The summery days are not far away, with March signaling the start of festival season with Ultra Miami. With that incoming, today’s list is decked out as well, so let’s get started!
Hardwell, Quintino – Sloopkogel
80/100
The “Baldadig” duo has returned! Long-time studio collaborators, Hardwell and Quintino have respectively enthralled the dancefloors. But how does their most recent joint-venture fare?
“Sloopkogel”, translating as “wrecking ball” in Dutch, carries a considerable force with its mainstage techno sound. Quintino’s big room influences make their way as the synth riffs, which felt slightly generic but effective nevertheless. The entirety of the production is strongly leaning toward Hardwell’s new signature.
The track has a straightforward groove, relying mostly on the simpler melody.
Not the most memorable effort compared to previous get-togethers these icons had, yet it doesn’t disappoint entirely for the energy it contains.
Mau P – Drugs From Amsterdam (Armand Van Helden Remix)
85/100
Give it to the hotshot House music veteran Armand Van Helden on how to do a remix duty! Choosing the viral sensation “Drugs from Amsterdam” from Mau P, the American DJ gave his bombastic spin on the tech house weapon.
What entails is the vocal creatively used and at times sped up to contorting levels, and then the first drop kicking in through the door with a percussive drop. The rest of the remix follows an equally stripped-down but classic house groove, a detail that is most associable with the said remixer. Just for the primary drop alone, this version absolutely ‘slaps’!
Mark Sixma, Orjan Nilsen – Anhedonia
82/100
Gathering in Dreamstate, Insomniac’s trancey sub-imprint, renowned trance figures Mark Sixma and Orjan Nilsen united under their new alias nilsix for “Anhedonia”.
Having a progressive and nearly future rave-inspired sound, the production is greatly dominated by Norwegian artists’ melodic arp sequences that are instantly recognizable. Other sound details are proficiently managed by Sixma, blending ravey and electro synths during the drop sequences. Sturdy tune!
Alana Rich – Savor
76/100
An unconventional one for this list, Alana Rich‘s “Savor” is definitely synth-pop but falls within dance music regardless, hence I couldn’t resist featuring it.
That, and the American songstress proficiently enacts a lively performance on a neat nu-disco instrumental, which is gracefully laden with slick RnB trademarks such as soulful keys and other harmonical sonic condiments that instantly turn the record delectable.
Triple M, Mr. Mess – Back to Oldschool
80/100
Reminiscing about the former days and channeling that rave spirit, Triple M and Mr. Mess have teamed up to formulate “Back to Oldschool”, released on Laidback Luke’s Mixmash Bold.
The drop equips a funky arp over a techno proceeding, while the breakdown particularly fixates on a nostalgic arp. Delighting after that is a drop with a pluck synth frolicking, particularly reminding me of Hardwell’s former progressive house sound from the early 2010s. Even without complex arrangements, the attention to detail in this record is admirable!
Rovara – Tell Me Something
83/100
“Tell Me Something” from Rovara is a surprising discovery that I made, and although it didn’t release recently, the song deserves a mention nevertheless.
The main protagonist of this song is a refreshing drop melody, which is infused with vocals and vibrant future house synths. Bearing this relishable groove, this track doesn’t overdo it and gets straight to business with its forte: the drops. Quite the funk here!
Dack Janiels, Svspkt – Manhunt
85/100
A predator is out for the hunt! Dack Janiels and Svspkt brought to life a relentless Riddim/Dubstep beast.
“Manhunt” bops and strikes with its distorted bassline and pricking wobbles, which happens after a breakdown that builds the anticipation with a menacing ambiance. A hellish tune!
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike x Danna Paola x NE-YO – Mexico
64/100
NE-YO and Danna Paola complement each other’s beautiful voices, resulting in a composition that appeals to a radios and part of the devoted fans of DV&LM. While the foundation of the track may not be unforgettable, the selection of Brazilian Bass as the genre of choice appears to have been a wise decision, with the riff feeling naturally integrated. Overall, “Mexico” represents a highly targeted release that may not leave a lasting impact, but certainly does not disappoint.
What do you think?
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