January: 10 trance releases you need to hear this month

Kyau & Albert '20 Years' (Euphonic)

Ever since they burst onto the scene in 1996 with their debut single ‘Let Me In’, Ralph Kyau and Steven Albert have been putting out a steady stream of releases, developing a sound that’s so distinct you can tell it’s them even without looking at the track info. Vocal trance may be their strong point, as demonstrated on ‘Are You Fine?’ and ‘On A Night Like This’, but masterpieces such as ‘Megashira’ and ‘Bend Girl’ prove they have a knack for crafting instrumentals, too. This new, 22-track compilation takes some of the German duo’s best-loved singles and has them remixed by the likes of Genix, Stoneface & Terminal and Dan Stone. Packed with well-timed drops, discernible basslines and stirring vocals, it won’t just make you appreciate their achievements over the past two decades; it’ll make you want to go out.

8/10