Friday, May 29, 2020

Enlightened Listening for May 29

Despite taking the week off both Bump In The Hump and blogging, there's been so much fantastic music released I just had to put together a massive edition of Enlightened Listening. However the weather is calling me back outside so I won't be doing a comprehensive breakdown of the 24 releases, but rather I'll simply suggest a scroll through the playlist which is chock full of all kinds of house along with a sprinkling of fat funk, several sensational remixes and EPs, and a couple epic albums to cap it all off. Personal highlights include Jayda G, Tensnake's remix of Duke Dumont, Andhim's remix of Agoria, both sides of the Solee/Parquet Recordings EP, the whole of the On The Air EP, and Henry Saiz's "Iridescent." Dig into the full playlist below, enjoy your weekend and be sure to stay safe/sane!

Hot Tub & Ben Fox - Awakening

Jayda G - Both Of Us

The Brothers Macklovitch - Give Love To Get Some (ft. Leven Kali)

Boys Noize - Mvinline

Duke Dumont ft. Say Lou Lou - The Nightcrawler (Tensnake Remix)

Eelke Kleijn - The Hierophant

Dominik Eulberg - Neuntöter (Adana Twins Funk Remix)

Chicken Lips - Goldenlips

Moonrunner83 - Lovers In A Dangerous Time

Dua Lipa - Break My Heart (Joris Voorn Remix)

Agoria ft. Blasé - 3 Letters (Andhim Remix)

Moon Boots - W.T.F. (Tinlicker Remix)

Solee - Planet Earth | March Of The Giants

Tchami - Born Again / Buenos Aires

Jay Robinson - Control

BARILAN - Resistance

Yyvng - Rock'n'Roll

DJ Q, Jamie Duggan & Booda - Sirens

End In Tears - On The Air

Henry Saiz - Appreciation

Khåen - The Quiet Life

BAILE & Nuage - Memory Pattern

Franky Wah - The Revival, Vol. 1

Yotam Avni - Was Here

Friday, May 22, 2020

Enlightened Listening for May 22

In this 11th lockdown edition of Enlightened Listening I've compiled nine new releases, each banging in their own right. There's EPs from GANZ and Juelz, a killer new Skepta collab with Jme, a couple hard hitting house cuts from Dr. Fresch and BIJOU, the legendary likes of Bassnectar and Feed Me, as well as a trio of rising talents in JOOL, Skrybe & Slooze. It's a simple yet strong lineup with no description necessary. Rage away below and if you're outside flail wildly so people don't come too close.

GANZ - Lost Boys

Jme & Skepta - Nang

Juelz - High Octane

Apashe ft. Instasamka - Uebok (Gotta Run) [Bassnectar Remix]

JOOL & Skrybe - Aquila

Dr. Fresch - It Don't Stop (ft. Andre Nickatina)

BIJOU & Kaleena Zanders - One Life

Feed Me - New Shoes

Slooze - Evolution

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Latroit x Fred Falke & Zen Freeman - Hungover (ft. Charlz)

Somehow I managed to miss this star-studded four-part collaboration last Friday. Featuring Grammy winning producer Latroit alongside the legendary Fred Falke and his "Watch The Sun" partner-in-crime Zen Freeman, "Hungover" is an instant summer sensation. Pressing play is like opening the doors to a disco, instantly basking in the glow of the glitter-ball. Unlike the blurry vision associated with a hangover, this track is incredibly vivid in its disco-house soundscape. Each element plays its roll perfectly, neither appearing out of place nor stealing attention from the rock solid front the foursome presents. The feather light vocals from Melbourne's Charlz caress the uber cool house of cards that is the musical bed. However, if there is one element that deserves extra attention it's Fred Falke's live bass whose groove adds a touch of grit to this otherwise lily-white affair. An irreproachably brilliant disco pop production, "Hungover" is out now on Astrx and can be streamed/purchased here.
FOLLOW LATROIT: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW FRED FALKE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW ZEN FREEMAN: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW CHARLZ: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Bump In The Hump: May 20 (Season 9, Episode 30)


Tracklist

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Enloc - Blind (ft. Sam Key)

