Archie Ward - Mirabel

As this year continues to both drag and drive towards its eventual conclusion, the mood for reminiscing and urge to wrap it up arises. We're not far from the inevitable year-end lists as the themes of 2020 continue to solidify. I, like many others, have noted DnB's growth and dominance, but after some recent reflection, I've come to realize that breaks/breakbeat seem to been present in many of the tracks I consider the year's best.

A trend I enjoy tremendously breaks again appear in the track behind this post "Mirabel," the second-ever original from Archie Ward. Now going by his legal name and leaving his previous project Ferris Foxx behind, Ward has seemingly found a home on Icarus' Fly Boy imprint, which previously backed debut original "Music & Dance" featuring The Pressure. While its predecessor, supported by Pete Tong, delivers big drums and bold swells, "Mirabel" makes smaller, more subtle waves through its slick and shimmering style. Crisp and cool, the design of this follow-up is fabulously lush and stimulating, especially in its lively drum delivery. Riding the percussion of "Mirabel" is an immensely pleasurable experience. While that is the key to its success, you cannot overlook the quality of the rest of Ward's production. The swinging synth strides are simply sublime, as are the silky, spellbinding vocals which are woven so wonderfully throughout this divine dance affair. A pool of pristine pleasure, "Mirabel" is a marvellous second serving of what promises to be an awesome turn for Archie Ward as Archie Ward. 

Stream via Soundcloud below and find the fabulous Fly Boy offering elsewhere here.

Fly Boy * · Archie Ward - Mirabel

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Hot Chip - Positive (Marcel Vogel & Adam Port Remix)

In a bit of a sneaky surprise, Hot Chip have tacked on a tremendous new remix of their track "Positive," from 2019 album A Bath Full Of Ecstasy. Appearing as Pete Tong's Essential New Tune Friday night, the Marcel Vogel & Adam Port remix had me questioning what year we were in.

Indeed a new release despite Beatport, Spotify and Soundcloud all crediting the track to last year's remix LP, this epic take on "Positive" is quintessential Hot Chip. The technological twist Vogel & Port put on this track reminds me of perhaps my favourite ever Hot Chip release, the sensational saga that was their 2015 take on New Order's "Tutti Frutti." These two tracks share the same propulsive, funky assembly line feel, making masterful use of mechanical sounds and electrifying effects atop the ever-growing atmosphere. Of course, the electro groove and driving drums are the heartbeat of this powerful remix of "Positive," but the soul and magic of Vogel & Port's production comes from the killer vocal chops. And as always, this is the critical element for me: finding life and organic energy in an otherwise inanimate and entirely electronic production. Here in "Positive," the vivacity of the original remains and indeed blossoms into this beautiful, bouncy and brisk affair. Get it now via Beatport or stream below.FOLLOW HOT CHIP: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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TSHA - Sister

London talent TSHA's circle continues to grow. Her bandwagon keeps filling with early support from Pete Tong and plenty of online/print publications. Her reach still stretches further with remixes for Lianne La Havas and Foals. And, over the course of lockdown, she gained a sister. Just as the two "got on straight away," TSHA seems to have struck instant inspiration from the feeling of family expansion.

"Sister," the lead track from forthcoming Flowers EP, showcases the stunning beauty and warmth of life that TSHA has quickly cultivated as her trademark. Digging into her expansive bag of tricks, the London based producer delivers a constantly evolving work with the piano, percussion, guitar, synths and even acid all leading the track in different directions. While the mixture of these elements could be chaotic, and at times borders on it, TSHA successfully swirls them together in sublime synchronicity. At the centre of this captivating moving picture, the vocals of "Sister" almost emanate from the growth and interaction of the elements, reaching their peak after each fulsome mix. An engrossing journey and uplifting, energizing experience, "Sister" can be yours now with pre-order of Flowers via Bandcamp.

TSHA · Sister

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Backstage with Elazion and Odesho

Thursday night marked two firsts for me as I joined Elazion on his podcast. It was both my first podcast and my first time as the guest in an interview. In the nearly hour and a half conversation we touched on several subjects, mostly around my role as a radio host and blogger, but of course we dive deeper into a wider swath. There's a fair amount of insight into my process and history, as well as a ton of recommendations which I'll detail below. Get the episode on iTunes, Stitcher, Castbox & others here.
Recommendations, in the order they arise in the episode...

