Enlightened Listening for July 9

After skipping last week, Enlightened Listening is back with more than four hours of new music that you need to hear. Closing the book on last week, I'll note that Daktyl's "Hyperion" is from then, but I prefer it to the new single from his forthcoming mixtape. It, like so much of this week's playlist, features an incredible energy, a wicked vibe, and dope drums.

The other theme appears to be long-form releases (LPs or mixtapes) with Hybrid, Wizard, DJ Ride, and Attacca Quartet, each crafting a unique, cool, and compelling journey. Rounding out that first half, I've gotta give a tip of the hat to Ninajirachi's NLV/Sable Valley release, which is an absolute gas.

Still, the dope drums persist into the second half of the playlist as things get a touch more spacey with an awesome yehno remix package, another unreal Skream ifeel EP, and an Amtrac solo effort on OPENERS. Turning more dancey, and ever more groovy, the playlist continues with intoxicating originals from KUU and Peggy Gou, and a trio of top-notch remixes from Tensnake, Gerd Janson, and ABSOLUTE. Finally, the cherry on top, Chilly Gonzales with one that's sure to make you grin, "Music Is Back." Dig in now below and find each individual release linked at the bottom. Have a great weekend!

Hybrid - Black Halo

Daktyl - Hyperion

Wizard - Viper

tails - tic tac toe (ft. laye & Kelland)

Ninajirachi - Dracodraco

DJ Ride - ENRO

Attacca Quartet - Real Life

Polaris - Love Letter

yehno - Tomorrow We'll Be Here Remixes

Skream - Instakord

Amtrac - Outer Station Support

KUU - Voices

Anti Up - Sensational (Tensnake Remix)

Peggy Gou - I Go

Flight Facilities - The Ghost (Remixes)

Chilly Gonzales - Music Is Back

Top 100 Tracks Of 2020: 50-26

Continuation of the list started Monday from 100-76, which includes my disclaimer/preamble. The second quarter of the list can be found here: from 75-51. Find Soundcloud playlist here and Spotify here.

#50: Apashe - Dead (ft. Yizzy)/Rain (ft. Kroy)
In a bit of a cop-out, I've combined two Apashe tracks to save me from picking just one. I feel justified in this act because Apashe did the same himself as part of his live performance of Renaissance (see here). Fitting together perfectly, "Dead" and "Rain" showcase the kind of killer orchestral and cinematic quality that makes Renaissance such a stunning success. Teeming with drama, these are both momentous tracks that make masterful use of their unique vocal features. And while awesome on their own, as is each track in Renaissance, they are better together.

#49: Tensnake ft. Fiora - Automatic (Extended Mix)

I swear, if The Pointers Sisters were to release "Automatic" today, it'd assuredly be part of all year-end lists. The quality with which Tensnake is working is obvious, but he and Fiora have done a brilliant job with this faithful, funky house cover. While it doesn't have quite the same life as the original, this succeeds through its moody, rolling groove and reliable dancefloor delivery.

#48: Mathame - For Every Forever

One of my favourite Afterlife tracks. Tender, touching techno that warms the cockles of your heart. In fact, it clearly has a heart and soul, something rare in techno. While the eyes and ears are drawn to the bright sparkling top notes, the importance of the subtle strength of the strings and the deep foundation of the drums cannot be understated. Majestic and monumental.

#47: John Rolodex - Interdimensional Espionage

There aren't many more cool creations in this list. DnB is both inherently cool and undeniably in vogue, but the use of a standing bass and an organ is just so stylish. Befitting of its name, the shadowy underworld imagery is rife. It sounds as though it were the theme for a show called Galactic Gumshoe. But beyond the impeccable aura, Rolodex reminds us of his legendary status with a clinic on DnB delivery.

#46: Alfa Romero - Claim Your Love

I still go back and forth on which is my favourite cut from the epic Unity compilation, but most times I end up here. A story I want to be told over and over again, there's just something so beautiful and inviting about Alfa Romero's rollout. It cradles you in its strident synths, swaddling you with its warmth and resplendence. Even though it waivers throughout its sensuous serenade, it strikes me as confident and calm, setting sail for the unknown. Just like Mathame above, and so many other Afterlife tracks, this succeeds in showcasing the soul in a techno record.