Each week I'm astonished at how much new music I have to pare down for each episode of Bump In The Hump. Even more astounding is that each week I've got a handful of DnB bangers ready for airplay, something that almost never happened before the genre's boom in the last year or so. Seemingly the hot bed for DnB in the country, Toronto plays home to the likes of Bensley, Incandescent, NC-17 and Tyr Kohout, who along with Enloc all appear in tonight's episode. Just over a week ago, the latter released the first track from his forthcoming debut EP Chronos. "Blind" featuring Sam Key is a gritty guitar led joint that melds metal and jungle along with a sprinkle of psychedelics. In fact I as I write this, I just finally realized that both the guitar and the overall atmosphere here reminds me of Infected Mushroom, specifically "None Of This Is Real." A powerful track regardless of its comparables, "Blind" finishes the DnB flurry on Bump In The Hump tonight, live from 7-9 PM EDT on Radio Humber, and can be downloaded absolutely free below. Find all previous episodes cataloged at Mixcloud here.
FOLLOW ENLOC: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Daði Freyr - Think About Things (Hot Chip Remix)

A mere 10 days into 2020 Icelandic artist Daði Freyr released "Think About Things," an original composition written about his infant daughter, that later in January was confirmed to be Iceland's entry into the annual Eurovision Song Contest. While the competition was eventually cancelled, the track has nevertheless captured the attention of Europe and beyond. "Think About Things" first came to my attention, the way it did for seemingly millions of others, through a video posted to the Twitter account badboygargar. The video (below), which at time of writing boasts 7.7 million views, is captioned: "Day 17: morale is weird" and showcases a flurry of edits of five people dancing to a minute and half clip of the funky track. It has since spawned remakes and appears in Daði Freyr's official fan video.
Joining the fray around one of the most fascinating tracks of 2020, London outfit Hot Chip have jumped on remix duties like only they can. A fantastic fit with the warm indie electronic grooves of "Think About Things," Hot Chip's alternative dance direction centers the track around a rollicking riff, especially electrifying in its killer clavinet. Whereas the original thrives through its ultra clean sound, making room for each element to play its part in the spotlight, this Hot Chip mix waddles along with an incredible weight and gravity, having gorged itself on the genius of the original. It doesn't have quite the same punch or get-down as the original, especially as it wipes out relief of the the final drop/chorus of the original, which is made so powerful by the brilliant fill and flourish (found at about 2:35). However, the Hot Chip remix cannot be stopped, it simply rolls on, keeping the dance-floor churning. And that's just it. This is no radio-play piece, but rather a club-friendly mix bursting with the same electronic allure as their timeless remix of "Tutti Frutti." Stream the full "Think About Things" remix below and get it here.
FOLLOW DAÐI FREYR: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW HOT CHIP: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Monday, May 18, 2020

Fickle & Vice - Don't Hang Up (I Want You Back)

Twitter really can be treat sometimes. Friday I noticed Nero make a rare appearance on the platform, retweeting an account called Fickle & Vice. The tweet was tagged #80s #1980s #YachtRock #synthwave #nostalgia, showcased a short video clip, and of course captured my attention. Turns out Fickle & Vice are at least partially related to Nero as they are made up of Daniel Stephens and Joseph Watson (whose name bears a striking resemblance to the Nero's other two members: Joseph Ray and Alana Watson). This retro synthwave appeal is not new to Nero fans either as the trio released 1988 and '92 remixes of their "Into The Night" and "Two Minds," respectively.

Originally debuting the Fickle & Vice project in 2017 with "One Time Thing," Stephens and Watson have slowly put out five singles with the most recent "Don't Hang Up (I Want You Back)" dropping this past Friday. Always infectious in their divine synth-driven delivery, this new single lives up to both the Nero benchmark for quality, especially in their vivid soundscape creation, and the carefree charm of Fickle & Vice. It is extremely well produced, putting an incredible number of instruments to use, deftly combining them into a slick slice of pop perfection. From the first glorious guitar lift through each subsequent synth swell and percussive punch, "Don't Hang Up" is an entirely awesome introduction for those who have been sleeping on Fickle & Vice. Dig into the duo's killer catalog on either Soundcloud or Spotify.FOLLOW FICKLE & VICE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

UPDATE: Joseph Watson is indeed part of the Nero family. He's Alana's brother, Dan's brother-in-law.

