Roshima - Do You Know Me

Belgian bedroom producer Roshima just dropped a new lofi-trap track "Do You Know Me" featuring re-purposed Stormzy vocals. While the flow is familiar, the rest of the track is anything but. Apparently an attempt "to combine different cultures," Roshima has added some Arabic instrumentation, which works wonders beneath the chill trap beat. The flute in the second half is particularly potent, while the wavering vocalizations (after the minute mark) only add to the overall allure. It is a stark contrast to the ominous energy of the Stormzy original, but somehow seems to play perfectly with its new Middle Eastern delivery. It really is some kind of brilliance the way Roshima's woven this mixture of elements and styles. It's a bit banger, a bit anthem, all cool creation, one you didn't know you needed in your life until now. And you can cop it now, free in full, lossless WAV format via The Artist Union here.FOLLOW ROSHIMA: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

TroyBoi w/ Louis Futon & Slumberjack at Danforth Music Hall

After the unseasonably warm weather the last week or so, the fall shift has finally come. It's even rained for the first time in what seems like all of September (not a complaint). That being said, festival season and the excellent outdoor events that accompany it are all but over (although I'm sure there's several events for Nuit Blanche tomorrow).  And this can only mean one thing, IT'S CLUB SEASON!

It'll be the first fall without our beloved Hoxton, but that just means more and more people will be turning to Velvet Underground and Danforth Music Hall to fill that gaping hole in our hearts. The first of seemingly dozens of can't miss autumn events comes tomorrow night when TroyBoi is set to tear down The Danforth as a part of his Left Is Right tour, in support of his debut album of the same name. Joining him on this stop are Philadelphian Louis Futon and Aussie duo Slumberjack.

Now you'll certainly be aware of Slumberjack if you follow this blog at all, as is the case with TroyBoi, who I've covered a couple times here, but Louis Futon is someone who's yet to find his way onto EFYE. But boy, is he quality and a fantastic fit for this lineup. Just a quick scan of his Soundcloud page shows serious success with powerful poppy productions like "Rewind" which just broke a million. Then there's his alarmingly awesome flip of THEY.'s "U RITE." But if big is what you desire, look no further than the phantasmagorical and feels ridden, future bass track "Wasted On You." First two are available free.While this is a TroyBoi headlining show, I'm actually most excited to see Slumberjack, who I've been waiting to see for several years, each time missing them for some stupid reason or another. After first discovering them through their brilliant bootleg of What So Not "Touched," I then became even more infatuated as they combined with Sable for "Sprinter," before dropping their sensational self-titled EP. And holy crap is "Horus" still hellaciously good. Then they got deliriously deep and emotional with "Open Fire" (as covered here), while still showing some brain battering bass abilities with their "Scary" good remix of Stormzy (once again covered here). Since then they've really taken off with the fiery EP Fracture. So while I'm not sure what to expect from their set, I cannot wait to take it all in.Now for the main course. As if the 11 tracks above weren't enough, how about an epic 20 track album? Yes, that's right. TroyBoi's debut is that big. I mean the man was able to get Ice Cube on a track, so yeah, it's pretty clear this man is making waves. The lead track even puts it more explicitly, as "Bitch I'm Awesome." So if bass bangin', booty swangin' beats are what you desire then TroyBoi is just for you. And you know what? I could list a dozen or more remixes and originals that would solidify this sentiment, but you might as well just start with the single release that is succinctly his style.At last look, tickets were still available, but are said to be in short supply. There's usually some saved up at the box office for those keeners that show up early, but don't take my word as gospel. I'm just a fan, I serve no official capacity. So if you want to see a spectacular show, and why wouldn't you after all the awesome tunage above, check out the Facebook event here, and get direct link to tickets here.

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Sinden's House Line EP

Very few producers can boast the same kind of quality and longevity as Graeme Sinden. He's been a staple of the house scene since collaborating with the likes of Hervé (as The Count and Sinden) and SBTRKT nearly a decade ago. He's once again teamed up with Hervé, among other heavy hitters Bot (previously half of Crookers), Japan's Jaxx Da Fishworks and Alaska's Astronomar. The nine track collab laden EP, out now on Insomniac Records, brings bassy house tracks that, while having killer classic feels, succeeds in pushing the undeniably important genre forward. Download the EP free via ToneDen, here.The lead track brings Sinden and Hervé together again, showing off their incredible interplay. The amount of movement and instrumentation is incredible, once again proving these two work together wonderfully. Next, pay special attention to Sinden's solo track "Baby" with its classic bonking bass sound built around a grungy atmosphere. The next three tracks, all remixes, take a decisively different approach, but still one that fits into this formidable EP.

R3LL's remix relies on a piano lick and pulsating jersey club loops, definitely the most intense and energetic of the bunch. Bot brings back the bouncing bass with "Follow Me." The bed he's crafted for Aly Us' vocals makes it absolutely alluring and almost hypnotizing. It's easy to imagine several shufflers dancing all night to this one.

