So, Quartzo has slowly lost its mantle of being one of the most influential labels in the Festival EDM niche on SoundCloud, having published hundreds of releases. Nowadays, it has channeled itself into BLVCKBØX. At first, this was a textbook “Dark-themed” sub-label, although now it is the only active part remaining under the once-thriving network. And.. there’s quality nonetheless, even if the label is flying under the radar. Here are three records from the BLVCKBØX imprint that I thought are worth mentioning for the curious ears.
REOS & ATHERYS – Take Me
80/100
Let’s begin with a familiar name, REOS (already reviewed twice). The Italian producer has teamed up with ATHERYS for “Take Me”, a darker festival trance creation with special attention paid towards a spookier vocal, and a longer continuous buildup. Loved the idea as it starts on a slow note, emphasizing the mentioned vocal, and then concludes the sequence with an awaited bouncier drop. It’s the breed of trance that I was searching for, despite focusing on experimental ones than just providing aggressiveness in the bassline.
MAVJACK & Hitak – Enigma
84/100
The esoteric Egyptian tones are here, branded in the cover art and played out by the ethnic instruments in the lead and drop. What you get is a classic big room reworked in a more futuristic flavoring, especially when the final drop hits with a hardstyle kick. Ancient and modern, familiar yet innovative… “Enigma” maintains a balanced composure, yet all so mysterious. Real deal.
Meezzz – Taking Over
82/100
An uncertainty remains on whether this is electro or bass house, as it contains a medley of elements slapped on it, but Meezzz actually took the time to craft something distinct. The said producer used a curious vocal that becomes rather weird in the breakdown, then elevated by a storming bassline underneath and a morphing and glitchy drop. It’s quite something, with all those that differ from the cliche Seth Hills-like lead into a new vibe.
What do you think?
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