Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Cloak Dagger - Cut Me Open

New York City's chic soul and disco producer Cloak Dagger has a slick new single based around Leona Lewis' breakout hit "Bleeding Love." Heavily featuring its titular lyrics, "Cut Me Open" is driven by sublime synth squelches and a flighty, wavering atmosphere that forces its listeners to grab something sturdy for fear of floating away. There's an undeniable beauty throughout the track, gently gliding just beneath the surface, never quite reaching its full potential. And this is the key to its alchemy - the magic behind the curtain. While "Cut Me Open" runs close to its sensational sample, Cloak Dagger never unleashes Lewis' full allure instead forcing his listeners to fill in the blanks themselves. It becomes free and personal, allowing us to explore a familiar feeling yet indeed new world full of warmth and effervescent foliage. Get the gorgeous "Cut Me Open" from Bandcamp here or stream now below.
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Monday, June 29, 2020

Monstercat - 9 Year Anniversary

Wednesday marks the ninth anniversary of Monstercat's creation and the celebrations have already begun with today's release of a six-pack of classic 90s covers. Leading the way is Pixel Terror who punch up a complextro version of Darude's "Sandstorm." As wild as the original is, this new version turns things up to 11: twisting the tempo up and down, adding extra headbanging heaviness and setting our expectations on fire with a throbbing psychedelic undertone. Turning the calendar back 90 months, the next 90s classic is Snap! "Rhythm Is A Dancer." Here Pegboard Nerds tap Tia Simone to recreate the iconic vocals as they make like Pixel Terror and electrify the original with bombastic bass kicks and thumping synths that thrust the Eurodance classic into a Mortal Kombat-esque fight club.

Showing that this EP is not just a collection of amped up covers, Grant's guitar guides Alice Deejay's "Better Off Alone" to a bouncy and feels laden future bass place. While that still slaps, Half An Orange's Saxsquatch-led cover of "Around The World" takes the cake as the most chill track of the EP. Perfect for a sunset, the playfulness of this cover fills it with hope and an incredible ease of enjoyment. Picking the energy back up, in spite of the original's creation as a comedown track, Rameses B brings an extra sparkle and a jolt of DnB to Robert Miles' captivating 1995 affair "Children." In a way this is both the closest to and furthest from the original as the melody and progression remains almost entirely intact, while the new ripping DnB direction casts it in a different light. And I think it is because of this counter-intuitive fact, that I find it to be my favourite of the EP.

Finally, the anniversary release is wrapped with perhaps the least well known track of the bunch Signum's "Coming On Strong." Stonebank and EMEL thrust the 1999 trance cut into hardcore territory, absolutely pulverizing it with ravey synths and thumping bass while keeping just enough of its buoyant trance energy underneath. While I haven't been much for hardcore in years, I can say that this will leave you fist pumping your way back to the beginning of the EP for another round of nostalgia-laced fun. Stream the Monstercat 9 Year Anniversary below and get it from your favourite online retailer here.FOLLOW MONSTERCAT: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Friday, June 19, 2020

Enlightened Listening for June 19

It's only been two weeks since the last Bandcamp day but they've gone bimonthly in June, donating their share of profits on this Juneteenth to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Of course that means this edition of Enlightened Listening is once again hosted on Bandcamp. This week you'll find Baauer's sensational sophomore album PLANET'S MAD, a trio of EPs, a couple free downloads and a 10 artist charitable collaboration. Find each release below with brief accompanying description. Enjoy!

Lost Desert - Lost Desert & Friends
As the temperatures continue to rise, I can't think of a better catalog to enjoy in the shade with a cold drink. A touch heavier than most of the previous ADID releases, but the slow burning brilliance of it remains. Personal favourite: "That Moment And You."

Moon Boots - Pure Moons Vol. 1
More easy flowing deep house/disco/dance cuts. Electronic escapism. Personal favourite: "Sundae."

