• Fantastic entrée from Ilan Bluestone
• Signature traits moulded into Epic Trance
• Soulful vocal from Emma Hewitt

The well-reputed DJ/Producer from the Anjuna roster Ilan Bluestone has set a lot of plans for this year, ranging from a full-fledged album and a massive performance in ASOT950, where he played exclusives which definitely seems from his oncoming project. An eye-catching factor that makes this another breakthrough year for this British visionary is the introduction of his peak-time Trancer alias “StoneBlue“, and here we are reviewing his debut in this genre!

“Hypnotized” is indeed entrancing as christened, filled with surprises. Released on Monstercat, a label keeping no restrictions while having trendier bass music dominating the imprint, their last uplifting trance release was almost 3.5 years ago by Stonebank & EMEL called “Lift You Up“. This marks the significant return of one of the most reputed trance vocalist, Emma Hewitt. Ilan Bluestone’s leading factor often lies on his appealing teasers (where he present vocal team-ups in a professional way). This is a production heavily talked about during mid to end of the preceding year, akin to Gareth Emery’s “Saving Light”. The hype was definitely well-placed as this upstart has a charm which separates from most 138 plus compositions in this genre.

Experimentation of his own signature sound used in a distinctive way, “Hypnotizing” throwbacks to his album “Scars”. While having the three ascending and typical intro portions, the first climax has a subdued rolling bassline backed with some of his classic electro-progressive synths from tracks like “Big Ben”. As we further go ahead, we witness the beautiful vocals, with the lyrics seemingly reflecting upon future memories that can be made despite all current happenings. The first climax finishes, we notice the cleaner and ambient breakdown which is engraved with the vocal, with the synergy being evident here. Going towards the buildup, her last verse is ricocheted along with the phasing effect emanating an alluring nostalgic feel of the early 2000s.

At last, the second climax with the main hook, a melody with an unmistakable signature is embedded as heard in his usual progressive trance creations. That being said, the chord progressions, lead choice & the arrangements are on point, giving it a timeless feeling which is perhaps missing in this genus of Trance music lately.

Ilan Bluestone has overall impressed us with this alternative alias. His ASOT950 confirmed that there will be more StoneBlue releases unveiled in due time. Starting a new project is always a risky venture, but if executed like this, it opens a whole plethora of possibilities!

You can listen to “Hypnotized” here:

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