Jack Beats - Vinyl DnB Set

Yesterday we were blessed with a rare treat as Jack Beats laid down an all vinyl DnB set on live on Drum&BassArena's YouTube. The hour long mix can be found below and is jam-packed with classics. And what a time to dust off the old gold from arguably the hottest genre of the moment!

Once a member of the Mixologists, Geffin's DJ skills keep the set cruising at a high rate, powering through record after record. The standard is set high early on with the massive Marcus Intalex & ST Files remix of "Midnight" ahead of the instant jolt of energy that is M.I.S.T. and High Contrast's stunner "3am." With a second from High Contrast after the first of two from Calibre, we get another all time classic in the J Majik and Hatiras connection "Spaced Invader." Shortly thereafter Jack Beats fans will recognize John B's brilliance in "Up All Night," a track the then duo sampled in 2011. Sick sampling continues as the next track sees Ed Rush and Optical's powerful "Pacman." Before long we reach the end of the set as Geffin lays down back to back stunners in Adam F's "Metropolis" and Photek's "Rings Around Saturn." Enjoy the whole set below and find full tracklist posted in the comments here.

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Enlightened Listening for March 13

In part because there's so much great music out today while while also wanting to share as much as possible, to keep people entertained in this time of need, this week's edition of Enlightened Listening is by far the biggest ever. Featuring 54 releases, it's nearly 200 tracks long, running well over 15 hours. Of course it would be impossible to address each of the releases, so I won't even try. Instead, I'll just note that there is a general flow to the playlist below, moving from lighter to heavier records, so depending on what you want or are looking for I recommend clicking around to find a section you like. However, I will recommend that you give each release a go, as the basis of these Enlightened Listening playlists are to open your ears to something new. Anyway, that's all for now. Enjoy and stay safe and healthy!

Throwback Thursday: Flux Pavilion ft. Example - Daydreamer (Jack Beats Remix)

After my iPod shuffled into some nostalgia as I made my way home last night, I figured it was time to recall the incredible power of Jack Beats' genius remix of Flux Pavilion "Daydreamer."

Keen observers will note my Throwback Thursday posts primarily take place around 2010 (give or take a few years) and this is no different. At the time this track was released I was perhaps on my biggest Jack Beats kick as they has just dropped their Donae'o collab "You Should Know" and were not far from releasing their inspired OWSLA debut Somebody To Love.

While I go back through these records I'm in awe of the duo's always impactful production whether tempered and toned down as in "Storm," absolutely bonkers in the beats of "Elevator Music," dope and dynamic as in "Labyrinth," or all of the above as in this remix. "Daydreamer" may just be the best example of Jack Beats' brilliance. Its rubber-band bassline is incredibly bouncy and plays perfectly with the crisp percussion, crackling top line and Example's vocals. They are masters of mixing these elements together, so much so that you often know exactly what's coming and when. The trick here though is that they make the ride ridiculously fun as they send the tension careening up and down like a roller-coaster. Further to this metaphor, "Daydreamer" is no rickety old wooden roller-coaster, but rather an elaborate and visceral affair sure to churn your stomach in ways you cannot give words to. The scorching synths, guttural growls and cartoonish effects are absolutely the lead of the track and you know what I'm referring to not because I've described them well but rather that they are so stunning and unique that you feel them in your very core.

Whether this is your kind of music or not, you cannot listen to "Daydreamer" and be unchanged. And isn't that the magic of not just Jack Beats, or even electronic music, but music as a whole? Once you feel it, you're forever changed, perpetually striving to relive that first, ever-so powerful feeling.FOLLOW FLUX PAVILION: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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AC Slater + Pals - Live @ Sound (Jan 30, 2020)

The crew at Night Bass are sharing sets from their recent January 30th takeover of Sound Nightclub in LA. They've posted each of the night's sets (here). Coming in at over four hours of banging house beats and running through the likes of David Steven, Petey Clicks, and BIJOU, the night is capped by a massive B2B led by AC Slater. The collaborative set features both the Night Bass boss and the aforementioned Clicks, as well as heavy hitters Jack Beats, Hotfire and Qlank. A massive who's who of floor-filling talent, the bass in this set is sure to shake its listeners to the core. Deep and ridiculously powerful, the set pulses with energy throughout. It's easy to get lost in, but that doesn't mean there aren't highlights either. IDs and nostalgic tracks knock alike. Kick it with the killer quintet now below.
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Enlightened Listening for October 4

Three weeks ago I thought I was on the precipice of returning to regular blogging and a new season of Bump In The Hump. However that weekend I spilled on my laptop, and while I'm writing to you from said computer, it is no longer on my lap as I am forced use an external keyboard and mouse while I continue to wait for the replacement part to arrive. That said mountains of music continue to be released, and while I spent most of my week wading through the weeks I missed, I've decided to focus on this Friday's releases via a new edition of Enlightened Listening. Listen below and find a brief blow by blow in the next paragraph.

