Catz 'n Dogz & Gerd Janson - Modern Romance (Bella Boo Remix)

Despite my best efforts, I inevitably miss a few fabulous records every Friday as I dig through countless sources to build my weekly new-music playlist, Enlightened Listening. One of said slip-through-the-cracks type tracks, Bella Boo's remix of "Modern Romance," had me immediately kicking myself. Capturing my attention with its first few fluorescent and colourful notes, this new direction is all kinds of cool. Like a trip to a candy shop for your ears, Bella Boo takes on the role of sonic confectioner glazing the Catz 'n Dogz/Gerd Janson collab with an irresistible aroma that, like a cartoon, will have you floating towards its tongue-smacking scent. While the sweetness of the new top notes is unmistakable, "Modern Romance" isn't just saccharine sapidity as Bella Boo has kept just enough of the original track's bitter, buoyant low end to counterbalance the sonic sweetness. And of course, it's all held together by the brilliant breaks that made the original so seductive, and indeed, scrumptious. Satisfy your sonic sweet tooth below, and check out the full remix package via Running Back Records' Bandcamp here.

FOLLOW BELLA BOO: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Catz 'n Dogz & Gerd Janson - Modern Romance

One of the best things that 2020 has brought us is Danny Howard's Lockdown Link-Up, a series of collaborations between two previously unpaired acts. Of the long list of new tunes spurred by the series that includes MK x Kölsch, Franky Rizardo x Joe Goddard, and Boys Noize x Skream, perhaps my favourite was released this past Friday. Fittingly found on Misfit Melodies and aptly titled "Modern Romance," this Lockdown Link-Up features two European titans in Polish duo Catz 'n Dogz and German genius Gerd Janson.

Immediately upbeat in its drum delivery, "Modern Romance" is an undeniable body mover especially as its killer club synths kick in. No matter which version you press play on, the collaboration commands a powerful punch that plays perfectly with the diverse drum deliveries, potent piano and slinky strings. Its infectious energy and stomping syncopation make it perfect for dancefloors regardless of whether they're full or functioning. It's got an old-school allure that all but demands a dance-off, especially during each offering's extended groove section. And while it's likely there's no fluorescent club for you to make use of, "Modern Romance" obliges by rifling off a ridiculous amount of radiant, rave-like sounds that through closed eyes imagines the dancefloor of your dreams.

Let yourself melt into the marvellous "Modern Romance" below and check out more of the Lockdown Link-ups through Danny Howard on BBC Radio One.

FOLLOW CATZ 'N DOGZ: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

FOLLOW GERD JANSON: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Catz 'n Dogz - The Choice (BETON Tribute To The Classics Mix)

Belgian boss BETON continues to amaze with his latest room rattling record, a remix of Catz 'n Dogz "The Choice." A giant godly groove leads the track, after the drum line opening, calling everyone to the dance-floor in a kind of ritualistic rave riot. The energy keeps leveling up as BETON constantly brings more elements to this spellbinding ceremony, often times brilliantly re-purposing the drum line. The big and beefy bass hits hypnotic levels thumping along thunderously with the crackling percussion. At the peak of "The Choice" the energy is utterly electric, as all the elements play perfectly together. The hi-hats lay right in the pocket of the enormous groove. The punctuating ticks, clicks, clacks and empty rattle punches, not only keep you entertained but draw you further into BETON's mind-control. Finally, as the title suggests this is no normal mix, but a 'tribute to the classics' which arises through Miss Bunty's soulful sermon, which ironically is about the freedom of choice, something BETON's beat off with his hypnotic production, leaving you a mere member of the masses on the dance-floor. Open your eyes, open your ears, open your heart, and get "The Choice" from Bandcamp here.FOLLOW BETON: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW CATZ 'N DOGZ: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Bestival: Plan Of Attack

My most anticipated weekend of the summer has finally arrived. Ever since Bestival announced their day splits, the buzz has been all about the Saturday lineup, and I plan on taking advantage of every second of it. I'm hoping I can manage to get up and arrive at Woodbine Park for the opening set, as I've been wanting to see Maddmon for some time, and his forthcoming BADLQQK track "Diagnose That" has cemented his status as a must see. Obviously I'll be spending a lot of my Saturday under the Big Top, only leaving for Joris Voorn and a touch of Bestival founder Rob Da Bank's set. Following Maddmon, one of my favourite duos Smalltown DJs have been on fire as of late, and I wouldn't dare miss them. My love for Thugli is also well established and I'm tremendously excited to see how they handle the festival atmosphere. Following a brief respite with Rob Da Bank, I'll be taking in Giraffage in hopes he'll be this years surprise act, energizing us with a second wind. Having already seen Shaun Frank, I've made the tough decision to take in Joris Voorn in his stead, in part because of latest remix of Florian Kruse & Hendrik Burkhard's "The Ground." I'll be back under the Big Top for the three-headed monster of Malaa, Madeon and Porter Robinson. I've also got my fingers crossed that I'll be able to catch one of those three at The Hoxton's after-party, specifically Porter as I hope to relive last year's Monstercat Showcase DJ set (the last track in the playlist below). Of course the Sunday can also boast a number of big names, Dubfire, Tchami and The Cure headlining their respective stages, but after the most jam-packed day of likely the whole summer, it's going to be interesting to see how early I can get back to Woodbine Park. I hope to start my day once again under the Big Top, with either HRMXNY or Pusher, two great Toronto talents that are poised to explode. After that I'll be looking to the Bollywood stage for some Catz 'N Dogz and Lee Foss. But if you've read my post when the lineup was first announced, it is The Cure, ahead of all electronic acts that I'm most excited for this weekend. Once again I leave you with a playlist, and The Cure's full set from Bestival on the Isle of Wight back in 2011.