As the dust from the dance events held in Amsterdam settle, with a particularly disliked DJ magazine poll declaring their results, we are finally well over into the fourth quarter of this year. Although I wasn’t present at the Electronic music capital, social media affirmed that natives and tourists both flocked and partied hard after a near two-year gap of hiatus. Interestingly, this Friday seems to reflect that after-party mood of being somewhat lesser active with releases. There are some treats however, coming from names like ILLENIUM, Blanke, Olly James and so on. The supposedly unlucky number that is thirteen in this series should go fine, right? Well, let’s see.

Sandro Silva, Olly James – Founding Fathers
85/100

The Big Room veteran meets the Raveroom pioneer. Sounds about right.

“Founding Fathers” sees the clever fusion between Silva’s aggressive riffs and the peak-time rave mentality from Olly James, a recipe that packs a oomph. Rumbling kicks, growling acid, arpeggiated trance-y breakdown and distorted saws with lush reverbs- all the items that are necessary for a quintessential Rave Culture release, are present and thriving here.

Surely a highlight for this year from W&W’s industrious imprint!

Quintino, Emie – In My Head
72/100

Okay, hear me out on this: Quintino and Progressive House (or just about anything exclusive of his dirty Dutch House), aren’t the perfect match.

Uploaded by the newly conceptualized label of Tomorrowland Music, the heavyweight (or his “assistants”, at least) tried to channel his inner “Matisse & Sadko” and almost—nearly got to a decent work. Emie’s vocal carries a fetching tone, as the drop brings anthem-esque violin/supersaw synths hearable in hundreds of other similar tunes. Bummer here is the low-end, which doesn’t pump as much energy into the flow. That’s about it.

Donkong, Andrea Marino, Stereoliez – The Void
81/100

Bingo Player’s Hysteria Recs often signs quality stuff, and “The Void” is that.

A project shared between the creative minds of Donkong (Heldeep, UKF), Stereoliez (Hexagon, Trap City) and Andrea Marino (Confession, Mixmash), this one resembles STMPD style of Electro/Bass House. Bouncy and metallic synth leads and a mysterious tone in the atmosphere (cue in the breakdown) with an uncluttered flow reigns here. Experimental as it gets, and refreshing!

ILLENIUM – Change A Thing (feat. 30 Seconds to Mars)
80/100

Not an expert on Future Bass here, but “Change A Thing” is a catchy record that embodies the passion of both its rather well-known creators: Illenium and Jared Leto led 30 Seconds to Mars. Both icons in the current industry.

Vocal presence from the renowned American actor/vocalist is arresting, with a chiming and sublime background. Although the drop could have created a respectable contrast with more striking sounds, it chooses for slightly predictable ones that the Colorado based producer is known for. Still, for a three-minute single, it does its charm and is a potential earworm.

Heatbeat, Corti Organ – Doctor Chaos
77/100

Since the genre of trance hasn’t been featured regularly on the roundups, “Doctor Chaos” seemed like a vibrant candidate to be included.

Argentinian act Heatbeat and German duo Corti Organ crafted a psy-trance/tech trance hybrid with a villainous monologue and a 50/50 collaboration presence that rushes with expected stamina. It doesn’t sideline its melodic responsibilities, and starts with a tripping psychedelic attitude that merges into a Tech-y and percussive segment in the second half.

Dr. Chaos, gotta say your prescription’s legit for the dance-floor.

Blanke – Blackout
82/100

Tailored keeping in mind for the returning (and new) attendees of EDC Las Vegas, LA based DJ/Producer Blanke engineered a striding but impactful dose of head-banging Dubstep.

“Blackout” contains a dreamy and arpeggiated intro and interlude, then changes its footing and strikes with a mélange of growls and glitches that left my ears blessed. Sound-selection is paid emphasis here, and it clearly demonstrates.

Bonus Review:
Nicky Romero – Acid Is My DNA
72/100

Another approach for Nicky Romero, this time with Acid Techno. Uhm, not a big surprise since it’s a trending genre, but there aren’t coproducers credited so I suspect that this underrated release may be the most passionate project that the Dutch creator has shared with us in a while. The structure doesn’t stand out from the mass, expect for a familiar lead in the central segment and some well-played horns. It deserves a little special mention.

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