DJ Flipout/Skratch Bastid/Red Bull 3Style: DJ/MC associated with both Virgin Radio Vancouver and the Red Bull 3Style DJ competition. DJ/Global Ambassador for the Red Bull 3Style DJ competition. Both great Twitter follows.

Repost-Toggle for Soundcloud: An Chrome extension I use to streamline my feed.

Nero - Symphony 2808: My first encounter with electronic music re-imagined in an orchestral/symphonic format.

Pete Tong, Jules Buckley & The Heritage Orchestra - Ibiza Prom: The start of Pete Tong's venture into the orchestral realm, with a studio album of this concert (here) and two more after (below).

Pete Tong Ibiza Classics: A second orchestral album of re-imagined Ibiza classics.

Pete Tong - Chilled Classics: A third orchestral album with a mix of original productions and classic re-imaginings.

Ed Banger 15: Orchestral versions of classic Ed Banger releases celebrating their 15th anniversary. See live concert here.

Yanni: An incredible composer/producer/etc. Countless fantastic tracks and albums, but his live The Concert Event album was the one that hooked me, even better enjoyed if you watch the live videos.

Skratch Bastid & Afiara Quartet - Spin Cycle: A brilliant experiment combining scratching and strings. Also best enjoyed with accompanying video. See full concert at Koerner Hall here.

Skratch Bastid - Kenny Rodgers Tributes: Pretty self explanatory. Turntable tributes to The Gambler. First video here and a followup here.

Porter Robinson Monstercat Showcase: My peak Porter enjoyment. One of my favourite mixes of all-time.

Knife Party Essential Mix: One of the most incredible debut sets/Essential Mixes. Peak Knife Party.

Score: A Film Music Documentary: A fantastic doc on some of the major players in "the world's most widely known music genre" with interviews from John Williams, Danny Elfman, Hans Zimmer, etc.

Queen Of The South: One of my favourite TV shows, scored by Giorgio Moroder.

Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul: Incredible music direction. Particularly in the montage scenes. Two stand out in particular, at least in recent memory, both from Better Call Saul. BADBADNOTGOOD - Can't Leave The Night and Todd Terje - Alfonso Muskedunder.

The Wire: Every time I think back to the month or two it took me to binge it, I'm filled with nostalgia and the desire to relive what is widely considered to be the best TV show ever.

Explained - Music: Incredible, informative and logic-based mini doc on music. Narrated by Carly Rae Jepsen and featuring TOKiMONSTA.

The Nature Of Things - Sonic Magic: The Wonder and Science of Sound: Another incredible documentary, detailing the magic behind music and its multi-sensory qualities.

It's All Gone Pete Tong: The 'true story' of a DJ who goes deaf, but continues to produce through vibrations.

Daft Punk, Nile Rodgers, Pharrell, & Stevie Wonder: Perhaps my favourite ever Grammy performance.

The Night: A Nero 'side-project' between Alana Watson and Dan Stephens. Meanwhile Joseph Ray is doing solo work under his own name.

Top 100 Tracks Of 2019: 100-76

Starting today through Friday (with a break on New Years Day), I'll be revealing my list of the "Top 100 Tracks Of 2019." 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.

You'll notice 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. There's a lot of pop music, but the list is largely electronic and dance dominant.

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 Spotify here.

#100: Robotaki - Quasar
As so often seems to be the case I'm called most strongly to the b-side of a release. Here "Quasar" captures my attention with a truly dizzying display of musical craftsmanship. Robotaki rifles off a resplendent mix of electronic and organic instruments that reminds me of both the extraordinary quality of early future bass and the indie rock energy of Erol Alkan, specifically his "Forever Dolphin Love" remix.

#99: High Contrast - Going Up
The first in a long line of DnB tracks in this year's countdown. The consistent quality of High Contrast is on full display here with this crisp, crackling cut. It's both exceedingly beautiful and seemingly simplistic, while somehow still feeling fresh and exciting after a plenitude of plays.