Friday, May 15, 2020

Enlightened Listening for May 15

Another week has passed and so it's time for another edition of Enlightened Listening. I'm gonna keep things relatively short and sweet this week, so read into the playlist in the following paragraphs or just listen at your leisure below. Have a great weekend, enjoy and stay sane!

Albums from Moby and Nathan Micay open the playlist, each ingenious in their own right. A couple EP pairings follow as Anjunadeep and Speicher deliver the kind of quality one can expect from the legendary labels. Mind Against then break the ice on a number of forthcoming remixes of Dominik Eulberg's Mannigfaltig. A quartet of larger EPs follow that remix as the playlist straddles the house/techno boundary. My favourite from each of the four, respectively: "Maranta," "Echoes From Beyond," "Red South" and  "Les Gens."

The back half of the playlist opens with the 3rd version of what was Hunter Siegel's house hit "Waiting Up," now updated to better fit HNTR's techno turn. Another ingenious revision follows that as Four Tet puts his inimitable touch, and a peak time touch at that, on Caribou's brilliant "Never Come Back." The whole playlist turns on its head with the next track, "Arch Enemy" from the fabulous Everything Everything. Even funkier, the final three releases from The Phenomenal Handclap Band (with an incredible album), Pat Lok and The Magician will have you dancing all the way through the weekend.


Moby - All Visible Objects

Nathan Micay - The World I'm Going To Hell For

Nox Vahn & Marsh - Come Together / Naturish

Robag Wruhme - Speicher 115

Dominik Eulberg - Goldene Acht (Mind Against Remix)

Solanca - Flor Roja

Woo York - Echoes From Beyond

Jos & Eli / Julian Wasserman & Henri Bergmann - Jos & Eli / Julian Wasserman & Henri Bergmann

Carsten Halm - I Fall In Love | Les Gens | Kristall

HNTR - Waiting Up (Reprise)

Caribou - Never Come Back (Four Tet Remix)

Everything Everything - Arch Enemy

The Phenomenal Handclap Band - PHB

Pat Lok - Gone Is Yesterday

The Magician - Renaissance

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Hi Noise - You Make Me Move

Future house producer/DJ Hi Noise is back on Lazy Rich's Big Fish Recordings with his second fire release there this year. Following bouncy, twisted bangers "We Never" and "I Feel," this new number taps into the same sonics that made its predecessors so fire. "You Make Me Move" approaches the edge of overwrought, histrionic, almost caricatural sounds, but deftly defies that distorted delivery. The sounds Hi Noise employs are warm, wicked and absolutely drenched in tension, and they're made even more taut by the little puncuations in the piano and percussive punches. It gets to a point where it feels like the track may just implode under its own weight, but the fact that it doesn't is what makes it such a tremendous success. I'm not big on future house, because like so many genres it can feel monotonous and largely uninspired, but the little details (piano, percussion, etc), incredible design and overall atmosphere have me falling for Hi Noise. Get "You Make Me Move" via Beatport now here.FOLLOW HI NOISE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Bump In The Hump: May 13 (Season 9, Episode 29)


Tracklist
  • Andy Clockwork - Drs. Orders
  • Gipsy Kings - Bamboleo (Ben Decent Bootleg)
  • Broken Future & STUND - Rite Now
  • Jay Dunham - The Breakout (Dave Summit Remix)
  • Jack Harlow - WHATS POPPIN (Reezy Remix)
  • Duskope - Mantle
  • Brock Edwards & RYME - Brighter Day
  • Pavzo - Smoke
  • Crimsen - Club Paradise
  • Simon Doty - Noveria
  • Levrige - Full Circle
  • Return Of The Jaded - Law & Order
  • John Rolodex - Looks Like Trouble
  • Wraz. - Saturate
  • just john x Smol - Torque
  • Mat The Alien & SUBstance - Sunshine Coast
  • Drazius - Don't Stop
  • Cozway - Go To Waste (ft. Bijou Dream)
  • plusol - Mountain Rest
  • Bjork - Blissing Me (Bénédicte Remix)
  • Ryan Hemsworth - New Life (ft. Love Mansuy)
  • Somna & Noire Lee - Beside You
  • Yang & AXYL - Open Your Heart
  • Memory Loss - Savannah
  • PVJAMVS - Adios
  • Weska - Lyrebird

