Hardwell & VINNE – Balança

• Wiwek-style drums over a Tech-y bassline
• Anonymous breakdown and buildup
• Festival-oriented composition, mostly for mashups

You know, when “Balança” was announced, my expectations weren’t set high. I am glad to say that I was pleasantly surprised by what came out of the Hardwell and VINNE teamwork, the latter being one of the hottest names in the Revealed roster.

The Dutch icon didn’t entirely convince me with his Big Room Techno comeback (as many songs from his album didn’t leave a mark in my experience), while VINNE’s prior releases were successful, although his Tech House signature didn’t click for me.

With hesitance, I pressed play mostly out of my curiosity, and I was greeted by hard-hitting drums and a very energetic Tech House sequence! “Balança” shares a resemblance to that Tribal House aesthetic that monikers such as Wiwek pioneered (also because of the Portuguese vocals), but adapted in a 2023 mood with Techno leads being raucous in the second half of the drop. The parting one is a real gem, with a filthy Electro House lead playing around the drums.

It’s my favorite record from VINNE solely for its hypnotic mood and stimulating drop, albeit the “Spaceman” creator didn’t leave many traces in there, except for a long build-up that sounded familiar, yet not speaking much of who was involved in the making. There isn’t a balance despite the title, as everything else apart from the drop is brutally relegated to the background. It’s the classic mainstage type song that will be spectacular when served as mashups using harsh transitions; heard alone, it feels a bit empty.

Nevertheless, I’m glad to experience something unpredictable and fresh from these guys, and “Balança” deserves a listen. Don’t miss it out, plenty of fun ahead!

You can listen to “Balança” here:

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