As always, I like to open with cool cuts and that's what we get with the latest from Goldroom. His dreamy delight leads us into funky fun and eventually acid in Justin Jay's Future Feels EP. Following  that comes a killer four track EP from Oliver Koletzki who offers up awesome, expansive grooves rife with wild sound and a plenitude of percussion. The legendary Eric Prydz then follows with his epic 13-track PRYDA 15 VOL III album, which is of course killer quality, through and through. Turning towards bass house, there's four banging EPs back to back from trusted names like Jack Beats, NuKid, Destructo and CONFESSION. Closing out that ridiculous run is a track BLANSH had sent me in January, and while I've always been a fan of his work, I can honestly say "Way Up" is my favourite. And speaking of favourites, Gesaffelstein is back again and much closer to my favourite Gesaffelstein in the diabolically dark, shiver inducing power punch that we got from 2010-2013. Following the incredible power of NOVO SONIC SYSTEM comes Datassette's Kestrel Manoeuvers In The Dark, a brilliant mind-bending display of synth work. Finally we close with a 15-track deadmau5 remix package featuring the likes of Morgan Page, Pig&Dan, Spencer Brown and a whole host more. Enjoy!

Goldroom - Just Like A Dream (ft. Nikki Segal)

Justin Jay - Future Feels

Oliver Koletzski - We Are All Lost

Pryda - PRYDA 15 VOL III

Jack Beats -  Catch The Spirit

Hooders & Jay Dunham - Shady Business

NuKid - Aftermath

Destructo - Bassface (Remixes)

BLANSH x Schade - Way Up

Gesaffelstein - NOVO SONIC SYSTEM

Datassette - Kestrel Manoeuvers In The Dark

deadmau5 - Here's The Drop!

Top 100 Tracks Of 2018: 100-76

Starting today through Monday, I'll be revealing my list of the "Top 100 Tracks Of 2018." The following is my disclaimer, as I feel it important to preface this kind of list with some insight into its creation and the methodology behind it. While I spent a lot of time seriously pouring through this year of music, this is not a really a serious endeavour. No one was polled. Sales and streams are irrelevant. This is merely my fun way of sharing the tracks and artists that made my year better, in hopes they do the same for you. The rankings are not scientific or even fair, rather they are simply a reflection of how strongly I felt these tracks and how much praise I felt they deserved.

Unlike my previous lists (2017 and 2016 respectively), you'll see that I did my best to refrain from repeating artists, attempting to focus on one unique release. That said, the thread of disco/funk continues from last year, as once again it dominated my consumption. But once again you'll notice I touch on a variety of genres, while sticking to the brand of this blog, which is indeed a reflection of my personal preferences and ideals. While last year I noticed a relatively low amount of 'club' music, certainly in comparison to the amount of time I spent in clubs, that trend has seemingly reversed (on both counts). There's a lot of pop music but unlike last year, you won't find anything like London Grammar occupying the 8th spot. Everything is at least electronic adjacent, and like Bump In The Hump, I've in essence split EDM into electronic and dance, allowing for a slightly wider birth.

Finally, I will once again say that this is by no means an exhaustive list; there are without a doubt exceptional tunes that somehow failed to make the cut. However, onward and, in this case, downward, from tracks 100 to 76 we go. Find the Soundcloud playlist here and at the bottom of the page.

TYPE3 & Sebastian Knight - Boombox

For years Botnek have been among my favourite artists, frolicking in their fiery electro/bass/house bangers. It was always their most wild, unrestrained releases that brought me the most pleasure and sent me into tizzies on the dance floor. In fact I believe my most manic times in the club came when they were on the decks. So to say I was excited when they announced their own label, World Famous Headquarters, would be a grave understatement. Still in its infancy, it is this seventh release, "Boombox" from Vegas residents TYPE3 and Sebastian Knight, that has me sold on its electrifying output.