#98: DROELOE - Only Be Me (Duskus Remix)
Immediately heavy on the heart, this one is actually brilliantly buoyant. The swinging nature of the drop is sure to leave you swooning while the whole thing oozes poppy positivity. While a few years ago I would've said bitbird is one of my favourite labels, I can no longer say that. However this mix seems to have found the perfect balance between their sappy saccharine ethos and sharp, catchy synths.

#97: Nelly - Air Force Ones (Klutch Remix)
While I don't often get into tracks primarily for a single sound, this remix and its rattling bass is so banging that I cannot help myself. The drops are stupid dope and the rest of the track is built with enough ear catching punctuations that it deserves recognition in a list like this. It would be a banger with the first drop alone, but a progressive second drop and its sensational use of Nelly make it a can't miss.

#96: Sub Focus - Solar System
With a name like "Solar System" you'd expect some serious magnitude and Sub Focus did not disappoint. This one hurdles along at light-speed and if you go along with it, you're apt to burn up like a supernova. A lot of electronic music has an outer-space, futuristic feel and this is most definitely one of this year's best, most banging examples.

Enlightened Listening for November 29

This week's Enlightened Listening features several of my favourite artists and labels. Pete Tong leads things off with his incredible new Chilled Classics album. Qrion follows as things turn more electronic with an Anjunadeep EP sure to please the senses. Terr then returns to Phantasy Sound with two ingenious versions of "Energy Sync." Turning full techno, the power of Innellea is once again on full display with wicked The World Returns EP. Breaking to remixes, TSHA and Denham Audio take on Prospa's killer single "Control The Party" before The Avalanches and Mousse T. bring love and beauty to The Chemical Brothers and Starley respectively. Finally we're graced with the return of Metroplane and a track that has both Annie Mac and Pete Tong salivating, Skream's "Ectogazm." Enjoy!


Pete Tong & HER-O - Chilled Classics

Qrion - Sine Wave Party

Terr - Energy Sync

Innellea - The World Returns

Prospa - Control The Party (Remixes)

The Chemical Brothers - Out Of Control (The Avalanches Surrender To Love Mix)

Starley - Lovers + Strangers (Mousse T. Remix)

Metroplane - Be Where I Am (ft. Daniel Wilson)

Skream - Ectogazm

Elderbrook & Rudimental - Something About You (Mason Maynard Remix)

Manchester's Mason Maynard keeps turning heads. He's seen support from Pete Tong, Carl Cox, and Seth Troxler, just to name a few. When it comes to fans, he's hit the ears of many through shows at Hï Ibiza and the Warehouse Project; collaborations with Lee Foss and Green Velvet, originals on Sola and Defected; as well as an exceptional offering of remixes. Following closely on the heels of a beautiful Brian McKnight "Anytime" edit, Maynard has put his Midas touch on Elderbrook and Rudimental's magical "Something About You." Immediately injecting upbeat energy into the original with driving percussion, Maynard moves the vocals into a new sphere giving the track a much brighter feel.

As always I find myself more drawn to the full or extended version, and while the short edit pulls no punches, the six minute version allows Maynard's masterful drum delivery to dazzle. It would be brilliant to see performed live, if not just imagined in your head. The way it grows invites action from the listeners, easing you onto the floor as the waves of warmth wash over you. It is a masterclass in crowd movement and playful progression while never coming across as too demanding or over-wrought.

If you were a fan of the original, you should appreciate Mason Maynard's take too. It thrives through the same magic and allure, ultimately urging you into a double take, thinking "did I hear that right?" Yes, yes you did. This trio of talents come together in a fantastic fit, one you'll want to check out below.
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Enlightened Listening for November 1

After one of the largest Enlightened Listening playlists last week, we're significantly shorter this week. We focus on a handful of singles, alongside a couple EPs and remixes. Things start poppy with exceptional singles from Kiesza and Dua Lipa who both remind us of their undeniable leading lady status. Kiesza's track shines, while Dua's bristles with funky bass leading us nicely into the delightfully easy dancing TOPS track "Seven Minutes." Diving disco, George Sandler and Justin Jay spin sublime with "Know How," before Fabrikate bring out the brass with the sensational "Love Was Real."

