Robert Vadney - Halloween EP [Review]

[StephenWiley]

Robert Vadney's Halloween Anthems

Robert Vadney – Halloween EP

The concept of this EP is nothing short of genius. The Halloween theme is brilliant and the instruments, samples, and atmospheric effects used in the various tracks almost bring this EP to a living breathing life of its own. The fact that Robert Vadney made this EP spices it up that much more. His fresh approach to trance is unique and is something this industry needs. His dark and unique approach to trance manifested itself in this EP more so than any other productions I have heard from him. This EP is simply amazing. It’s probably the best release of Trance in the modern day era and I am not being hyperbolic. 10/10!

Introduction

The introduction track is a great beginning for a wicked set of tunes. The Charles Manson sample is once again genius by Vadney, and sets the tone for the rest of EP. The creepy Halloween samples scattered throughout the intro are appropriate and really helps to add to the Halloween theme. I anticipate a lot of DJs using this as their opener for a Halloween performance if it’s released early enough.

Lullaby For A Ghost

Follows after the introduction and continues with the Halloween theme but introduces tons of new instruments and samples. The vocal samples in this tune are spot on! The melody is simple but great and fits the track perfectly. The synths are written to harmonic perfection and as always we have the signature Vadney kick in the track. One of the key features of this tune and others on the EP (The Pumpkin King, Pinocchio), is that they start out with a very minimal sound and then develops into a very high energy trance track. With this particular tune it doesn’t exist very much but it is something to think about for The Pumpkin King & Pinnochio. I’ve had to go the extra mile when mixing these tunes with other artists work. Ideally, you want to play this tune and the others mentioned above after a fairly energized trance track because this tune and the others have a lot of energy, but as you bring a standard 2 minute mix in the energy somewhat dies before picking back up further into the track. I know there are many ways around this, but the average DJ doesn’t go the extra distance and mix the track in closer to where the energy begins so the amateur and novice DJs could discriminate against these absolutely amazing tunes because they’re not good enough to utilize them to their fullest potential, this isn’t always a bad thing though! I’m sure the DJs you want playing this music have the capability to use it properly. When listening to each track as a separate tune I think they’re perfectly designed. Lullaby For A Ghost will likely be the biggest seller of the EP because of the promotion and the fact that it is a great and unique tune but I personally prefer another tune slightly more . The breaks in this track may make it slightly difficult to play in a club setting, but I doubt it. I personally love long breaks. As a DJ, I believe this song would be best suited in a club as a closer. For radio it can be used anywhere.

Moonlight Sonata

I just wanted to give my initial impression when I looked at this tune and before I opened it. I saw that it was over 10 minutes. When I’m online shopping for music I rarely give tunes that are more than 10 minutes long much of a chance unless they’re from an artist or label that I enjoy. I probably should give them more of a chance but I have to filter through so many tunes that I’m often rushing. I know other DJs who take this same approach as well. I find there to be too much repetition in the longer tracks. I prefer 7 minute tunes but will work with anything between 3 and 9 minutes, and on occasion above 10 minutes. If a track is above 10 minutes it has to be special. It can’t be repetitive and it needs to keep the listeners attention. Thankfully that is exactly what Moonlight Sonata is and does. This track defines unique. It begins with a nice atmospheric creepy sample that sets the tone for this tune. The Halloween piano, which is simply AMAZING, really sounds good at the beginning of this tune. If you can’t tell by now, I really love this tune. After three and ½ minutes of some nice trance the tune morphs into a piano solo at 3:45 which is just amazing. This particular track has phases to help get rid of that repetition you usually see in those 10+ minute tunes. The build up from this piano solo is great and the tune again takes on another form! It’s like 3 unique tunes in one. The harmonics, melodies, and structure of the tune are wonderful. Despite the long breakdown this tune would be amazing for a club if used properly. The build up from the piano solo allows for this. I think this song would flat out scare some people on the dance floor. Again, it would be an awesome song to play at a Halloween event!

Fallen Angel’s Symphony

This tune is the closest to “normal” Trance on the EP, and it’s still far from normal. It follows the usual patterns of progression but it is still very unique. For some reason Vadney always finds a way to make a tune stand out. The tune begins with a not so classic Vadney kick. The percussion in this track is unique as well. The tune is a great progressive style trance piece. Pianos are my favorite instrument so I obviously love the breakdowns in this track. The piano melody is great! The backing vocals in the break are very soft, yet bold, and fit in perfectly. After the first breakdown we get a nice serving of some strong synth lines followed by the beat and a very hard style of trance to finish it out. This tune is probably the least “halloweenish” of the bunch but still fits in fine with the EP. I think we’ll see a lot of DJs after this tune because it is more of a standard track and most DJs are too afraid to try and mix tunes that are not easy.
The Pumpkin King
Hey look, ANOTHER amazing tune….as always the structure and progression are perfect. The Halloween theme is manifested by all of the insanely creepy but amazing samples. All the wicked laughs are nothing short of brilliant. The tune layering and the use of the trance synths take this song to the next level. The break is awesome and would go over SO well in a club. This tune is creepy as hell, as it should be. I love it. Again, this would be an amazing tune to have for a DJ playing a gig on Halloween.

Pinocchio

This is my favorite tune on the EP. This tune is nearly perfect. It contributes heavily to the Halloween feel of the album. It starts with the classic Vadney kick and very slowly progresses into some emotional and hard hitting trance. If I could add something to this tune it would be continued progression at the 57 second break. The tune really dies down and forces the DJ to turn the gain up and then re-adjust when appropriate or mix the track in later which I found fairly challenging but possible. But let’s get back to this awesome tune. The samples are really what did it for me. It is the creepiest tune on the EP and I love it. “I wish were a real boy” fits just perfectly. The following Trance melodies are perfect and the various scary themed samples make Pinocchio harmonic bliss! The structure is perfect. (Sorry if I’m being monotonous but I can’t help it.) I think this could challenge to be the #1 tune bought from this EP. Another great one from Mr. Vadney !

The Undead Bride

The Undead Bride does a great job of sticking with the Halloween theme. This is a calmer tune than any of the others but that is not a bad thing. The tune slowly progresses and uses some nice bell samples along the way. At 3 minutes we really start to get the creepy stuff! We get to hear the Undead Bride crying her eyes out. The effects applied to this already amazing sample make it amazing….shortly after we get a very well placed melody and some more atmospheric creepy samples followed by more melody . The tune then delivers the peak of the track which is great. The crying sample used to symbolize the Undead Bride is awesome. It is a testament to Vadney’s creativity and unique approach to trance. The Undead Bride packs a mean punch if you enjoy progressive, melody driven trance.