#45: 45 Roller - Rain

A bit of a cheeky inclusion here as 45 Roller takes the 45th spot. It just goes to show how arbitrary a list like this is. That said, these are all good tracks, equally worthy of our praise and attention. As I said when I first wrote about this in August, Shy FX keeps the soul of the original sample which gives the whole track an incredible, organic feel. Much like the actual rain and the vinyl crackle, each element in Shy FX's bag of tricks is used to fantastic effect, keeping the track tight and full of feeling.

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)

Enlightened Listening for March 27

We're returning to as close to a normal edition of Enlightened Listening as we can during this COVID-19 pandemic. This week's playlist opens with a trio of exceptional albums, dives deep into dance before turning to techno and hard hitting house. There's a bunch of big names and a whole host of truly top notch releases. Stream below and find brief descriptions after the Spotify embed. Stay safe & enjoy!

Nicolas Jaar - Cenizas
Delicate and moving pieces, largely made up of organic instrumentation. A divine dive, perfect for piquing your palate ahead of a bunch of other brilliant releases.

Robotaki - The Grand Mirage
Each early taste has been sublime and Robotaki has instilled that unique quality throughout.

Louis La Roche - Saturday Night Griever
A feature heavy album, that doesn't feel like the slightest bit disjointed as though it were a bunch of singles slapped together. That said, it often does slap. Really enjoyable and dance friendly.

falcxne - Studio 54
Even more slaps here. Fantastic funky stuff. Worthy of its iconic title.

Duck Sauce - Captain Duck
My favourite Duck Sauce single and sample yet. Unfortunately the extended mix is not on Spotify. Enjoy it in its full glory here.

DJ Fresh - Drive (Skream Remix)
Skream stays hot with this jacking mix. Yet another notch in his belt; is there anything he can't do?

warner case & Subrinse - impeccable
The off-kilter delivery of warner case is back in brilliant form. An instantly catchy, feel good club cut.

CastNowski - I Can Show You
CastNowski's capacity to craft quality house cuts in all its sub-genres is incredible, but I like him best in this more jacking, funky, disco-adjacent style. Groovy baby!

Tensnake ft. Fiora - Automatic (Remixes)
Holy stacked remix package, Batman! Gerd Janson, Kraak & Smaak and a Tensnake VIP?! I'm weak!

ABSOLUTE. - My Love
This man cannot miss. The original is awesome, but like with "String Theory" I'm drawn to the breakbeat VIP. If you're not on the ABSOLUTE. bandwagon yet, you're missing out big time.

Bicep - Atlas
Must I say anything more than new Bicep? I guess that's the point of this post, but really, they speak for themselves. An instant joy. The kind of track we need in these dark days. A ray of hope and light.

Kölsch - Time / Sleeper Must Awaken
See what I mean about a bunch of big names? The usual stunning, epic quality of Kölsch.

Sian - Electricity
Everything this man's put out on mau5trap has been excellent and the same can be said here. Killer crackling cuts that ought to inspire a bout of shadow boxing or a wicked round of an FPS melee.

BROHUG - Mixtape 1
The sick single "Detox" was in this playlist two weeks ago and the rest of the EP lives up to that lofty standard. Ridiculously banging bass house that thrives through exceptional sound design.

Dr. Fresch & FREAK ON - THICCC
Darker and dirtier than the above, believe it or not. I have not looked at the waveform but I can assure you it lives up to its title. This is some fat ish.

Enlightened Listening for February 14

After last week's 14 track edition of Enlightened Listening we're back to big business here with 16 releases and nearly 50 tracks. This week features the long anticipated release of Tame Impala's The Slow Rush, the second ever offering from No Neon and tons of incredible techno. Enjoy via playlist after the break, find each release linked individually linked at the bottom and read brief descriptions next.

