We’re back! Following a brief hiatus, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite releases of the month. Picks include a killer remix from O’Flynn, freeform bass star Mersiv‘s debut LP, and more.
TOR – LENS (O’FLYNN REMIX) [ELEUTHERA]
Vancouver-based electronic producer Tor returns following the April release of his most recent album Oasis Sky with a rework of his atmospheric single ‘Lens,’ courtesy of the esteemed English producer O’Flynn. The remix serves as the second release off of Tor’s forthcoming remix LP of Oasis Sky, featuring exclusive remixes from the likes of Catching Flies, Fejká, Aparde, and more. Taking the more downtempo, tranquil sensibilities of the original track, O’Flynn transforms ‘Lens’ into a more experimental, chopped version. The rework sees the addition of a propulsive bassline, surrounded by floating, warped vocal cuts and layered percussive elements. The hypnotizing rendition adds a new edge to the track, with oscillating synths and transmissible breakbeats. Showcasing the music style of O’Flynn, the rework takes listeners to a sultry sonic atmosphere with heavy drums and willowing synths.
MARC STRAIGHT – EMPATHY FT. YUKI
Ahead of his forthcoming LP, Beauty In Transcience, Pennsylvania-based multi-hyphenate Marc Straight debuted his latest offering, “Empathy,” an otherworldly slice of melodic dubstep. In true Marc Straight fashion, “Empathy” is stirring to its core, characterized by its hauntingly melodic style. Combining his knack for video game soundtrack production with his love for galactic sounds, his newest release is meteorically mesmerizing. “Empathy” is ephemeral in nature, chronicling the familiar trope of longing for love no matter the taxing wait. Featuring the intoxicating vocals of songstress Yuki, “Empathy” showcases angelic vocals in both English and Japanese. Heartstring pulling productions mixing melodic dubstep and twinkling synth patterns carry the track, as Yuki’s wistful harmonies leave listeners in a trance.
LEMI VICE – CONFUSING [IAMRECORDS]
Diplo-backed DJ & producer Lemi Vice is no stranger to the release radar. With over 10 years of experience in the field of production, Vice has turned the heads of notable players in the dance field, such as Diplo and Major Lazer, with his captivating house twinge. His latest, “Confusing,” is a clever and keenly designed tech-heavy cut that strikes a balance between the hypnotic and pop corners of the house genre. The balance of influences built in is what platforms its infectious nature, driving forward a fun-loving disposition without leaving out a deeper, metaphysical aspect that speaks to a human’s spiritual side.
MERSIV – PRETTY DARK LOUD LP [MORFLO RECORDS]
Bass music visionary Mersiv recently dropped his debut, full-length album with Pretty Dark Loud via his own imprint, MorFlo Records. Through PDL, Mersiv conveys an invigorating sense of vitality and sonic therapy. Immersed in sound, his listeners – old and new – are able to fully dive into an experience and music crafted with a good intention. Each song offers a sense of adventure and fun, yet manages to leave the listener feeling full and impervious from anything outside the moment. The energy and impactful emotions that emit are crucial as it showcases the ability of electronic art to connect with listeners everywhere. Pretty Dark Loud, the album, encapsulates the sound Mersiv has been working towards materializing and triumphs in delivering a little bit of each element.
MISTER RUIZ – EASY
Abelardo Ruiz, professionally known as Mister Ruiz, is a fast-rising producer and DJ that has made seismic waves within the dance music community since the inception of the project. The 24-year-old Brazilian native has spent time honing his distinctive sound that is reflected in each of his releases. His latest, ‘Easy,’ follows the talent’s highly-successful single ‘Godzilla’, with over a million streams on Spotify, and ‘Feel Only Love’ with German producer Klaas. The track kicks off with a palpably intoxicating rhythm before introducing the track’s emotive and resonating vocals. Bringing forth a propelling spirit with the lyrics “it used to be easy”, the song builds with a bouncy bassline, creating a captivating sonic experience primed to keep listeners engaged throughout the duration. ‘Easy’ is characterized by propulsive energy and melodic sensibilities, showcasing Mister Ruiz’s effortlessly masterful production in both the extended version and the radio cut.
NIO – HEART STOPS (TOM COLONTONIO REMIX) [418 MUSIC]
The Colontonio brothers have joined forces to deliver two takes on an infectious pop anthem. Joseph Colontonio’s – alias Nio – original modern, edgy pop production is flipped into a powerful trance tune courtesy of his brother, Tom Colontonio. “Heart Stops (Tom Colontonio Remix)” features a distinctive dichotomy that enhances the totality of the experience. At some moments, a hard-trance flow that’s moment capturing and hypnotic takes center-stage, yet uplifting melodic parts give a break to the powerful tension that is built up. The two parts work off each other well impeccably, the arrangement of this remix allowing each section of the song to smoothly flow into the next.
DRAKE – WAY 2 SEXY (HAUS OF PANDA REMIX)
“Way 2 Sexy,” arguably the biggest song of the summer, has received the remix treatment from bass house trendsetter Haus of Panda. His riveting take on the globally beloved Drake and Future collab brings out epic, club-centric darkness that triggers involuntary dance motion from those who listen. An absolute banger of an experience, the remixes technical aspects in the percussion add to the catchy nature within. The drum work leads the way as the rest of the production follows. Blending in the best parts of Drake and Future’s “Way 2 Sexy,” with his own style, Haus Of Panda hits the nail on the head with this one.