You know, the words “Episode IX” hurts to say. And if you haven’t been living under the proverbial rock, then you might know what I am hinting at. Yes, I am indeed referencing the notorious previous Star Wars we got as a “finale”. Adding to my woes, it was the last motion picture I saw in theatres just before the world calamity occurred. Left a rotten aftertaste. Anyways, where was I? Ah yes, so in this volume of Weekly Roundup™️ we have DJ Snake, Wiwek, Jack Back and plenty more notable aliases to talk about. Ok, let’s dive into it!

DJ Snake, Malaa – Ring The Alarm
77/100

I have got one question, prior penning down my thoughts – exactly how many more times are DJs going to “Ring The Alarm”?

Well that remains to be answered another day. For now, DJ Snake and Malaa do bring fuego to the table: consisting of screeching Bass House synths sliding over a smooth Tech House beat. There’s vocal that do the work of a hypeman, and 8-bit and chipper sounding riff adding to the robustness. Not much in this ensemble, so it can be that “hit or miss” single for most.

Jack Back, Guz, Ferreck Dawn – I’ve Been Missing You
81/100

After recently crushing the festival scene with Future Rave (with an equal output of radio-ready stuff), French veteran David Guetta has traded those boisterous sounds for his laid back and Jackin’ House-y Jack Back alias.

Synergizing unexpected but pleasantly with Deep House heavyweight Ferreck Dawn and upcomer Guz, “I’ve Been Missing You” ebbs with soulful vocals, backed by strings and dub synths, alongside non-intruding low-end, paying homage to the 90s era. Uncomplicated, unfiltered and opulent cadence is captured nicely here that this particular genre boasts about!

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Timmy Trumpet, Edward Maya – Feel Your Love
80/100

Surprised, eh? Well, so am I.

Among the first unanticipated things is to see Edward Maya back in action. Not that he wasn’t before, yet this could be his potential second mini-hit or more. And then the other two names that I criticized earlier, who have actually have managed to scramble up a pretty decent song.

Sampling the evergreen “Infinity” from the late but unforgotten Guru Josh, the trio (or should I say Edward Maya) crafted a production most familiar to “Stereo Love”, but get this: the saxophone hook from the earlier said chart-success record fits serenely on the hypnotic signature of the Romanian artist. Arrangements on this track get up and close to a known formula, and for once I am not going to throw criticism. Its nostalgic, bittersweet. Summery AF!

Wiwek – Periphery
81/100

Known for his raw and banging tribal influences, Holland based Wiwek has been a favourite to many inclining towards Big Room.

Cleverly mixing a Rave Culture fit breakdown laden with a simple and dreamy arp, it reminisced me of the former Mainstage days. Yet, there is more awaiting with the drop, which rushes in with a thundering Techno kick-drum. A pleasant change of scenario, isn’t? And of course, there’s the buoyant percussion driving the stamina without losing the grip. “Periphery” is a refreshing club weapon for the RC roster and their fan-base.

ELYX – Can’t Keep Away (ft. Lucas Ariel)
84/100

Tapping into his deeper and melodic sound-set, the young padawan that is ELYX has presented yet another experiment “Can’t Keep Away”.

While you might know him best for “42” EP and more, the Italian prodigy is fresh off from his first official release “Lose Control” on Tiesto’s Musical Freedom. Going for the calmer and thoughtful deep-progressive schema, ELYX managed to fit in his energetic percussive groove aptly here as well. Versatility seems to be profound in him, can’t recommend this enough!

Protoculture – Sequence
85/100

In the sphere of Trance music, one specific act has led the ASOT brand like a champ- Protoculture.

Back some years when I was heavily invested in the boom of modern Big Room-ish take of the mentioned genre, Protoculture’s variety and experience in his production approach impressed me. His discography is redundant with euphoric sounds, and “Sequence” just happens to be one among many.

Emanating vibes straight from the epic scores of “Interstellar” (by Hans Zimmer) meeting sombre and dystopian Blade Runner soundscape (from Vangelis), this opener for the South African DJ/Producer’s latest album “Lost In Isolation” catches up in the second half, encompassing the listener to explore in surreal settings. Cinematic to the end, “Sequence” is a gorgeous sojourn!

Other mentions

Nicky Romero x MARF x Wulf – Okay
70/100

It is seldom that I come across a track with a title that describes it pinpoint. The newest positively themed and Progressive House leaning “Okay”, from the leading Dutch alias Nicky Romero and newcomers MARF and Wulf is… okay at best. Strangely reminding me of its better predecessor “Lighthouse”, this particular track doesn’t capture the same energy, although hosting a cheery and appreciable atmosphere. An enthusiastic vocal also does decent job of enlivening the instrumental. Apart from this, it’s another attempt at a radio-friendly Festival house tune that doesn’t hold much weight.

Tom Ferry x Marcus Mollyhus x Nova May – Come Closer
80/100

Liverpudlian Deep House veteran Tom Ferry isn’t shy to pull out refreshing summer songs every once in a while! This time teaming up with Danish producer Marcus Mollyhus and charming songstress Nova May, the trio have managed to come up with an addictive concoction of a UK House record.

Boasting the usual bright Dance pianos and pluck-y bassline, “Come Closer” has a “keep-on-repeat” hook, thanks to its soulful vocals and chiming sounds. Another veritable inclusion on the reputed ChillYourMind roster!

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