Pete Tong and HER-O find themselves in this list for the third week in a row as "Go Crazy" gets a groovy extension. Staying with remixes, the legendary Marshall Jefferson gives a more human heart to club killer "Turn Me On." Tuff London follows that with another unstoppable house cut that is sure to keep the floor moving. After that we get our first EP of the playlist, a trio of top notch remixes of Lastlings' "Last Breath," with a standout from Adult Art Club who we heard in Lane 8's Halloween mix.

Closing the playlist out is a foursome of house cuts from three of my favourite names. First, Billy Kenny once again captures my attention with incredible sound design and an unwavering rolling groove. Noizu follows that with another inventive cut, showing further range and equally incredible sound design. Finally, Stund delivers two killer cuts. Both roll brilliantly but the real quality comes in the depth and interplay of their drops. Stream the playlist below and find individual links at the bottom. Enjoy!

Kiesza - You're The Best

Dua Lipa - Don't Start Now

TOPS - Seven Minutes

George Sandler & Justin Jay - Know How

Fabrikate - Love Was Real

Pete Tong & HER-O ft. Todd Edwards - Go Crazy (The Life & Soul Project Remix)

Riton & Oliver Heldens ft. Vula - Turn Me On (Marshall Jefferson Anthem Mix)

Tuff London - So Restless

Lastlings - Last Breath (The Remixes)

Billy Kenny - Take Me To Church

Noizu - For Your Soul

Stund - Count That

Enlightened Listening for October 25

Compiling this week's Enlightened Listening was an epic task. Seemingly every new release I dug through had at least one standout track, and that's if the whole thing wasn't worthy in itself. This led to perhaps the largest edition of this weekly playlist, showcasing 25 releases, 75 tracks and reaching over five and a half hours. As usual I've tried to make it flow as smoothly as possible running through some brilliant cohesive longer form releases, through disco and house to DnB, trap and bass before a rock finale. Yes there's rock in this week's edition as Pink Floyd recieve a remix, Mura Masa leans that way and Wolfmother makes a triumphant return. Listen below and find a quick hit of highlights next.

StayLoose opens with an exceptional album, filled with its fair share of beauty, bangers and transportive power. Qrion and Newman (I Love) follow with deep, lush, entrancing EPs. Pete Tong delivers another insight into his forthcoming album with HER-O. Joey Negro rebuilds a classic. warner case completes his debut EP. Then remixes take over with necessary nods to EDX, Alex Metric and Paul Woolford. London Elektricity unleashes his uber cool album as does Benzi who compiles a killer list of talents for Pressure Points Vol. 1. Kotek and TNGHT give a taste of their upcoming EPs. Solomun stamps his sound on Adriatique after a trio of remixes of Botnek joint "Jiffy." Finally, I don't think I'll ever grow tired of either David Gilmour or Andrew Stockdale as both Pink Floyd and Wolfmother soothe my soul.


StayLoose - Bad Star

Qrion - Waves

Newman (I Love) - I Love Therefore I Am

Pete Tong & HER-O - Symphony Of You (ft. Boy George)

Doug Willis - Dancin' 2020 (Joey Negro Disco Rebuild)

NICOLAAS - Shot In The Dark (ft. Nicholas Allbrook)

warner case - dance music for dancing, vol. 1

Charli XCX - White Mercedes (EDX's Miami Sunset Remix)

Moon Boots ft. Black Gatsby - Whisper In The Wind (Alex Metric Remix)

Jay Pryor & Steve James - Finding Our Way (Friend Withing Remix)

Hayden James - Between Us (The Remixes)

HERO - CRY BABY

London Elektricity - Building Better Worlds

Wilkinson - Machina

Various Artists - Pressure Points Vol. 1

Kotek - Constellation

TNGHT - Dollaz

PhatCap! - Slide

Sean Paul - When It Comes To You (AC Slater Remix)

Average Gypsy - Purgatory

Botnek - Jiffy Remixes

Adriatique - Nude (Solomun Remix)

Pink Floyd - One Slip (Remix 2019)

Mura Masa - No Hope Generation

Wolfmother - Chase The Feeling (ft. Chris Cester)

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

Throwback Thursday: The Shapeshifters - Lola's Theme

Fifteen years ago this month the then duo of The Shapeshifters unleashed the undeniable majesty of "Lola's Theme" on the world." In fact tomorrow marks the 15th anniversary of its immediate chart topping success in the UK. Jacking up a Johnnie Taylor sample from the 1982 track "What About My Love," Simon Marlin and Max Reich added vocals from Cookie and one of the world's most played disco house tracks was born. Not only was its success sweeping, but its groove certainly could be described as such as well. It is a spinning in ecstacy type production and has spawned countless remixes and recastings, in large part thanks to the captivating quality of its epic orchestra-like allure. In fact as I write this I'm listening to Spotify's playlist of tracks named "Lola's Theme" and I barely noticed a difference as Pete Tong, Jules Buckley and The Heritage Orchestra's version played.

