• Also known as “2010 ID”
• Oldschool vibes, inspired by “Encoded” in particular
• Dedicated to long-term listeners
I had many ambiguities while writing this review, as this is the first 90+ with a new design, and a one from me after almost half a year. I constantly fiddled with the rating, until I decided to follow the little voice in the back of my head, asking for a momentous score of ninety-two. And so it happened.
Every high rating deserves a satiating explanation, and henceforth, I aim to do so by writing this specific article.
The numero uno reason behind this decisive choice is the sheer evidence of passion in this instrumental.
There is the real Hardwell.
I may be romanticizing by stating this, but the once existing zeal and verve of the earlier scene are somewhat getting dissipated in the current EDM. Amidst disappointingly copy-pasted releases, ghost-productions, quantity-over-quality approaches and “artists”, who’s singular interest lie with their proportion of likes and followers, “Retrograde” opens a window to the “Golden Era”. It is highly subjective, but this epoch was during 2010, when Electronic music started propitiously arresting my appeal. Nonetheless, it is an auspicious gesture towards the old-school fans. I was anxiously awaiting for this very moment since the aforementioned luminary surprisingly embarked on an undefined hiatus.
The elegant vibes in the Big Room influenced breakdown are, beyond doubt, by the celebrated Bredaër artist. The melodic cadence in this said segment caught me, as it is insanely catchy! We all have heard this style in his earlier discography, even in recent years, but that’s where it originated.
The Electro House drop blinks an eye to many of his first successes, especially “Encoded“, the endeared anthem of his HOA show. I loved how there is modernity within the bassline department, adding some dynamism to the composition. The assonant structure doesn’t particularly convince me (I consider it archaic for the current standards), but it doesn’t shy away from delivering a warm, nostalgic feeling.
Many will agree to disagree with my speculations and rationale, but in the end “Retrograde”, despite its “vieux jeu” sound, provided me with an unforgettable experience. After a stressed summer, where I couldn’t find anything capable to really pique my interest, “Retrograde” arrived at the eleventh hour to assuage my needs. There is perhaps just a small niche of audience that will love it, and it’s certainly composed by the long-term Revealed listeners. It’s not a composition for Spotify revenues, neither for live exhibitions.
“Retrograde” is a gift to the fans, a gem crafted wholeheartedly, a sign that there is still some passion in the scene. Saying this, a simple and symbolic ninety-plus mark is assuredly justified!
What do you think?
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