Labelled fidget house, a subgenre a friend and I were just lamenting as seemingly fallen to the wayside, "Boombox" is a certified banger; a track you can most certainly lose your mind to. Absolutely jacking and seemingly ready to explode at any moment, it speeds through with rapid fire wobs and maniacal samples. It bombards your senses but in the best way possible; it is no thrown together collection of sounds but rather a potent progression of pleasure. Like classic Crookers, Jack Beats or even Botnek, this one is sure to set fire to the floor and has already received support from the likes of LondonBridge, Pasquale Rotella and Martin Garrix. Get "Boombox" for stream/download here.FOLLOW TYPE3: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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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.

Fake Blood - Shogun

In late May Cheap Thrills, the curator of classics from Hervé, Jack Beats, Stanton Warriors and others, announced a new 10 track compilation in honour of their upcoming 10th anniversary. Before beginning to showcase any new content, they drew our attention with 10 of their greatest hits from their immense catalog in a compilation called FREE THRILLS. Although originally announced as being released July 6th (via Data Transmission here and UKF here), it seems there's been a snag as July 13th they tweeted "We're getting very close to announcing the main release..." Well that silence has since been broken, and doubly so, in that yesterday we got the first new Fake Blood release in years, "Shogun."

Created to recapture the classic rave vibes you'd heard in London, Fake Blood has gone back to signature bleepy, fidget house style combining shadowy intrigue, brilliant breakbeats and sensational synth pads. It stabs and slashes with Fake Blood's propensity for strange film samples, deserving of the title "Shogun." But best of all it is sonically sublime, pairing notes perfectly, achieving unparalleled accord and amicability in spite of its umbral atmopshere. No matter what Fake Blood track you want to choose, I can find for you transcendent sound design; my favourite however comes from the aforementioned FREE THRILLS, "Voices." It is this contrasting acerbity and attractiveness coming at the second drop (3:30 in "Voices") that melts my heart and has me falling in love with music once again. I had almost given up hope that Fake Blood would return, and I'm on the verge of gushing further, so I'll stop here, as we look forward to more from the forthcoming release of 10 Years Of Cheap Thrills.FOLLOW FAKE BLOOD: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Throwback Thursday: My 5 Favourite Essential Mixes

With the long weekend looming, I'll be away from my computer as I attend a bachelor party in Montreal. With that in mind I've decided to share my five favourite episodes of BBC Radio One's Essential Mix that we'll certainly be turning to as the party rages on through Monday. It of course serves as a Throwback Thursday post as each of these mixes original aired between 2009 and 2011, an era I'll forever find close to my heart. Find each five linked alphabetical order with short descriptions. Enjoy!

Alex Metric - April 16, 2011
This has been my exemplar for mixing and track selection, and is best described by the man himself as his past, present and future. Records that he grew up listening to and takes in "80s synth, funk, italo-disco, nu-disco, techno, house, electro, indie, [...] filters the attitude and feeling of big beat through it, [...] that anything goes ethos, [...] no genres, just good music." Picking one highlight is nearly impossible, as there are so many, but the combination of LCD Soundsystem's "You Wanted A Hit" and Yuksek's dub of Katy Perry's "Peacock" is still stunning. (Tracklist)

Boy 8-Bit - May 14, 2010
An obvious inclusion as this is my favourite artist, but what can be said about this epic mix? The crate digging and mixing reign supreme, showcasing so many of my favourite productions, soon to be legends, and just downright dirty deep cuts (see the unknown mix of Detroit Grand Pubahs). Again a single highlight is tough to pick, but the move from the groove of Thomas Shumacher's "Red Purple" to Joe And Will Ask?'s "Rusty Pig" gets me every time. (Tracklist)

Cosmic Gate - February 12, 2011
The only non-house mix in this list, and an oddity in that I had really never heard Cosmic Gate before this. That said I still turn to this mix incredibly often, there's just such a grandness to it that fills me with an immense energy. I use it for long bike rides or other extended travels, where I may need to focus for short stretches, but can still enjoy the overall epicness. The track selection is again top notch, with so many now classics. Dune's "Heiress Of Valentia" still sends me into a tizzy, but the move from "Zero76" to Tristan Garner remix of "Rapture" is rave resplendence. (Tracklist)

Fake Blood - March 14, 2009
Quite possibly the first Essential Mix I ever heard, and it was because of Fake Blood that I became introduced to Boy 8-Bit. Fake Blood was bloghaus at its best, but he was so much more. His skills on the deck, undeniable. His ear for fire mashups and acapellas, perfect. His own productions, awesome. At times it is pure explosive energy and others, sublime and sweet. The sledgehammer to the face that is the trio of Zinc's "Blunt Edge," Lazy Jay's "Float My Boat" and Ink & Needle's "Tattoo Number Three" is stupid good. (Tracklist)