Gregory Porter - 1960 What? (Ahmed Sirour Remix)
Incredible tribute mix made with a number of classic samples as well as a chant from this year's BLM march in Seattle. The passion is palpable and the energy infectious. My favourite release of the day.

DAVIE - Testify
Another impassioned and soulful affair. Instantly catchy. Sure to have you tapping your toes and clapping/snapping along. Expect big things from DAVIE and Defected.

Ticklish - The Way I Love You
Beautifully crafted, especially as the vocals and strings sew it all together. Top notch Ticklish.

Juelz - Renegade
How seven producers managed to make a singular track so seamless is a stunning feat. It's a wicked ride that feels like a megamix of all things Sable Valley. Watch out for the reprise in the last minute.

Baauer - PLANET'S MAD
An album/project like no other. Short of literally making a new planet, Baauer has done it all. It comes with its own full length video (here) and even more immersive content on Spotify (see here). Further proof that Baauer is in a league of his own. Personal favourites: "PIZZAWALA," "AETHER" & "HOME."

Masayoshi Iimori - Wonky Rave
The title says it all. Iimori offers up a trio of truly turnt tracks, each more brain-battering than the last. Explosive energy and gut-wrenching grit amidst some supremely satisfying rave sounds. Personal favourite: "Wonky Rave."

Jesse Zimmerman - Gamma
Fitting final track as we enter into the void. Dark synthwave affair clearly inspired by the cyberpunk movies Zimmerman was watching when this was written.

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Whizzo Loner - Nanterre

Fehrplay's Mood Of Mind has done it again. Following the label head's own Spaces EP last month, they've got a dynamic debut from Russian Whizzo Loner today. The two-tracker Endless Doors showcases equally alluring and eclectic tracks featuring what feels like an expedition through countless landscapes and habitats - as though opening a series of doors to find jungles, savannahs, deserts, and forests behind them. Really hitting that theme home, the b-side "Nanterre" offers up a ton of life through its constant progression. While the sounds are undeniably electronic, there's just something about them that places you in vast and vivid environments. It starts you soaring above a savannah, before adding a little extra punch as you dart between mountains and dive through valleys. As we approach the midsection of "Nanterre," the journey reaches the placid, smooth surface of a great lake whose depths lead us to a previously unexplored, underwater cavern. And just like the final section of the track, this cave is cool and truly captivating, exuding some kind of alien allure. It's hard to follow/put your finger on and even after the track/expedition is over the feeling remains, leaving you pining for its enchanting charm once again. Stream the sonic safari "Nanterre" below and get it here.
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Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Bump In The Hump: June 17 (Season 9, Episode 33)


Tracklist
  • Greg Gow - Different World
  • Retza - Town
  • Enflure - La Paix
  • Kardano - For Granted (ft. Sade Ariel)
  • Blonde Diamond - 4AM Eternal (Diana Boss Remix)
  • PotemTole - Fresh
  • The Accountant - Open Sesame Here Comes The Fungus
  • Colyn - The Future Is The Past (GRIM Edit)
  • Tale Of Us - Be As One
  • Simon Doty - Crackerjack
  • Pan!c Pop - Broke My Heart In Two
  • Sixtroke - Saint Groove
  • Pete Wilde ft. Rubix - Like Us (Donald Bump Remix)
  • Chromeo - Clorox Wipe
  • Hairitage - Freeway
  • Dioptrics - Empty
  • Entel - Ariel (Zeal Remix)
  • Sikka & Dcision - Heavy Tune
  • Busta Rhymes - Break Ya Neck (Freeza Chin & Nick Bike Jersey Club Mix)
  • The Weeknd - Blinding Lights (Yellow Claw Remix)
  • Stephen Walking - Odin's Ghost
  • Bon Iver - Wash (Crimson Child Cover Remix)
  • Samihe - Breathe In
  • SYRE - Feel U
  • Alex Lustig - Heal
  • Trench Foot - SHAKE & BAKE

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Colyn - The Future Is The Past (GRIM Edit)

Readers of this blog should well know my love for Afterlife. Their releases and Voyage mix series are always excellent and, while I try not to drink from the same well too often, I cannot help myself when it comes to their immersive offerings. Despite "The Future Is The Past" not being an Afterlife release, Colyn will always remind me of them, especially this track whose cascading synths beg to be put to use in a Voyage mix.

