Above & Beyond proves they still have trance coursing through their veins with the release of their latest Tranquility Base EP.
The past two decades have seen Above & Beyond transform from a motley crew of three trance lovers looking to make their way in the scene to becoming one of the biggest acts on the planet with a thriving community to boot. From their seminal hits and captivating performances to multiple labels that have helped shape trance, progressive house, and more, this trio has left no stone unturned throughout their run. In recent years, Above & Beyond has focused more on their solo work and explored different styles, but their Tranquility Base EP series has helped remind everyone that their core remains in trance.
The first volume of Tranquility Base landed in 2023 and quickly won over the hearts of Anjunafamily members who had been craving a dose of trance from the trio. Now, before 2024 comes to a close, Above & Beyond has treated everyone to another dose with the series’ second volume, which has landed today on their beloved label Anjunabeats.
Tracks from Tranquility Base Vol. 2 have been teased for quite some time as Above & Beyond prominently displayed its soundscapes at their standout fall shows, which included ABGT600 in Mexico City and jaw-dropping performances at Red Rocks and Dreamstate SoCal. The EP’s two singles, “React” and “Another Breakdown,” lead the charge on this five-track collection, and both bring plenty of energy into the mix with powerful melodies and uplifting moments that fill you with warmth.
“From Grey To Light” begins with subtle piano notes and a backing beat that swells as it hypnotizes the mind. The second drop on this one will warp your mind as Above & Beyond dashes the prior pensive moment and puts you straight into an acid-twinged ride. A quick vocal opens “Chasing Highs” before you’re off to the races once again. Light piano notes that have become a signature of Above & Beyond over the years take center stage on this one before its melody enters from the distance to take complete control. The explosion of energy in the track’s latter half will have you jumping for joy as the seconds tick away.
While trance is the core of Tranquility Base, Above & Beyond adds some nostalgia into the mix by dropping the ever-ravey “Hackney Siren” as the EP’s final tune. This one opens with piano notes and breaks that feel ripped straight out of the ’90s warehouse scene, all of which crescendo into a wild breakdown filled with acid stabs that you can’t help but bounce along to. It’s not what you’d expect from Above & Beyond, yet it’s a welcome addition that leaves me wondering where they’ll go next.
Listen to Tranquility Base Vol. 2 on Spotify or your preferred platform. Stay tuned for more from Above & Beyond by following them on social media.
Stream Above & Beyond – Tranquility Base Vol. 2 on Spotify:
Above & Beyond – Tranquility Base Vol. 2 – Tracklist:
- React
- Another Breakdown
- From Grey To Light
- Chasing Highs
- Hackney Siren