Something, something, new year, new music. Yeah yeah, these intros can be formulaic and really, do you even bother to read them? It's about the music, which you'll find below. This week's Enlightened Listening has a couple killer remixes, the first release from Dr. Fresch's new label, and fire EPs from both Aylen and Masayoshi Iimori. Read brief descriptions below and enjoy your weekend. Cheers!
Tycho - Epoch (Luttrell Remix)
Your new alarm/wake up call. You can see the sun bursting over the horizon and feel its warmth. The already beautiful original gets a top notch touch up from one of techno's melodic masters.
Mark Ronson ft. Miley Cyrus - Nothing Breaks Like A Heart (Martin Solveig Remix)
The remixes just keep coming, only further showing the strength of the original. Solveig pairs his production with Cyrus' voice brilliantly, letting each lead, and the whole thing grow organically.
Bob Sinclar - Electrico Romantico (ft. Robbie Williams)
The longevity of Sinclar is stunning, and so is this. Poppy, uplifting and funky. I think this is my favourite track on this list.
Mishap - Motions
The first in a long run of bangers in this list. A really strong example of the hybrid nature of bass driven tracks we're seeing these days. Dubstep, trap and do I hear some Pink Floyd "On The Run"?
Noizu - Dance
Rolling raucousness, acidic punches and dark dirty vibes. Noizu remains one to watch; whether it be on CONFESSION, OWSLA, or BlackBook like this, he always brings bangers.
Aylen - Routines
Always on top of the sound design game, Aylen seems to have made XXL the home for his weird, and wickedly effective house tracks. Both tracks are weapons, but in this case I'm more for the a-side.
London Elektricity - Funkopolis
I still remember the first time I heard London Elektricity, and while I can't say any of his productions have captured my attention the way "All Hell Is Breaking Loose" did a decade ago, this comes close. These two share that same kind of cool, almost soundtrack style delivery. Funky and full of energy.
Various Artists - The Remedy Volume 1
You cannot go wrong with 1) anything Dr. Fresch touches or 2) a compilation that includes the likes of BIJOU, Tony Romera, Gerry Gonza and JAXX DA FISHWORKS. If g- and bass-house are your things, best keep your eyes and ears locked on The Prescriptions Records.
Masayoshi Iimori - Euphoria
While Aylen and Iimori work in different genres, I cannot help but see similarities in both the quality and wildness of their productions. Both are liable to batter your brains with any given release, and certainly that holds true with this three track tumult. It'll surely leave your head spinning and your body moving. If you're still on the fence, let me say that "FMW" gives me a Boys Noize vibe and what could be wrong with that?