As good as the original is, Toronto's GRIM has retooled the quality of Colyn in an abridgment or 'good parts version,' applying an incredible polish to the already exquisite gem. I literally laughed out loud when I first listened to GRIM's edit on my bike ride as the dueling melodies exploded in my ear. Each is awesome in their own right, but when they meet up and cross paths the track goes Super Saiyan like two stars colliding in epic fashion (something not unlike iTunes' built-in visualizer). Now of course the synths are the can't miss crux of the track, but there's no discounting the punchy drum design and delivery, nor the slick, sweeping movement that allows GRIM to present the more than seven minute track in a tight five minute format.

Powerful from start to finish, this exceptional edit of "The Future Is The Past" sits smack dab in the middle of an abbreviated techno section on tonight's all new episode of Bump In The Hump, alongside Afterlife's Tale Of Us and "Be As One." Catch it live in the mix from 7-9 PM EDT on Radio Humber or find the full episode after the fact on Mixcloud here. Stream the edit below and get it for free here.
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Tuesday, June 16, 2020

The Magician - Magic Tape 97

Finally, the first new edition of the vaunted Magic Tape mix series since COVID-19 captured the world's attention in early March. The Magician is back with an hour made up almost exclusively of new and forthcoming material.

Opening up this new set is the simply sensational Chemical Brothers cut "Catch Me I'm Falling" from No Geography. It is followed by a beautiful, yet unidentified scintillating synth number which has an undeniably familiar feel, yet I can't quite put my finger on who either the vocalist or producer is. As the mix continues to pick up steam we get brand new and forthcoming releases from Mohawk & The Kid and Myd (respectively) before The Magician's "You And Me" appears to receive a sublime, striding remix from another yet unidentified source.

This same formula of new followed by forthcoming tunes is replicated as Boys Noize's Defected affair "Mvinline" is followed by a trio of yet unreleased offerings from Theo Kottis and Mozambo, with the former absolutely rocking resplendent. In terms of overall trajectory this is where the mix really peaks as both Tchami's "Buenos Aires" and Alex Preston & Rion S' "Love Somebody" deliver incredibly infectious energy. Finally, The Magician crafts a killer come-down with Moullinex's remix of Poolside "Sunrise Strategies" and Justice's remix of Frank Ocean "Dear April." Find the 'full' tracklist as identified by the prolific Zinderlong at 1001tracklists here and enjoy the mix in its entirety below.
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Monday, June 15, 2020

Tale Of Us - Be As One

Afterlife leaders Tale Of Us put their powers to good use Friday, releasing charitable track "Be As One" in support of anti-racism organizations. Published exclusively to Bandcamp, this new effort is classic Tale Of Us in its continuously moving core and emotional undertow.

Like so many of the duo's productions, there's a profound serenity at the surface of "Be As One" while its underlying layers vacillate between brooding bass, sublime strings and scintillating synth pings. Of course the track is never better than when all of these elements are pitted against each other, illustrating a scene built around hydrothermal vents and all manner of aquatic life. And just like those underwater chimneys, "Be As One" provides all the elements necessary to create and foster life.

Set the gears of life in motion and feed off the power of Tale Of Us below.FOLLOW TALE OF US: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Friday, June 12, 2020

Enlightened Listening for June 12

After last week's Bandcamp edition of Enlightened Listening we're back to our usual home on Spotify. This week's nearly eight hour long playlist features a staggering 85 tracks including 45 from one massive charitable compilation CARE4LIFE which supports the NHS. Said compilation includes big names Daniel Avery, The Chemical Brothers, Luke Solomon, Damian Lazarus, Joe Goddard, Jamie Jones, Pete Tong and so many more. It closes with a a killer DnB cut from 3Strange and the playlist itself does too with a Special Request vs Paul Woolford remix of CLIPZ. Otherwise you'll find that this week's playlist is largely funk and disco driven with amazing offerings from Roosevelt, Cavego, Chromeo and a handful of others. Somehow Ejeca is back with another new EP, just as Tensnake, Tinlicker and Yotto each stay hot with a trio of sick singles. Rounding things out there's standout remixes from Jacques Greene, ABSOLUTE. and Lonely Boy and an epic vocal techno EP from Charlotte de Witte. Find each individual release linked after the Spotify embed below. Enjoy!

Amtrac - No Place (Remixes)

Ejeca - Polar Nation

WhoMadeWho - Synchronicity I

Yotto - Tarantia

Tinlicker - Sleepwalker

Tensnake - Simpansi

Roosevelt - Sign

Cavego - Dovregubben

Kapote - L.O.V.E. 2020 (NYC Tribute)

Chromeo - Quarantine Casanova

Flevans - Realisation (Remixes)

Haska & Salif Keita - Madan (ABSOLUTE. Edit)

Charlotte de Witte - Return To Nowhere

Various Artists - CARE4LIFE

CLIPZ ft. Ms Banks, Ms Dynamite & Jaykae - Again (Special Request vs Paul Woolford Remix)

Thursday, June 11, 2020

CYA - Timeless/Synesthesia

Spanish duo CYA are on fire at the moment. In the last six months alone they've remixed the Pet Shop Boys and Grum, appeared on Anjunabeats and most recently released a two track EP on Grum's Deep State Recordings. Timeless/Synesthesia ought to be an instant addition for any fan of Anjuna or progressive house as both tracks deliver a myriad of movement in awesome engrossing fashion.

The lead track "Timeless" does indeed live up to its namesake, but I don't mean that it in the enduring sense, but rather in its sonic landscape being a chronological void. Its soaring ethereal power places it in an infinite nothingness, somewhat like a black hole, just without the hopeless, depressive qualities we often associate with it. Furthering the expansive, optimistic qualities of "Timeless," the follow up "Synesthesia" leans into cascading sparkles as though viewing a series of supernovas occuring countless light-years away. And this is no mistaken mixed metaphor, as it too lives up to its namesake in the visual quality of its bleepy lead. One only need to close their eyes and suddenly the galactic life of "Synesthesia" leaps into action on the inside of your eyelids.

Dive into the divine dream that is Timeless/Synesthesia here and follow CYA's socials at the bottom.
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Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Bump In The Hump: June 10 (Season 9, Episode 32)


Tracklist
  • Santini - Lies (Tantum Remix)
  • Woodhead - Make You Love
  • Holy Fuck ft. Angus Andrew - Deleters (Palms Trax Remix)
  • Roddy Ricch x Kapote - The Box (Ivan Rankic's Maison Rejam Edit)
  • Duskope & Brock Edwards - Walk Away
  • Jayda G - Both Of Us (Jayda G Sunset Bliss Mix)
  • Simon Doty - Zion
  • Case Of The Mondays - My Phone
  • Return Of The Jaded - Love Key
  • Rumpus + PINEO & LOEB - Body Right
  • Pretence & Dave Summit - Dynamite
  • Zhu - Faded (Cloverdale Remix)
  • Shaded - Mad Stacks (Demuir's 'Playboy' Remix)
  • Sole Vale - The Unknown
  • Jeremy Stott - Resistance
  • Speaker Honey - After Sequence
  • Pax Impera & ZABO - Aftermath
  • Slooze - Evolution
  • Izzy Vadim - Next Level
  • Moon Rush - System Red
  • NXSTY - BUCK VIP
  • KRILLA - Hypnotic VIP
  • SBK. - Burn
  • Schematic - Creep
  • Farrah & So Sus - Hollow
  • Frank Ocean - Chanel (Keys N Krates Flip)
  • GOLD BULLETS ft. Bigredcap - Dated (Prayer Handz Remix)

