ALBUM REVIEW: In Search of Sunrise 12 by Richard Granholm

The In Search of Sunrise compilations, to me, have always been among the most intelligent, unique, and stunning series of trance mixes out there. Tiësto came out with the first volume way back in 1999, and each edition became better with each annual release. Focusing on a different area of the world with each mix, the series has a reputation of having each CD sound unique to that part of the globe. And while there are definitely some world-renown producers on the mixes (such as series favourite Andy Duguid), the choice of artists is usually very diverse and original.

After the seventh CD (Asia), Tiesto left behind the legacy to fellow Dutch producer Richard Durand, who has since taken us to South Africa, India, Australia, and Las Vegas. With the recent release of In Search of Sunrise 12, Durand takes us to Dubai – this time, with the help of Lange.

CD number one opens with a gorgeous intro made just for this compilation: Dubai Desert Fish (Intro Mix) by Richard Durand. I always love these classic intros and outros, and this one is no exception; it gives us an idea of what atmosphere we are going to experience. The track quickly leads into the Balearic guitars of Day and Night by Azotti featuring Bagga Bownz, and within moments the beat drops and I am swept away. The following track is also worth mentioning: The Space Between, by local Toronto artists Jeremy Vancaulart, Assaf, and Laura Aqui, is an awe-inspiring progressive trance song that will hopefully make a big impression on the scene. The rest of the CD takes us through both deeper tunes and club anthems, all while staying true to the unique sound. And, of course, new tracks by Durand also appear: Shield of Faith, a powerful vocal tune, and Sambuca, a gritty and atmospheric uplifting trance song.

The second CD continues the journey, equipped with another beautiful introductory track (Durand’s Atlantis – Intro Mix). This CD is again, predominantly progressive, but surprisingly turns to uplifting for the last portion. The uplifting trance chosen for the series still fits well, as the songs maintain an element of ambience and beauty to the thumping rhythms.

For In Search of Sunrise 12, Richard Durand brought in British trance producer Lange for a guest mix on the third CD; this idea has lately become a tradition, following Volume 11’s guest mix with Myon & Shane 54. Transitioning from the uplifting at the end of CD 2 to the slower bump of Lange’s third CD is a really nice treat. Lange clearly put as much thought into the track listing as Durand did; the tracks are equally ethereal and inspiring. Hearing Hey! While the Sun Shine by Lange & LNG was a treat, and there are other treats as well, including History by Andy Duguid featuring Jaren, and Kris O’Neil’s remix of Tiësto’s classic Just Be (perhaps an ode to the man who started the series himself?)

The latest installment of In Search of Sunrise is definitely gorgeous; however, 11 still remains my absolute favourite of Durand’s releases. This is just my preference, of course, and the summer-infused Dubai will still be getting many more listens from me in the coming months. Out now on Songbird Records (a sublabel of Black Hole Recordings), I highly recommend grabbing a copy of your own.

TRACKLIST:

Mix 1. (Richard Durand)

01. Richard Durand – Dubai Desert Fish (Intro Mix)
02. Azotti featuring Bagga Bownz – Day And Night
03. Jeremy Vancaulart, Assaf featuring Laura Aqui – The Space Between
04. Talamanca – Ocean Drive (Savid Remix)
05. Somna & Yang featuring Michele C. – Chasing Stars
06. Kam Delight – Whatever You Like
07. Richard Durand & Cynthia Hall – Shield Of Faith
08. NoMosk & Roman Messer featuring Christina Novelli – Lost Soul
09. Sean Tyas – Take A Moment
10. Rafael Frost & Jennifer Rene – Higher (Hazem Beltagui Remix)
11. Driftmoon – Luminance
12. RAM – Epic
13. Ronny K. vs. Ren – Come With Me
14. Richard Durand – Sambuca
15. Faruk Sabanci & James Dymond – Sphinx

Mix 2. (Richard Durand)

01. Richard Durand – Atlantis (Intro Mix)
02. Gai Barone – Eve
03. IRA & Paulina Dubaj – Better In Time
04. Ruben de Ronde – Forever In Our Hearts (David Broaders Remix)
05. Moonbeam featuring Polina Griffith – I Go On
06. Alex O’Rion – Cocoa (Trance Mix)
07. High 5 featuring Nanje Nowack – Ten Thousand Suns
08. Adam Kancerski featuring Aneym – Into The Light
09. Sunny Lax – Karma
10. Roman Messer featuring Ange – Imagination (Cold Rush Remix)
11. Driftmoon – The Inquisitor
12. ReOrder – Beyond Horizons
13. Elfsong – Seldarine
14. Amir Hussain & Allen Watts – Step Into My World
15. Dimension – On Her Behalf
16. Ferrin & Morris – Amatoria

Mix 3. (Lange)

01. Danilo Ercole – Contact
02. Max Freegrant & Matrey – Hussar
03. Tiësto featuring Kirsty Hawkshaw – Just Be (Kris O’Neil Remix)
04. Dimension – Verano
05. Johnny Yono – The Recluse
06. Andy Moor – Fade To Light
07. Bissen – Quantum (Future Disciple Remix I)
08. Michael Badal – Carnivale
09. Tangle – Firebird
10. Lange presents LNG – Hey! While The Sun Shines
11. Andy Duguid featuring Jaren – History
12. Ari Kyle & Audioscape featuring Simon Latham – Never Far
13. Anske – Vilnius
14. Bobina – Out Of Coverage
15. Anske – Dreamcatcher
16. Lange – A Different Shade Of Crazy (Lange vs Refracture Breaks Mashup)
17. Mateusz – Zeal (In Search Of Sunrise Mix)
18. David Gravell – Melbourne

To purchase the album in iTunes, click here

LINKS:

Richard Durand
Official Website
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SoundCloud 

Lange
Official Website
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SoundCloud 

Richard Granholm  – EDM TOR