Watch the original video and find a few of my favourite versions (minus Prydz) in Spotify playlist below.

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

Monki B2B Purple Disco Machine @ Café Mambo

The long weekend may be in the rear view mirror, but that doesn't mean we can't still reap the rewards of its epic nature. While many of us took to cottages or festivals, BBC Radio One took their setup to Ibiza's Café Mambo for a slew of incredible sets, often pairing one of their presenters with guest DJs. Annie Mac worked overtime playing a solo set and going B2B with both Mark Ronson and Tiga. Pete Tong took to the decks with Patrick Topping and Danny Howard delivered the goods alongside Camelphat and AU/RA. However my favourite pairing came from Monki and Purple Disco Machine. These sets have been recorded and can be found on Youtube and on the BBC Radio One site.

As you might expect with such a pairing, Monki and Purple Disco Machine got groovy right from the jump, allowing the warm island energy to stir the crowd like waves on the shore. There's no shortage of organic instrumentation in their selections helping us to horns, strings and all kinds of percussion. Opening the set with his enormous "At Night" remix before letting "Body Funk" take over and ending with "Dished," Purple Disco Machine's DNA is all over this 30 minute mix. A tip of the cap also has to go to the genius incorporation of the "Groove Is In The Heart" sample into the finale. The whole thing is just an easy moving grooving set, perfect for Ibiza or really anywhere in the summer.

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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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Four Tet - Essential Mix (17.03.18)

Last weekend I was away and never got the chance to take in Four Tet's triumphant return to the Essential Mix. That said I was certainly enjoying his remix of BICEP's "Opal," as was my dad, who I had to explain the proper formatting of original artist - track name (remixer), so that he too could enjoy the eight minute epic. Finally I'm back home, nearly back to my normal routine, and able to sink my teeth into Four Tet's masterful mix. As Pete Tong says in the intro, Kieran Hebdan is "in the middle of an incredible run" and graces us with some never before heard tunes. As always his selection is eclectic and built around exquisite beauty. There's of course a slew of his own tracks, with standards like Ben Klock and Emmanuel Top to go along with surprises like Britney Spears and Selena Gomez. It is a beautiful two hour episode of atmospheric excellence expertly mixed with just the right amount of oomph and vocal diversions. There are times where you'll find yourself flush from the carefully crafted charm of the mix, agape at the wonder it instills, and others where you'll want to run to the nearest floor to get your dance on. Four Tet delivers, as we ought to expect, so whether you're nursing a hangover, catching up on some work, or just looking for a new mix to make your day better, look no further. Steam via BBC Radio One here, Soundcloud here, Mixcloud below, download here, and find tracklist here.FOLLOW FOUR TET: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Alan Fitzpatrick Changing Seasons Mix

Going back to this past Friday, Alan Fitzpatrick took over the BBC Radio One airwaves with a guest mix for Pete Tong. This edition of Weekend Hot Mix took the theme of "Changing Seasons" as Fitzpatrick put it we're about to move from the clubs to festivals, and with that comes a change in sound, style and delivery. This mix reflects that more spacious, bright and warm feel, as far as techno goes. You can spread out, feel the grass beneath your feet, and the breeze on your face, all while still being jolted by the juxtaposed electronic energy. This mix is a smooth seven track spellbinder. With a new track from the man himself, the always incredible Skream paired with Billy Turner, and the euphoric "Higher" from Lo Shea, this mix demands more than just one listen. The winds of change are coming and the promise of warmth and freedom is on the horizon, with this mix offering up those feelings in droves. Stream below until Monday April 2nd, find the tracklist here, and follow Alan Fitzpatrick at the bottom.

