Don’t stop, won’t stop: “Ghetto” is trademark trippy ‘future jack’ by @dj_DOD

D.O.D., “Ghetto”

“Ghetto” is fast and furious fun in the big room sub-genre, from Wall Recordings courtesy of the U.K.’s D.O.D. (aka Dan O’Donnell), whose music is being supported by a who’s who of contemporary dance music – Calvin Harris, A-Trak, Sander van Doorn, among others.  While “Ghetto” doesn’t sound entirely new to me – think back to the late 90’s and annoyingly infectious club hits like “Up To No Good” by The Porn Kings – it follows in the series of D.O.D. releases labelled as ‘future jack’.  However you want to call it, “Ghetto” is two and a half minutes of crazy fun that will endeavour to enlist club goers to show off a bit.  You’ll have to keep your ears peeled as to why it’s called “Ghetto” though!  Listen at the link above.

UK singer/songwriter @JamesPoole_ continues to carve a new path with seething synths of “I Am Lion”

JAMES POOLE, “I Am Lion”

After returning to music after a hiatus and a bit of a rethink this Spring with the fun but blunt “I’ve Started Fuckin’ Someone Else”, UK singer/songwriter James Poole has unleashed the potent “I Am Lion”.  It envisions Lion as the ultimate warrior with the chorus finale of the five ferocious words “I am lion, fear me“, screamed/sung by James in a holy fuuuckkk moment like no one outside of the metal genre.  It’s followed by a daunting blaze of celebratory synths that make the song seethe even more with indelible power.  Aside from this “I Am Lion” plays out like a medieval short story in a unique production.  Check it out at the link above and support your Lion king by picking it up at your favourite local digital store.

Australia-based Brit @Latchmeresound works the dancefloor goods with promising EP “Lovedrunk”

https://soundcloud.com/latchmeresound/sets/lovedrunk

LATCHMERE, Lovedrunk (EP)

Talk about packing an unassuming dance floor wallop!  I’ve been writing about the songs of dance music scene relative newcomer Latchmere over the last year or so, and upon the release of his excellent debut 5 song EP Lovedrunk this week, I got to find out more about this Brit who relocated to Australia a few years back.  

Latchmere is musician Shaun Galvin, whose influences are more contemporary such as Calvin Harris, Snakehips, Flume, and Kaytranada, yet some of the love songs in Lovedrunk bask in beats and rhythms that I would associate with old school Chicago deep house, such as in the brilliant, club-worthy opener “Need Your Heart” with a super uncredited female vocal.  The vibe throughout the EP is definitely summery, with the mysterious melody and house rhythm of “Monster”, featuring the fine voice of a woman named Dylan, and brighter, tropical flavour in “Deep End” with vocals by Chariots.  “Got Me” features another uncredited vocalist (this time male) with underlying soulful melody and hip hop rhythm surrounded by contemporary electronics.  Latchmere uses acousting-sounding drums, percussion, and piano to enhance the synths at the root of the music.  The last song on the EP is the title track, an instrumental, which seems somewhat out of place and without the infectiousness of the preceding songs.

Do go and lend your support to Latchmere’s Lovedrunk!  “Need Your Heart” and “Monster” are definite house-bangers in-waiting, and you can hear the entire EP at the link above.  Pick up Lovedrunk at your favourite digital music store.

 

Chicago duo @MilknCooks deliver chilled out ‘n jazzy “Joy District”

milkncooks

MILK ‘N COOKS, “Joy District”

Chicago’s Milk ‘n Cooks have been on the dance music scene long enough to know how to mix it up with their releases.  “Joy District” is a chilled out and jazzy alternative late night track that steps away from big beats in favour of a melody for a cruise down the highway, accompanied by standout guitar work by Andrew Slutsky.  The guys altered their vocals for this song which definitely adds to its sublime intrigue.  Be sure to lend your ears for a listen to “Joy District” at the link below.  Milk ‘n Cooks are on tour in various US cities throughout September and October, so watch for them near you!

Nightlife’s swingin’ with “Rocola De Verano” by #OttoBotte featuring #Rochee

OTTO BOTTÉ featuring ROCHEE, “Rocola De Verano”

I’m not sure what the title of “Rocola De Verano” is supposed to reference, but the debut single by Grammy-nominated Colombia-bred NYC-based producer Otto Botté just sings NYC swingin’ nightlife.  It’s a jazzy, effortless slice of Latin-spiced electronica featuring charming and easy-going vocals by NYC-based singer Rochee that totally fits the groove.  Otto has had a varied history of both Latin and EDM productions, even working with the likes of Robin Schulz recently, and the influences all come to fruition in “Rocola”.  It’s one sophisticated party unto itself, recalling to me the slick and fun of fellow NYC-er August Darnell’s 70’s and 80’s acts Dr. Buzzard’s Original “Savannah” Band and Kid Creole & The Coconuts.  “Rocola” nails that vibe – also featuring Grammy-winning trombonist Frank Cohen – and wins big time!

