Above & Beyond - Acoustic (2014)

Though they are rare, there are times when an album's emotion is just so beautifully strong that the only way to truly understand it is to listen to it. That is the case with Above & Beyond's Acoustic, out today with the partnership of their own Anjunabeats and Ultra Records. Featuring a roster of fan favorites and a new track entitled "Making Plans," Acoustic is a great introduction for new as well as long time listeners. And like the title, this album really needs no explanation; but we'll try.

Preceded by the acoustic shows complete with full orchestras including live vocals, newly arranged songs and Jono, Tony and Paavo all on their own instruments. Inspired by the success of the initial Portchester show last year and the following response from fans worldwide (including Skrillex, who later joined them on stage at The Greek Theater for a special rendition of "Black Room Boy"), the wildly successful production trio and label heads of the Anjunabeats empire decided to make Above & Beyond Acoustic more than just a hashtag.

Above & Beyond are known for their unique sound that undoubtedly emits some of the most deeply emotive progressive and trance music. Simply put, they've mastered it. So then beyond more electronic music, what is the next frontier? After this masterpiece of an album, it will surely be translating electronic music into instrumentals that aren't. At first glance that ambition might seem like one that would receive a negative reaction, but as Acoustic shows, when you're talented, it shines through every iteration of your music. Beginning the album with a song from their days as OceanLab, we're introduced to a new exciting vocalist who fits perfectly with the Anjuna sound named Annie Drury. And after hearing her work on tracks like "Miracle," we look forward to seeing her more frequently on releases from the label.