‘Tri-State’ turns 10: Revisiting Above & Beyond’s legendary debut album
'Tri-State' turns 10: Revisiting Above & Beyond's legendary debut album
By 2006, Above & Beyond had already secured their place among the trance elite. Having officially remixed the likes of Madonna and earned the title of ASOT’s “Tune Of The Year” in 2004 with “No One On Earth,” the seminal British trio were already well on their way to international stardom.
On March 6, however, their debut album Tri-State on Anjunabeats forever transformed Tony, Paavo, and Jono into three of the most beloved names in electronic music, defining the trio as a permanent — and preeminent — influence in trance.
Ten years after Tri-State’s monumental release, we look back at some of the best moments surrounding the album.
Richard Bedford's debut & 'Alone Tonight'
Most contemporary trance fans are familiar with Richard Bedford’s work in “Sun & Moon.” His close connection with Above & Beyond was introduced through his vocal contributions to several tracks on Tri-State, beginning with “Stealing Time” and “Liquid Love.” Their third collaboration on the album, “Alone Tonight,” went on to earn a nomination for Best Progressive House/Trance award at the 2007 IDMAs. Though Bedford ended his work with the trio before the release of We Are All We Need, songs with his voice on it will continue to be listed among Above & Beyond’s most memorable compositions.
Andy Moor and 'Air For Life'
Andy Moor joined Above & Beyond for the widely successful “Air For Life.” Featuring haunting vocal samples over dramatic string sections and hard trance kicks, the two acts’ collaboration is consistently ranked as a high-caliber embodiment of progressive trance. “Air For Life” took away two titles at the 2006 IDMAs – Best Underground Dance Track and Best Progressive House/Trance Track.
'Good For Me' with Zoë Johnston
“Good For Me” is hailed by many as one of Above & Beyond’s top pieces of all time and is the only song on Tri-State with Zoë Johnston’s vocals on it. Despite the album version falling into the ambient category, it stood out so much among fans that it won ASOT Tune Of The Year in 2006. The club mix is also very popular, and never ceases to cause sing-alongs when dropped into DJ sets.
'Stealing Time'
“Stealing Time” with Richard Bedford came back into the spotlight in 2012 when Above & Beyond began playing their modern edit of the tune as their introduction on their Group Therapy tour stops. The original served as the album’s second track, throwing tech-y synth riffs and a futuristic topline to accompany chilling verses belted by Bedford.
'Can't Sleep' with Ashley Tomberlin
The other outside talent brought in the trio for their premier album was vocalist Ashley Tomberlin, who has also appeared on various other Anjunabeats releases. Together, they created their anthemic track “Can’t Sleep” which is a poignantly relatable song about moving on from past loves who’ve scarred the heart. “Can’t Sleep” was yet another winning track from Tri-State, having been nominated to the top three top trance tracks of 2006 by ASOT fans.
Barra Beach, Brazil
Above & Beyond’s successes from Tri-State culminated with the largest performance of their careers on New Year’s Eve in 2007. The trio hosted a party in Barra Beach, Brazil to showcase tracks from their album alongside other favorites released over the past couple years. An estimated one million people showed up to hear the three play — easily one of the largest crowds in electronic music history.
Listen to Above & Beyond’s Tri-State in full.