Thirty weeks! We are fast approaching the year mark since the roundups started, and the objective remains straightforward as always: to cover six notable releases from the recent days. That being said, Justin Prime, Martin Garrix, Darren Styles, and more are included in this edition!
Julian Calor, Trøves – Find My Way
82/100
Breaking his hiatus, the experimenting alias of Julian Calor has returned to STMPD, accompanying Trøves, in “Find My Way”.
Adhering to a stringent quality over quantity motto, the Dutch act has put together a slower record for the warmer days. Future House type saw synths, glitching effects and a soothing vocal enchant throughout the song. Plenty of things here that will catch your ears.
Justin Prime, DRIIIFT – Turn Up The Bass
74/100
If perhaps missing out on some of that “good-old” big room material, worry not. Scene veteran Justin Prime teamed up with the upcoming DRIIFT for a Dirty Dutch-influenced big room on Maxximized.
Even though this style might sound redundant with its typical attributes, many will appreciate the euphoric supersaw breakdowns and screeching drop synths paired with aggressive percussions. Not the most innovative formula out there, but at least it relies on time-tested sounds.
Lock N’Load – Blow Ya Mind (Maurice West Remix)
78/100
Turning his aim towards re-vitalizing yet another classic for the last time was a success, Maurice West further expanded on his blend of tech-house and rave music signature with a remix of Lock N’Load’s all-time hit “Blow Ya Mind”.
Before proceeding any further, this version is largely in tune with the Club Claviar’s edit, which introduced a funky M1 organ that upshot the original’s status. Maurice’s take is that of a modernist, maintaining the classic elements to amplify his vision of a homage remix that would fit today’s dancefloors.
Martin Garrix, Brooks – Quantum
70/100
After achieving significant heights the last time Brooks teamed up with Martin Garrix in the summer of 2018, they decided to pull it off again with “Quantum”.
On a fair judgment, Brooks’ hallmark sound once pioneered the scene to a soaring reputation, only to be replicated till it would lose its sheen. This instrumental begins on a calm and acoustic note, eventually met with a drop much expected. The usual saw-synths perform in an all-too-familiar rhythm: trademarks of a genre that has seen more creative outputs from other names in these times.
W&W, The Lost Shepherds, Sonny Wilson – Sao Paulo
72/100
“Sao Paulo”, the latest brainchild of W&W and a newly formed duo The Lost Shepherds alongside Sonny Wilson, doesn’t need many words, to begin with. Stereotypical big room elements with a rather lazy riff play their parts here, a recipe that would sound stale after the first listen itself. A DnB groove visits the breakdown, although awkwardly, that sounds better compared to the drops.
Not the most creative endeavors from the names involved.
Darren Styles, Mark Sixma, Noubya – Louder
81/100
Hands-up and Eurodance vibes are not scant in this latest team effort “Louder” from esteemed acts Darren Styles and Mark Sixma, featuring a euphoric vocal from Noubya.
Thundering distorted kicks and elevated melodic hooks from roaring saw synths form a dangerously catchy combination, protruding a lot of energy while at it.
What do you think?
Show comments / Leave a comment