It's hard to believe that it's been almost three years since Markus Schulz graced the music world with his last solo album, Progression. Since the earliest days of his Coldharbour label, music enthusiasts have seen Schulz as the ultimate standard-bearer for trance’s new wave. Since then, he's been busy touring worldwide, promoting his kinetic progressive trance hybrid style, while releasing compilations sets inspired by the cities they're named after. During this time we've seen Schulz explore his darker side with the more house-infused music of Thoughts Become Things under the moniker of Dakota. Now, in mid-2010, after more than a year of studio production and an unrelenting pursuit of the perfect Progression follow-up, he returns with the amazing new album Do You Dream?
Do You Dream is Dark and Diverse
Do You Dream? is still as dark as his previous work, yet it remains a diverse and emotional musical experience. This album encompasses something elementary, a simpler style with straightforward beats combined with bass that instantly absorbs the listener, delivering a masterful sound experience from start to finish. The album begins with the atmospheric sound of “Alpha State,” named after the state in which the brain enters dreamspace, which is fitting for the beginning of this musical journey. From here on out, Schulz introduces us to his trademark sound but embraces a mixture of house percussion, atmospheric progression, and pulsating basslines while using vibrant trance riffs and various other sounds and effects to make for a most unique listen.
Dreaming Aboug Vocals
Vocals form just as much of a key component to Markus’ music, and even moreso on this album with no discrimination toward gender. Sir Adrian, vocalist from the massive Schulz-created mash-up “The Perspective Space,” provides hook-laden lyrics & vocals on the track “Away,” which lingers addictively in the mind of the listener with its deeper techno production and feel. Khaz is another male vocalist who shows a diverse, adaptable range and shines on several tracks on this album. Schulz and Khaz create a transfixing, uplifting edge in the track “Dark Heart Waiting,” while also radiating on the slow motion, piano-laden “Last Man Standing.” The females are also represented well on this disc with the debut of Angelique Bergere, who brings chilling tranquility to “Lightwave” and mesmerizing empathy to “Lifted.” Elsewhere on the disc, Jennifer Rene infuses “Not the Same” with melancholic vocals that blend beautifully with Schulz’s heavenly soundscapes, while Dutch singer Ana Criado adds yet more celestial influence to “Surreal.” On the track “Unsaid,” Susana spellbinds the listener with one of the most vocally uplifting and catchy moments on the album.
For those looking for instant gratification and current hits, the
tracks “The New World” and title track “Do You Dream?” have helped
expand Schulz’s fan base and have acted as commercial propaganda to
build anticipation for the album. The same can very much be said for
“Perception,” which has been revamped by enlisting one of the scene’s
greatest vocalists, Justine Suissa, who delivers a perfectly-executed
and dazzlingly-inspired vocal performance which should delight fans of
the original track. Bringing Do You Dream? to its climax and to the
end of its musical journey is the collaboration of Markus and Max
Graham with singer/songwriter Jessica Riddle for the fittingly-titled
album closer “Goodbye,” which leaves the listener satisfied but
longing for more.
Summary
It is safe to say that Do You Dream? is a worthy successor to Schulz’s previous work while also creating beautiful new music that will entice new and old fans alike. The album has amazing range for an electronic dance album, from the laid back beat-free tranquility of “Lightwave” to the all-consuming, pulsating bassline of “65.4 HZ.” Do You Dream? showcases the talent and versatility of Schulz and underscores his position as one of the foremost trance producers in the community. If you are looking for very powerful and emotional music that ranges from uplifting to haunting serenity, then make sure and check out this newest release from Markus Schulz. It will be a purchase that you will constantly keep on your play deck for months to come.
Released July 2010 on Coldharbour/Ultra Recordings.
Disclosure: A listening stream was provided by the record label. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
