Trivia of the week – Unbeknownst to most, Eric Prydz was a former founding member of the Swedish House Mafia but later parted ways.

Ever felt overwhelmed by the overload of information these days? Well, guess what. Looking at last Friday’s list, I have a similar feeling. Forget about tech overlords arm-wrestling each other for the Space race, plenty has happened within the electronic music realm itself. Starting with a bombastic return of the SHM, it seems to have triggered a lot of star-studded acts to make the best of this hype. So, this is episode VIII, yeah? How ‘bout we make it eight songs as well? Look it’s a good deal, not the ones you encounter in those shady alleys. A-OK then? Alright, let’s begin with this packed edition of Weekly Roundup™️.

It Gets Better/Lifetime
Seriously bro, you expect me to give a number here?/100

Still feels surreal, don’t it? After what seemed like a decade, the criminally hyped return of Swedish House Mafia just happened. After their spectacular reunion set in the summer of 2018, the grapevine had all kinds of gossip going on about their return, until last week.

Describing their homecoming is er….difficult. I would quote Billboard’s cover page quote “New Label. New manager. New Music. Can they light up a post EDM world?”. “It Gets Better” introduced itself as a grounding Trap-esque beat with a gritty soundscape, smashing all expectations. This very well set what standards the trio are heading for, and it is not just your typical dance music.

Soon after their second live performance at Jimmy Kimmel’s Late Night show, another follow-up came with “Lifetime”. This one best demonstrates how much the celebrated individuals of the group have evolved as artists, trading their festival signature for a smoother and Disco-embracing Electro Funk.

At this point, one can only wait for their anticipated album to drop. If this is not a grandiose and dramatic comeback for you, I don’t know what else is.

VER:WEST, Tiesto – Elements Of A New Life
83/100

After an entire year of radio-silence on his alternative alias, Tostie…ahem I mean Tiesto, has broken hiatus and put out “Elements Of A New Life” as VER:WEST. CamelPh… ahemm! What’s going on with me today. Anyways, as I was saying, the hit-scoring Dutch act has preferred an even Techno-ish touch on this and reminded me almost of stuff from ARTBAT or others.

Strutting ahead with a diminished Arps and swirling bassline, this production doesn’t delve intensely on pronounced Trance-y melodies in “5 Seconds of Sunrise”. Instead, it stays true to a linear progression with minimal demeanor. For someone who admires the deeper depths of electronica now and then, I found it splendid!

deadmau5, Lights – When The Summer Dies
81/100

The Canadian heavyweight did Slap House now?! Sussy baka!

Alright comedic theatrics and clickbait aside, “When The Summer Dies” is ironically fit for the almost dawning season now. This one has a vintage and 2000s Electro House vibe to it, featuring an energetic vocal presence from Lights. deadmau5’s robust sound-set comes packed here with distorted saw-synths and a playful but simple bassline. Pretty upbeat if you ask me!

Armin van Buuren, DubVision, YOU – I Should Be Loving You
82/100

A dream come true for both fan-bases here, Dutch Electronic music frontiersmen Armin van Buuren and Leicher brothers, AKA DubVision, finally did it: a studio joint-effort. “I Should Be Loving You” doesn’t jump squarely onto Festival cut Progressive House that both parties are known for.

Rather, the song goes for a slower paced brassy synths on a sentimental note. A heartfelt vocal delivery from debutant YOU shines with a vibrant rhythm. Honestly, this record is slightly experimental from the involved creators yet captures their endeared signatures to refreshing extents.

Siroch, Jerre – Don’t Forget
78/100

Look, it is no use hiding that you admire shuffle dance. On that pretense and opportune, let me present “Don’t Forget”, if you’re perhaps already busy learning the secrets of the mentioned trade.

Jerre has been a regular on our blog, since his earlier days as a different alias and ultimately making a solid reputation later. Teaming up with native Siroch, the Philly based pair hand-crafted a Bass House wrecker. Vicious wobbles swarm together as vocoded snippet aids to that futuristic mechanistic feel, free-flowing in an uncomplicated and dirty House groove.

Oomloud – Rebirth
80/100

Heldeep records is not only equally blessed with a leading label-boss, but a matching roster of creative aliases. Oomloud happens to be one, and their latest club-weapon “Rebirth” is a floor destructor in all sense.

Opening with a thudding kick-drum, the drop segment arrives in its own panache. Loaded with synth-shots and soaring lead-sound and a topsy-turvy low-end that keeps things electrified, this heater packs a veritable punch!

Other mentions –

Dada Life – Noise Heaven
79/100

While you were cranking that Sausage Fattener, its developer Dada Life graced us with “Noise Heaven”. Containing Groove House properties that oddly reminded me of once Fonk Recordings (RIP), the song amplifies on squeaky super-saws beefing in the drop, alongside an odd pitched up vocal melody in the breakdown. A fitting one for the old-school Big Room fans!

KSHMR – Ready To Love
75/100

Fresh off from his megalith of an album “Harmonica Andromeda”, the Dharma Recordings head-honcho has returned with a summery experience. Leaning towards sun-kissed saxophone riffs and Future/Deep House schema, “Ready To Love” is clearly intentioned for a radio-friendly standpoint.

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