Jack Beats - February 20, 2010
Another excellent example of handfuls of my favourite productions (from Jack Beats and otherwise) being brought together in incredible fashion. One hell of a start with their ridiculously wicked "Little Secrets" remix. But then there's what I've called the best 40 minutes of music starting from their remix of "Epic Last Song" through to Popof's "Serenity." Then there's the transition from "Peanuts Club" to "Donut" that still sends shivers down my spine. The release there with the drums and the depth of "Donut" underneath is almost more than I can bear. True and undeniable brilliance. (Tracklist)

AC Slater - Outsiders Remixed Pt. 2

After playing Coachella last weekend, and ahead of his set again this Saturday (2:30 local in the Sahara Tent), Night Bass boss AC Slater just unleashed his second set of remixes from his Outsiders album. As usual the lineup is stacked with the likes of Jack Beats, Taiki Nulight, Phlegmatic Dogs and Kastle. If you're in the market for brash bass house tracks look no further. Stream/download here.

Jack Beats take on "Another You" will leave you seeing double, and maybe even keeling over seasick, as their old-school waves roll through your soul. Taiki Nulight leans into Scruffizer's vocals, punches up some piano and knocks up the noxious quality of the savage synth already present in "All About Paper." Phlegmatic Dogs follow that up with a banging beat that wobs for days, delivering the most dance ready track of the EP. Kastle then caps the fire foursome with a gorgeous garage-esque recasting of "Come Back," that like the prior two tracks mixes classic and cool rave feels with the callous and capricious bass house blitz. And truly this is the genius of Night Bass, they seem to have found the perfect balance of boundary pushing bass and smooth, satisfying club sounds.

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Lennart Schroot - Arcade

It's not news that I'm kind of crazy for 'video game music', so when I saw Lennart Schroot's "Arcade" in my feed this morning I just had to click play. Right away I was greeted with a familiar sound, ironically that of Jack Beats and their remix of Flux Pavilion, "Daydreamer." That sparkling synth crackles the track to life, turning the lights on at the titular location. The bass then builds, beckoning you inward for pure nostalgic pleasure. Like the artwork the track is bright and warm; a welcome reprise from the doldrums of daily life, where you can toss your cares aside and enjoy an electronic escape. The drops deliver this diversion fantastically, and transports you to a technological wonderland. Ride the wave of flashing lights and beeping buttons that is "Arcade" with a free download from ToneDen here.FOLLOW LENNART SCHROOT: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Jack Beats - Keep On

Yesterday Jack Beats unleashed their first EP of 2018, entitled Vibrate. While the eponymous a-side features vocals from Sir Michael Rocks, it is the instrumental b-side that has my attention. It strikes me as a more classic affair from the masterful duo of Ben Geffin and Niall Dailly, who have been building some of the best bass designs and all around party rocking tracks for more than a decade now. "Keep On" is yet another example of said skill and offers up an awesome atmosphere. Each sound is fine tuned for maximum effect, playing perfectly with the progression necessary to keep the whole club captivated. Special attention and acknowledgement has to be paid to the percussion which, as always, tempts and teases the track forward. Like its name, the track and truly the duo themselves sustain their strength and momentum masterfully. Stream/download your copy courtesy Insomniac Records.FOLLOW JACK BEATS: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Enlightened Listening for February 16

The last few Fridays I've been compiling playlists of new music for the weekend, so today I've decided to give it a name and make it a routine. I present the first proper edition of Enlightened Listening. The name is a simple tie to the blog itself, which features all dance and electronic genres under the sun, as does this list and the others ahead of its naming today. I should also state that while I use the term enlightened, I'm not suggesting that each of these are the pinnacle of production but rather some creative cultivations on the endless road to musical enlightenment. So once again here we go, find the tracks in no particular order, note the free downloads marked by asterisk and reviews at the bottom.

ATLiens - Interstellar (ft. Sara Skinner)
Fantastic mix of fearsome fire in the incredibly twisted trap drops countering Skinner's savory vocals.

Madeaux - The Wave (ft. BRUX)
Another captivating creation from Madeaux that fits its title to a tee. I can't quite put my finger on what this reminds me of most, but certainly the likes of Jack Beats, Mr. Oizo, Boys Noize and others.

NuKid - Hustlin'*
The more I hear from NuKid the more convinced I am that he sits atop the crowded crossroads of deep, g-, and bass house. The combination of grit, drive, and bounce of this track is mindblowing.

AOTA - D Sides*
Five classics (or soon to be classics) twisted to fit AOTA's particular brand of deep house. Likely your eyes are drawn to "Satisfaction" or "Bodak Yellow" and while they all deliver a good groove get your feet going, I'm most struck by the Borgore remix, which like the original goes ridiculously hard.

BETON - Directions (ft. Wevie Stonder)
My most anticipated track of the year. I've gushed about it following Tiga's New Names Mix and again when the B-Side was released (here). Crank it to up 11 and shake the whole house. MASSIVE!

Robotaki - Limbo (ft. SHOR)
Seems like every new production from Robotaki raises the bar further and further. It's the perfect mix of T.E.E.D., SBKTRKT, Chet Faker and future bass when it was fresh coming out of Australia. Beyond beautiful, fantastically funky, smooth and sublime. Oh my days, might just have a little cry.

Max Olsen - Sub Zero (ft. JC)*
Expect to be moved by this one. Deep bass bonks and sweeping grooves. And how about those lyrics?

SAKIMA - Death Is In The Air
Maybe it's just the album art but I can't get The Cure out of my head. There may be nothing I enjoy more than dark lyrics with bright uplifting grooves. This is gives new meaning to scary good.

Minnesota - Hilow (Charlesthefirst Remix)*
Serious get down with these drops. This is atmospheric bass brilliance with all kinds of crazy elements.

Dr. Fresch - The Prescription 30: Bloghaus with Wongo

Yesterday Dr. Fresch dropped the 30th edition of his popular mix series, The Prescription. In honour of this milestone, he upped the dosage to two full hours and invited Wongo to help him spin some salacious bloghaus. As you might expect, it is all kinds of sick, wicked and nasty beats and bangers. Both hours feature some of the most respected names of this egregious electro era, and truly some of the most raucous remixes, fire flips and audacious originals.

Right from the get go we're greeted with one of my favourites, Jack Beats and their "Get Down." The next dozen or so tracks turn to more of the mainstays of the scene with SebastiAn, Mr. Oizo, Crookers, and the genius that is Fake Blood. Those names reappear in Wongo's mix while Hervé and Switch make multiple entries as well. With "Marina Gasolina," "Mars," "Erotic Discourse" and "Hustler" all appearing, there's no questioning the quality of choices for a true bloghaus set. Find the full tracklist here and download the mix for yourself free via Hive here.FOLLOW DR. FRESCH: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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High 'n' Rich - Sensei

Bass house still seems to be the leading nomenclature. That being said, German producer High 'n' Rich's #House track is a banger more than anything. Released this morning on ILLICT "Sensei" sets a near future synth landscape, before becoming ultra sour in its dying spin-back style bass delivery. The guitar glides perfectly through to the second drop, running at a hot tempo through the subtle, rattling drums. Then there's the trip after the second drop - if you weren't already making a screw-face, it's guaranteed now. My favourite bit is the bass, it gives me a Jack Beats or Botnek feel, but the whole track: progression, design, and mix, are all top notch. Even better it's free at Artist Union here.FOLLOW HIGH 'N' RICH: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Hybrid Theory - JQ Riddim

Recently I remarked that seemingly all tracks tagged "Dance & EDM" on soundcloud are "unoriginal." While as per usual, I've been proven wrong. I'm glad I kept clicking on tracks with that tag, because I came across this hard hitter from Hybrid Theory. "JQ Riddim" is indeed original, and not just that, it's a wildly fun mix of bass(line) house and UK garage. I'd even go so far as to say its got a bit of fidget, acid and grime, but whatever you wanna call it, the groove laid down is godly. Just make sure you've got the subwoofer turned up. I think I like it so much because it reminds me of the 'good' old days where the majority of my musical knowledge referred to Jack Beats, Fake Blood and Boy 8-Bit. This could easily fit into any of their sets, as its playful poise washes over the dancefloor, demanding you dance. And how could you not be affected by this awesomeness. It's hypnotizing and exhilarating at the same time, a tough task to accomplish, but one they've pulled off with ease. Find "JQ Riddim" as part of Urban Dubz Music's Garage Future compilation, available here. FOLLOW HYBRID THEORY: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Pink Fluid - Back

