Scratching the Surface: German trance duo Cosmic Gate at Beta

German trance duo Cosmic Gate — Nic Chagall and Bossi — has spent the last decade producing exactly the kind of slick, spacey trance you’d expect from a German trance duo named Cosmic Gate. It’s big, it’s shiny, it sounds best after 2 a.m. with a head full of illicit chems, and it isn’t ever going to change anyone’s mind about trance either way. In other words, if you already love this kind of anthemic, fist-pumping cheese, you’re going to be in heaven, and if you don’t, well, this is a good chance to catch up on your sleep and/or reading. The duo’s latest material is melodic, vocal-centric and absolutely huge. If you’re a fan of the style, you’ve probably heard some of their tracks in a set by Armin van Buuren or Tiësto; at very least, you’ve heard plenty that sound just like them. If that’s what flips your lid, grab your glow sticks and head out to Beta this Thursday, October 7.