I won’t review all the 12 tracks of the Protocol Sampler. However, I find the idea of the laboratory universe and the design of the covers with the 3 different colors for the 3 different parts amazing. However, as last year, I think the tracks aren’t truly original or catchy even if there are some exceptions. So, I choose to review 2 tracks for each part of the Sampler, and I ranked them from the worst one to the best one.

6. Execute & Faderx – Cabrio

47\100

I don’t dislike this track as I find it catchy, but unfortunately, it is very plain. Indie Dance/Nu-Disco tracks can be really good, but you need to feel an evolution throughout the track. Here, there’s just one main synth, simple and oldscool, and the snares in the drop, slightly interesting…  That’s all. I still recommend you to check it out, maybe you’ll like it!

5. Maximals, Bout & Sovth ft. Nino Lucarelli – Fall In Line (Teamworx Remix)

50\100

The piano notes of the melody are emphasized in this track, and I like that. I also like the drop even though it’s a bit strange and not so powerful. But then why I only gave 50\100? Because there is no harmony in this remix, the beautiful piano notes turn into a weird groovy synth during the break and then there’s this aggressive drop. The emotion of the original is lost. Plus, the vocal chops in the second part of the drop are useless, they don’t fit with the drop itself. I find it too futuristic and not really engaging.

4. Tarlan & Lexon – Saxy

56\100

This one is interesting. Even if this track is repetitive and the breakdown’s melody not unique at all and a bit flat, I find its evolution quite attractive. The main melodic piano lead is overtaken by this saxophone lead in the break and the drop, and that’s the best part. The drop is very simple, but catchy and more original than we could expect at first. This has clearly a lot of potential, so I’m curious to hear more things from Tarlan & Lexon!

3. Funkybeat – Love Is Love

59\100

I love Funkybeat’s universe, and I’m happy he’s in this year’s Protocol Sampler… However, I was really disappointed by the 2 other tracks he released in it, especially ‘Backstab’. Luckily “Love Is Love” filled up my expectations, I like its vibes. The main lead isn’t amazing but it’s beautiful and it represents such a wonderful romantic universe, extremely pleasant to hear. The slow kick in it highlights the beauty of the melody, in the continuity of Funkybeat’s style. It’s good even if I prefer way more ‘Ocean Drive’, for example.

2. Sam Void – On My Mind (Navarra Remix)

61\100

It’s impressive to see that the 2 Sam Void tracks are the 2 best tracks of the Protocol Lab. Even if in this one, this is Navarra who brought such a fresh vibe to the track. In particular, with this catchy future bass drop and those vocal chops, the result is really nice! I’m less impressed by the build-up with the vocal though, the melody is dominated by the vocal and this part clearly has a lack of energy. It is beautiful but not so amazing.

1. Ovion & Sam Void – Faded

78\100

The track begins with this beautiful piano notes and the vocal appears, the vocoder in it makes it truly special. This part is mainly produced by Ovion, and he made a great job! Anyway, I’m pretty disappointed by this melody as I find it simple, and I don’t really hear Sam Void’s touch too. The drop is very cool though, it has such an energy and the funky style from Sam Void finally appears. It is powerful and beautiful at the same time. “Faded” is a great collab for sure, and by far the best track of the Sampler.

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