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Back behind the decks after 2003's self-produced 76, Armin Van Buuren's 2-disc A State of Trance 2004 jumps back into giant thumps and epic dance textures. 76 had a relatively soft touch, in tune with the DJ's often-stated admiration for the music of Jean-Michel Jarre, but this mix is peak-heavy, designed to leave a dance floor light-headed and dreamy. Set loose with a crate full of wax once again, he lets the high end do the work, then judiciously drops massive beats to rattle your sub-woofers. Disc 1's "Signs From The Universe" uses the strategy especially well, with a swarming keyboard build that gets swallowed by a dark, rumbling rhythm. Van Buuren goes velvety smooth on disc 2, but doesn't forget the need for contrast; "Totally Fascinated" is darkly subterranean in parts, yet balanced by the song's sensual keyboard lift. While there's nothing groundbreaking here by any means, Van Buuren's approach makes for perfect sunny day music before nightfall brings out the heavier, more sinister spinners. --Matthew Cooke