Album Review: "Music Is Life" - Dash Berlin

I think the most challenging thing a musical artist has to constantly overcome is staying relevant. And how does an artist break through the saturation of cheesy bubblegum pop and wannabe sustainable hip-hop stars? Dash Berlin has accomplished this twofold: by attracting the attention of progressive trance titan Armin van Buuren, releasing music on his Armada Music record label, and by using the popularity of a micro-meme hashtag [#musicislife] to create his album title.

What makes this album special is the use of melodic vocals that compliment Berlin's production perfectly. Jonathan Mendelsohn, Emma Hewitt and Sarah Howells, for example, [there are many many other guests featured] all lend their singing talents, bringing a breath of fresh air to the heavy instrumental EDM world. And with so many vocalists featured, the variety keeps from tiring, especially after all 71 minutes.

If you like trance, (and what EDM fan doesn’t?) give this album a spin, because the music speaks for itself. Some of the melodies will stick with you for days, and that’s certainly not a bad thing!

#Musicislife is Berlin’s sophomore studio effort and follows 2009’s “The New Daylight.”

Standout tracks: "Better Half of Me," "Disarm Yourself," and "Man on the Skyfire" [Dash Berlin with Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren vs. Shogun]

Recommended if you Like: Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten

#Musicislife saw its global release on April 27, 2012. Dash Berlin begins his world tour on May 5th in Mexico City. 

Out now on Beatport. 

Review by Michael Arnold