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Return Of The Jaded - Law & Order

Drum and bass keeps popping up everywhere, and with results like this track here, I'm fully here for it. Eliciting a head tilt upon seeing the DnB tag on a Return Of The Jaded track, "Law & Order" may have caught me off guard but it has also got me coming back to it more than any other in the last week. Utilizing the unmistakable quality of Mike Post's Law & Order theme, Return Of The Jaded has pulled a Prometheus by stealing fire from the gods and gifting it to the masses. Obviously hearing the Law & Order theme like this is a treat, but it is even more so thanks to its status as a free download. Get it now here and catch it in the mix on Bump In The Hump tonight live from 7-9 EDT on Radio Humber.FOLLOW RETURN OF THE JADED: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Jimi Needles - Fun Time

Bristol-based freestyle DJ and drummer, Jimi Needles has been busy since the lock-down took hold. This weekend marked the release of his 3rd EP since mid-March and the 2nd in his Nifty Digits series. This new power pairing sees him take on Musical Youth and their classic "Pass The Dutchie" as well as Paul Simon and "You Can Call Me Al." The latter, renamed "Fun Time," sees Needles dive headlong into a monstrous mashup of funky glitch hop, reggaeton and DnB. Featuring bits and pieces of the 1986 classic, it's hard not whistle or sing along, while the new jacking foundation screams forward. An instant injection of energy, the mixture of elements may be dizzying, but they are indeed a fantastic fit, especially in the moments where Bakithi Kumalo's timeless bass run breaks through the ether. The new vocals, paired with a couple call backs to the original, give "Fun Time" a fresh and indeed enjoyable feel. Make it yours for free via Hypeddit here and get both of the Nifty Digits EPs via Bandcamp.FOLLOW JIMI NEEDLES: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Monday, May 11, 2020

Greg Wilson - Live At WOMADelaide Festival

Somehow Mondays continue to be a difficult as ever, so instead of forcing myself to find a new release to write about I've decided to return to the always awesome and reliable work of Greg Wilson. The legend's mailout arrived in my inbox today showcasing his "Last Festival 'Til When?" blog post and what may end up being both his first and last festival set of the year. Just over two months ago, immediately before the global lockdown took hold, Wilson took the stage at WOMADelaide Festival in Botanic Park in Adelaide.

Spanning nearly two hours, the set is full of upbeat and uplifting disco, funk and soul classics as well as its fair share of more recent releases in said sphere. The likes of Poolside and Todd Terje lead the mix to the tune of their "Harvest Moon" and "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes," respectively. Even more trusted names follow as the mix really starts to soar with Late Nite Tuff Guy, Psychemagik and Dr Packer waiting in the wings. The latter appears a couple times, but I'm most drawn to his seemingly unreleased take on The Spinners "I'll Be Around," which appears around the 47 minute mark. As always with Wilson's mixes, there's gems like that galore and who couldn't use an extra shot of Prince, the Gibson Brothers or Chic in their life? Treat yourself to the effortless ease and glorious grooves of this mix (along with free download) and follow Greg Wilson through both his socials and blog below.FOLLOW GREG WILSON: BLOG FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Friday, May 08, 2020

Enlightened Listening for May 8

After last week's Bandcamp based edition of Enlightened Listening we're back to Spotify for 50 new tracks across 16 new releases ranging from trance and techno, to DnB and disco. There's albums from Somna and Booka Shade, a trio of tremendous EPs, and two sublime singles from my all-time favourites Jessie Ware and Joe Goddard. Find it all below with brief descriptions. Enjoy and stay safe!

Somna - Beside You
I lost my mind when I heard the album minimix on Soundcloud, a great indication of the breadth of the 14 track epic. I recently re-listened to Cosmic Gate's Essential Mix (one of my all-time favourites) and this shares a lot of similarities. My kind of trance.

Oliver Heldens & MOGUAI - Cucumba (Ilan Bluestone Remix)
Another one that reminds me of the Cosmic Gate Essential Mix. Bluestone's brilliance is all over this. The percussion is killer and it works wonders with the synths and anticipatory atmosphere.

John Dahlbäck - Chased
Seems I'm really on the house/trance blend because here we go again. Dahlbäck delivers a big one here, but I just wish it were the extended mix. Really getting the urge to rave IN A CLUB thanks to this.

