Seven Lions - Fevers ( Feat. Minnesota and Mimi Page)

Two powerhouses in EDM have joined forces to create a track of epic proportions.

Seven Lions and Minnesota have teamed up with Mimi Page to give us Fevers.

The track is a combination of soulful production skills, an ethereal ambiance and the angelic voice of Page that succeeds in combining the mystical with hard-hitting bass lines and melodic chord progressions. The track has already been a hit on Soundcloud, with close to 80 000 plays in 3 days

This is definitely a track worth checking out if you are a fan of melodic dubstep.

The track is available for free download off Seven Lions Soundcloud, Minnesota’s Soundcloud and is part of OWSLA’s The Nest.

Life Magic - Highway Dawn EP

I am always up for promoting local talent and the next artist has definitely a bright future ahead of him. 

Guy MacKinnon-Little or rather Life Magic is relatively unknown. Wait, let me rephrase that - I know absolutely jack shit about him. Don't even know what the lad looks like but I do know that he is a fucking talented musician. I guess that's all that matters in the end. 

So I was casually waddling about Twitter, going on my random stream of consciousness rant when I get this notification from my home girl SIDESHOW. She tells me I must check out this link, by that time, I was sitting in a boring ass meeting, Wi-Fi wasn't working and I was itching to take a listen. My curiosity always gets the better of me, I guess that's why I'm journalist. 

So anyway, when the meeting ended, I quickly jogged over to the nearest cafe and abused the internet.

Let me tell you, this EP was worth the jog. Initially I wasn't expecting much but I was still curious to check it out. 

The EP starts off with the title track Highway Dawn which in my opinion is a mixture of trap, electro and some ambient sounds. The drums only start to kick in like 1 minute into the track, usually songs like that would bore me because usually the intro melody isn't strong enough to grab me. 

This is not the case with Highway Dawn. It has this very spacey feel to it which I find quite enigmatic and beautiful. When the drums and the drop come in, I was sold because it just sounds so damn smooth. 

The next and last track off the EP is Pool Fun. When that intro melody starts, it made me feel like I was lying on the ground in an enchanted forest. When that sub bass, the drums and the punchy synths gradually fill your ears I knew this would be my favourite track off the EP. 

I was quite disappointed that it was only a two track release because I wanted to hear more tracks from the lad. I'm sure that this Cape Town bloke will provide more enchanting music for us in the future.

The best way I can describe this EP is - This is some awesome dolphin music that is perfect for those days when you just want to lose yourself and smoke weed.

Check out his Soundcloud, Twitter and Facebook for more info. 

This EP is released off naasMusic Electronic and is a free download. 

Liar - Alpha EP

This EP has had a lasting effect on me.

I have never been into the whole trap genre but when it is described as being post trap infused with future garage and minimalist elements? Well then I will sit up and pay attention.

So I checked out this Romanian artist on Soundcloud. Never heard of this bloke before but by God he is talented. It has been awhile since I have listened to an EP that is so well produced and so interesting, it is really something new. Making use of weird elements that do not normally go together and combining them to create such awesome music. 

The first track - Tequila Mockingbird - is probably the best track off the album. The title in itself is so brilliant that it caught my attention immediately. The track features North American producer and DJ Druid Cloak. The track has all the elements of a banger, choral sections, melancholic vocals, a heavy bass drop and that poignant minimalist feeling and tempo to it. As soon as i listened to this track with my headphones, the drop and the heavy bass just blew my head off. 

Alpha is the title and the next track on the EP. This is quite an interesting track. Interesting in the sense that it uses Ciara's Get Up vocal snippet as the main vocal breakdown. This really works well with the hip hop feel. This track actually reminds me of a post moomba track infused with trap elements. I love these weird combinations, keeps things interesting. 

Honey Trap is the third track off the EP. To be totally honest, it isn't my favourite track but it does have some great aspects to it. I really love the drums in this track, its heavy and goes so well with the industrial minimalist feel of the rest of the track. Combine with the a typical trap drop, it makes for a pretty catchy song. But this is also the reason why it doesn't sit well with me, I have heard too many trap songs that use this effect and it has become quite boring to me. But take nothing away from the song, it is extremely well produced and will be a firm favourite with Trap enthusiasts. 

The EP also boasts with remixes from future-garage heavyweight ViLLΛGE and also Fuckowfski.

To buy the EP visit the Origami Sound site. 

For more information on Liar check out - Soundcloud, Twitter and Facebook

Kicks n Licks - The Expedition

Kicks n Licks are probably one of my favourite bass acts at the moment.

What I like about this San Diego duo is that they have such a clear sound and they don't try to do too many things at once. Less is more with these guys and I always respect that.

Their self released EP The Expedition has been one of my top plays for the week. More props to them for making this beauty a free download because it is definitely loaded with quality tracks. 

I really liked the fact that they have a variety of bass tracks on their EP. You will find dubstep, drum and bass and even a trap track on the EP. It definitely shows their flexibility as producers. The EP will show their Hip Hop roots come through into a well crafted bass EP. It is always great when producers combine other genres into their work.

While listening to the EP I must say that the their sound reminded me a little a bit of Adventure Club with the melodic synth work. 

