Duende Amaltea by Sense8: A Progressive Trance Odyssey You Didn’t Know You Needed
Alright, let’s talk about Duende Amaltea, the 2017 gem from Sense8 that slipped under the radar like a ninja in glowsticks. Released under Encanta (props to whoever names these labels—Encanta? Love it.), this UK-born album is soaked in progressive trance vibes with just enough dance-floor energy to make your feet forget they’re tired. If you’re into beats that evolve like a slow-cooked stew of euphoria, this one’s for you.
Now, I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect much when I hit play. But oh boy, did this thing surprise me. Two tracks stood out like neon signs in a power outage: Amaltea and Duende (Original Mix). Let’s break ‘em down real quick.
First up, Amaltea. This track doesn’t mess around—it starts soft, all mysterious and ethereal, like someone whispering secrets in another language. Then BAM! The bassline kicks in, and suddenly you're not just listening anymore; you're living it. It's got layers on layers, kinda like an onion but way less tear-inducing. What sticks with me is how effortlessly it builds tension. You know those moments at festivals where everyone collectively holds their breath before losing their minds? Yeah, that’s Amaltea. Pure magic.
Then there’s Duende (Original Mix). Oof, this one hits different. It feels darker, edgier, like if Amaltea were sunshine, Duende would be moonlight sneaking through cracks in the blinds. There’s something hypnotic about its rhythm—it pulls you in like quicksand made of velvet. Around the three-minute mark, things get wild. The synths spiral upwards like fireworks, leaving you no choice but to surrender. Honestly, it’s the kind of song that makes you wanna hug strangers or run barefoot through the streets screaming “I’M ALIVE!” Not saying I’ve done either, but hey, don’t knock it till you try it.
So yeah, Duende Amaltea isn’t perfect. Some might call it repetitive, but isn’t repetition kinda the point of trance music? Like, come on, people—the genre literally thrives on loops and crescendos. And sure, the album only has four tracks total (Amaltea, Duende, plus their Original Mix counterparts), so it’s more snack than feast. But sometimes snacks are better than feasts anyway. Less pressure, more flavor.
Here’s the kicker though: Listening to this album reminded me why progressive trance still matters. In a world drowning in TikTok remixes and algorithm-friendly bangers, Sense8 delivers something timeless—a vibe that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. Also, fun fact: “duende” means “elf” in Spanish, which is hilarious because nothing about this album feels remotely elf-like unless elves now throw raves in enchanted forests.
Final thought? If aliens ever invade Earth and demand we hand over our best music as proof of intelligence, Duende Amaltea should definitely be on the playlist. Just saying.
