Are 4 Tik Toks Enough?

LNY TNZ isn’t new to creating “Hard Mixes” for his tracks, often not giving an ‘FVCK’ to the traditional EDM genres and blending together various styles. Four separate versions for “Tik Tok” are… Well, a bit much, nonetheless they all are interesting for our eyes (and ears) desperate for fresh ideas to review.

Spinnin’ Records Asia, after being on hibernation for a few months, is back with another interesting release, featuring the likes of the said Dutch creator and DJ SODA.

Their joint effort, “Tik Tok“, in its original form is a Latino Tropical production, where a speedy vocal (annoying to my ears unused to high-pitched sound) dances around in an exotic set of percussions. It’s like a ballad, amusing to listen to, and maintains a fast pace that turns slightly uncomfortable. Easy seventy out of a hundred, considering that we have different preferences.

After the ballad, the listener can choose between ‘the Dance Mix, the Hard Mix, and the Dubstep Mix’.

The Dance Mix can be regarded as a “Gabry Ponte & LUM!X” version, but ironically now the vocal seems slowed down and I couldn’t connect with the melody. You know, the overused presentation. The final section is even sluggish, in a Psy-type finale that tries to be unpredictable. Not fully convinced, and a sixty-five would be a deserving score for this edit.

The Hard Mix (which also features Empira), a classic label that LNY TNZ adopts, surprisingly begins with Psy-Trance instead! I swear, this guy always manages to get me! It’s a greatly entertaining Hardstyle approach, with an orchestral build-up and harder kicks exploding at the climax. There’s even a rawstyle in the third drop! Instant satisfaction, 83/100!

Yet, the lead is taken over by the Dubstep Mix. In a 2012 Skrillex mood, the drop brings up a lot of “Bangarang” elements, and it enchants with well-configured schematics, wherein older and new styles mix together with Hardstyle sequence just to keep the stamina high. For those who prefer nostalgia, here is the right choice, with a pinch of futurism that stays up to date: 86/100.

The duo pulled off an impressive miracle in showing their management with such curious vocals in completely contrasting environments, always creating a fitting outcome. It’s fun to explore different points of view, even if now I have to take a pause as “Tik Tok” is effortlessly on a loop for me, stuck in my head!