Italian duo Pink Fluid have unleashed a groovy throwback grinder with their latest on Puregold Records. "Back" is a superb slice of old school electro house, built around dollops of deep bass in the drops, all recast in a fresh light. The bass synth has that bonking sound to it, and the low end, sub-woofer is absolutely engulfing - both classic features. "Back" reminds me of Jack Beats, in the tossing and turning power of the bass and the over all polish of each element. I consider Jack Beats on the top of the list, when it comes to quality of sound design. That too is what makes the godly get-down that is "Back," not just a big banger, but a finely crafted 5 star production. Pink Fluid are able to immediately establish a setting and bring it to roaring digital life. I have no doubt "Back" would get a great response in a set, as it's familiar enough to easily grasp, but fresh enough to excite. Download it free via EDM Lead here. FOLLOW PINK FLUID: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Aaron Jackson - Hold Me Tight (ft. Korynn O'Connell)

Oregon-based house producer, Aaron Jackson has just dropped an alluring track that will have you falling in love, then falling to pieces when the drops washes over your ears. Featuring the vocals of San Francisco's Korynn O'Connell, "Hold Me Tight" kicks off with a quaint house beat, slowly growing in magnitude. The chord progression recalls, at least for me, Jack Beats' Donae'o collab "You Should Know," but stands unique in its construction and design. Jackson works O'Connell's vocals in brilliantly, keeping the levels in a space that neither overpowers the groove nor falls to the wayside. As the underlying layers of synth wash all but the essentials away ahead of the drop, we are treated to a sick, wicked and nasty deluge of bass. It's stifling in its gripping groove, punctuated in just the right places as its hold on you tightens. As someone who was essentially brought up with house music as the form of electronic music, "Hold Me Tight" hits a special spot in my heart. I've often said and written that I'd happily die in the arms of certain producers' music, and can certainly say the same about this one. This slice of sublime house can be yours absolutely free, from the man himself, here. FOLLOW AARON JACKSON: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Throwback Thursday: Jack Beats - All Night ft. John B

This Throwback Thursday, it gives me great pleasure to once again revisit one of my favourite DJ duos, Jack Beats and their ever extraordinary production value. As a two part post, I'll first look back at their collaboration with vocalist John B, in "All Night," and second, still to this day, one of my favourite mixes ever, that just happens to start with that very track, a live recording of their 2011 set from Bang Bang night club in San Diego, listen and download here. This post once again takes me back to the glory days of the Erol Alkan forum, which at the time led me to their live set, which hosted a number of then IDs, which turned out to be classics like their collaboration with Diplo, "War" and the incredibly hyped, aforementioned set starting track, "All Night."

It was immediately clear to Erol Alkanites that it was a forthcoming Jack Beats record, as it featured their trademark synths and subharmonic vocal manipulations, however it was the genius progression and perfect mood setting that had the forum followers drooling. Without a doubt "All Night," and the accompanying mix are quintessential Jack Beats; the duo's combination of incredible production value and songwriting from a single track perspective, and their unparalleled ability to combine tracks, and curate a top notch set that hits on all cylinders.

In the same way "All Night" combines incredible movement and depth, from the blithe and bouncy intro, through domineering and deep bass wobbles, to gyrating progressive drops, Jack Beats have crafted their set with the same transcendent touch. The tracklist is the perfect combination their own material (including ""Out Of Body," "Deep," "Shutterbug," "I'm Not Your Toy," and already a TBT, "Little Secrets") established hits ("Babylon," A-Trak's "Heads Will Roll," "Avalanche," Boys Noize's "Swoon," Afrojack's "Cool,""Innocence," Sub Focus' "Hold On," and Herve "Together") throwbacks (Outlander's "Vamp,") and underground bangers (Boy 8-Bit "Yard Birds" and Boris Dlugosch "Bangkok").

Listening back to this hour and half mix, gets me so excited to see Jack Beats, in just less than a month at The Hoxton, June 4th. It will be at least the 5th time I've seen them and I can honestly say that they never disappoint. Their mixes are always incredible, and as I look through my iTunes, I see at least 10 incredible mixes that never get old, whether it's their Essential Mixes (2010 & 2011), Promo mixes, for MixMag or their own EPs (Evolution Mix & Fabric Live), and even their live sets (Ultra 2013, Electric Zoo 2013 & Night Bass NYE 2015), there's hours of bass music to be enjoyed. Once again I've uploaded the 'Bang Bang Mix' for your listening pleasure, and remind you that tickets are still available for their show, here, while the facebook event is here.

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