Opening this epic 4 hour 21 minute journey is of course Tame Impala and his increasingly electronic album The Slow Rush. A perfect place to start if I do say so myself. Murtagh follows the psychedelic LP with a couple moving cuts before No Mana transports us his sensational Secret Level. Diverse in its delivery, there's a lot to like in this album as its power grows progressively stronger. The robust roll-out continues as Mathame make massive waves with For Every Forever on Afterlife. Staying supremely strong, we're then treated to two new Marc Romboy multitudes (something I'd been craving and searching for as recently as yesterday).

This year has already offered up some ridiculously awesome tunes and the basis of this next EP is yet another. Market Memories' "Rain Dance" is beyond brilliant and both ABSOLUTE. and Doppel deliver dope remixes. Like I said last month I'm already excited about this year's best of list and you better believe one of these three versions will make this cut. It is that cool.

Turning more epic in their arc and delivery (as if that were possible), the next two releases are masterclasses in movement as No Neon welcomes Craig Williams & Pantheon and Glenn Morrison taps Petar Dundov for a resplendent remix of his already divine "Tangerine Dream." Yotto and Colyn then take us on two equally alluring journeys through Joris Voorn's Four. Moonwalk then have me hyperventilating with "Salem," my favourite of the awesome 3 track Alba EP.

After the dark burn of "Phoenix," Luttrell and Dusky bring the playlist back into the light with "Some Other Time" and Life Signs Vol. 2, respectively. The fun and funkiness of the latter then lead into an absolutely brilliant and slick Botnek production "Take Me Higher." The acid get-down of that leads very nicely into a jaw-dropping version of all-time classic "Sweet Dreams" courtesy Average Gypsy.

Finally, the playlist closes with yet another incredible Peggy Gou production, "Jigoo" with Maurice Fulton, only to be followed by an utterly euphoric take on Myd's "Superdiscoteca" from nit.


Tame Impala - The Slow Rush

Murtagh - Windswept / Close To You

No Mana - Secret Level

Mathame - For Every Forever

Marc Romboy - Speicher 114

Market Memories - Rain Dance

Craig Williams & Pantheon - Division

Glenn Morrison - Tangerine Dream

Joris Voorn - Four Remixes Pt. 1

Moonwalk - Alba

Luttrell - Some Other Time

Dusky - Life Signs Vol. 2

Botnek - Take Me Higher

Average Gypsy - Sweet Dreams (ft. Silver)

Maurice Fulton & Peggy Gou - Jigoo

Myd - Superdiscoteca (nit Remix)

Top 100 Tracks Of 2019: 50-26

Continuation of the list started Monday: from 100-76, which includes my disclaimer/preamble. The second quarter of the list can be found here: from 75-51. Soundcloud playlist here and Spotify here.

#50: Haywyre - Let Me Hear That
The most funky track on this list and I'll say there's a few more really good ones on the way. Haywyre had a hell of a year and there could've been a couple other cuts in this place, but I think I fell for this one most hard because of its immediacy and its beyond beautiful back half. Oh and seeing Haywyre play it live is a trip (watch it here). It really doesn't get much cooler than this one.

#49: Murlo - Fauna
The middle Murlo child in this list. Like "End Of The Road" earlier, I'm a bit at a loss with this one. It's got a lot of the same energy and cinematic quality to its drum delivery. However this one seems to tickle me more. I don't think you can listen to it without smiling, it's just so effusive in its energy. The way Murlo plays around in its movement is truly magical, like a jungle's plant life all joining together in a dance.

#48: Tennyson - Melonpan
A truly gorgeous, cinematic cut that screams Tennyson. It's unique and magical in its delivery, like an epic cartoon opening sequence. Its opening half is enough to captivate, but its second half will have you in tears, especially the utterly euphoric and triumphant finale. Every time I hear this I'm reminded of the time I saw them live and the fact that I need to do so again.

#47: Sigma - Dilemma
This one really shows how out of touch I am when it comes to turn of the millennium hip hop and R&B, as I just found out this is Kelly Rowland. I was absolutely familiar with the sample but didn't know whose it was. But hey, good music is good music and this is certainly that. Building upon one of the best selling singles of all time, Sigma have really done a great job with this one. I just checked the various remixes of this and none can hold a candle to it. Its energy is intoxicating and it's just so much fun.

