Each week we’ll be partnering with The QR Network to compile a short recap of notable tracks that we didn’t have time to cover during the previous week. We hope you enjoy our selection and if you have any tracks you’d like to see here, please feel free to use our contact form or post your suggestions in the comments.
Husman – Our Last Day (feat. Talksick)
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/447961869″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”130″ iframe=”true” /]
Never expected Husman to go Trap, that’s for certain. The vocals are amazing, as they’ve been throughout “Rise of the Mad King.” Husman has an amazing skill in spacing his sounds throughout the mix. His signature Hardstyle style is present as an accompaniment coming in for the build and second half of the drop. The bass also takes a backseat in this mix but all in all, it’s an amazing departure from his past tracks and an interesting direction for what’s truly been an amazing EP. There’s true beauty in this track and it feels like not a second is wasted by listening to this piece.
93/100
Gryffin – Winnebago feat. Quinn XCII (Dropgun Remix)
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/452053776″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”130″ iframe=”true” /]
The original was an enjoyable modern pop piece with a subdued 808 drum kit and brass instrumentals to back up the infectiously catchy vocals. Dropgun took that and placed an emphasis on reinforcing the production, making the bass and melodic flourishes sharper and more pronounced. In the first break, you might even mistake the remix as being done by Bali Bandits who uses a similar percussion and bass kit. Dropgun’s signature Future House drop erases any doubt that this track could be made by anyone else. Taking the strong foundation of their previous work and signature sounds but adding more modern Progressive elements prevents anyone from saying that Dropgun has fallen into complacency with their sound. They continue to evolve and impress and this track is an excellent example of that.
89/100
Bougenvilla, Albert Neve & David Puentez – No Matter What (Mairee Remix)
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/454276731″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
While the original was a pretty standard modern House track with a solid vocal to hold it together, Mairee takes a lot of those elements and elevates it to a step above the average. It starts with upping the intensity of the percussion in the breaks and using that to justify the much more energetic Groove and Bass House elements of the new drop. All of this while maintaining the identity of the source material. Aside from relying on the tonic note a bit much on the drop, there’s not many negative things I can say about this rendition of “No Matter What.”
87/100
Wolfgang Gartner & JayKode – The Upside Down
One of the most recognizable names in the industry, responsible for hits like Illmerica and Shrunken Heads, Wolfgang Gartner has done a much better job than most in maintaining his old following while attracting new fans. He’s done this by partnering with some up-and-coming artists like K?d and Aero Chord, adding his signature old school Electro sound with what’s currently working for other people. In this track, Wolfgang Gartner and starts off with some beautiful ornamentation with the lead synth which plays almost like an equivalent to a guitar solo. The build kicks sort of abruptly and the drop maintains the orchestral and 8bit sounds from the break. There are modern Bass House elements and enough diversity to keep it engaging, although the sounds could be a bit sharper. The second break does a great job of keeping the momentum going and quickly goes into the next drop which showcases JayKode’s sound and style in a relevant and connected way. It’s just as impressive, making the best of the slower-than-normal tempo and filling the space with interesting sounds and textures. After that, the synth solo comes back with more force and entrancing melodic flourishes to take us to the final drop where it fizzles out with the same Bass House drop as the first. The build and pacing of the track was excellent up to this point, showcasing both of the producer’s abilities and styles in a very exciting manner.
86/100
BROHUG – Charlie
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/455646240″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”130″ iframe=”true” /]
Starting off with some nice brass loops and hits, it does tend to rely a bit heavily on one chord to build suspense and anticipation. The drop is a bit underwhelming for the simplistic break and build. BROHUG has some truly unique tracks in his background which is why it’s hard for me to see the X-Factor in this one that got it signed to Musical Freedom. The second drop adds a male vocal sample which really ties the elements in the drop together, making it flow much better than the first. I have no doubt this would go over well in a club setting, in a normal listening session or radio show, it doesn’t particularly stand out.
72/100
ANGEMI & Re Bel – Show Your Flame (ANGEMI x Wasback Festival Remix)
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/455679504″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”130″ iframe=”true” /]
Having ANGEMI working with Wasback means that a lot of the original elements were preserved including the tempo during the break. Maintaining the tempo gives this track a nice dynamic element which would play well in a set or stand on its own. The drop features a lot of Wasback’s signature Progressive House sounds like a pulsating bass line and euphoric melodies. He also uses pitch blending to squeeze an extra bit of emotion out of the melody. While I’m personally not a fan of how Wasback produces their bass, this remix is undeniably danceable.
