Apologies for the initial delay on the recap, but we’re back covering some of the tracks that caught our attention from last week. As always, 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. I would also like to take a moment and give a shout out to Allax’s Observatory for conducting an amazing interview with Miro/Xeuphoria, who was awarded the Best Track of 2018 by EDM Reviewer.
Lucille Croft – Don’t Go feat. Micah Martin
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This is one collaboration I never saw coming. With Lucille Croft’s recent shift towards dark midtempo music, I was extremely excited to hear what Micah Martin would sound over something like that. The structure was a bit off-putting at first since it started with what seemed like a DJ intro only to bring Micah in on it in the second eight bars. As the track progresses, the slow, deliberate beat that started off the track is the glue that holds the whole thing together. As you listen, you can feel a sense of power pulsating throughout the track like a fiend in the night. It’s invigoration yet understated in the best way possible. I can’t help but bob my head and feel empowered every time I hear this track. Check out Lucille Croft’s interview on The QR Network where you can learn more about all of the incredible projects she has going on besides production.
87/100
Jonth – I’m Sorry
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After an interesting social media campaign revolved around with the most hysterical poll I’ve read in a long time, Jonth is back with another notable future house track. Bouncy basslines, dynamic melodies, and a serviceable vocal are the elements that make up this next addition to his discography. The breakdown is more standard house than I would have liked, as his past songs have leaned more on big room and energetic breaks. At any rate, hopefully this release on Nik Cooper will propel him to new heights and label to take his talent and sound to.
83/100
Steff da Campo & G-Pol – In My Mind (KIIDA Edit)
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All I can say about this one is finally! “In My Mind” marks the first departure from Steff da Campo’s signature sound in a good long while and instead of that low passed synth, we get a lighter Dropgun sound. Which I suppose has started to grow beyond Dropgun as Brooks’ future bounce sound has evolved into its own style. At any rate, the song is pleasant to listen to and has G-Pol’s excellent knack for melody mixed with Steff’s flare for bounce. Hopefully we’ll continue to see Steff branch out like this in future tracks.
84 /100
Moksi & SLATIN feat. London Bridge – Good Idea
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This track marks the start of Moksi’s new label, Moksi Family, a subdivision of Barong. Contrary to what you might thing, Barong isn’t a part of Armada, Spinnin’ or any other larger label, and so Moksi Family marks the first venture into what could be Yellow Claw’s label empire. At any rate, the question of whether or not this was a good idea remains to be seen. The first and second release from the label feature SLATIN who has had some memorable tracks and collaborations in the past but has never really stood out has having a dominant sound aside from the quirky vocals he chooses. “Good Idea” is no different and even takes a few steps back with the bass to leave room for Moksi’s sound to come through. It’s reassuring to see Moksi take the label serious and come out of the gate swinging with some decent releases, setting a reasonably high bar to live up to.
73/100
NEVERGLOW & Jay-D – Meltdown
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After starting the project off with an absolutely incredible remix of Hardwell’s “Spaceman,” NEVERGLOW has just secured a super fresh release on Showtek’s label, Skink. Preceded by its confident vocal loop and horns setting the stage, the drop rolls in with a unique call and response a Curbi-esque lead and a fantastically reverbed bassline. Overall, it’s a fantastic step for the duo and another diverse entry to the Skink discography.
82/100
Marshmello & svdden death – Sell Out
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This one definitely got some press. Marshmello going into dubstep with renowned artist, svdden death was certainly a great way to re-establish himself as a proponent of the true EDM culture. “Sell Out” has a similar effect as when The Chainsmokers collaborated with NGHTMRE. “Sell Out” does have a bit more typical riddim sound to it punctuated by Marshmello’s happy sounding breaks. We appreciate the slight switch up in the second drop and the breakdowns are sort of pleasant. All in all, this would be a forgettable track from anyone else, but since it’s him, we’re covering it. Many fans felt that the track name was more indicative of a bigger problem with marshmello’s music, however I don’t feel this is the case and will give him props for poking fun at his own situation. While his sound and marketing has always targeted the mainstream, I’ve personally never gotten the feeling that he has made tracks solely for streams. I think he’s just in the fortunate place to enjoy making what people like to heard.
68/100
Mark Sixma & Ben Nicky – The Bass
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When I say this is a throwback, this is a verified throwback to the high bpm dance music of old. The first drop is minimal, energetic, and clean. The breakdown features a clean, Buuren-esque melody that’s easy to hum and follow along with. The synths are a bit more modern which is a nice change of pace, but then the second drop goes back to that old style of percussion and it just doesn’t work for me.
70/100
Hypnotune – Try It ft. Edgar Sandoval Jr
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This track marks the bittersweet ending to Hypnotune’s tenure at Exposed Records. The track is fittingly emotional and puts Hypnotune’s melodic range on full display with original vocals and lyrics from Edgar Sandoval Jr. As you all may have picked up on by now, but I’m not the biggest fan of progressive house but this track works for me. It might be because I know some of the story behind it, but whatever the reason, this is one of the few progressive tracks I can endure, and I encourage fans of the genre to go and give it a listen.
84/100
Nicky Romero vs Trilane & Kokaholla feat. Quarterback – Bittersweet (Justin Prime Remix)
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The “Bittersweet” remix EP from Protocol has been one of the most solid I’ve seen in a while. The future house track from Krosses rides on the Keanu Silva style in a good way, the Junior J is fairly typical pop house stuff but isn’t the worse thing I’ve ever heard, and the Firelite hardstyle remix is fantastic. The reason I picked to cover the Justin Prime remix is because of the old school big room sound. The lower tempo at 126 BPM is an interesting choice as is the Melbourne bounce bass underneath the drop. The repetitive, one-note main “melody” is something I have mixed feelings on but for sure it doesn’t fit well with the emotional breakdown. It’s sort of the same tonal dissonance that Steve Aoki had with his “Feel It” remix – it would have been great it if the vibes had been more consistent throughout the tracks.
72/100
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!
Andrew Rayel Ft. Lola Blanc – Horizon (KRMB Remix)
NWYR & Andrew Rayel – The Melody
KLOUD’s Cover of ‘Save The World’ triggers mixed reactions
MR.BLACK & TripL – Turning Back
David Guetta, Brooks & Loote – Better When You’re Gone
Hardwell & Dannic feat. Kelli-Leigh – Chase The Sun
This recap was provided by The QR Network which is a site for interviews with producers and DJs. Check out their interviews with Herobust, The Beamish Brothers, Stisema, One of Six, and Syzz.
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