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Alex Metric & Ten Ven - Otic

Apparently I missed the boat on this Alex Metric, Ten Ven collab "Otic," which has been building steam over the last month or so. But when I finally heard it last week in the midst of a slew of strong tracks on Pete Tong's show last Friday I was astounded. The sheer magnitude and sublime simplicity of "Otic" is unassailable. It is quite possibly one of the single greatest pieces of pure house music I've ever heard. And I think that's really the key, it feels and sounds pure; clearly conjuring up the notion of an instant classic. It has a soaring strength while remaining faithfully fixed to the floor; you are simultaneously spellbound to reach for the sky and guided by its groove, sending your hips and feet swaying and strutting. And fittingly to its title, "Otic" is of course pleasing to the ear. Each and every element not only satisfies, it soothes, stimulates and in the case of the low end, quite literally stirs.

Rarely do I get this excited for a track, or find it this easy to write about (more like gush about), but here we are; it's Alex Metric, so that shouldn't come as a surprise. I don't mean to leave Ten Ven out, and it seems it may be released on his label, When I Met You. And I say seems here, because while the image above has been circulated by both artists, the rest of the internet seems to say it will be released on Anjunadeep, as noted on the tracklist for Pete Tong and in the Soundcloud comments. Whatever the case, Alex said it is due out March 1st, so we can look forward to that next week. Until then enjoy the full stream below and be sure to follow both Alex and Ten Ven with their socials below.

UPDATE: Alex has confirmed March 2nd as the release date, indeed via Anjunadeep, see here.FOLLOW ALEX METRIC: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: CFCF - Cell Site In Somerset

A couple weeks back we had the title track of CFCF's Self Service EP, and with its full release this past weekend I'm excited to open Bump In The Hump with its epic A-side "Cell Site In Somerset." Once again we're treated to CFCF's enigmatic and exceptional production style, one that earned him a Grammy nomination for his remix of "Berlin By Overnight." In this EP, and track more specifically, we get a taste of his delightfully diverse sounds ranging from stringed orchestral elements to stinging acid whips. And while you may think these two couldn't be more polar opposites, it is CFCF's genius that seamlessly sews them together. Its grandeur reminds me of Pete Tong and Jules Buckley's Ibiza Classics/Classic House albums which too curry the cachet of an orchestra with the unvarnished vivacity of electronic dance music. Stream "Cell Site In Somerset" and purchase the EP via Bandcamp below.After this epic opening number, Bump In The Hump continues with more of the best in new Canadian dance and electronic including funky cuts from Robotaki and Verzache, as well as the seemingly weekly dose of disco delights from Spacedisco Records. Another Canadian label also comes up big with BETON's "Directions" on Turbo Recordings, which kicks off the decidedly darker second hour of the show. There's some banging bass house and more DnB, including man of the moment Rene LaVice. Finally the fire finale sees the likes of Feed Me's "Blood Red" getting a reboot before Black Tiger Sex Machine tears the place down. All this and more live from 7-9 PM EST on Radio Humber or via Mixcloud after the fact.

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BETON - Keep Breathin (ft. DJ Deeon)

I'm not much for hype, and I have a hard time keeping it up, but in the case of BETON's track "Directions" I've been coming back to Tiga's New Names Mix for Pete Tong for weeks now. Not only is "Directions" a crazy cool track, the mix itself exemplifies the genius of Tiga's tastemaking abilities. Now as we wait (impatiently on my part) for the 16th of February to roll around, we get a taste of the b-side of BETON's Twin Turbo debut.

"Keep Breathin" featuring DJ Deeon again offers a driving techno tune that feels like a race car revving up. As each layer is added the energy and speed of the vehicle jumps another gear. Further, the vocal sample reminds us to "Keep Breathin" as the acceleration and anticipation of the track becomes more than we can bear. As I've said before with techno tracks, that's the key; you've got to come as close to redlining or overdosing before pulling back, and this track does that perfectly. Even the way the synths are designed exudes a propellant energy, further combining with the bass bonks and percussive clanks to illustrate a roaring drive.

The flawless movements or gear shifts, if you will, allow "Keep Breathin" and BETON to cruise competently through our rear-view mirrors and right off into the horizon. This EP certainly confirms BETON as one to watch in 2018. Stream below and pre-order from your preferred outlet here.FOLLOW BETON: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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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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