75/100
Thomas Gold – Begin Again (Tom Staar Remix)
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/451204182″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”130″ iframe=”true” /]
Tom Staar is back with another Trance meets Groove remix which featuring a simple, complementary melody to the original’s vocals. The issue I took with this track is that it doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be. Is it a dance track? It lacks the overall energy to make people get off their feet and dance. Is it an easy listening track? There’s a bit too much energy to allow the track to blend in with the background. This track just sort of exists.
70/100
JAUZ & Kiiara – Diamonds
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/455436459″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”130″ iframe=”true” /]
After Jauz’s tribute to the rave music of yesteryear last week, this week he offers up a nice change of pace from the Jauz’s energetic style. This track features a wonderful collaboration between Kiiara’s beautifully airy vocals and Jauz’s unique production creativity. Featuring three unique drops and breaks, this track is a wondrous journey from start to finish. The weakest part is the vocal samples used in Jauz’s second drop. It’s a bit too strong and harsh for the beauty of the rest of the track. The third drop is by far the most unique with its Asian and Future Bass influence mixed with hints of Jauz’s harder influence.
88/100
Unity – The Bump
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/450700158″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”130″ iframe=”true” /]
Unity brings an interesting change of tempo for Mixmash bringing Trap, Dubstep, and Carnival music into this short, energetic track. The vocal loop holds the energy effectively until the drops kick back in. “The Bump” features two unique drops, the first bearing more Dubstep and Riddim influence and the second going all out, Carnival style. You have to be in the right mindset to enjoy this track because similar to Hardwell’s “Anthem,” this only plays well if you give in to its raw energy.
74/100
Don Diablo – Anthem (We Love House Music)
Don Diablo has pioneered this new style of Future House which blends the best elements of House with the ever-growing popularity of Future Bass. At this point, his tracks are starting to sound very similar. Unlike Dropgun and Brooks who maintains their signature sounds while still working to evolve and sound fresh, Don Diablo seems content to make more of the same. The melodies are repetitive but the vibes are positive and enjoyable. “Anthem” would greatly benefit from a secondary melody or some dynamic elements.
72/100
Denis Kenzo & Kate Miles – Guide
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/448700160″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”130″ iframe=”true” /]
Trance is one of the most versatile genres when combined with another. “Guide” infuses a heavy Deep House influence while preserving the most beautiful elements of Trance. In this case, that means an excellently mastered airy female vocal which has just the right amount of reverb to give the track a real atmosphere. The melodies are strong, positive, and mesmerizing. In typical trance fashion, it drags on a little long at times, but it’s a gorgeous journey and interesting change of pace.
83/100
ANG & Dirty Ducks – Let the Music
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/455481780″ params=”color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true” width=”100%” height=”130″ iframe=”true” /]
I first want to say that TNC has made a fantastic comeback from their hiatus starting with the release of a solid SaberZ EP and now this amazing collaboration between Dirty Ducks and ANG. Both of these artists played to their strengths with ANG adding his sound and melodic skills to the break and Dirty Ducks doing what they do best by creating a fun, funky, and powerful drop. Dirty Ducks is the master of the catchy loop but often falters in increasing the energy for the second drop. That lack of increased energy in the second drop and weak kicks in the breakdown are the only two things holding this track back. Otherwise, it’s the collaboration I didn’t even know I wanted. As a side note, it’s strange to see TNC going premium, but if any Soundcloud network has earned it, it would be them.
84/100
We hope you enjoyed our recap of selected songs from last week. If there is a song that you felt should have been on here, be sure to leave it in the comments below and we’ll do our best to give our take on it. Certain songs were not included because they will be covered in more detail in the following days so make sure you’re following our social media pages to see all of our latest posts!
In case you missed it, here are the tracks we covered last week!
GAMPER & DADONI – Bring the Love
Firebeatz – Remember Who You Are
Yves V & Futuristic Polar Bears – Running Wild (ft. Pollyanna)
Magnificence & Julian Snijder – Drop It Low
Dannic X Rob & Jack – Bring Di Fire
B-Funky & Chris Willis – Back Against The Wall
This recap was provided in part by The QR Network which is a blog for interviews with producers and DJs such as NO_GUESTLIST, OUTRAGE, George Z, Bubblewrappe, and Drop Department.
What do you think?
Show comments / Leave a comment