Lost In Dreams swings the door open to the latest installment of its going compilation series, featuring unforgettable tracks across the melodic spectrum.
Lost In Dreams is back with another stellar installment of their lauded ‘Gateway’ compilation series. Volume 8 is an uplifting array of electronic music spanning drum & bass, future bass, indie electronic, and beyond. The compilation features exclusive new music from Smile the Roses, Josh Rubin, ELLUM, ALIGN, ellie d., Laxcity, V. Christie, Julian Bates, ALBA, and Low Mileage.
Smile The Roses is a recently launched collaborative project from revered artist Josh Rubin and his producer counterpart ELLUM. The new project makes its debut on Lost In Dreams with the evocative single “Maybe.” The project opener is a moody, melodic drum & bass-leaning ballad that drifts between brooding and beautiful. Rubin’s signature vocal croons explore the uncertainty of coming to terms with a failed relationship. Warm synth pulses kick off with a cinematic feel, flickering faintly above crisp DnB breaks and light cooing vox that build into a brooding, pitch-shifting liquid climax imbued with a dissonant future bass gleam. The release builds on the success of their inaugural single “Little Things,” which was released in June.
Summing up the meaning behind their newest track, Smile the Roses states: “Relationships are never just black and white. We’ve all been hurt and betrayed, and that can sometimes create a very cynical, untrustworthy outlook. At the end of the day, we’re all just people trying to navigate our feelings and our wants and needs. Communication is key. Trying to understand each other’s perspective is key.”
Keeping the collaborations coming, ALIGN and ellie d. join forces for “Walls.” The upbeat anthem centers around letting go and embracing the light. LA-based singer/songwriter ellie d.’s welcoming vocal teeters between hypnotic and heartfelt, offering a sense of vulnerable freedom. Synths wash over the backdrop as drum builds give way to energetic, infectious drops. Euphoric vocal chops swirl with sun-filled melodic leads and wonky bass, resulting in an explosion of pure elation. “Walls” is an introspective groove that will move fans in more ways than one.
ALIGN breaks down the inspiration behind the release, saying, “‘Walls’ tells a story about the barriers we build up to protect ourselves. It captures the push and pull between wanting to be close to someone and being afraid to fully let go.”
UK-based producer Laxcity makes his debut on Lost In Dreams with the nostalgia-fueled “Vanish.” Groovy drums saunter over echoing, radiant stabs as picturesque melodies slowly drift into focus. Pitched-up vocals offer a syrupy allure that builds into an ecstatic release of emotion. Pounding kicks anchor the drops as glitchy flourishes, angelic textures, and dizzying synths intermingle. The smooth break sweeps listeners away into a dream-like state before returning with a pulsing climax. “Vanish” blurs a sense of longing with evocative anticipation for a unique and unforgettable adventure.
Laxcity describes the fresh approach to the track, saying, “After my mellow ‘forevermore’ EP—a big success—I wanted to release more dancefloor-ready stuff that I can play out at my tour! ‘vanish’ is my attempt at club style music. Proud of it!”
Norwegian producer V. Christie offers a love-inspired escape on “With You.” Blending elements of trance with UK garage, the track takes the shape of a mesmeric and moving cut. The smooth four-on-the-floor rhythm creates an instant groove, while lush vocal hooks are complemented by sultry spoken word. The synths are spellbinding and electric, as they shimmer, shine, and provide the emotional foundation. The introduction of a ‘90s-esque dance vocal deepens the sense of awe, bringing listeners into a full-on trance before increasing the energy with a dance-friendly drop primed to set bodies in motion. “With You” pulls from a wide array of inspirations, ultimately positioning itself as a timeless dance bop.
Breaking down what the release means to him, V. Christie says, “‘With You’ is one of those tracks that holds a lot of feeling for me. It’s built around a simple, emotional idea, but layered with crisp drums, subtle textures, and melodic details that give it depth and movement. I wanted it to feel intimate, but still hit.”
“In The Light” is a cinematic epic that sees Julian Bates and ALBA coming together. Dark pads and tumultuous soundscapes set the stage for the gripping topline. The vocal delivery is entrenched in emotion with an underlying sense of tension and longing. The drops offer a sense of hope and relief, creating a feeling of weightlessness with the movement and a commanding determination embedded within the vocals. The track is a delicate dance between the shadows and distant light, offering a ray of hope through the dark days.
“I’ll Wait” is an ode to patience, perseverance, and the power of love. Whether in the midst of an incredible connection or waiting on the sidelines, Low Mileage offers a powerful reminder that true love will find its way through. The impassioned vocals proudly state “I’ll wait for you,” offering an anthemic throughline that transcends any challenges. Heartfelt pads drift under an infectious melody that strengthens and shifts in and out. Longing is counterbalanced against a sense of optimism that hints at a brighter future on the horizon. The vocals are chopped, tweaked, and pitched to perfection, as the backing expertly follows the emotive flow state.
Low Mileage opens up about the inspiration, saying, “This track dives into the emotions tied to love—whether you’re longing for a connection or caught in the middle of one.”
‘Gateway Vol. 8’ is a melodic-driven dream that showcases under-the-radar talents and familiar faces in the best way imaginable.
‘Gateway Vol. 8’ Track List:
Smile the Roses, Josh Rubin, ELLUM – Maybe
ALIGN, ellie d. – Walls
Laxcity – Vanish
V. Christie – With You
Julian Bates, ALBA – In The Light
Low Mileage – I’ll Wait
Lost In Dreams’ new compilation ‘Gateway Vol 8’ is available now via all platforms.
UFO Network brings you music news daily! See more news here
Listen on Spotify