#46: The Chemical Brothers - Got To Keep On
It's truly amazing that The Chemical Brothers can continue to make such incredible records. No Geography is great and while I thought about including other cuts this, like "Go Crazy" earlier, is just the perfect exemplar of the album. It's got wicked, raw sounds and pristine beautiful ones too. It's anthemic and full of energy, but nothing beats the sweet release shortly after the 3:40 mark. It's just so satisfying.

#45: Boston Bun - Don't Wanna Dance
Another one of those ones I came across in a Magic Tape, and again it's got some serious sorcery to it. The groove is genius and boy has Boston Bun done a brilliant job building it out. The piano backing lays it all down, but it's nothing without the vociferous vocals or fantastically fat drop with its perfectly placed puntuations. Clean and super strong, I see a lot of staying power in it. Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't give props to Mighty Mouse's masterful remix.

Enlightened Listening for November 8

Keeping the write-up short and sweet for this week's Enlightened Listening. That said the playlist is just short of 40 tracks and three hours. It's bookended by epic albums from SebastiAn and Grum, and you'll find a couple EPs from the house sphere on either side of them, where Shaun Frank hits the bass, while Le Youth puts forth some progressive beauty. A couple of my favourites offer exceptional remixes, where Sinjin Hawke and Zora Jones take on Murlo's magic and ABSOLUTE. stuns with Big Wild. There's two more power duos, in 2¢'s brilliant banger "REBEL" and the latest taste of TNGHT II. While Mura Masa and slowthai are not an established duo I'm sure hoping we get more of their mix, as "Deal Wiv It" is awesome. Finally, a trio of solo singles from Skream, Eli Escobar and Jessie Ware. Enjoy!

SebastiAn - Thirst

Shaun Frank - Activ8

TNGHT - First Body

Murlo - End Of The Road (Sinjin Hawke & Zora Jones' Flashback)

2¢ - REBEL

Mura Masa - Deal Wiv It (ft. slowthai)

Skream - Pussy Pop

Eli Escobar - (All Night) Rhythm

Jessie Ware - Mirage (Don't Stop)

Big Wild ft. Rationale - 6's To 9's (ABSOLUTE. Remix)

Le Youth - Aquiver

Grum - Deep State

Enlightened Listening for October 18

My goodness have we got a great edition of Enlightened Listening this week. Opening the playlist below are back to back brilliant and truly masterful examples of electronic albums, a form that I often hear is dead. Floating Points' Crush is a captivating quest that will send you soaring through your consciousness. While Jacques Greene's Dawn Chorus does the same, it feels more at home on the dance-floor, particularly through its entrancing grooves. Staying groovy, the next release features a trio of remixes of Boston Bun's "Don't Wanna Dance" with a sublime standout from Mighty Mouse.

Changing gears a bit, the fourth step in our twelve part release showcase comes in the form of ABSOLUTE.'s second EP on Family Planning. This is not the titanic ABSOLUTE. we're used to but rather a more tempered touch that actually works wonders. I love "Get Off The Floor" and I'm in awe of "This, Too, Will Pass." Speaking of awe, Pete Tong has reunited with Jules Buckley and The Heritage Orchestra (as HER-O), launching the first single of their all original album Chilled Classics. "Go Crazy" is an instant sensation and I urge you to check Pete's twitter for further insight into the project.

After Pete comes a pair of singles. The first, Grum's return to Anjunabeats is big, bold and beautiful. The second, Uppermost's "Selfless" is sublime, soaring stuff. Exactly what I've come to expect from him. And while it's hard to have expectations with regards to Joe Goddard, as his capabilities seem limitless, this remix of ALASKALASKA shows off a wonderful wandering spirit that beckons you into its beautiful, warm and comforting arms. Just like Joe, Alex Metric always manages to deliver incredible offerings no matter what the mood or who he happens to be working with. Jacking goodness prevails here in this Waze & Odyssey collaboration.

The final three releases feature a couple remixes alongside an absolute killer EP from rising star Rebūke. First, Theo Kottis has crafted a brilliantly bouncy and upbeat remix of Mind Enterprises' "Monogamy." Slick and strong, it is a wonderful affair that I will no doubt be returning to many a time. After that is Valentino Khan's crisp and cool remix of Tchami's Blackbyrds sampling "Rainforest." While the original is quite nice, the drop in this version seems to fit the sample even better than before. Finally, Rebūke's 3 track Drumcode EP shows incredible power and progression, not just from a tracklist perspective but even within the tracks themselves, no better than in the title track "Rattle."


