First State Featuring Anita Kelsey - Falling

Unlike their debut EP First State/Sacred (ITWT 379-5) which consisted of a couple of hardcore electronic tracks (although not without melody), all following releases from Ralph Barendse and Sander van der Waal have had an element of commercial appeal to them. Not only are they successful in 'clubworld' but also casual listeners have taken a shine to their work, hence the release of a CD album and a few CD singles.

I have always quite liked Falling. There is something unbeknowingly hypnotic about the vocals from Anita Kelsey. "I'm falling under your spell!" she wails. And we believe her, such is the heartfelt nature of her vocal delivery. Yet the note changes working in tandem with the lyrics really make you entranced (example at 2.00), and this is something that all good trance producers should be endeavouring to achieve. The electronic elements remain (unsurprising with someone like Barendse at the helm; example at 6.53), yet they have been intertwined with a slightly softer touch, and the aforesaid female vocals to make it appeal to a wider audience.

At 9.59, this is one of the top 10 longest releases on the In Trance We Trust label.