DubVision - Take My Mind
Absolutely love the wobbly/trippy/glitchiness of this. And while the flurries are obviously the leading lady as it were, the way it catches its stride with the kick is what makes "Take My Mind" so intoxicating.

Lili Caseley - C'est La Ve (Le Matin Remix)
While it doesn't say it in its title, this is a Louis La Roche remix. The soft and slow start quickly makes room for a wicked upbeat kick. A little more jacking than we usually get from LLR, but catchy nonetheless.

Dombresky & Boston Bun - Stronger (Tensnake Remix)
Tensnake stays hot here as he brings his polished groove to the already awesome collab. Special mention needs to be made of both the bumping bassline and sensational string sweeps.

Folamour - I Miss Having Someone To Talk To (ft. Liv East)
Folamour never misses. The organic quality of this one is just so gorgeous and easy to enjoy. Both the brass and the drums are divine.

HERO - CRY BABY (Matthew Law Remix)
It really says something when all the remixes of HERO are immaculate. The Lo Stesso remix last week was really chill and this one is gorgeous and groovy. Love the little cellphone notification/beep sfx.

Jessie Ware - Save A Kiss
My favourite of Jessie's latest run of singles. Sublime strings and brilliant electronic build, both the instrumental and Jessie are as awesome as ever.

Joe Goddard & Hayden Thorpe - Unknown Song
I think this may be my favourite Joe Goddard since Electric Lines. There's just something about the way he works with and around Hayden Thorpe's vocals. It's got a brilliant bounce and dope designs throughout.

Booka Shade - Dear Future Self
Each single has been killer and the complete version is no different. Epic and strong, each of the tracks sets a scene like only Booka Shade can. Massive interstellar magnitude.

Ejeca - Everglade
Following "Ekstac" is a tough task, but this EP is up to it. Awesome moving cuts throughout with the same kind of captivating quality as "Ekstac." Watch out for the fantastic use of vocals.

Aera - Prana
Upon first listen to Prana, I flipped between gasps and yelps as each track revealed itself. The toplines are stunning throughout and their subtleties just so heartening. It's going to be interesting to see how this one plays through the year and whether I'll be pumping all four tracks as I suspect I will.

Cozway - Expedition
The lead single is simply stunning, likely Cozway's best work. Its counterparts continue this trend of showcasing the rising star's sound. Think of him as both Canada and trap's Rebūke.

Baauer - AETHER
The build to the trap legend's album Planet's Mad continues and while two rainforest flavoured tunes appeared this week, I'm far more a fan of the DnB base of "AETHER." It has an edge of madness and mayhem, but Baauer's brilliance keeps it all tight and harmonious.

DJ Zinc - Through It All (ft. Maverick Sabre)
Another legend to wrap things up. Beautiful, uplifting and highly musical DnB with heartening vocals to boot.

Thursday, May 07, 2020

Throwback Thursday: Infected Mushroom - Classical Mushroom

There aren't many artists that can boast the longevity that Israeli psytrance duo Infected Mushroom have. Making waves for more than two decades, Erez Eisen and Amit Duvdevani just released their 12th studio album More Than Just A Name on Monstercat in March, but today we're turning the calendars back more than 240 months to January 2000 and the timeless brilliance of Classical Mushroom. Their sophomore sensation stretches well over the hour mark with a mere nine tracks, each epic in their own right. Always eager to expand their boundaries, the duo's addition of more typical, organic instrumentation and so called classical sounds, is precisely what made this album such a stunning success.

"Bust A Move" is as exceptional an opening track as you'll ever encounter. With the rolling piano opposing the rollicking psy-warp sensory overload, it's likely to leave your jaw on the floor as you dance around it in some kind of arcane ritual. Maintaining that mystical allure, "None Of This Is Real" is guided by godly guitar shredding which emanates from the vast obsidian infinity that each psy-trance track exists within. Burrowing into your brain, Infected Mushroom successfully blurs the line between our workaday, humdrum reality and this new vivid exciting soundscape, especially as the next track, a really gorgeous groover, "Sailing In The Sea Of Mushroom" takes hold. Firmly entrenched in this ultra-amplified irreality, "The Shen" doubles down on the dopamine making each orchestral sweep that much more moving as each additional flurry (organic or electronic) forces the listener further down the rabbit-hole that is Classical Mushroom.