Get to know the melodic and reflective “Driveway” by new duo @thisisculpriit

culpriit

culpriit, “Driveway”

culpriit is a new project brought to you by American singer Colin Dieden (also of The Mowglis) and British producer/songwriter Rob Ellmore.  Their debut single “Driveway” is essentially about kicking back and with nothing to do and nowhere to go on a lazy weekend, except perhaps reflecting on some good times which might just involve making out in a cool car.  Ahhh the stories of our youth… and “Driveway” is set to a carefree rhythm that goes for a killer bounce just before the 1:30 mark that reels you in, and is carried by a familiar, melodic vocal chorus.  Ready-set-go: “Driveway” will get stuck in your head for days and make you revel in the art of doing nothing.  With quality like this, we’ll be hearing more from culpriit soon.  Check out “Driveway” at the link below.

Hard ‘n soulful trap from @VOVIIIdj with “CYFI”

VOVIII, “CYFI” (free DL)

“CYFI” by the Boston duo of Brandon and Josh who call themselves VOVIII (that’s actually 5-0-8) is one hard-hitting dose of trap/electronica that you won’t want to miss.  The main chorus of the song, featuring a powerful female R&B vocal, sounds like a sample from a soul hit of yesteryear – and maybe it isn’t – but it trades off with whirling synths, bright percussion sounds, and big bold beats.  This makes “CYFI” a must for fans of tougher EDM who like their music to leave them breathless.  After receiving support from folks you know like NGHTMRE and Borgeous, VOVIII are off to a wild start through powerhouses like Spinnin’ and MMXVAC which only makes you want to hear more.  You can get “CYFI” for free at the link up top.

Pop classic “Time Of The Season” gets a new bassy trip from @ESQ_APE

https://soundcloud.com/esqape/timez

[ esq ]ape , “Time Of The Season”

“Time Of The Season” is an atmospheric slice of psychedelic pop from 1969 courtesy of British group The Zombies (who are still out there performing in one shape or another). You may also recall Canadian and Grammy winning R&B singer Melanie Fiona using the musical hook as the basis for her 2008 hit “Give It To Me Right”. The [esq]ape eyewear and apparel company have partnered with the L.A. music community and Lowly Palace in a cool and unique marketing approach to make songs complimentary to their brand. This rendition of “Time” latches onto the memorable, eerie vibe and manages not only to update the song but shake it up a bit with a new bassy, disco-inspired groove.  Once you recognize the song, the core is exceptionally produced with well-placed effects, drops and breaks to keep the best dancers happy.  The vocals are in the right element, giving major props to the original.  The beginning and ending are the weakest parts of the song but once you dive into the deepest parts of the song you will be sold.  Check out “Time Of The Season” – and maybe get yourself some slick [esq]ape eyewear too! – at the above link.

 

One last dance on the beach makes “Infinite Summers” by @AashMehtamusic featuring @Lydia__Kelly_

AASH MEHTA featuring LYDIA KELLY, “Infinite Summers”

Following up his lush and romantic EP Stardust, should we expect anything less than a song about “Infinite Summers” from Chicago-based producer/DJ Aash Mehta?  Working once again with Lydia Kelly (you’ll remember last year’s “FriendZone”), “Infinite Summers” is one of those songs for a last dance on the beach at the end of summer, knowing that those kinds of moments will always be in our thoughts if not in real time.  So there’s a mix of emotions as a result, happy but forlorn, and even the synthesized horn sounds have a warm appeal about them.  So give the summer another whirl for now and forever, and check out “Infinite Summers” above while you’re at it 🙂

Big, fun beats from @WhiteLowreal & @DJMirkoB with “Break It Down”

WHITELOW & DJ MIRKO B, “Break It Down”

“Break It Down” is one of those songs where you just need to clear your mind, and let your body flow with the music to have some fun.  It’s deep house Italian-style courtesy of the collaboration of duo WhiteLow and DJ Mirko B through Balmung Recordings.  The song has this comical kind of rhythm in its chorus which starts the song that would allow it to be set well against clips of black and white silent comedy slapstick.  But there’s a big slamming build up midway that is also perfect as a soundtrack to sports events.  The song doesn’t quite sustain over 3 minutes but is definitely a blast while it lasts.  Check it out at the Spotify link above.