Floating Points - Crush

Jacques Greene - Dawn Chorus

Boston Bun - Don't Wanna Dance (Remixes)

ABSOLUTE. - Make The Call

Pete Tong & HER-O - Go Crazy (ft. Todd Edwards)

Grum - Tomorrow

Uppermost - Selfless

ALASKALASKA - Happyface (Joe Goddard Remix)

Alex Metric x Waze & Odyssey - Jack To The Future (ft. Russoul)

Mind Enterprises - Monogamy (Theo Kottis Remix)

Tchami - Rainforest (Valentino Khan Remix)

Rebūke - Rattle

Enlightened Listening for April 19

Is there such thing as a not good Friday? As long as there's new music to enjoy, I don't think so. This week's Enlightened Listening includes the completion of a number of projects we've previewed here before including Peggy Gou, Myd, and Dean Grenier & Pilo's collaborative Take Form EP, plus a slew of my favourite names dropping dope records which I'll guide you through below.

Things get started with Four Tet who just graced the Mojave stage at Coachella this past weekend. "Teenage Birdsong" is a smooth, catchy little number that plays through an immense amount of instrumentation, especially considering its tight three and a half minute run-time. Next up, Prospa deliver a dope dance groove which just capture Annie Mac's Hottest Record In The World today. Peggy Gou then follows up the single "Starry Night" with sublime sensation "Han Pan," more in line with "It Makes You Forget." I have a strong feeling this one will be not just one of my songs of the summer, but of the entire year. Club Cheval's Myd then makes good on the rest of his Superdiscoteca EP with two more top notch tracks, my favourite being the cascading brilliance of "The Bouncer."

Next up Purple Disco Machine comes through with an absolutely massive compilation in collaboration with Glitterbox which brings together Purple Disco Machine originals, remixes and a number of awesome offerings from the likes of Hatiras, Mighty Mouse, Bob Sinclar and more. Staying with various legends, the next release is a match made in heaven: The Black Madonna remixing Robyn's "Between The Lines." Again with The Black Madonna, she, Horse Meat Disco and Maya Jane Coles have all been supporting ABSOLUTE.'s brilliant remix of Steve Lawler "Narna." Finally we wrap up this week's selection with two top notch techno EPs starting with the aforementioned Take Form from Dean Grenier and Pilo, before being swept off our feet by Kevin de Vries' Vertigo. If you need a single track to sell each EP look no further than the title tracks of each. Stream below and enjoy your weekend!

Four Tet - Teenage Birdsong

Prospa - Intended

Peggy Gou - Moment EP

Myd - Superdiscoteca

Various Artists - Purple Disco Machine & Glitterbox Present: Discotheque

Robyn - Between The Lines (The Black Madonna Remix)

Steve Lawler - Narna (I Am Happy) [ABSOLUTE. Remix]

Dean Grenier & Pilo - Take Form

Kevin de Vries - Vertigo

Enlightened Listening for February 8

Fridays never disappoint, but this one seems special with a number of my favourite names returning with new releases. Henrik The Artist once again puts on a clinic of unique quality. Paul Mond plays with our heart strings. Camo & Krooked kill it on UKF. Jake Robertz follows with a sick six track EP.  We then change gears for two, top-notch, uber-cool creations from Red Axes and ABSOLUTE.. Then comes MK with yet another inspired remix, which leads into a genius, jaw-dropping original from Haywyre. Finally, PINEO & LOEB drop the best cover album of the year in ELEVATION. Stream this week's Enlightened Listening playlist below and find individual releases linked at the bottom. Enjoy!