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Sole Vale - I Don't Exist v1

After an eclectic return to Bump In The Hump last week, this week's episode is firmly focused on the four on the floor power of house and techno. Those two foundational genres open the episode and lead it well into its second hour. In the latter portion of said extended section is a cut from Sole Vale's new album I Don't Exist v1. A collection of free downloads that span the techno sub-genres, these nine tracks offer up a variety of obsidian sounds, acid waves, electro twitches and synth squelches. While the individual tracks weren't necessarily crafted with the intent of fitting into a singular project, I Don't Exist v1 does indeed capture a common ground, and can be enjoyed from open to close. Dig into the project below, grab the free downloads as you desire, and catch one of the tracks on Bump In The Hump live tonight from 7-9 PM EDT on Radio Humber or after the fact as cataloged on Mixcloud here.
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Tuesday, June 09, 2020

Jessie Ware - Save A Kiss (Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs Remix)

We're just 10 days out from the release of Jessie Ware's fourth full length album What's Your Pleasure?, due Friday June 19th on PMR. Last night she made a green screen appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden performing the album's latest single "Save A Kiss" (which you can watch here), while earlier in the day Orlando Higginbottom, aka Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, lent his touch to the James Ford/Midland production.

Turning the lush string-driven disco affair into a catchy club cut, TEED's eclectic quality works wonders throughout this electro-tinged, anticipatory offering. There is no let down over the course of this five minute mix as TEED's new bed bears down brilliantly from start to finish. There is no big pay off per se, but rather plenty of pleasing points throughout. TEED's playfulness constantly pushes "Save A Kiss" to the edge of pure groove power without ever actually abandoning the emotional, optimistic quality of the original. And it is this masterfully crafted middle ground that makes this mix so intriguing as it can be enjoyed both as an energizing earphone offering or mid-set dancefloor firestarter. It oozes with excellence and gives me a bit of a Robyn vibe, and I can't imagine anyone being upset about that. Get the genius TEED remix of "Save A Kiss" now here and pre-order What's Your Pleasure? now here.FOLLOW JESSIE WARE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Monday, June 08, 2020

Groove Armada ft. Nick Littlemore - Get Out On The Dancefloor (Joe Goddard Remix)

I've basically been off the blogging train for two weeks now and the reality is it remains hard to get properly inspired these days. That said, a good Joe Goddard production is sure to remove much of that malaise. Released Friday on BMG, Goddard has graced Groove Armada's Nick Littlemore-led "Get Out On The Dancefloor."

Although it seems most are still a ways away from actual dancefloors, this remix reminds us of the warmth and freedom we associate with that sacred surface. As glorious as ever, Goddard doubles down on the groove, filling it out fabulously, while still allowing for the original drum work and song structure to flow freely. He's also added a little extra glitter and glow, which nicely counteracts the gravity of the new godly get-down. And all of this meshes magnificently with the indie electronic quality of the original which, thanks to Nick Littlemore's vocal delivery, reminds me of LCD Soundsystem.

A true to the original offering, Joe Goddard breathes new, even bouncier life into "Get Out On The Dancefloor." And whereas the original feels more like an ode to the dancefloor, this new version strikes me as call towards it. Clear a little space for your feet and get down to the remix now here.FOLLOW GROOVE ARMADA: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Friday, June 05, 2020

Enlightened Listening for June 5

Bandcamp continues to flex on its counterparts by once again waiving its revenue share today. So with that in mind I'm once again turning my weekly new release series Enlightened Listening to Bandcamp.

As with previous editions, I've simply listed the releases below as there is no playlist system for a single embed (a la Spotify). Of the 20 releases cataloged below, a large number are pay what you want and even more are donating the collected proceeds to charity. In the list you'll find plenty of DnB and jungle type tracks, a bunch of edit packs, a couple compilations and even a mix.

