Weekly Roundup XLIX (with the latest from W&W, Miles Away, Armin van Buuren and more!)

As exciting as the prospect of slowly entering the wintery thresholds of the fall season are, so are the various records that are coming out. For now, we have numerous tracks from familiar (and relatively reputed) names in the electronic scene. This extensive installment of the Roundup contains the latest from W&W, Miles Away, Armin van Buuren and more!

Armin van Buuren, Diane Warren, My Marianne – Live on Love
85/100

The Dutch pioneer is experimenting; not that he wasn’t ever, but with “Live on Love”, Armin has traversed the boundaries and set himself for a progressive house record. Bringing together the time-tested elements such as the soft electro-pluck and a gently unfolding cadence on this synergy with Diane Warren and My Marianne, the Armind boss channels his specialty in composing Trance hits and remains successful. A delightfully soulful vocal accompanies the elevating instrumental, the latter opening up just before the conclusion and rushing with radiance it teases throughout.

Francis Mercier, Like Mike, Darla Jade – Speed of Light
82/100

This might be the highest rating that I might have given to any project including Like Mike or his counterpart in recent times, due to obvious reasons that our past articles made clear, yet one-half of DV&LM has invested in a song that deserves admiration. “Speed of Light” is the latest collaboration including Francis Mercier and songstress Darla Jade, published on Tiesto’s melodic house imprint AFTR:HRS.

Brassy stabs hover over projecting the broody tones of this melodic techno creation, with a tempting vocal from the said vocalist. It doesn’t break away from this magnetic and slowly entrancing inflection, using resonating arp synths, shuffling percussion, and delicate pads to hypnotic measures.

Jaxx & Vega, Maikki – Rave Time (W&W Edit)
75/100

If in the mood for an upbeat, definitive big room sound, then there’s “Rave Time”, fulfilling all the requirements as a festival-inclined tune. Add to that, there are two respected names from this vigorous style: Jaxx & Vega, with edits from the label-head W&W themselves. Ranging from excitement-inducing vocals from Maikki to the more than recognizable distorted synths over booming kickdrums, this track is everything inclusive to Rave Culture’s branding. Although, my gripes still remain about the lack of refreshing twists on a formula that has been applied to over a dozen other productions. Still, any devoted listener wouldn’t find themselves disappointed after this.

MUST DIE! – U SHOULD KNOW
83/100

After a dazzling performance that was “GRAVEBLOOM“, MUST DIE! strikes back with “U SHOULD KNOW”, adopting a sound and genre that is completely unexpected but entertaining nevertheless!

The track begins on a humble note with vocals and sparser pads, intending to be melodic, and then later joined by screechy arcade-like synths. Although that is a pretense set up for the brutal hardcore kicks that barrage in the drop, only pausing and returning to maximize its impact further. The breakdown expands on the intro, bringing in the lead synths and thrusting them over the rigorous kick-drum sequence. A show-stopping presentation!

Anto, LINNEY – White Flag
81/100

Hailing from Ohio, the American producer Anto has an enchanting treat to dig into. Collaborating with esteemed singer-songwriter LINNEY, “White Flag” is a stimulating approach to future bounce.

What entails in this project is a simple, but well-equipped intro that includes a delicate ambiance around the equally captivating vocal. Without breaking the pace, this segment flows rapidly into the rhythmically spruced-up drop. This introduces a danceable riff played by saw synths, accompanied by the funky toms and the vocal to an energetic degree. Plenty appealing!

UNDRESSD – Believe
84/100

Swedish duo UNDRESSD creatively transforms perennial pop hits into modern, radio-ready electronic music renditions. “Believe” was originally performed by the famed Cher in ’98 (which is best known for an unheard and inventive use of the then-nascent auto-tune processing tech). While the original exuded everything the late ’90s dance music is known for, this rework takes upon the more temperate aspects and builds upon that.

For instance, a mild and soothing pluck synth imitates the riff from its inspiration source while a wonderfully done cover is performed by the vocalist over the pleasant deep house instrumental. The main hook is cleverly enhanced by the presence of saxophone notes, blending into the already catchy interpretation. In almost every way, this version of “Believe” stands out on its own, and ingenuously molds into a attractive tribute to the classic.

Miles Away – Happy Tears
84/100

Optimistic and enthused with passionate production work, Canadian alias Miles Away teamed up with industrious names RUNN and AYMEN for a sentimental yet vibrant electro house record named “Happy Tears”.

A gorgeous foundation is assembled here to support the ethereal vocals from RUNN, as it elegantly goes towards the well-timed riser. The drop is proficiently assisted by glitching but cadent synths, moving at a swift pace and decorated with vocal snippets and an abundance of other ear candies.

Friction, Pola & Bryson – Into The Night
82/100

Quirky and fast-paced drums and euphoric synths work their magic on “Into The Night”, a brainchild of Friction, and pair Pola & Bryson, with the graceful vocal efforts from SHELLS. The outcome is a lively DnB tune that works with distorted and shifting synths, with alternative sounds that impart a minimal but sparse atmosphere. Preserving a balance between delightful and abrasive elements, this track is one for the all-nighter raves.