“Solace” opens with an airy chord stack that feels equal parts balm and bait: soothing enough to lull you in, teasing enough to keep you on the edge of anticipation. A delicate arpeggio flutters in the mid-range before a warm, rounded kick stakes its claim. By the two-minute mark, a plaintive lead line appears—less a melody than a wordless sigh—gliding over crisp percussion and a subtly side-chained pad. It’s hypnotic without ever being repetitive, emotional without tipping into melodrama, and precisely the kind of track that This Never Happened has built its identity on.
At 124 BPM, Helsloot and Salomé hit the perfect tempo for a journey-driven groove—unrushed yet fully immersive. The production is clean and expressive, giving every sonic element its own space to breathe. Subtle textures, tasteful transitions, and dynamic build-ups show the duo’s deep understanding of restraint and emotional progression. The final drop introduces just enough rhythmic variation to elevate the energy without disturbing the overall mood, making it a masterclass in balance and nuance.
Both artists have been releasing solo material on This Never Happened since 2021, each with a distinctive yet complementary style. Helsloot, known for his deep, emotive productions across labels like Anjunadeep and Get Physical, brings a cinematic warmth and rhythmic clarity. Mees Salomé, with his background in classical music and an ear for progressive storytelling, adds a melodic sophistication that elevates the composition. Their first joint track on the label, “Solace,” feels like a natural evolution—seamlessly blending their individual strengths into one cohesive sonic journey.
What makes “Solace” stand out is its commitment to emotional authenticity. It avoids the overwrought clichés of melodic techno and instead opts for subtlety, warmth, and introspection. There’s a confidence in how it holds back rather than pushes forward—a quality that fits perfectly within the ethos of Lane 8’s This Never Happened imprint. The track doesn’t demand attention; it earns it, quietly becoming the kind of piece that lingers long after the final note fades.
Solace is proof that less can be so much more. It’s melodic house at its most mature: big-room-ready yet deeply personal, shimmering but grounded. Nine stars feels right—dock one only because there’s every chance Helsloot & Mees Salomé will top themselves before the summer’s out. Until then, play this loud, let it breathe, and find your own moment of solace on the dance floor.
⭐️ Rating: 10/10
🎧 Perfect for:
- Golden-hour festival sets
- Late-night highway drives
- That first sunrise stretch after a long studio session
Artist: Helsloot, Mees Salomé
Track: Solace
Label: This Never Happened
Release Date: July 04th, 2025
Get your copy here: https://tnh.ffm.to/solace
Connect with Helsloot:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helsloot
X: https://www.twitter.com/helslootmusic
Connect with Mees Salomé:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meessalomemusic
Connect with This Never Happened:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisNeverHappenedLabel
X: https://www.twitter.com/tnhlabel
Take a listen to Helsloot & Mees Salomé – Solace here:
