The First Rebirth (Jones & Stephenson)

• hard-trance
• ambient
• Jones & Stephenson

The music world is an ever-evolving landscape, an aural playground that is constantly shifting and transforming, with the passage of time only serving to enrich its storied history. It is in this vibrant tapestry that we find ourselves reminiscing upon a classic track that has withstood the test of time and, despite being released nearly three decades ago, still manages to captivate our senses and challenge our preconceived notions of what trance music can be. Today, we delve into the mesmerizing world of Jones & Stephenson’s seminal hard trance masterpiece, “The First Rebirth,” released in 1993 and the impact it has left on the genre.

Frank Sels, better known as Franky Jones, and David Brants, operating under the pseudonym Axel Stephenson, were a formidable Belgian duo who carved a distinctive niche in the burgeoning hard trance scene of the early ’90s. Although David Brants eventually left the project, Frank Sels continued as a solo artist and later joined forces with Rob Fabrie, alias DJ Waxweazle, in 2018. Together, they forged ahead with the Jones & Stephenson moniker, producing the aptly titled “The Sixth Rebirth.”

When “The First Rebirth” was first unleashed upon the world, the hard trance genre was in its infancy, with many artists still exploring the possibilities of what the emerging sound could offer. The track was a revelation – a game-changer that shattered the boundaries of conventional trance music and elevated the genre to a new level of creativity and artistry.

“The First Rebirth” was recorded at The Cockpit in Antwerp, Belgium, a location that would later become synonymous with the birth of the iconic track. The release consisted of two tracks: Side A housed the legendary “The First Rebirth,” while Side B was home to “The Life of Flow.” The record has since seen three separate pressings, with the first being a limited yellow vinyl run of 100 pieces, the second being black vinyl, and the third being a repress from 1997 with a different sleeve.

It is within this era of discovery and experimentation that “The First Rebirth” manages to stand out as a paragon of hard trance, its pulsating rhythms and frenetic energy serving as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the genre. The track begins with a haunting, ethereal melody that lulls the listener into a sense of tranquility before the beat kicks in, a relentless, driving force that propels the song forward with a sense of urgency. The percussion is crisp and precise, with each hit landing like a carefully calculated strike designed to leave a lasting impression.

Where the song’s structure is concerned, “The First Rebirth” plays with the listener’s expectations, eschewing the standard verse-chorus-verse format in favor of a more fluid, organic progression. This allows the track to feel like a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving and transforming as it weaves its way through the listener’s psyche. The melody, once a gentle, soothing presence, morphs into a menacing, hypnotic force that consumes all in its path, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.

The antithesis of the melody is the relentless rhythm, a brutal, unyielding presence that refuses to let up, even as the haunting melody threatens to consume it. It is this juxtaposition of beauty and chaos that makes “The First Rebirth” such a compelling and memorable experience, a testament to the ingenuity and vision of its creators.

In terms of influence, it is not hard to see the fingerprints of Belgian techno pioneers such as CJ Bolland, Yves De Ruyter, and The Bountyhunter, among others, all of whom left an indelible mark on the burgeoning hard trance scene of the time. The essence of their groundbreaking work can be felt in the DNA of “The First Rebirth,” with Jones & Stephenson taking the foundation laid by these legends and building upon it to create something wholly unique and unforgettable.

The B-side of the release, “The Life of Flow,” provides an interesting counterpoint to the frenzied energy of “The First Rebirth.” While still undeniably hard trance in nature, this track takes on a more introspective and cerebral tone, exploring the deeper recesses of the mind through its swirling synths and hypnotic rhythms. It is in this contrast between the primal force of “The First Rebirth” and the contemplative nature of “The Life of Flow” that we find yet another example of antithesis, a masterful use of opposing elements that serves to showcase the true versatility and depth of Jones & Stephenson as artists.

Taking a step back and examining “The First Rebirth” within the context of the broader electronic music landscape of the early ’90s, it is not difficult to see why the track has garnered such acclaim and reverence among fans and critics alike. At a time when the genre was still finding its footing and carving out its identity, “The First Rebirth” served as a beacon of innovation and creativity, a shining example of what hard trance could be when pushed to its limits.

Fast forward to the present day, and the influence of “The First Rebirth” can still be felt across the electronic music spectrum. Countless artists have cited the track as a source of inspiration, with its relentless energy, intricate production, and deft use of melody and rhythm serving as a blueprint for the hard trance sound that would come to dominate the scene in the years that followed. The legacy of Jones & Stephenson’s magnum opus is undeniable, its impact reverberating throughout the annals of electronic music history like a shockwave that continues to shape and inspire the genre to this day.

In conclusion, “The First Rebirth” by Jones & Stephenson is a monumental achievement in the realm of hard trance, a track that defied expectations and pushed the boundaries of what the genre could achieve. Its marriage of haunting melody and relentless rhythm, combined with its innovative structure and expert production, serves as a testament to the creativity and vision of its creators. As we look back upon the track from our present-day vantage point, it is impossible not to appreciate the indelible mark it has left on the world of electronic music and the countless artists it has inspired in the process. “The First Rebirth” is not just a song – it is a piece of history, a touchstone that will forever be remembered as a defining moment in the evolution of hard trance.