19. Anhken – Always Look Back
Label: Armada
Genre: Trance
So you may have noticed that trance giant Armin van Buuren hasn't had any tracks on my list so far this year... and to be honest, he's just had a really weak year in my opinion. The latest entry in his annual mix series “A State of Trance 2011” was incredibly disappointing... except for a few tracks by Orjan Nilsen, Ashley Wallbridge, and this one right here from Anhken.
Anhken is actually the only producer on this list of which I have no idea what he looks like. My first exposure to him came from the track “Unwanted” under his alias “Kahn” which is simple, yet extremely effective track. Although his Kahn alias has a darker more progressive sound, I'm quite fond of pretty much everything Anhken produces. The track in question is just a combination of of really nice sounds put together... I know that sounds a bit reductive when talking about electronic music, but the melodies aren't exactly complex or interesting... I'll admit that the vocal is damn nice, but this song is great because of the sounds used. They all just fit so perfectly together.
While I can't say this is one of the most technically impressive productions of the year, it was easily one of my favourites. This track was easily in my top 3 for most listens this year and I'm hoping that Anhken will experience the breakout year he deserves in 2012.
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http://soundcloud.com/thundersheep/lunatic-asylum
http://soundcloud.com/thundersheep/summer-rain