I probably won’t be playing this track out, but some trance and progressive deejays will find it to be a good fit, so it’s worth taking the time to check out the sample at www.positivenergy.net.

The Vitals:

Label: Positivenergy Music
Genre: Vocal Progressive House
Number of Tracks: 1
How you can obtain a copy: The vinyl will be available for purchase starting in late July at www.positivenergy.net

Factor Scores:

Production: 7.0
Programming & Arrangement: 6.5
Entertainment Quality: 6.0
Total: 6.5 - Above Average

Summary:

Alive Again, the debut vinyl release for Dustin Skiles under the G.L.A.R.E. moniker, pairs a musical foundation of floaty synthesized pads and a deep bassline with the melancholy vocals of Breanna Skiles to deliver an emotive twist to progressive house. The song is far more genteel than most from its genre, largely due to the full-verse lyrics, lightly plucked guitar riffs, and cascading rainsticks that accompany its primary elements. Elegance shines throughout the track’s six and a half minutes, best displayed within the guitar-and-beat led grooves that delicately step through the opening moments, then to a lesser extent as passionate vocals and uplifting pads dominate the remainder of the program. Though its unique components and effective structuring achieve a level of class that set it apart, the song’s superfluously applied vocals and pads drown the beats, resulting in the loss of its dancefloor-friendliness somewhere along the way.

Factor Scores Breakdown:

Production Qality: 7.0

This song is well built, but some minor adjustments to the volume levels would go a long way towards solving its problems. Its throbbing bass-line is one of the most effective pieces of the entire effort, but it needs to be a little louder and further showcased. Increasing its volume and backing down the volumes of the vocals and pads would make a big difference. More stereo effects would help as well, but overall this is a very solid construction job. The beats sound good, the vocals are well accented with echoes, and all of the little extra effects are pro-level additions.

Programming & Arrangement: 6.5

The producer’s inclusion of so many subtle effects, live instruments, and calling lyrics create an aura of innovation around this track that demands the close attention of the listener. His use of the rainstick, in particular, is the absolute perfect choice for spotlighting the fine artistic strokes that bring this song together. Unfortunately, the introduction of its only average vocal melody and miscast pads signal a departure from finesse and the arrival of a contradiction in style. I would like to clarify that Breanna Skiles’ voice work is adequate, but the tune she sings is a little too boring to be so prevalent. Whenever the pads accompany her singing, they form a forceful wall of sound that slightly engulfs some of the song’s stealthy intrigue, betraying its progressive gait for a fluffier, cheaper feeling demeanor. Apart from it’s moments of musical confusion, though Alive Again is intelligently programmed, featuring a wide-array of creative elements. I think a slimmed down version with thinner pads, more emphasis on percussion, and scattered vocals could be a hit.

Entertainment quality: 6.0

This track should find its way into the crates of some club deejays as a change of pace during progressive house sets. Radio deejays may also be inclined to give it a spin, because the expanded vocal presence makes it better suited than most for EDM shows on commercial radio stations. I don’t expect massive support from either group, but the song should still be considered a viable option for deeper sets and in late-night situations.

Total: 6.5

Alive Again is well made and somewhat entertaining. I’d like to rate it higher for its excellent live instrument sampling and technical detail, but its limited catchiness and arrangement issues prevent it from being the ethereal anthem it was meant to be.

Bill’s Take:

I probably won’t be playing this track out, but some trance and progressive deejays will find it to be a good fit, so it’s worth taking the time to check out the sample at www.positivenergy.net.