through different sounds - mostly flute and tribal drums. The flute sounds lovely and the drums are immensely catchy. That combined with a strong kick creates a track that would rock any club. This it the type of tribal trance, which I really miss nowadays and I it's something I would certainly dance my a*s off.
Score: 8/10
Oyama
It does have a pretty nice trancey vibe, but in the end it doesn't seem to go anywhere. It's somewhat enjoyable, but I feel like it's lacking that something extra.
Score: 6.5/10
Above The Sky 2012
The original is great, but this is an amazing remake. The melody sounds a lot richer, the addition of tribal chants adds to the energy and the acid lines are really awesome. It's also filled with energy from the start and it just makes me wanna dance.
Score: 9/10
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Closing Thoughts
I'm happy to say that my high expectations were met completely. Airwave has once again proven that he's still one of the best trance producers out there. This album is a real trance gem and will probably also be my album of the year. It's filled with rich productions, trancey melodies and strong beats that would rock any club. In addition it manages to provide a lot of diverse styles ranging from very trancey stuff, to tribal influences and even the more uplifting sounds.
There's not much else to say, really. If you're a trance fan, go and buy the album now. It's too good to miss.
Overall Score: 9/10
EDIT:
After numerous more listens I've decided to downgrade Particles Of Love and At Last to a "9" and upgrade Atlas Winds to a "9".
