Weekly Roundup LXVII (With releases from Hardwell, Vorwerk, Vicetone, and more)
Packed with big timers, the sixty-seventh edition of the roundup has Hardwell, Vorwerk, Vicetone, and more. Let’s have a brief look at their latest releases!
Shouse, David Guetta – Live Without Love
81/100
The “Love Tonight” duo has devised a nifty trademark sound in the scene, and in a new collaboration with David Guetta, they showcased it further.
“Live Without Love” embarks with vocal harmonies backing the simple but dreamy house beat, owing to the trancey arp. There’s a main vocal that leads the ensemble, while the instrumental operates with the described setup.
Hardwell, Maddix, Luciana – ACID
84/100
Conjuring vicious squelching 909 acid riffs with peak-time techno arrangements, the “Rebels Never Die” creator Hardwell collaborated with fellow Dutchman Maddix for a bombastic tune titled “ACID”, featuring the reputed vocalist Luciana.
From the get-go, Luciana’s vocal grabs attention and creates hype toward the drop, which contains a familiar but classic one-note melody. The track follows the mainstage techno format, providing ample energy with its momentum.
Nicky Romero – Chapters
83/100
The Protocol Recordings label-head has created some of the most memorable progressive house records in the last few years, and although his recent strides toward commercial genres, Nicky Romero has retained his aptitude for a festival record.
“Chapters” introduces the necessary elements for a progressive house track: an emotional vocal and uplifting melody. Encased in signature arrangements, the track propels in the drops with rushing melodic energy, while the breakdowns are calmer and atmospheric with the vocals. Straightforward and ear-catchy, this track is a solid reminder of old-school Protocol.
Svidden – Live You Down
85/100
Although an unfamiliar moniker at first, Svidden is all but a stranger to dance music. The Nordic musician has collaborated with notable figures such as Galantis and SEEB, earning a Grammy nomination and millions of streams in the process.
His latest venture is “Live You Down”, a serene deep/melodic house creation that entrances with superlative vocals. Further, a wistful yet dreamy chord progression is played over by the plucky lead synths. A beautiful breakdown later, the drop picks up with hazy pads and turns it even more delectable. Admirable job on this song!
Vicetone – Dopamine Junkie (ft. Ben Samama)
80/100
In their usual trademark fashion, the Dutch duo Vicetone released “Dopamine Junkie” – a feelgood and upbeat deep house production that is fixated with catchy melodies and even catchier vocals from singer Ben Samama.
Using bright pianos and other ear candies, the vocals waltzes along with the funky bassline riff. Polished sound design and radio-friendly aesthetics aside, it’s a nice release indeed!
VORWERK & Jimmy Clash – Wake Up Call
77/100
The Dutch producer VORWERK has accumulated much renown over the years for his behind-the-scenes contribution to larger artists, along with individual releases and collaborations that have given him a platform to showcase his experience. “Wake Up Call” is a synergy with the Dutch act Jimmy Clash, who also has a sizeable reputation from multiple Electro House releases on various labels.
Following the recent trends, the mentioned track works with blunt warehouse techno kickdrums, preceded by strong acid riffs. A central melodic breakdown takes after the drop, focused towards a synth pluck that ultimately elevates towards the finale. While the song shows off the collective adeptness of both producers, it slightly lacks uniqueness with cut-and-dried structuring. Otherwise, a considerable club weapon for DJs!
David Guetta, Anne Marie, Coi Leray – Baby Don’t Hurt Me
80/100
Giving a techno twist to the latest dance-pop record from David Guetta, the up-and-comer Hypaton teamed up with the trance-veteran Giuseppe Ottaviani. “Baby Don’t Hurt Me” is originally a rework of the 90s Euro-dance hit from Haddaway.
Keeping a trance and techno amalgam temperament, the remix has two separate drops that give both producers their opportune. While Hypaton does his best with future rave elements, Giuseppe Ottaviani introduces a euphoric trance atmosphere with the arps and expansive pads. In my opinion, a much better take compared to the original!
Flume – n1cevib3 1.3 [2015 Export Wav]
83/100
Experimenting even further, the Australian act Flume presented “Arrived Anxious, Left Bored”, his latest album which is full of his previous works, reworked for the fans to enjoy. “n1cevib3 1.3” is one among the many that caught my attention for its unconventional production style.
With sweeping lead synths and analog pads, the song thrives over a gradual pacing with ambient pads and dusty percussions supplementing the beat. Distorted vocals and other elements liven up the production further, equally adding to the unanticipated assortment of sounds on this melodic project.
