Combat the Monday Blues with some of our favorite recent releases, including new tunes from Chris Malinchak, Model Man, Liquid Stranger, and more.
CHRIS MALINCHAK – NIGHT WORK LP [ULTRA MUSIC]
Chris Malinchak, aka “the Godfather of Chill,” has finally dropped his long-awaited debut album, Night Work. A twelve-track release, the LP is an exploration into the chilled-out dance music sound that Malinchak has made his own over the past few years. It features no fewer than eight tracks that the New York artist has released as singles, starting with ‘Somebody’, an eclectic blend of soulful rhythms reminiscent of a warm summer night in Ibiza watching the sun go down. The LP opener ‘Slow Down’ harnesses a dusty Chicago house vibe to kick off proceedings, ‘Nothing Can Compare’ deftly blends electronic production with organic instrumentation, ‘True Say’ is a Latin-infused, vocal-laced disco heater, while ‘Get Away’ ensures things are closed out on a wistful synth-pop tip. The New York native also recruited a string of notable features for the special project, including longtime collaborator Kiesza, fellow New York creator Autumn Rowe, Matt Linnen, and Stealth. Malinchak’s debut album represents a career milestone for one of the 21st century’s defining electronic artists.
BIRTHDAYY PARTYY – SUPERCHARGED
On the heels of their debut Dim Mak release “Rock Wit It” with PEACE MAKER!, Chicago-based upstart Birthdayy Partyy return with this dynamic bass house smash. Inspired by a world reopening after a year-long shutdown, “Supercharged” was born out of deep self-reflection and mass motivation. A vivacious blend of technical production prowess and nuanced bass house flair, “Supercharged” is the funky intersection of infectious bass and disco. Catchy vocal chops laid atop a punchy kick set the stage of Birthdayy Partyy’s latest, as the brotherly duo work their way into a frenetic release of electrifying bass house. Sonically combining the best elements of dance-floor ready disco and festival laced bass house, Birthdayy Partyy create the ultimate dance weapon for a world in return.
THOMAS XAVIER – CAN’T STOP ME [iamrecords]
Thomas Xavier’s onslaught of moment capturing, head-turning heaters simply cannot be held back as the Milwaukee-based DJ/producer continues to push forward more releases, revealing to the world more of his expertly crafted collections to the masses. The momentum continues with “Can’t Stop Me,” the newest addition to his forthcoming EP, Pussy On A Pedestal. “Can’t Stop Me” delivers a confident, communal approach with an incredibly refined upbeat melody. Sampled and looped are the effeminate lyrics, “you can’t stop me now,” a perfect mantra considering the victorious moments Thomas Xavier has been initiating quickly. The bass drum stomps with a feverish four-on-the-floor attitude while an infectious G-house nature is exposed in the synth – Thomas Xavier proves once again he knows how to nail an energetic house vibe that’s different, fierce, and club-friendly all in the same go.
LIQUID STRANGER x LUZCID – SNOW MELT [SSKWAN]
Amid the sizzling summer heat, Liquid Stranger is back on the release radar with his third offering of the year, “Snow Melt.” Despite his role as label head honcho, the single doubles as his official debut on SSKWAN. This time around, Liquid Stranger teamed up with WAKAAN mainstay LUZCID who made his debut on the label’s downtempo counterpart earlier this year with “Lightstream.” A melodic, experimental chill-out tune reminiscent of Liquid Stranger’s huge single “Dissolve,” “Snow Melt” is not your average Liquid Stranger track. In “Snow Melt,” Liquid Stranger dials back his usual uncompromising freeform bass sound for an introspective sonic experience. Staying true to the phonetics of his alias, the single boasts a ‘liquid’ flow tailored for relaxation, meditation, and elation.
DJ SAMER – DIASPORA [BEDROCK RECORDS]
John Digweed’s Bedrock Records has delivered a stream of standout music in 2021, proving that the creativity of its artists has been flourishing during this difficult time. A tastemaker imprint determined to channel only the most authentic perspectives from across the dance music spectrum, the imprint continues to champion timeless music from truly skilled artists. Following his inclusion in Digweed’s esteemed Quattro compilation with ‘Free Your Mind’, DJ Samer returns to the label to deliver his new single ‘Diaspora.’ Worthy to stand alone as a single, ‘Diaspora’ is a masterclass in refined progressive house, serving flawless percussion and intoxicating dark undertones. Hypnotic in its effect, the cut is founded on serene soundscapes and subtle instrumentation, with injections of acid-tinged synth-work giving the track its true authentic identity.
MODEL MAN – SWEET SURRENDER [MAHOGANY RECORDS]
A true treat, ‘Sweet Surrender‘ marks the first single taken from Model Man’s forthcoming debut album, as well as his first release of the year. What started as a one-man project has now been converted into a 3-man setup: Mark Brandon at the core, Tommy Galbally on bass and keys, and Andy Grant on drums. This new setup is slated to rejuvenate Model Man’s forthcoming live shows and breathe new life into all upcoming productions. In Model Man‘s words: “Sweet Surrender is about ignoring all of this and surrendering to your carnal instincts – your inner freedom, not worrying about your spiritual self and living for the urges and excitement of life – in the case of Sweet Surrender dancing till 6 am, raving, living through the community of dance music.”