The feel good drum and bass banger After Hours and the hard hitting title track The Expedition are definitely the best tracks off the EP in my opinion. Even the trap influenced Hit Em' With The Horns surprised me with its well crafted, punchy sound. 

This EP will satisfy any bass lover, it has something for everybody. Definitely worth checking out.

You can download the EP for free off their website.

James Egbert & Schoolboy - Silver Lining EP

I am a big fan of these lads, both of them are masters of their craft and they are some of the few producers that always tries something new. 

I knew the day that these two would combine their talents it would be a release of intergalactic proportions. And boy was I right.

Silver Lining consists out of 3 tracks; the electro house banger and aptly named intro track All Systems Go, The glitch hop offering Hero Down and the dubstep anthem Stardust featuring talented Taylr Renee. 

There is no other way to describe All Systems Go but as an epic journey infused with orchestral glory. This is the phrase that came to mind when I was listening to it for the first time. That orchestral breakdown just kicks me in the face every time I listen to the track. Combine that with an epic vocal sample and an insane drop - well you got a winner. This is definitely a track that will be a banger in the clubs.

Hero Down serves as a great calm down for the EP. It slows down the pace from All Systems Go and has this great glitchy sound to it with a very catchy melody. What really stood out in this track were the piano breakdowns. It is very well crafted and doesn't detach from the overall feel of the song. 

Stardust ends the EP with a bang. There is nothing better than ending an EP with an anthemic dubstep track. I love the vocals in this track, the lyrics are cleverly written and fits in with the space theme that is a constant on the EP. With the background chorus shadowing the main vocals it just gives it this uplifting feel, like Zedd's Clarity effect. I love the why that the vocals go so well with the drop, this definitely is something that is not easy to do and they used the vocal loop to perfection. 

I really enjoyed this EP and the production quality is amazing. I recommend James Egbert and Schoolboy for really producing an EP that succeeds in its musicality. 

Definitely worth every penny.

This EP was released off Infrared Music

The EP is available on Beatport.

Check them out on Soundcloud / Soundcloud, Twitter / Twitter, Facebook / Facebook

Specimen A - Rock Star EP

The first time I heard about Specimen A is when I came across their track Unforgettable on
YouTube. I was very impressed with the brutality and the melodic nature that was present in the
track, so I decided to check them out and lo' and behold, they had an EP that just came out. My
curiosity always gets the better of me when it comes to listening to new music so I decided to go
grab the EP.

Rock Star (Explicit) starts the EP off with a very intricate chromatic distorted guitar arpeggio which
adds to the rock theme of the whole EP. Suffice adds the Cypress Hill-esque rap vibes to the track
which just adds to the brutality of the track. The drop of the track brings in this sort of muscular
power which balances out the melodic lead and the very intense drop.
The vocal parts are not too overpowering and is well synchronised with the rest of the track.
Arpeggios pretty much dominate this track which is already a big plus in my books. The melody is
also one which is quite impressive, infusing metal, with neo-classical and electronic elements is
very intriguing.

All or Nothing opens with an Egyptian sounding intro melody and leads into heavy tribal-esque
drumming which serves as a great build-up for the very melodic drop. What really impressed me
about this track is the melody. To use an Egyptian sounding melody and get it right to not sound too
distant from the rest of the EP takes some doing.
Unforgettable feat Nickita is definitely going to be a hit amongst dubstep DJs. The vocal prowess of
Nickita adds a pop element to the track which is very well balanced by the very brutal drop. What I
like about this track is that it is not as grimy as other dubstep releases, This track reminded me a
lot of the Pegboard Nerds sound and their use of intricate synths. Unforgettable is definitely a track
that I'm going to rinse at my next gig.
Closer feat Miss Trouble is the best drum and bass track on the album and it is definitely one of the
highlights on the EP. The drums are definitely the winning factor in this track. The pendulum-esque
drum work is quite impressive and ties really well with the vocals and the overall melody. This track
will definitely be a firm favourite with DnB DJs for its ferocity and its melodic quality. I love how the
vocals are not very present but they come in at just the right time, this is great because it allows for
more focus on the music.
This EP is extremely in your face and opens and ends with a bang.With the insane melodic drops,
the intricate chord progressions and the well infused vocal parts, it is definitely an EP that
succeeds in its production quality.

Specimen A have succeeded in delivering an EP which is well produced and succeeds in
combining melodic harmony with technical brutality. There is not much variation on the album and
they have not tried anything new but I have to recommend the lads on their awesome production
abilities, it is crisp, flawless and they know what works well together. It is definitely an EP that will
go down well with any listener that enjoys music on the rough side. Definitely a buy that is
worthwhile.

The Rock Star EP is released off Funkatech Records and is available on Beatport.

Check out Specimen A on Twitter, Facebook and Soundcloud.

Oxylice - Pyramid Symphony

Oxylice is another artist that I happen to come across while searching for new talent. And boy I was pleasantly surprised.

I have never actually been a big fan of the electro-trash genre but with Oxylice, he combines elements of dubstep and electro house to his tracks. This I find quite interesting and refreshing. There is not much known about the masked Belgian but the lad can definitely produce music alright. After hearing his track Stratos on YouTube I just had to get his EP Pyramid Symphony.

