Hidden Face - Anxiety EP

Insomniac Records' IN/ROTATION imprint continues to capture my attention. A launch pad for rising house producers, they've hosted the likes of Cloverdale, Proxy, X&G, SLATIN, NuKid and TYPE3 this year alone. Their latest, today's release of Anxiety from Parisian producer Hidden Face, features two equally unsettling offerings.

The title track lives up to its namesake almost immediately, giving its listeners goosebumps with some shiver-inducing, cold and creepy sounds right out of the gate. That icy, ominous feeling becomes a full fledged Gothic ghoul as the house beat kicks in, delivering waves of dread with each warped synth stride in its unholy drops. A masterful mood-setter, "Anxiety" remains present in your mind as you enter into the equally disquieting Dido-aided b-side "Talk To Me Again." Making use of the British songstress' Grammy nominated "White Flag," Hidden Face dives deeper into the pool of perturbing vibes. The atmosphere of this followup is subtly suffocating, exuding the feelings of dread and drowning, as its listeners slowly sink deeper into the abyss. That said, "Talk To Me Again" delivers a dope X-Files-esque dance feel, that somehow has me forgetting its foreboding core, beckoning me to the dance-floor. Each drop features a killer combination of strobing bass, swirling synths and a sparkling top-line.

Sneaky good, both bits of Anxiety are likely to become indelibly etched onto your brain, so consume Hidden Face's brilliance with care. Stream the EP below and get it from your preferred retailer here.

IN / ROTATION · Hidden Face - Anxiety EP

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Top 100 Tracks Of 2019: 75-51

Continuation of the list started yesterday: from 100-76, which also includes my disclaimer/preamble. Soundcloud playlist here and Spotify here.

#75: Flume ft. Vera Blue - Rushing Back (MJ Cole Remix)
While Flume had a huge year as countless clamored for his mixtape, you won't find any of those tracks here. Instead he appears in this list twice having released a few sick singles that made way for fantastic remixes. Here MJ Cole kills the catchy "Rushing Back" with a brilliant bleepy flip that makes masterful use of Vera Blue's vocals. A spine-tingling sensation.

#74: Jai Paul - He
The enigmatic master returned in 2019 and he seemingly hasn't missed a step with two sublime singles. And of course I gravitated towards the b-side, as "He" seemingly delivers more of that genius "Jasmine" vibe. It's soulful and ridiculously satisfying. And of course it showers its listeners in ethereal ecstasy.

#73: Barney Lister - Matchu
Not the only track in this list I first came across in a Magic Tape mix. Of course it's got the awesome alchemy one would expect for an inclusion in said series. It's beautiful, buoyant and oh so easy to dance to. That said, the slippery, squelching groove that emerges as the track progresses is some kind of sick, satisfying perversion.

#72: Angelov - Chero
An alien awakening, this is some serious top notch techno and one hell of a debut record. The whole EP is sick and I really thought about adding "Retrida" to the list but the vocal feel of this one took the cake. Like the others on this EP, Angelov's abilities shine the strongest when all elements come together in supremely satisfying syncopated fashion.

#71: Stanton Warriors ft. Sian Evans - Up2U (René LaVice Rooftop Remix)
Like so much of my favourite DnB this year, this one absolutely explodes out of the gate. It's got so much to like. The piano. Sian Evans' vocals. The way the two play together: <chef's kiss>. Then of course there's the drops that play like a defibrillator forcing you onto the dance-floor. A roaring success.

#70: Kölsch & Sasha - The Lights
The kind of epic, clean quality you would expect from a legendary pairing like this. Once you've heard that unreal lead line you'll never hear the track the same again, as you wait breathlessly for it to kick in. I know I'm doing that right now as I listen to it yet again. And as good as that lead line is, it's nothing without the duo's deliciously effective backing.

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!

Enlightened Listening for May 12

A couple days late, but these tracks absolutely had to be shared. This week's Enlightened Listening gets underway with The Shapeshifters and Chic vocalist Kimberly Davis and the brilliant, biting brass of Glitterbox joint "Life Is A Dancefloor." Up next Paul Woolford unleashes an exceptional piano-led take on Hot Chip's heater "Hungry Child." The unstoppable force of Kölsch then ups the intensity with his remix of "Stella." Leading us further towards techno with a touch of midtempo, mau5trap once again wows with their recent releases through Sian's Ultraviolet EP 1.0. Marking the midway point in the playlist, Dimitri Veimar dazzles with 3 new originals alongside Dean Grenier's remix of the EP's title track "Planet." Changing gears, Pham returns with a diverse and delectable mixtape in Nostalgia. And indeed it is nostalgia you get upon seeing the title of Madeaux's massive "Black Magic Woman," a production worthy of one Carlos Santana. Next up Ninajirachi gives "303" some much needed movement, progression and captivating sound design, taking it from blah to banger. Finally, Night Bass bring us seven bangers worthy of their high standard; standouts include: "Desert Moon," "Killers" and "Fresh Prince." Enjoy everything below and find releases linked individually after the playlist.

