Weekly Roundup LVIII (The last Roundup of 2022)

This is it, folks. Next year is just around the corner, and we still haven’t gotten used to 2022. This edition of the Roundup will be the final one for this year as holidays are inching closer, and continue again as usual from the next month. A massive Thank You to everyone who reads and supports continuously. Until the next one then, happy holidays!

Armin van Buuren, Cosmic Gate – REFLEXION
77/100

As the ritual goes for A State of Trance, a yearly anthem is introduced by the head honcho Armin van Buuren himself to celebrate the occasion. Partnering with long-time veterans Cosmic Gate, this collaboration is a dream come true for many fans of the genre.

“REFLEXION” contains the might of the signatures from both meritorious players involved here, such as the razor-sharp electro-trance touch from the German duo; the Armada boss, on the other hand, had his hand on the melodic and sound design. Resultant is a passionate progressive trance record, although it isn’t hundred percent convincing knowing the number of classics both sides have given over the years. Nevertheless, it’s a nice souvenir for the audience, radiating the expertise of its creators.

Sam Smith, Kim Petras – Unholy (David Guetta Acid Remix)
75/100

My acquaintance with this song happened in a recent gauche post on David Guetta’s socials: one where the French bigwig expresses the idea of this remix to his co-producer on phone, chanting fervently “daddy, daddy, daddy”…

Anyways, the remix, yes. The viral song from Sam Smith and Kim Petras got a grittier and unholier treatment here, with filthy acid riffs coming right after the original vocals. A simple formula, but effective execution leads to an exciting acid-house remix that turns the trendy pop tune ready for sleazy raves.

Subtronics, Nevve – Spacetime (Virtual Riot Remix)
82/100

Bending “Spacetime”, revered American producer Virtual Riot has given his own flavor to track with violent synths and a dash of melodic atmosphere in the breakdowns. While the mellower segments have Nevve‘s tempting vocal do its charm, VR puts a heightened rhythm with trance-y arps ultimately mashing into the vicious drop that stands out purely because of sound-design: multiple, snarling stabs intermittently met with vocal chops and other oddities. If you listen another thirty seconds, it won’t be the same gutteral drop but instead a fast-moving house drop. Creative schematics turn this remix a great listen!

The Weeknd (produced by SHM) – Nothing is Lost (You Give Me Strength)
80/100

Chances are that you might be hitting the theatres soon to experience “Avatar: The Way of Water”, the technological marvel that is being hailed. Powering the soundtrack this time is the RnB star the Weeknd, but EDM fans already know the Swedish House Mafia are involved on the production duty.

While making critique of soundtracks doesn’t fall under my usual writing duties, I will say this: the music suits the gorgeous scenery of an alien world, with the Canadian performer’s voice floating over a harmonious choir and a grand orchestration. It’s a fetching piece, and most probably will enhance the cinematic experience.

RUNN, Tsu Nami – When I Fall
85/100

A sublime tune, “When I Fall” is an absolute delight to listen due to the exquisite vocals (perhaps sung by Tsu Nami here), remaining sentimental and tender to offer heartfelt lyrics. What stirred me more was the main hook, which is brilliantly laced with ricocheting layers of vocal synths, much more than usual expectations that I held prior to listening.

Furthermore, the ending abruptly goes for a higher pitch, putting a new perspective on the song and turning it even more catchier. The production is nothing short of meticulous, and the singing breathtaking!

Valentino Khan, NEVRMIND – Tidal Wave
80/100

Archetypal as much it might be, the evergreen blend of M1 organ over a house beat never can sound tiring, ever. American act Valentino Khan knows it too well, using the iconic sound over a bass house-like format for his latest tune “Tidal Wave”. A distorted and grungy overtone surrounds the track,
with a pitched down vocal in the chorus, while the drops uses a earworm-y riff to instantly grab attention. Later on, bright pianos also crash the party, which to some extent felt predictable, as even the repetition of the previous drop with minor variations could have been sufficient. That said, the approach on the composition is worthwhile of a listen.

Sam Parker – Sonrisa
83/100

Having drawn the praises and admiration from the likes of Le Youth and getting placed on ThisNeverHappened, the British producer/instrumentalist Sam Parker has his next tune on the imprint Enormous Vision. “Sonrisa” comes inches close to melodic/deep house records from the prominent figures such as Lane8, weaving a dreamy arpeggiated synth that elegantly opens up throughout the song. A fine choice of percussions serve a serene groove, letting the protagonist (the synths) remain unbridled with its melodic sheen.

Skully x Robin Clark x Examind x Alphachoice x Loudar – We Never Fall
Bonkers/100

What happens when you get five talented Hardstyle producers together on a project? Well the answer couldn’t have been easier: absolute rampage!

On the celebration for their 100th release, Blackbox digital got its resident producers Skully, Robin Clark, Examind, Alphachoice and Loudar to work on a firecracker appropriate for the occasion. “We Never Fall” begins with a suspense most Hardstyle songs do, and although I wasn’t a fan of the vocals readily, what came next instantly revved my adrenaline.

For the first serving of the drop, the collaborative song relentlessly hammers with variety of hardstyle kickdrums: some pitched up, others having incredulous distorted low-ends, an wild assortment that totally kicks (no-pun intended). Not only that, the second climax shifts towards a classic euphoric hardstyle design to sweeten the deal. Fascinating work, to say the least!