Album Review: Ruben de Ronde X Rodg – Togetherr

Armada favorites Ruben de Ronde and Rodg teamed up for their first album, a collaboration entitled ‘Togetherr’. A collection of uplifting European dance music, Ruben de Ronde X Rodg explores a melting pot of trance, progressive, and house sounds across the sixteen tracks. Bringing in an array of guest artists to feature on the tracks, the natives of Holland worked with Orjan Nilsen, Genix, and Ben Gold, among many more.

The album’s standout feature is how the artists highlighted the vocal melodies, a hallmark of trance, but without eschewing hard-hitting, dance floor ready beats. The sonic palette of the album is highly reminiscent of dance music before the EDM boom, as what was popular in the early to mid-00’s, particularly on tracks like ‘Intergalactic’ with Estiva. However, tracks like ‘Strobe Machine’ have a timeless quality, taking cues from Giorgio Moroder’s productions from the 70’s but also Daft Punk now.

The best tracks are those that play up the trance elements of both artists. ‘When You’re Gone’ has beautiful vocals by Chloe, while opening track ‘Larger than Life’ is a captivating, emotive, and euphoric track: Sir Notch’s vocals on the track are strong, soaring over the beat. The collaboration with Orjan Nilsen, ‘Booya’ is released as a single, but hopefully ‘Larger than Life’ will be too.

Astute fans would have realized the album in its entirety was already played for A State of Trance 800, when Ruben de Ronde and Rodg did an exclusive B2B performance of just tracks from ‘Togetherr’. After the ASOT performance, fans will have the opportunity to catch the album on the road when they go on tour, including supporting trance legend Armin van Buuren at Hï Ibiza, as well as Tomorrowland and Ultra.

Catch Ruben de Ronde’s upcoming performance at Guaba Festival on July 30th, tickets & details can be found here.

Stream Ruben de Ronde X Rodg – Togetherr right here.