First off I think it is best to start with minor criticisms. I was a bit disappointed after hearing the track 42. I was so hyped up when I heard Stratos that I thought the other tracks would be just as great. 42 relies heavily on its distorted synths and the problem that I have with it is that there is not much variation. It pretty much carries on without anything changing and it becomes monotonous. Now I am not taking anything away from the production quality of the track, which is of an extremely high quality but that particular track just isn't on par with the rest of the EP in my opinion.
Now lets move on to the good stuff. Next up is Stratos. This is really quite an impressive track. It starts with a very simple melody which pretty much guides the whole direction of the track. Oxylice pretty much shows that you do not need intricate melodies to carry a track, stick to the basics and grow from there. The drop is one that works really well and the vocal sample combines perfectly with the electro - trash drop that follows it. This track is definitely one that is going to be an underground club banger.
Technical Difficulties is probably my favourite track off the EP. Again it starts with with a very simple yet effective melody that is accompanied with a crisp drum beat. Initially the track starts off in a very calm manner but it soon changes when the vocal samples come in and the heavily distorted drop blows up in your face. The drop will be a firm favourite with dubstep crowds and will no doubt have people raging with its distorted lines and wubs.
Overall this isn't a bad EP, in fact it is very enjoyable and it definitely showcases Oxylice's talent and producing prowess. I enjoyed it so much that I wished there were more original tracks on the EP. Now I
am not taking anything away from the remixes but I would have liked to see more of the lad's original tracks, he has an interesting style which I wanted to hear more of. Hopefully there is another EP in the works.

There is definitely a bright future ahead of Oxylice, the lad is talented and he is definitely on the right path. If you like your music more on the distorted side, then check out this EP, it's a banger.

Pyramid Symphony is off Jet Set Trash Records and also boasts with three remixes from Tim Tonik, Hantise and Divine X.

You can buy the EP off Beatport .

For more information on Oxylice, check out his Twitter, Facebook and
Soundcloud

Nom De Strip - Clouds EP

Nom De Strip have been around for awhile. And what I mean by awhile I mean like years and years.

Nom De Strip, or rather Chris Elliot is quite well known in the EDM circles and has been receiving a lot of praise for his producing capabilities.

I must admit that I absolutely hated and I still hate most of his older tracks. I checked out his Soundcloud like a month ago and I just couldn't bring myself to like anything.  I was sitting in front of my laptop, listening to his tracks and thinking good God this a load of bollocks. I quickly forgot about Nom De Strip.

This changed when a mate of mine told me to check out Nom's new EP called Clouds. Now, let me tell you, I gave my mate a mouthful on how I don't want to listen to it because I just don't like Nom De Strip but my curiosity got the better of me in the end. I took another leap of faith and got myself the EP. 

I was quite impressed that this EP was released by Mau5trap, this gave my some hope that this EP might just have good things install.  

And boy was it something else. Opening up with the title track Clouds, I was completely shell shocked. I couldn't believe that it is the same producer that I hated awhile ago. Clouds is a perfect mixture of melodic bliss, catchy leads and an awesome drum beat. 

I am a very big fan of punchy electro house tracks and Clouds definitely falls into that category. The opening arpeggio is so skilfully composed and beautifully harmonised with the main chords in the background that I was taken to another dimension. I am all for chord progressions being done correctly and according to a scale and Thank God this was done correctly. 

The thing that I really like about this EP is that it only has 3 tracks. I hate it when EP's feel the need to go on forever and ever. Less is always more. Good life lesson to learn. 

The next track on the EP is the progressive house track Counting Sheep. At first I thought this title was a joke but I quickly realised that it serves a purpose. The beat and the intro melody really sets off the tone for a metronomic feel to it which made me realise that this is why it's called Counting Sheep. I thought this was really clever and it made me like the EP even more. This track isn't as punchy as Clouds but it is definitely skilfully produced, all the elements are so well put together  and the drop couldn't be more fitting. Relying on mostly just bass in the drop ,sequenced in a melodic progression was genius. You don't have any over the top drops but rather a drop that goes well with the rest of the song. 

Pulse is the last track off the EP.It starts off as a seemingly generic house track which I thought would have a drum intro for like 5mins but it quickly changes after 1 minute or so when a staccato melody enters the equation and sets up the rise to the drop. The melodic nature of this staccato arpeggio is one that really caught my attention, it is a simple melody used to perfection. The drop is pretty much an extended version of the melody, the amplified and distorted bass and melodic feel to it just works so goddamn well. Pulse reminded me reminded me a lot of Kill The Noise's sound, especially the drop part. It serves as a great end to the EP. It brings together all the elements of Clouds and Counting Sheep into one track. 

Nom De Strip's Clouds EP has definitely converted me to being a fan. Elliot's production capabilities are definitely a force to be reckoned with, the fact that he has the ability to compose melodies that are simple yet effective is another area which makes this EP so amazing. 

To buy the Clouds EP check out Beatport.

Follow Nom De Strip on Twitter, Facebook and Soundcloud.