Weekly Roundup XXI (including Michael Calfan, Fred Again.., Retrovision and more)

New week, new music! An exciting array of names are here for the 21st edition of the roundup, including Michael Calfan, Fred Again.., Retrovision, and more.

Jay Hardway, Retrovision – I Wanna
77/100

Dutch veteran Jay Hardway ventures into experimental territories with Retrovision, a collaboration that definitely sounds strong on the paper. After listening, not so much.

The Brazilian Bass/Future House of a hybrid instrumental has its own catchiness, thanks to the creative placements of FXs and quirky sounds. Yet, the rhythm feels sluggish even if lasting barely two minutes, not to mention the robotic vocals that subtracts the liveliness out of the equation.

Decent efforts, if summed up.

Fred Again.., Romy, HAAi – Lights Out
85/100

Prominently pushing the boundaries of electronic music, Fred Again.. doesn’t lack the boldness to pursue different genres.

Alongside performers Romy and HAAi, the production is soulfully tinged with splendid and deep vocals, while Fred did his magic with a nostalgic heavy breakbeat over a booming low-end. Although simple schema, the song excels with an encompassing atmosphere.

Michael Calfan, Nadia Ali – 3,2,1
81/100

If there’s one standout alias in House genre that has successively provided an unwavering quality of top-notch songs, it is none other than Michael Calfan.

The Paris based musician has come back together with EDM’s most renowned songstress Nadia Ali, who was on a hiatus for a while on her main alias. Hence this was a pleasant surprise that forced me to press play!

“3,2,1” delves on a radio-friendly deep house format, which I don’t mind on this occasion, beautifully lit up by the arresting performance from the mentioned singer. Calfan pairs a buzzing bassline to M1 organ lead, an unfailing combination that makes this track quite the charm.

Fergie – Phenomenon
84/100

It’s been a while since I have paid attention towards Armin van Buuren’s favourite sub-imprint Armind Recs, which is responsible for providing uncountable hits in the trance domain.

“Phenomenon” is a complete change of scenario, an invasion of darker and progressive sounds foreign to the label. Even the change to the minimal artwork style (which is reminiscent of the late 2000s style done by them). An unexpected inclusion nonetheless, yet Fergie delivers with his hypnotic yet driving techno signature.

Matt Lender – In Your Arms Again
80/100

The Dutch upcomer Matt Lender has been repeatedly mentioned on our blog for good reasons: his uncanny yet admirable ability to blend nu-disco and house with abundant and creative ear-candies.

“In Your Arms Again” has a somewhat retro touch to it, the samplings resonating a dash of vintage. The swing-y rhythms in company of a funky bass are a refreshing experience for the ears, to say the least.

Daniel K Universe – Fall For Me
83/100

It has escaped me how Daniel’s thumping and vigorous discography hasn’t picked up major traction yet, for the German producer offers psy-trance productions that hit, fair and square.

“Fall For Me” is further recognizable for its creator involved as the vocalist as well, an effort that was shown on the exuberant “Feines Untz Untz” as well. This time, however, there’s a dreamy and sublime assortment of synths, in cohorts with the dynamic and robust triplet bassline.

A splendid start to 2022 from the uprising name!

Bonus Review

Kill The Noise x Wolfgang Gartner x Ericka Guitron – How Ya Like Me Now
86/100

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