The Shapeshifters - Life Is A Dancefloor (ft. Kimberly Davis)

Hot Chip - Hungry Child (Paul Woolford Sunrise Mix)

Jam & Spoon - Stella (Kölsch Remix)

Sian - Ultraviolet EP 1.0

Dimitri Veimar - Planet EP

Pham - Nostalgia

Madeaux - Black Magic Woman

Anna Lunoe - 303 (Ninajirachi Remix)

Various Artists - This Is Night Bass: Vol. 8

Enlightened Listening for March 15

Right to the point with this week's Enlightened Listening. No descriptions below just a straight shot of more melodic stuff to start moving towards twisted trap at the end. A big beautiful album from Karma Fields kicks things off, CRi and Ben Böhmer's EPs follow, slick singles from Basti Grub, Pete Tong and Carl Cox then round out the techno section. Dr. Fresch and Sinden then link up for a couple killer bass house tracks, and the energy only rises from there with High Contrast taking on Stevie Nicks "Edge Of Seventeen." The final seven selections then bring the bass with a couple top notch trap EPs, but special attention must be paid to Riton's remix of The Chemical Brothers. The more I hear from them, originals and remixes alike, the more baited my breath becomes in waiting for No Geography.

Karma Fields - BODY RUSH

CRi - Initial

Ben Böhmer - Fliederregen / Reflection

Basti Grub - Darling (ft. Crase Johnson)

Pete Tong & Emanuel Satie - Time For Love

Yothu Yindi & Gavin Campbell - Treaty (Carl Cox Remix)

Dr. Fresch & Sinden - No Good

High Contrast - Days Go By

Stanton Warriors, Taiki Nulight & Danny Dearden - What You Got Now

The Chemical Brothers - Got To Keep On (Riton Remix)

NuKid - Sudden (ft. Moeazy)

Baajewala - Hell Raiden

Hucci & ASADI - Villager

Dabow - CREAMA

Sumthin Sumthin - Gryme

Enlightened Listening for June 29

Friday's never disappoint. Whether you want the biggest names or the freshest faces, there's always something spectacular somewhere. Hopefully I've done a good job finding a combination of both, with the usual range of genres and styles. Again I've done my best to deliver a diverse yet cohesive run through 12 tracks, from punchy PC Music stylings, through techno, house, disco, and more bass heavy bangers. Check the playlist below, read the descriptions following, and grab those free downloads.

DUCKY - Headfirst
Undeniable energy amidst a furious and fantastical flow. Great for diving into the long weekend.

Boy Sim - Solid Gold Clit (ft. Pearl)
Felt equally in your face and all over your body. Massive mind-bender of an anthem that you might not want stuck in your head, but will work its way in there regardless.

Eekkoo - Punks
Lead and title track from his just released 4 track EP. Another sensational, progressive and powerful take on techno, that delivers a godly groove with warm wobs, and tantalizing twists.

The Aston Shuffle - Everything I Got
Heavenly house with sublime synth swells that plays perfectly with the vocals (chops and otherwise).

The Pharcyde - Runnin' (Petko Turner's Extended Edit)*
Another awesome offering from Petko Turner. Big throwback vibes that will serve us well this weekend.

Fatback Band - Whicky Whacky (Count Funkula 12 Inch Fierce Discko Regroove)*
Party, party, party! Groove, groove, groove! Dance, dance, dance! Just let go and enjoy.

Family Of The Year - Hold Me Down (Autograf Remix)
Autograf deliver delicious quality as usual. This is massive, soulful and fun. Stunning.

Sultan + Shepard - I Got 5 On It
More throwback vibes brought bouncing back to beautiful life. Snappy, poppy and fun.

Tom Bull - It's My Life
Brilliantly banging bass house mix of Armand Van Helden's "You Don't Know Me." Simple yet strong.

POWERCYAN - Plutocracy (Ephixa Remix)
Stunning cinematics from Ephixa, which dive in a diabolic direction. Master craftsmanship.

NuKid x Lucille Croft - Got The Flow
Dirty, dirty, dirty stuff from NuKid as per usual. Not to sound old like Randy and in turn Stan on South Park, but I often envision bass sounds as farts, and this ones hella stanky (see here).

Diplo ft. DRAM - Don't Look Back (QUIX Remix)
Head spinning stomper of a remix. I can only imagine the exorcism that must've taken place to create the sounds in the drop. Absolutely wild.

Note tracks marked with an asterisk are available for free download.

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 & NuKid - 151

Dr. Fresch has been busy. Just two weeks ago he dropped another godly G-House bootleg, in the form of A$AP Ferg's "Plain Jane," and earlier this week I wrote about his Bloghaus episode of The Prescription. Now he's teamed up with NuKid for a potent original production, "151." Like most of what we've come to expect from the good doctor, this track is overly ominous, dropping an unavoidable weight on unsuspecting listeners. Claustrophobes be warned, this one closes in on you quickly, because in spite of its unsightly heft, it's actually quite nimble. The drum work deftly delivers this diabolical dance groove that flows as freely as a noxious gas. Just like the titular concoction, this track is best consumed under adult supervision, and can lead to regrets the next day. Download free here.FOLLOW DR. FRESCH: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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