Splashing down in the mesmerizing middle, "Disco Mushroom" employs the same brilliant blend of bright, beautiful top-notes with the dirty, driving psychedelic swells and masterful movement that gives the track so many lives and magical moments. It is at once scorched earth while also cool and calmly crafted cinematic, musical wizardry. This theatrical touch once again plays in "Dracul," not just through the clip from Bram Stoker's Dracula, but in the chilling, chase-scene quality of its unwavering, undead energy. The unholy nature of Classical Mushroom hits its peak in "Nothing Comes Easy," but it and "Mush Mushi" strike me as the only misses in the album. I don't mean to say that they are bad, but they don't capture the same creativity and genius as their counterparts. I will say "Nothing Comes Easy" is cool in its guttural vocals, but the rest of the track strikes me as unremarkable - an indistinct album cut. This largely describes my feelings towards "Mush Mushi," whose greatest facet comes in its fluidity and seamless progression. Both are powerful pieces, but pale in comparison to the incredible tracks that surround it, especially the ingenious finale "The Missed Symphony."

The depth, breadth and vast scope of this closing number is simply stunning. There's mountains of movement, making room for essentially everything that's come before it in Classical Mushroom, turning the track into an almost 'best-of' epic. It is cohesive, cruising through its 10+ minute runtime with ease, making it another undeniable highlight in an album overflowing with them. While there are many points in the album in which Infected Mushroom really catch their stride, it's those points in "The Missed Symphony" that are the most rewarding for me. There's multiple moments of relief/jubilation when the pressure of the tension pops and the track roars forward in fantastic synchronous harmony, but none better than the finale of finales, starting just before the eight minute mark and running through to the final notes.

I'm grateful to the friend that introduced me to Infected Mushroom (by way of "Bombat") so many years ago, and for lighting the fire of exploration that still burns within me today, without that I wouldn't where I am now, nor would I have encountered this foundational and truly inspired album. Enjoy Classical Mushroom below and if you dig it I highly recommend exploring more of Infected Mushoom's catalog, especially their brilliant 2007 album The Doors Remixed. More of my Throwback Thursday posts here.FOLLOW INFECTED MUSHROOM: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Wednesday, May 06, 2020

Bump In The Hump: May 6 (Season 9, Episode 28)


Tracklist
  • Betamaxx - Disco Dreamgirl (FM Attack Remix)
  • Sono - Keep Control (Jerome Robins 'Trinity' Remix)
  • Colin Thomas - Funky Horn
  • Cloverdale - Talkin' To Ya
  • Lewis Funktion - Warning! (SageThaCat Remix)
  • Brock Edwards & RYME - Wonderland (Jacques Waty Remix)
  • Andy Clockwork - Drs. Orders (Landon Terrace Remix)
  • Holy Fuck ft. Angus Andrew - Deleters (APRE Remix)
  • HERO - CRY BABY (Lo Stesso Remix)
  • Ryan Hemsworth - Sun Up
  • Vincent & The Griswolds - Lost & In Love (LILO Remix)
  • NXSTY & FrostTop - LOW
  • John Rolodex - Sick & Twisted (2006 Munich VIP)
  • Justin Timberlake - SexyBack (Just John Flip)
  • Fisher - You Little Beauty (René LaVice Burn It Higher Bootyleg)
  • Protostar - Galaxies
  • Wraz - Contact
  • Metafloor - Justice
  • SYN - Synners
  • Drazius - Critical Level
  • Sam Lamar - The Hierophant (ft. Fly Jordy)
  • Code:Pandorum - Streets Of Rage (ft. Kid Bookie)
  • 13 - Armageddon
  • Austra - I Am Not Waiting
  • plusol - Limitbreaker
  • Smol - Seeding Change
  • Limón Limón - Trying Not To Think About You (Bit Funk Remix)
  • Jessy Lanza - Face
  • Melad & SELV - Specular
  • Martin Garrix ft. Clinton Kane - Drown (Pat Lok Remix)
  • Yung Bae ft. bbno$ - Bad Boy (SMLE Remix)

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Sam Lamar - Major Arcana: Origins

Today marks the release of Sam Lamar's third EP on hometown label Kannibalen. Staying supernatural, Major Arcana: Origins picks up precisely where last year's Major Arcana left off. Following those four trump tracks/cards, these new three possess the same incredible power, while pushing the EP further into the infinite nether. "The Hierophant," "The Lovers" and "The Chariot" are all more esoteric and celestial in scope, a trend that continues as the deck progresses. While the deck seems stacked towards the sky, these tracks seem to dive deeper into the underworld of bass and brutishness.

