Trance Icon John Askew Reflects on His Journey in New Album A Room Full of Pros & Cons
Rewind three decades to witness John Askew embarking on his illustrious career. Over these years, he has achieved remarkable milestones, from releasing influential albums and performing at major festivals to founding VII and exploring various facets of the music industry. While several compilation albums have emerged during this period, a full-length studio album has been long overdue since Z List Uber Star graced the scene in 2008. That gap has finally closed with the launch of his latest project, A Room Full of Pros & Cons.
After five years of intense production, A Room Full of Pros & Cons showcases John Askew’s commitment and artistry, a duration influenced by his busy schedule across multiple roles in the trance community. This 15-track album bursts with the infectious trance energy that has defined his sound, resulting in a captivating listening experience that serves as a glimpse into his creative depths.
The journey commences with “Grave Digger,” featuring an atmospheric, cinematic intro that quickly transitions into a realm where trance reigns supreme. Tracks like “Steady & Stronger” featuring Shelby Merry, “Push It,” and “UFO” maintain the brisk tempo, transporting listeners to a transcendent state enriched by acid-infused notes and euphoric melodies.
As the energy shifts, “00.00” introduces a break with spoken word vocals, setting the stage for “Be Careful What You Wish For.” This collaboration with Lyonheart takes you on an atmospheric journey filled with layered breakbeats and enticing vocals, inviting further exploration of the crafted soundscape. The subsequent tracks, “Take A Breath” and “Running in the Dark,” reignite the energy, contrasting the previous calmer vibes.
Even with six tracks left, the experience intensifies. Highlights in this final stretch include “Organism,” “Aces Hi,” and “Afterburner,” all solo creations from Askew. Among these, “I Want Your Soul” featuring Sinful Blitz delivers an anthemic quality, while the closing track, “Wild Horse,” once again features Shelby Merry, taking you on a chilled yet evocative ride. The album leaves listeners in deep contemplation, eager to experience the journey anew, so don’t miss out on A Room Full of Pros & Cons.
Stream A Room Full of Pros & Cons on Spotify or your favorite platform, and stay updated with John Askew’s latest by following him on social media.
Listen to John Askew’s A Room Full of Pros & Cons on Spotify:
Tracklist for John Askew’s A Room Full of Pros & Cons:
- Grave Digger
- Steady & Stronger (with Shelby Merry)
- Push It
- UFO
- 00:00
- Be Careful What You Wish For (with Lyonheart)
- Take A Breath (with Manika Kaur)
- Running in the Dark
- These Dogs Trust No One (Red Dragon Edit)
- Organism
- When Darkness Comes (with Shelby Merry)
- Aces Hi
- I Want Your Soul (with Sinful Biz)
- Afterburner
- Wild Horse (with Shelby Merry)
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