Of course I'm recommending each and every of these releases, but I'm particularly fond of the edit packs from dope, Nike Bike & The Patchouli Brothers, the Skream & Tom Demac EP, Ryan Hemsworth's 100% unreleased mix, and the Swing Ting Remixes & Rarities compilation.

Finally, I'll close by recommending you check out the music being shared on Twitter today as this is but a mere drop in the ocean of excellent offerings out there. Have a great weekend and stay safe!

Ase Manual - janet

Channel 2 - Rocksteady 007

Channel 2 - Rocksteady 008

Dioptrics - Dactylian*

dope - Beats & Bootlegs*

Jaymie Silk - Club Mermaid

Levrige - Glazed*

LUXXURY - Set Me Free*

MA1 - Collection 1

Nick Bike - June 2020 Edits*

The Patchouli Brothers - Spare Change Edits Vol. 2*

Ryan Hemsworth - Defend + Defund*

SBK. - Burn*

Schematic - Creep / Yeah, What?

Skream & Tom Demac - EMF

Smoove & Turrell - Stratos Bleu

Stereo Mars - Running Back

Various Artists - No Justice No Peace*

Various Artists - Remixes & Rarities*

UNIIQU3 - DIGITAL DIVA

Asterisk indicates that proceeds from these sales will be directed to Black Lives Matter, the George Floyd Memorial fund, the NAACP and other charitable organizations. Check individual releases for their respective destinations.

Wednesday, June 03, 2020

Bump In The Hump: June 3 (Season 9, Episode 31)


Tracklist
  • Pacific Coliseum - An Evening In
  • Jayda G - Both Of Us
  • Potemtole - Island Colony
  • SageThaCat - Rocking Through The Riddim (waste wisely Remix)
  • SSSLO - Inland Silence
  • Brock Edwards - Robyn Ariel
  • The Accountant - 6ix Rams In Golden
  • Jesse Mac Cormack - No Love Go (CRi Remix)
  • Ben Fox & Hot Tub - Shine (ft. Megan Buckle)
  • Luis Leon & In2Deep - Blue Ridge (Nhar Remix)
  • The Brothers Macklovitch - Give Love To Get Some (ft. Leven Kali)
  • The Strokes - Eternal Summer (PINEO & LOEB ft. Sparkee Remix)
  • Diana Boss - Make U Feel Good (Final DJs Remix)
  • Jordan Astra - Reasons (ft. Jalmar)
  • New Friend - Blueberry (Ambient Outro)
  • Moonrunner83 - Lovers In A Dangerous Time
  • Slooze - Time Without End
  • Heymac - Night Garden
  • Beatmool - Third Moon
  • MYTHM - Oddity
  • Honey Claws ft. Mag Neato - I'm A Mountain (Chuurch Remix)
  • A Tribe Called Red - Land Back (ft. Boogey The Beat & Northern Voice)
  • Drazius - Take It Back
  • Izzy Vadim - Hit Em
  • Black Tiger Sex Machine x Hairitage - Resistance (ft. Hyro The Hero)
  • Juelz - Rendering
  • Lizdek - Corrupt
  • René LaVice & Benny L - 1000 Days
  • i_o & Lights - Run

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Drazius - Take It Back

After a week off for a bit of a reset, Bump In The Hump is back on the Radio Humber airwaves tonight with two all new hours. Of course a week off does not prevent new music from being released and as a result I had more than nine hours to cut down into two. Of course there are established favourites that easily made the mix, but in terms of new talents Kelowna's Drazius continues to stand out.

First appearing on Bump In The Hump in early May with "Critical Level," the immersive mixture of dubstep, trap and bass that Drazius delivers has quickly become an instant addition to any episode. At times his productions seem poised to propel a rocket, while others ooze with a riotous ardour. This latest production, "Take It Back" continues the trend of explosive energy alongside sinister sound design. As with each of his previous releases, it too is available free via Bandcamp here. Catch it in the mix on tonight's all new episode, live from 7-9 PM EDT or after the fact, as cataloged on Mixcloud here.
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