Next up is LO'99, who I've been a fan of ever since I heard Porter Robinson play Go Freek's remix of "My Mind" in his Monstercat Showcase set two summers ago. He's been on fire as of late (dropping remixes of Angelz and Stormzy), and continues that trend with his 420 Blog It take on "Mega." Obviously the throwback feels are strong, but the deep bass wobbles and alien atmosphere make it a worthy remix of such a classic track.

Following those remixes come three new collaborations. First "Cold Ass Flute" with Astronomar. It's eerie as can be, sending chills down your back, again with an extraterrestrial vibe and an all too evil laugh. Next is Hotfire and "Twiddle," which winds up slowly before the tension becomes too much and it turns into an all out stomper, suggesting that listeners just get stupid. The final collab comes with Marc Spence, whose "Nasty" has been mentioned many a time on this blog. "WTF" is mechanized madness. It's almost as though the two have built an Iron Giant type figure deep in the woods, and its coming to life can be heard through the panicked chirping of birds and earth shaking bass.

Sinden's House Line then wraps up with a new Jaxx Da Fishworks production, "Don't Wait Up." It may be the best track to encapsulate the EP as a whole. It's got a great classic feel and construction to it, while still feeling fresh. The frenzied drop is like a steely stare down, daring you to dance. From Sinden and Hervé's "Body & Soul" to this fire finale, this EP is an excellent example of Sinden's impact on house music. If you've got the time, I highly suggest taking a scroll through his soundcloud page, it's absolutely littered with awesome tracks.

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Nuvaman & Gallah - Molotov

I've been following Grime relatively closely on this blog, or at least its growth in popularity and reach. This rise comes as no surprise when there's quality tracks like Nuvaman & Gallah's "Molotov" being produced with more regularity than ever before. In fact I'd expect more as Google Trends now indicates that we hit peak Grime saturation just last month (see here). It certainly seems that Skepta, Stormzy, Wiley and others have broken down the barriers, so much so that not just vocal Grime tracks are popular, but instrumentals are becoming more standard too. I cannot say how happy this makes me to be able to hear new, quality Grime like this so often.

It's no wonder Nuvaman and Gallah are both from the UK, as the Grime instincts seem to run deep, pulsing through their veins. And as with all good Grime tracks, there's some ominous, creeping fear harvested throughout. These two nail that horror element perfectly.  The percussion is so on point crackling like leaves underfoot, building on the atmosphere already established with squawking crows. But then there's the strings that, ever present in Grime, overwhelm with unease. And it's that disquiet that makes your throbbing heart beat match with the wobbling bass. If that doesn't get you going, you may already be dead. Grab "Molotov" now from Pitch Rider Records' Inside The Ride Vol. 1, here.FOLLOW GALLAH: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Stormzy - Scary (Slumberjack Edit)

After writing about Grime and the art of edits in the last three weeks, this mix of Stormzy's "Scary" from Aussie duo Slumberjack is the best of both worlds. It's big bold and heavy beyond belief. They've set up a bed of nails for Stormzy's fire flow to rest on, while upping the intensity with ominous, spooky synths and ungodly percussion. Once again, Slumberjack showcase their incredible sound design in every aspect of this mix, specifically their vocal manipulations (much like their track "Open Fire"). Stormzy already has a dynamic vocal delivery, but the duo has doubled down in that department, adding additional depth for maximum effect. But what I see as the crowning achievement in "Scary" is Slumberjack's use of the background vocals, filling out the track, firmly situating it in an unholy, apocalyptic landscape. Finally, as some kind of Easter Egg, Slumberjack have included their trademark riff from their What So Not, "Touched" edit in multiple places (0:11, 1:37, 3:49). Slumberjack are most certainly on the top of their game, and this production is all the proof you need. As a cherry on top, "Scary" is available for free download in full loseless WAV format via Toneden.

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Flipout - Grimy As F*ck Mix

2016 may very well be the year Grime, in large part thanks to Skepta breaking through the mainstream with his Mercury Prize winning album, Konnichiwa. According to Google Trends, Grime music hit its peak in February 2006, but has seen two spikes in February and September of this year. The increase in appetite for Grime is likely tied to the continued growth of bass driven electronic music, and key collaborations with the likes of Drake and Earl Sweatshirt. 2016 has also seen the re-emergence of Grime forefathers Dizzee Rascal and Kano. It's also brought us unbelievable images of Stormzy performing in the rain for thousands of fans at the legendary Roskilde Festival in Denmark (watch live videos of Shut Up and Know Me From here). And of course there's the widespread commercial success of Skepta's "Shutdown." I can't begin to count the number of times I've heard it in DJ sets, mixtapes and yes, even on the radio.

With all that in mind, one of Canada's best DJs and MCs, Vancouver based Flipout has now thrown two separate Grime focused parties. The first of which he recorded and has posted to his mixcloud (below). It's got a number of tracks from the aforementioned Grime acts as well as a slew of lesser known mixes. It's an intense and utterly enjoyable, near two hours of grime on grime on grime. Flipout is one of the best tastemakers and musical curators Canada has to offer, so I highly suggest checking out more of his mixcloud, and giving him a follow on his socials below.

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