Coldharbour Recordings - The Collected 12 Mixes Volume 1: A Progressive Trance Gem
Alright, let’s dive into this beast of an album. Released in 2007, The Collected 12 Mixes Volume 1 is a solid showcase of progressive trance vibes brought to us by Coldharbour Recordings and a crew of talented producers. With credits spanning Russia, Ukraine, Netherlands (and probably a few other places), it’s got that international flair that makes electronic music so damn exciting. Plus, kudos to dbxl.nl for the artwork—simple but sleek.
Now, if you’re into progressive trance, this one’s gonna hit the spot. It’s not trying too hard; it just delivers track after track of those euphoric builds and drops we all love. Let me break down two tracks that really stuck with me.
First up, there’s “Dusk Till Dawn (Alex Stealthy Remix)”. Man, this tune is like watching the sun rise over some far-off city skyline. You know what I mean? The remix takes the original and cranks up the energy without losing its soul. There’s this moment around the halfway point where everything drops out except for this haunting little melody—it feels like standing on the edge of something huge. Then BAM, it all comes rushing back in, and suddenly you’re dancing again even though you’re technically just sitting at your desk pretending to work. Classic Alex Stealthy move right there.
Another standout has gotta be “Your Loving Arms (Markus Schulz & Elevation Intro Mix)”. Oh man, this one hits different. Markus Schulz knows how to craft these emotional rollercoasters, and this remix doesn’t disappoint. The intro mix keeps things low-key and moody, almost like it’s luring you in before exploding into this massive wall of sound. It’s the kind of track that makes you wanna grab someone close—or maybe just stare wistfully out a window if you’re flying solo. Either way, it sticks with you long after the last beat fades.
What I love about this album is how cohesive it feels despite being packed with remixes from various artists. Tracks like “Tonic,” “Ice Beach,” and “Poison” add depth to the collection, showing off the range within the progressive trance genre. And yeah, sure, not every track will blow your mind, but that’s kinda the beauty of compilations—they give you room to explore.
So, wrapping this up… If you’re looking for an album that captures the essence of late-2007 progressive trance while throwing in enough remix magic to keep things fresh, this is it. Honestly, listening to it felt like rediscovering an old playlist you forgot you loved. Weirdly nostalgic yet still relevant today. Who knew a bunch of DJs scattered across Europe could create something so timeless?
Oh, and here’s a random thought to leave you with: Why do good albums always seem to come out when no one’s paying attention? Like seriously, 2007 was ages ago, but this one deserves another spin. Maybe you’ll agree once you press play.
