Written by Erika Razzo

Have you ever felt like you were weightless, like you could feel the earth beneath slip away as you’re floating blissfully into the atmosphere? This feeling encompasses how myself, and many other trance aficionados felt, as we drifted away into space during Arctic Moon’s set at Toika Lounge on December 27th 2013.

For those who aren’t familiar, Arctic Moon, also known as Tomasz Popielarski, is a young and incredibly talented trance producer hailing from Poland. He’s stirred some huge waves within the trance community with support from some of the most prominent names in trance such as Armin Van Buuren, Aly & Fila, and Dash Berlin – to name a few. His production style is a very unique mix of euphoric and uplifting trance with a touch of classical music, new age, chill out, and even sometimes known to dabble into rock music.

The Opener

The night started out with the dark & endearing sounds courtesy of our home-grown local Flux. He warmed us up with a set that got us out of our comfort zones, and into his realm. The club was pounding with the versatile sounds of techno, trance and progressive beats that drove up the energy. As usual I really enjoyed his set, and judging by all the dancing bodies – it’s safe to say everyone around me did too.

The Main Event

With three hours at his disposal, Arctic Moon took the reins of the DJ booth and took us trance fanatics on a ride with a combination of emotionally uplifting, a hint of progressive trance, and the highly demanded 140BPM tracks. Many of his own tantalizing productions, remixes, and mash-ups were played such as True Romance, Miss Atomic Bomb Remix, and Coming Home vs If I Lose Myself. He also gave us a glimpse of a few of his unreleased tracks that left us all yearning for more. The unexpected track of the night definitely had to be an Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat electro remix, it was a little change of pace, but it actually worked out well. Of course he balanced out his feverous set with some of the most popular trance tracks of 2013 and even a few classics such as Above & Beyond’s “Home“. (See below for a partial track-list)

Overall, as many in attendance would agree, his set was exceptional. Although the night was marred slightly by a few technical difficulties near the end with the bass, and an abrupt silence for about 10 minutes, it did not affect the quality of the night. An overly ecstatic fan even screamed out “Take your time you fuckin killed it!” during the silence. The show was not over yet though, the music pounded back on with Simon Patterson‘s – ‘Brush Strokes’, and we all made our way back to the dance floor with only 30 minutes to spare. To wrap up the enthralling night he finished with Jorn Van Deynhoven’s uplifting trance remix of Craig Connely’s ‘Black Hole’ featuring the haunting vocals of Christina Novelli.

The Vibe

Toika is a magical little haven that facilitates an intimate atmosphere that is often overlooked in the dance music industry. It was not overly packed that night, but you could feel the warmth in your body, as everyone danced, sang at the top of their lungs, and clapped during some of their favourite trance songs. I bared witness to many hugs, many smiles and tons of hands held high in unison – and even a few tears were shed (don’t worry I won’t name any names).

Partial Track-list

Dash Berlin feat. Shanokee – Surrender (Arctic Moon Remix)
Armin van Buuren, Eller van Buuren & Arctic Moon vs. OneRepublic – If I Lose Myself Coming Home (Shura Vlasov Mashup)
Dart Rayne & Yura Moonlight and Sarah Lynn – Silhouette (Allen & Envy Remix)
IIO – Rapture (ID 140 Remix)
Ferry Corsten – Many Ways (Will Atkinson Remix)
Arctic Moon – True Romance
Andy Moor – K Ta (Aly & Fila Remix)
The Killers – Miss Atomic Bomb (Arctic Moon Remix)
Paul Oakenfold – Southern Sun (Angry Man Remix)
Martin Garex- Animals (Broning Bootleg)
Mark Sixma – Requiem
Simon Patterson – Brush Strokes
ReOrder & Ian Standerwick Pres. Sky Patrol – Folding Your Universe
Ummet Ozcan – The Cube
Bryan Kearney – Stealth Bomber
Sneijder – Silent Treatment
Above & Beyond feat. Hannah Thomas – Home (Above & Beyond Club Mix)
Craig Connely & Christina Novelli – Black Hole (Jorn Van Deyhoven Remix)

Do you need any more convincing that it’s time to get out to a local trance show? Without you guys events like this wouldn’t be possible! Lets continue helping the scene grow in our city, and watch as we reap the benefits. To stay up to date with upcoming trance events and to purchase tickets visit Ozmozis Events.