CLMD - Trouble (Henrik The Artist Remix)

Jarreau Vandal - What You Saying? (Paul Mond Remix)

Camo & Krooked - Atlas

Jake Robertz - Ophidia

Red Axes - Shabak Shalom

Prospa - Prayer (ABSOLUTE. Remix)

Elderbrook - Old Friend (MK Remix)

Haywyre - Let Me Hear That

PINEO & LOEB - ELEVATION

Best Tracks Of 2018: Honorable Mentions

It's getting to be that time of year. Seems most publications have either already unveiled their year end lists, or are at least in the process of doing so. I'll push back a bit, in that there's still good music coming out and certainly some of it deserves spots in these year end reflections. That said, I still aim to have my Top 100 Tracks of 2018 list out in 2018, along with some kind of album showcase. But since the Top 100 is still in flux (at least in terms of placement), I've found that I've got a nice 18 leftovers which deserve at least the title of Honorable Mentions. So without further ado, here they are, sorted in alphabetical order by original artist, with brief descriptions after the Soundcloud playlist/jump.

Circle Sky - Ghost In The Machine (ABSOLUTE. Remix)

Already one of my favourite artists of the year, London's ABSOLUTE. just unleashed another awesome techno thumper in his remix of Circle Sky "Ghost In The Machine." Following his formidable Malfunction EP on Turbo, we're once again wowed by his killer craftsmanship and superb storytelling. A brilliant blend of house, techno and acid, "Ghost In The Machine" emerges from your speakers like the first living organisms breaking out of the primordial goo. Taking shape through throbbing bass and constant, subtle progression it is like your eyes finally focusing on the monster in the distance. And while all the percussive interplay, chord combinations and acid additions are sure to dazzle, there is no more important element in "Ghost In The Machine" than the sensational, stripped down, seismic drops. The downward power of ABSOLUTE.'s jack-hammering bass will have your mouth agape as you and the rest of the revelers pulsate across the dance-floor. Do not miss out on this massive production, download/stream the whole "Ghost In The Machine" package including the original, here.FOLLOW ABSOLUTE.: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW CIRCLE SKY: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Enlightened Listening For October 12

At over three hours of music, this week's edition of Enlightened Listening runs through a couple incredible albums, funk, future bass, disco, house, bass house, bass, future and more. Some of my favourite names old and new, and some of the most banging club killers of the year. This playlist is stacked not just with heat, but with some of the best story-telling, picture-painting releases of the year. Embark on the musical journey that is this playlist and read brief descriptions of its contents below.

Harrison - Apricity
This 11 track offering is proof of the Toronto talent's mastery of full length projects, sewing several themes together through a range of buttery smooth deliveries. Like the album art, the whole thing shimmers serene.

Conro - All Eyes On Me
You would think after the few prolific years he's had recently we'd have been graced with an album, but here we are with the debut, an undeniable nine track treasure. At times it's thoughtful and restrained, others it's all out funky fire, future bass.

Moullinex ft. Georgia Anne Muldrow - Say It Slow (Wild & Free Remix)
Beautiful, brilliant groove with radiant synths; a perfect warm up piece. A musical marvel.

Humans - Breakfast With Liz
An epic always moving masterpiece. Sneakily, yet supremely satisfying.

CONFESSION (v/a) - Alchemy 3
Compilations are not normally this good, except when it comes to CONFESSION who seem to have conquered the act. Diverse levels of CONFESSION's dark sound and house's various delivery methods. Bass, filter and disco, dominate the six tracks, offering up equally excellent quality.

Purple Haze ft. James New - Fall In (Zonderling Remix)
Zonderling really have a way, and when it hits, it really works. A wildly infectious drop that just oozes all kinds of nostalgic energy, reminding me of the electro awesomeness around 2010.

Lifelike & Kris Menace - Discopolis 2.0 (Sander van Doorn Remix)
Speaking of 2010 vibes, this classic gets a reboot from one of the longest running talents and king of that time. More of a jacked up edit than anything, but it's a banger either way.

Propane - Arbusto
Can't say I've heard any Propane before, but they're clearly flammable because this one could certainly have the dance floor explode. A no nonsense banger.

Moksi - Legit
Speaking of fire on the floor, there won't be many survivors after this weapon goes off. The vocals (both sampling and rapping) really bring this monster to life.

