Weekly Roundup XLVI (ranging from Nicky Romero and Hardwell to Deniz Koyu)

Before you even know it, September’s looming in. And this month was no lesser in terms of releases, with the final week seemingly plenty determined to drive that point home. Ranging from Nicky Romero and Hardwell to Deniz Koyu, a mix of renowned EDM trailblazers and upcomers are featured in this edition of the Weekly Roundup!

Armin van Buuren – Clap
77/100

Getting into the trendy Future Rave territory here, which is selling like hot pancakes in the mainstage department, the Armada music label-head has introduced us to “Clap“: a single reminiscent of Armin’s big room trance era from the past decade, with aggressive monolithic festival riffs, hyping breakdowns with a tinge of that trance-y touch and ultimately a swift transition into the drop. Using that nasally and distorted saw synth with a groovy flair, the track doesn’t adhere to one particular style, which earns it further points.

Yet, there isn’t a meaty hook in this record, in my opinion, although that may differ for various listeners. Still a decent complement to the veteran’s discogs.

Mike Williams, Matluck – Closing Time
73/100

The opening lyrics to “Another Night” go something like: “It’s been so long…“, and well, it has been. After their previous hit collaboration on Spinnin’ Records, Dutch producer Mike Williams, and Floridan singer-songwriter Matluck teamed up after half a decade on “Closing Time“.

Striding with a steady pace, the song begins on a sublime note and mostly functions on the merit of charming vocals, soft pads, and other components imparting an ethereal timbre. Afterward, an enthusiastic drop enters the scene adhering to the decorum, having a brisk riff that is associable with Mike William’s melodic style. No future bounce here though, as it takes to an electro-pop style to appeal to the radio-friendly crowds.

Nicky Romero, EDX – Out of Control
75/100

Coincidentally during the time of writing, I didn’t expect to rate the third consecutive track in the seventies. But hey, c’est la vie.

“Out Of Control” comes from the pioneering minds of Nicky Romero and EDX, and although I haven’t paid much attention to the Protocol Recording’s owner as much these days due to his more dance-pop leaning projects, a synergy with EDX is something to be talked about. Consisting of a male vocalist who does a fair job, there’s a catchy deep house convention that the Swiss deep house specialist has perfected over years.

Well, it doesn’t undermine or surpass expectations. Mostly the latter.

Hardwell – Self Destruct
83/100

Unwrapping the second last track to his album “Rebels Never Die“, Hardwell’s latest techno contraption “Self Destruct” is meant to go literal on the dancefloors. Using glitching and phasing out lead synths, something that I admired on this experimental techno peak-timer, the breakdown sticks to the explosive theme and effortlessly adjoins the outro drop.

Staying true such as the former consecutive singles, we only have the titular track left for a grand finale.

Slanks, 24bit, CRÈME – War Paint
81/100

Returning to the roundup is the skillful creator Slanks, having a team-up with producer 24bit and vocalist CRÈME on the striking “War Paint“.

Taking the limelight in this production is the delightfully charming and rebellious vocals from the mentioned songstress, adeptly placed over the war-themed orchestral which could be its soundtrack. The drop sways over a zestful balance of distorted saw synths and percussive constituents like the snares. An opulent future bass experience, certainly!

QUIX – Take My Breath Away (feat. Linney)
82/100

New Zealand hailing QUIX has a knack for stitching together a medley of sounds that can stand out without conforming to genre standards. Pairing up with the American vocalist Linney, the producer showcases his sound design excellence in under four minutes: ranging from electro-dystopian type to upbeat chord synths, supplemented with various one-shots.

“Take My Breath Away” simply does what it advertises.

Deniz Koyu, Elliphant – Clicks
78/100

For his second offering this year, Deniz Koyu continues with his dirty electro-groove house trademark as evident on “Clicks” with Elliphant.

Slightly earlier this year, the German producer devised with long-time accomplice Alesso a similar project called “In My Feelings”. While the overall feel to his latest approaches isn’t as aggressive as saying “Tung!“, but a tad laidback and focused on the rolling rhythm. “Clicks” fall into that category more or less, with jazzy drop sequences featuring stabby synth leads and overall tech house demeanor, ultimately staying true to Koyu’s signature.

Psycho Boys Club – Once Again
80/100

This one could be a hit-and-miss with many here, mostly because of its overly repetitive and abstract tone. But that’s to be expected in such a warehouse-ready, grimy techno weapon. From Psycho Boys Club, this mau5trap will please core fans of this genre with its relentless jabs from hard techno/gabber-inspired kickdrums, rave stabs, and sweeping hats.