The lead track "The Hierophant," which features Fly Jordy, is an unabashed banger led by snarling synths and a threatening top-line. "The Lovers" makes no room for a gentle touch or caring caress, instead it breaks out whips and chains, inflicting plenty of painful punches. Finally, "The Chariot" gallops through the gnarr as the most straightforward firefight of the trio. Each track is egregious in its inhumanity, while Sam Lamar's diabolic delivery is at peak performance in Major Arcana: Origins. Hear one of the tracks in tonight's all new episode of Bump In The Hump live from 7-9 PM EDT on Radio Humber or after the fact on Mixcloud. Stream below via Soundcloud and purchase/stream the EP here.
FOLLOW SAM LAMAR: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Tuesday, May 05, 2020

Fehrplay - Through The Glass

Norwegian sensation Fehrplay continues to set a high standard, both with his progressive/melodic productions and his label Mood Of Mind. Yesterday set a new milestone, scoring his tenth EP on his own imprint. Spaces is a two-sided affair lead by the expansive and interstellar exploration that is its title track. The b-side, "Through The Glass" leverages that same penetrating progression and rambling wanderlust, while playing more through its percussion and bleepy, almost Bicep-like, top line. The dope drum bed does indeed propel the track from the jump and throughout, bouncing brilliantly alongside the analog lead, ultimately opening a sweltering wormhole. It is in this massive midsection, bolstered by the broad and fulsome foundation, that both the weight and gracefulness of "Through The Glass" become apparent. An exceptional display of Fehrplay's tremendous talent and razor sharp skills, "Through The Glass" and Spaces can now be found at any of your favourite online retailers/streaming sources.
FOLLOW FEHRPLAY: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Monday, May 04, 2020

LUXXURY - I Still Love You

Somehow I've managed to make it into 2020 with almost no knowledge of LUXXURY. Blake Robin, previously Baron Von Luxxury, has been crafting slow burning disco edits and originals for the better part of the past two decades. Friday, LUXXURY released the fifth volume of his vaunted XX EDITS series, in which he reworks classics through their respective multi-track stems. In this 10 track edition entitled Never Gonna Dance Again?, LUXXURY lends his raw, funky and fulsome style to the likes of Tame Impala, Cream, Sade, George Michael and more. Like so much of his edit catalog, there's a lot to like, especially if you already appreciate the original. And that's the case for me with the track below, "I Still Love You."

A take on The Human League's 1981 offering "Don't You Want Me," this nearly seven minute long extended edit leans into the sublime synth play of the original, while leveraging both a new driving drum beat and a bolstered version of the brilliant bottom end. Just as the original has echoed in the popular consciousness for decades, the continued catchiness and repacked resplendence of this edit will have you muttering "I Still Love You" for days. Enjoy below and be sure to dig into LUXXURY's catalog for more of his brilliant brand of nu-disco, either through his Soundcloud or XX EDITS' Bandcamp here.
FOLLOW LUXXURY: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Friday, May 01, 2020

Enlightened Listening for May 1

After the massive success that was Bandcamp's first Friday foray into forgoing their cut of revenue, the popular online music outlet is turning the trick again. As I did last month this week's Enlightened Listening is again hosted on Bandcamp, but with the lack of a playlist creator, you'll have to scroll through the alphabetized list below. I've included brief descriptions, but really the music should speak for itself. Be sure to support the artists if you enjoy. If it's pay what you want, a follow or share is the least you can do. Have a great weekend!

Austra - HiRUDiN
So often a stunning combination of spine-tingling vocals and moving musical beds. She doesn't release often, but when she does it's always incredibly well done. Standout tracks: "Anywayz," "Risk It" and "I Am Not Waiting."