Jack Beats - The Remedy
The fact that these two are still making the same conscionable quality they were 10 years ago is one of my favourite things about the scene. There's a pocket for them to pick and they nail it every time. Big bad, dark and dirty wobs rule as these four tracks are ready to rock plenty a party.

ABSOLUTE. - Malfunction
One of my favourite artists of the year on likely my label of the year, this EP is like icing on the cake. Five diverse yet equally excellently crafted techno club churners. Absolutely awesome atmosphere.

TroyBoi vs Pete & Bas - Do One
The first of two TroyBoi productions in back to back days. His genius will leave you agape as he flips the table at 1:28, yet manages to keep working his magic around the duo's vocal delivery.

thook - Natural Instincts
Of all the incredible sound designers on this list no one can knock this guy off his perch. Instantly engulfing, each of these five tracks whisk you away to a foreign land, sending shivers down your spine with a wild array of animated sounds. An out of this world offering.

TroyBoi - Frustrated (ft. Destiny)
Another dazzling display of TroyBoi's god-like talent. His playful progression around already awesome grooves make every production a treat. Give this guy a couple elements and he'll go off.

Madeaux - LIMBO
If you thought his creative well was dry after the unreal Burn already this year, think again. This trio of tracks further cements his status as an artist to watch. Moody masterfully crafted cool.

Enlightened Listening for April 13

Here we are again, another fantastic Friday of releases, even though it's the unlucky 13th. We've been treated to a tremendous selection with big names like Joker and Destructo; personal favourites like Robotaki and Coucheron; and those that I'd never heard Karim Sahraoui and Shmuck The Loyal. As always there's a heap of house, some fun funk, and electronic music of all kinds. This Friday also marks the release of ABSOLUTE.'s Harmony EP, but I've already written about that here. So buckle in for another edition of Enlightened Listening, enjoy the playlist, and read brief descriptions below.

DJ Seinfeld - Sakura
Despite his name, this is no joke. Absolutely massive atmosphere throughout. An incredible mixture of world influenced electronic, house and techno. Each and every track is a wicked weapon, but my favourites are "Sakura" and "Battery" for the strong sweeps and delectable drums respectively.

Chrome Sparks - Chrome Sparks
The albums coming out this year are proof that this format is not dead. The lead track "Rocket" propels you into Chrome Sparks' world, and his genius takes over from there. It has a cooly crafted future feel, with a wonderful mixture of laidback lush, bounding bass and strong storytelling.

Karim Sahraoui - Plenitude
Excuse my ignorance for not knowing Karim before, but I'm definitely on-board now. This is the kind of long-form deep house that I absolutely love: simple, subtle and strong. "Born Again" is sheer brilliance. It swings, slaps and brings a smile to my soul, especially as the piano creeps in in the second half. I would not be surprised if my infatuation with it lasts through the summer or longer.

Deetron - Choose Me (ft. Steve Spacek)
Walloping warm house, with just the right vocal breeze. Another aspirational summer tune.

Fehrplay - Malnati
Anjunabeats never disappoints, and Fehrplay's latest is fulsome fire. I'm starting to notice a trend in my selections today (and most days), I'm searching for feel good tracks. And this one is rapturous.

Joker - Anamorphic
The trend of feel good may die here, but this is one of the biggest and best tracks I've heard in a long, long time. On par with his undying classic, "Tron," this one roars to life, proving dubstep is not dead. Rather I think it'll inspire many more to take to its wobbling waves of wonderment. A truly epic creation.

Oliver ft. Sam Sparro - Last Forever (Destructo Remix)
Whereas the Lifelike version kept closer to the original, with his french house vibe, Destructo props the tempo up a touch and makes it more friendly for the North American DJ crowd. An oomph-ridden edit.

Robotaki - Science
We've heard all but two of the tracks already, and were already wowed. The intro, "Trial" welcomes us to the bubbling lab where this all takes place, with the conclusion, "Satisfied," sending us off in spectacular fashion. And perhaps that's the best way to describe this EP: fashionable, chic and swank.

Kideko - Good Thing
Get me that GIF of the woman on the floor grabbing for the bed (here). It takes less than 5 seconds for me to assume that position after pressing play. So good it hurts. Holy funky grooves Batman!

