Weekly Roundup XLII (records from major players like Hardwell, Swedish House Mafia, Bingo Players)

A tongue-in-cheek answer to the question everything might be a puzzling “42“, but what’s the answer to this week’s releases? To be apt, we have records directly oncoming from major players like Hardwell, Swedish House Mafia, Bingo Players, and even more on this extended edition of Weekly Roundup!

Swedish House Mafia, Fred Again, & Future – Turn on the Lights Again
84/100

After aiding the Nordic trio on their album that came out earlier this year in co-production, enterprising British act Fred Again.. continues to dissolve genre boundaries, with the esteemed group forming a collaboration. While this is a notable achievement for the said producer, “Turn On the Lights Again” is no featherweight underperformer.

Featuring the trending rapper Future, the formidable team took an unexpected choice for their synergy: garage and breakbeat, greatly inspired by the 90’s underground raves. Throw in hints of trance and a solid, wobbling bassline that attributes to the classic features of the said styles, it is an absolute heater for the audience. No wonders why so many urged for this one!

Bingo Players – F*ck Them
72/100

Talking about the 90s, well, we have something of another homage. Coming from the veteran act Bingo Players, “F*ck Them” is a modern descendant of the similarly titled hit from the renowned alias Human Resource from 1994.

The original gained its infamy thanks to its wicked gabber/Hard techno qualities, complete with distorted kickdrums and the classic hoover synth sound that became a hit with the audience through the earlier success “Dominator“. The Dutch DJ/Performer didn’t stray far from the formula, which disappointed me slightly. Using similiar schematics, a punchier kickdrum takes the mantle now, with a cleaner, modernistic production owing to technological leaps that happened in the last three decades.

If you are a fan of the original, this might appeal to you.

Martin Garrix, Breathe Carolina – Something
81/100

Overseeing a special one-time merger between the upstart imprint Tomorrowland Music and STMPD, Martin Garrix and Breathe Carolina‘s latest efforts is “Something” we need to talk about.

Alright, pun asides, the producers involved chose a crossover arrangement of what can be termed as a big-room-inspired breakdown – pluck synths, soft pads opening up towards the drop, which brings in a fast riffing lead, playing over in fragmented one-note pattern. It is a creative notion alright, utilizing the signature sound balance achieved between this synergy.

John Summit & GUZ (ft. Stevie Appleton) – What A Life
83/100

Having an uncanny sense of creating stand-out productions, such as mixing a refreshing pinch of modern tech house over 90s dance music, Chicago-denizen John Summit is on a streak these days. Conspiring with GUZ and singer Stevie Appleton, the trio came up with “What A Life“.

The immediate attention-catching detail is the Electric Rhodes sound (which John claims to be recorded via a Korg M1), as the track remains infused with cheery and upbeat flow throughout. Imagine a sunny day sort of tonality, with tons of groove and energy flowing.

Hardwell – LASER
82/100

The newest appendage to Hardwell‘s oncoming album is “LASER“, which true to the fashion opted by the rest of the constituents of “Rebels Never Die“, uses Techno flavoring with ample funky laser fired all over. A sampled narration extends the gravitas of the instrumental, and the drop rams in with booming kickdrums and other signature instruments of rave that the Dutch icon prefers these days. It is resourceful, I must add.

FIGHT CLVB & Henry Fong – Presos
84/100

Spicy Latino music meets House music in this experiment called “Presos“, devised by FIGHT CLVB and Henry Fong. Fit with swanky brasses over a cascading low-end, it also ushers in other ethnic ingredients inclusive of playful percussions and fervent shouts. A great kick-starter for club parties has been formulated here!

BLUK, Fiko – Too Hot To Handle
81/100

Setting even more milestones, Mumbai-based DJ/Producer BLUK entered into NoCopyrightSounds (or endearingly called NCS) with returnee act Fiko, putting up a dynamite show for everyone in “Too Hot To Handle“.

Strictly maintaining a minimal and groove-focused schematic, the bass house production creates ruckus with one-shots and gritty electro synths. The breakdown bridges the track by introducing a soft pluck synth, giving away to the usual business with a short but snappy lift towards the outro drop sequence. Clean, efficient, and mercury-raising work from the inventive pair!

Olly James, Technikore – Where Did You Go
78/100

“Where Did You Go“, an outcome of brainstorming sessions between the renowned Olly James and Technikore, is reminiscent of a Nightcore-type vibe with the signature Hands-up mentality. The Rave Culture upload attains a dreamy yet pulsating tonality, thanks to the sharp lead synths and explosive kicks that do the charming work.