Sophisticated trance/progressive music

Archon

Gagi
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Jun 27, 2020
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You'd definitely do well with reviews :D

Airwave is simply a genius and what I truly like and admire about him is his ability to captivate, seduce and comfort with his creations. Now, don't get me wrong, this is only how I understand and feel his music. To me he is a creator, not just a plain musician. He holds that emotion so elegantly and you can connect through his music in a most special way.

This track is indeed something! Beautifully described and felt! Impressive! Which is Why his tracks are one ultimate masterpiece!
👌


And about the Wa Wu We's touch, very artistic and unusual vision!

That makes at least two Airwave superfans in Serbia! :D Yeah, a proper artist, which is not that common actually in the trance scene. Most are just producers, IMO. And there's nothing wrong with (good) producers, just that Airwave is something more.
 
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Tijana

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That makes at least two Airwave superfans in Serbia! :D Yeah, a proper artist, which is not that common actually in the trance scene. Most are just producers, IMO. And there's nothing wrong with (good) producers, just that Airwave is something more.


Agreed! :D I thought I was the only one frankly speaking. 🙌 He is definitely something more, from a different universe more likely. And I love him because of that!
I'm with you on this one!💪:cool:
 
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Tijana

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Jul 22, 2020
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Since this is by far my favourite thread here :D I'll share one interesting Lost Language track. Very classy and progressive... Generally, entire Lost Language opus can fit to this type of sophisticated, classy, mysterious and deep music. I can't express the love I feel for LL - its ethos, artists, music it's pure magic and I encourage everyone to take a listen to some of their releases. It's truly different and authentic!

 

Archon

Gagi
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Jun 27, 2020
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Sasha - Xpander.

Definitely hearing it now. It's not complex in terms of elements, but its simplicity is deceiving. The lead melody itself is complex. The way it goes up and down, suddenly hits hard and then goes soft again...is brilliant and very playful. And then there's the following elements, which really add to the track and make it a pleasure to listen to for the entire 11 minutes and 37 seconds. And it's so well made it sounds incredible even today.
 

Hensmon

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If i would define sophisticated Trance music in my own way it would be tracks that are subtle in nature, with a pleasing pace, no big melodies or huge uplifting moments, no rushing drums and of course 0% cheese. Each element fits together, with nothing trying over-do the last or take centre stage. It's emotional, but not overly so. The kind of Trance you could play to non-trance lovers, who would not be put off by the intensity or over-emotion, but probably find too boring to the un-trained ears.

Universal State of Mind - All Because of You (Sunday Club)

Interstate - I Found You
 
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Archon

Gagi
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Interstate - I Found You

Wanted to post this a few days ago, forgot I guess. Quite possibly one of the most sophisticated trance tracks (to me, at least)! Agree with the rest of your statements as well.
 

Hensmon

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Although I always choose the original, I still love this remix and actually I think it is a more refined and sophisticated approach to the track

Little Wonder - Eclipse (Fictivision & C-quence Remix)
 

Propeller

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Jul 20, 2020
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Everyone has their own definition of sophistication. To me, in layman's terms it means something opposite of simple. In the context of trance and prog it means a track which makes you go crazy, makes you want to dance and move your body without relying on some simple feature like, for example, a loud and repetitive riff. A track I consider sophisticated is below which was produced by some of the best producers of classic prog. It has so many features and effects, they all blend together well and are all congruent with one another in creating a dark atmospheric track. Most importantly for a dance track it makes you want to dance every step of the way. It's like cooking a great casserole with so many quality ingredients all mixed and blended together into a single dish for a great taste, as opposed to some steroid trancer which is the equivalent of a Mars bar made of 60% sugar and having a sickly sweet taste.

 

Manofearth

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Sep 24, 2020
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I have a definition similar to some of you. It must be respectful, no 'epicness', well put together (some complexity, but not too much). It tells the mind not to go overly emotional but not drift you into a sleep to.

Art of Trance -Kaleidoscope

Albion - Air
 
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Hensmon

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Art of Trance -Kaleidoscope (Sunday Club Remix)

woah this track is dope mate, how have I never heard. And yes Albion - Air is the perfect example.

Did Quadran - No Air (main mix) get put forward already? It's sophisticated through and through.

 
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Archon

Gagi
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Gotta count in this one. It doesn't have a sophisticated sound (if such a thing exists), but the production itself is complex and sophisticated. Definitely not something for the masses.

 
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Recharge

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Sep 26, 2020
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I know you said not favourite ones, but it's hard not to fall in love with this one. Ross From Friends is on par with the best electronic music producers and this one is pure bliss, also the visual compliment it perfect:

 

Archon

Gagi
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This one is also pretty much stunning. The atmospheres, the overall construction of the track, interaction between elements... It doesn't sound like it was made by only two guys; It's just amazing from start to finish.

 
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Altair

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Dec 24, 2022
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For me, sophistication is an even mix of sound design and musical composition. One of my favourite things to see in trance is the "trance epic" - an extended track that typically has a beatless intro followed by several distinct movements, and more than one climax. But making a good, 10+ minute anthem sadly seems to be a bit of a lost art.

BT was probably the one most responsible for developing this style in the mid 90s. Here's a super-rare remix from him that makes effective use of its entire runtime:

This remix from Oliver Prime isn't really melodically complex, but it's my favourite track from him:

Another more melodic example from Prime:

This psy track from LOUD also isn't melodically complex, but the latter movement feels deeply melancholic and wistful to me, while the whole track exemplifies the literal meaning of the word "trance":

This more recent cut from Thomas Datt feels like a cohesive journey from darkness/sadness into light:

One of my favourites from @delphion; a great exercise in subtlety and melodic layering:
Constellation (Original Mix)

A cut from one of the most subtle, well-produced and well-composed trance albums of all time IMO:
Daydreaming, by Solar Fields

And I shouldn't have to explain THIS choice to anyone:
Arksun - Arisen (Original Mix) (2006)
 
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