Bakongo - Bopster / Anytime
The kind of drum dominated tracks we've come to expect from Roska Kicks & Snares. Incredibly crisp productions all around, but it's the glow of "Anytime" that makes it my favourite of the two.

Boys Noize - STRICTLY BVNKER
Twitch live analog sessions from Boys Noize's 'BVNKER'. Often dirty and distorted, these tracks are fire and scream chaos. And that's the brilliance of Boys Noize, he cultivates that chaos and somehow culls it into a singular theme. My favourite: "Moonsrad."

Calibre - Shelflife Six
13 track only ever heard in his sets, this album spans 20 years and showcases the ridiculous quality and lifespan of Calibre. One of the best examples of the breadth of musicality at the heart of DnB. Standout tracks: "Things Like This," "Crazy For You" and "Be Beautiful."

Daktyl - Ozymandias Beat Tape 1
Simply one of my favourite artists when it comes to creating soundscapes. Uber cool and equally unique, Daktyl's productions are always inspired and more than that, his musical ability is always front and center. One of the better beat tapes you'll ever come across. Standout tracks: "A Slow Walk," "IQ" and "Warning Signs."

East Avenue - Inner City Dubs Vol. 8
Two deep, funky jungle/garage tracks that ooze with groove. Both are sure to bring the dance-floor to life, but I'm more partial to the gooey nature of "My Future."

Good Room - 'Alone Together' Good Room Relief Compilation
A diverse compilation ranging from disco to techno with the likes of Martyn, Baltra, The Juan MacLean and Fort Romeau. There's wicked rollers, balmy bass-heavy bangers and even a slow burning jam or two. Standout tracks: "Trip Into The Good Room," "Diamond Head" and "Why Want."

Heller & Farley Project - Ultra Flava (Remixes)
Defected really know how to tease, I've been waiting for the David Penn remix for a while and it's finally here. It features his incredible work on the keys and just feels so fabulous. The Darius Syrossian mix is nothing to scoff at either with its masterful mix of atmosphere and power.

Ital Tek - Outland
An engrossing and adventurous album that is sure to transport its listeners to incredible new worlds. At times utterly atmospheric, others truly turnt and twisted. An exceedingly adept electronic offering that largely evades the foreign feel of electronics. Standout tracks: "Open Heart," "Deadhead" and "Oblivion Theme."

Leonce - Nothing To Declare
Something about Leonce's productions, dating back to Insurgency, screams godly to me. Equally almighty, this new EP delivers the dope drum work I expected alongside unholy atmosphere and killer club appeal. Absolutely love "Hyperion."

Plastician - Deep In The Drives
A lush collection of deep dub from the legend. The moods and scenes in these tracks are immaculate and moving. They're largely chill and laidback, but there's a couple sick cuts as well. Standouts: "Alone Time," "Gully" and "Jackal Riddim."

plusol - Lineage
I've been touting this through its singles and I'm glad it came out today so I could include it in this list. It features plusol's unique combination of electronic and organic instrumentation, alongside his cinematic approach that is both beautiful and banging. Listen all the way through, but if you need one selling point, look no further than the fabulous finale "Limitbreaker."

R&S Records - In Order To Care
A massive compilation with the likes of Fracture, Or:la and Special Request offering up sensational singles. Wildly varied through its 43 tracks, but all worthy of the R&S Records stamp. All proceeds go to PPE for the NHS, only further making the £10 price tag, for so many tracks, even more of a steal.

Rohaan - Bleach
The meteoric rise of Rohaan continues and rightfully so as Bleach is brilliant. Mat Zo and Tek Genesis are killer cosigns, just as the tracks here are capable of killing with their heart palpitating qualities.

Too Slow To Disco - Yacht Disco Edits
Another massive compilation, this time featuring the likes of LeBRON, Air Zaire and Yuksek. These edits all share the same sublime thread of gorgeous disco and get off to an incredible start with the divine "Waiting," my favourite of the bunch. Other standouts include: "Hold Tight" and "Right On Time."

Unknown Mobile - Leafy Edits Vol. 1
I'm partial to all of Unknown Mobile's edits so no surprise he's on this list. Four fun and often energized cuts here. "Paradise" is just that, while my other favourite "Underground" is shimmering and gorgeous.