Will Clarke - Take A Seat
Did I jump the gun on both the life alert and holy Batman references? Probably should've saved them for the wobs on this one. It shouldn't be called "Take A Seat" but rather "Fall To The Floor;" that's what this freaked-out track will cause you to do. Make sure you're near a soft surface for this one.

Shmuck The Loyal - Not Alone
A new name to me, but a sound that will always be close to my heart. Electronic music for me will always be about the apocalyptic battle between humans and machines, and this one nails it.

Lemaitre - Machine (Coucheron Remix)
Whereas the above sees the machine beat out humanity, Coucheron has calmly quelled the uprising and enslaved technology. Funky flourishes and rips, as I'm taken back to seeing Lemaitre and Coucheron on the now fateful date of November 8th 2016.

ABSOLUTE. - Harmony

Going back to the first week of the year, and Tiga's New Names Mix for Pete Tong, it was clear Turbo had some serious power up its sleeves. Alongside the bump and grind genius of BETON's "Directions" there was further fire forthcoming on Turbo. I'm talking here about ABSOLUTE., and the two tracks we heard in the above-mentioned mix. This Friday marks the release of "Harmony" and "Not Tonight" along with a remix of the latter, from veteran Vakkuum. Pre-order the EP here and stream below.The lead track "Harmony" is pure power and pomp. Its breaky percussion sets up the sensational, spiraling and spacious synth perfectly. The consummate coordination makes it ever so magically satisfying, especially as it ushers in and out elements and layers. It is as though ABSOLUTE. has harnessed the heft of heaven to build this brilliant banger.

"Not Tonight" takes a more slowed left-field approach, although imbued with the same warmth, power and propulsive percussion. As its name suggests it's also darker, and more menacing than its predecessor. But then comes Vakkuum, who takes the tempo back up a notch, and flips the switch back to bright and bouncy. His recast chords are cool and compelling.  Whereas the original offers a desolate landscape, Vakkuum eviscerates that and energizes the floor.

All in all this EP exemplifies not only Turbo's terrific taste, but also their strength in mixing techno and house together. Be sure to follow ABSOLUTE. for more magic and grab the EP Friday, here.

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Tiga's New Names Mix for Pete Tong

With any new year comes a renewed sense of purpose and optimism for the future. Many outlets present lists of who to watch; even the mighty BBC and Pete Tong have joined the onslaught of augury by welcoming in well known names to provide their own picks of potential. One of those trusted sources tapped was Tiga who provided a mix of the likes of Avalon Emerson, Justin Cudmore, and Dimitri Veimar, among others. This list of "New Names" speaks to Tiga's desire for edgier, more dangerous and risk-taking productions, as opposed to the conservative tilt he's noticed over the last few years.

While even Tiga admits Avalon Emerson is not necessarily new, she does provide much of what he's looking for in the progression of trance music. The break elements may not be overwhelming in her track "One More Fluorescent Rush," but they certainly are present and continue to run through the mix, as perhaps the single common thread. Following Dimitri Veimar's title track from the most recent Turbo Recordings release, comes Tiga's "favourite track," Beton "Directions," which can only be found in this mix and will be sure to have you coming back for more. It really is one of those special tracks whose strange, uniqueness is instantly captivating, taking me back to Tiga's own productions "Bugatti," "Mind Dimension" and Erol Alkan's "Move My Body."

As the mix moves on we get another "favourite track" in the "techno breaks" of Lo Shea's "Tundish." Not only is this a supremely cool and groovy track, but it's mixed with new Justin Cudmore, and man is it magical. Even in a mix meant to show off tracks, Tiga can't resist but show off his brilliance behind the decks. The theme of breaks only seems to get stronger in this final third of the mix, bringing in ABSOLUTE. and undeniable upstart Billy Turner whose not only released with Turbo, but alongside Skream. Wrapping things up Tiga announced his own name as one to watch, with particular attention to be paid to an upcoming collaboration with Kölsch. I'm salivating at the mere thought of such a matching of minds and cannot wait. If this mix was meant to whet our appetites for 2018, it was a rousing success. Stream the mix below via BBC's iPlayer until February the 4th and find the full show via Mixcloud here.

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