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REVIEWED: Pedro Del Mar – Mellomania 21 (Black Hole Recordings)

Label: Black Hole Recordings
Reviewed by: Rachel Rixham
Grab your copy: Beatport / iTunes

Once again, Pedro Del Mar presents to you his brand new Mellomania compilation, filled with illustrious melodies and warming grooves. Mellomania 21 delivers a stunning blend of Progressive house and Uplifting trance, not to mention a sprinkle of Pedro Del Mar’s well-known and much appreciated balearic flair.

Pedro Del Mar’s Mellomania 21, features a plethora of high quality artists such as Alex O’ Rion, Bobina, Roger Shah, Alex Morph, Paul Oakenfold, Dave 202, Gareth Emery, Norin & Rad, Arty, and Tritonal, as well as a respectable gathering of prestigious vocalists like, Emma Hewitt, Tania Zygar, Tiff Lacey, Shannon Hurley, Cristina Soto, Sylvia Tosun and Adrina Thorpe. In addition, a handful of exclusives and previously unreleased tracks; topped by many notable productions from the man himself. Mellomania 21 will have you reaching for the skies in CD1, and includes many chart topping tunes and by a vibrant selection of upcoming talent. CD2, offers a captivating and meditatively soothing approach, while finishing off beautifully with a fruitful blend of that Del Mar magic.

Kicking of his highly-admirable release, “Pedro Del Mar” introduces you to “Distorted Emotions”, a welcoming intro that gently opens your mind and prepares you for the journey ahead. It’s a beautiful start that instantly grips and softly soothes along the way. Shortly followed by Black Hole Recordings artist Alex O’ Rion with his glowing tune “Craters of the Moon”. This track comes with an amazing remix from Craving, another pair of artists that are quickly cementing a name for themselves in our trance scene.

The first of the vocal tunes strides in with renowned vocalist Tiff Lacey, a classy tune with sublime lyrics and a “Little heart”. Illitheas injects a sun-drenched melody, intent on delivering that much wanted dreamy feeling, which paves way for Bobina‘s “Let You In” to roll on in to play. Gathering pace Dimension sweeps in with his epic track “Cloud Walking”, an exquisite production that has been taken one step further with a remix from Scott Lowe & High Definition. Adrina Thorpe’s voice shimmers in next with Roger Shah’s tune “Island”, this heart-wrenching number produces an outstandingly scrumptious melody, dripping with uplifting bliss. I found I was shivering quite a few times here if I’m honest.

Pedro Del Mar & Spark7 stand strong with “Hold Me Now”, the melody itself is highly-driven and offers a powerful big room atmosphere. Jane Kumasa is on the vocals this time, and I must admit it isn’t a name I am particularly acquainted with, but her voice quickly enveloped and left me willingly soaking in the melody. Simon O’ Shine’s – Enthusiasm makes an appearance next, constructing a delightful blend of rich tones and melodically charming beats. A lovely track that opens the door for the next tune with perfection, I would say that this is where CD1 delivers a breakdown you will never forget. Alex Morph‘s tremendously heartfelt track “An Angels Love” sprints ahead. Not ever, have I been so overwhelmed within the music that I have wanted to shed tears of absolute joy! Sylvia Tosun‘s talent shines so brightly here, and Pedro Del Mar respectfully honours this tune by placing it in an outstanding and supremely admirable position.

The next batch of tunes from CD1 continues the Mellomania 21 journey exceptionally well, with remixes from Jorn van Deynhoven, ReOrder & Dave Deen, and Matt Bukovski not to mention epic productions from the likes of Paul Oakenfold, DAVE 202, Henrik Christensen, Rory Gallagher, C-Systems, Paul Miller and many more. Up to now CD1 has offered many enjoyable tunes that seemingly melt in to one another beautifully, each track stands tall and creates a new emotion upon listening. So far it’s been a stunning drive through Pedro Del Mar’s Mellomania 21.

The next leg of Mellomania 21 is CD2, which quickly glides on in with another intro track namely “The Aquarius Shift”, a deep and almost haunting whisper welcomes you before diving straight in to heaven with the incredibly charming track “Strings”, which is composed by Andy Duguid and features the enchanting voice of Fenja. Listen carefully as the compassionate strings strum away in to your soul – absolutely beauteous – Gareth Emery and Ashley Wallbridge are up next with their massive tune “Mansion” this track comes highly recommended by the Trance community and garnered a prodigious amount of support upon it’s release; if you haven’t heard it, it is a MUST! “Don’t Breathe” by Jose Amnesia, and “Le Tour De Trance” by the remarkably talented Orjan Nilsen offers succulent lines, extravagant melodies and sensual warmth. While Cosmic Gate‘s “Be Your Sound” sung by the lovely Emma Hewitt, and Norin & Rad vs Audien’s “Thrust” delivers peak time atmosphere and lots of high class talent.

Up next comes Simon J‘s “Way Back Home” featuring the impressive male vocals of Simon Binkenborn. This track homes capacious basslines, choppy percussion, and a welcoming melody. Definitely a virtuous tune that encourages some smiles along the way. Following on in superb fashion is the mind-melting “My Life”, which starts off really melodic before a hearty laugh welcomes a masterful bassline. The breakdown is soft and gentle, and the guitar strings remove all your worldly cares, before unleashing a hook that encourages you to throw down a groove or two on the dance floor. It is about now that your emotions take a leap, and you truly do feel on top of the world.

The rush is fast and furious with Arty‘s epic tune “The Wall” featuring the divine voice of Tania Zygar, one I highly admire. Her compassion and emotional lyrics unwind around your bones and ultimately take you somewhere else. This is one vocalist I would highly commend to any producer, looking to create a shiver some atmosphere within their productions. York’s “Reachers of Civilization” carries itself extremely well and adds to the Mellomania journey beautifully. The balearic guitar drives home what we truly love about the Mellomania experience. Taking a deep plunge yet raising the tempo comes Tritonal‘s “Still With Me”, Cristina Soto‘s voice and lyrics soothe immensely and have your mind wandering the mystical bounties of the ocean’s floor. While Arisen Flame‘s “Love Story” and Elles De Graaf‘s “Tears from the Moon” take the lead and submerge you deeper-still. Right now, I am in the moment and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Thank you Pedro Del Mar!

The last few tunes bring an awe-inspiring finish, “Unanswered Questions” by Matt Bukovski instantly draws you in, It’s another tune that hits the peak of every emotion you carry as a human being, and a magnificent placement in the tracklist. The finale unleashes “Sun Gone Down” by the super talented producer Protoculture FT Shannon Hurley. Pedro Del Mar’s inspirational tune “Windows Into My Soul” FT Fancy Vienna, Brother of Pedro, Roger Shah and Kim Svard‘s delicious production “Symbiosis” and last but most certainly not least, “The Light” by Pakka FT Simon which offers a congenial wind down, gently placing your feet back on solid ground.

All in all, I have to admit that this compilation is truly impeccable, it homes oodles of highly-polished talent, a tracklist that flawlessly flows from one track to the next, and an emotional experience that lasts long after play. Which only confirms the reason Pedro Del Mar’s Mellomania experience has been warmly welcomed by so many fans across the globe.

I truly believe this is Pedro’s greatest compilation yet – Great work Pedro! 10/10

iTunes | Beatport

Connect with Pedro Del Mar
http://www.pedrodelmar.com
http://www.mellomania.com
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http://www.twitter.com/pedrodelmardj