Running up to the US release of their album Ladies and Mentalmen, the kind folks at Sweat It Out Records have finally brought the Before Midnight EP into the light of day. I covered the Angger Dimas remix some time ago and all these other remixes round the whole experience out. The Only remix really stands out to me; what’s your favourite?

Yolanda Be Cool on:

SoundCloud – Facebook

//just ziad

Ever since the release of Sexor back in 2007, I’ve fallen in love with Tiga’s music over and over again an average of once every three months. While his latest single, Plush, lacks the poppy sounds and bright vocals that first drew me to his productions, it represents a clear evolution of his sound that I can’t help but admire. House fans, you’ll drool over this release and the extra-special bonus down below.

Bonus: Duke Dumont – The Giver (Tiga Remix)

Tiga on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

//just ziad

In the past two years, the dazzling UK-based singer/songwriter Katy B has become the leading ambassador for hip European ’poptronica’. Her eclectic debut full-length ‘On a Mission’ was released last year on the eminent London-based label Rinse, featuring production from dubstep luminary Benga. The first two singles from that record “Katy On a Mission” and “Lights On” sky-rocketed to the top of the UK charts with their unique amalgam of dubstep, UK funky, UK garage, R&B, and just downright dance-y pop. Yesterday, the voguish, young diva made her return with the release of the (free!) ‘Danger EP’. A supremely lavish affair, first track “Aaliyah” appropriately pairs Katy with like-minded R&B /electronica crooner Jessie Ware and Rinse founder/beatsmith Geeneus. Elsewhere, Diplo‘s “Set It Off” is sampled on “Light As a Feather”, grime rapper Wiley executes an admirable verse on “Got Paid” and Canadian R&B/techno mastermind Jacques Greene lends his smooth production skills on the swanky title track. Indulge.

Exchange your e-mail address for a free download of the EP here.

This week’s podcast is brought to us by a long-time favourite of mine, New Jersey’s very own Aylen. I was first introduced to his work during the rise of moombahton and since then I’ve see him develop into the blossoming producer you see before you today. Aylen has always thrown a unique spin on moombahton and dubstep, so I was very curious to see the sort of mix he’d put together. Without further ado….

Salacious Sound – Podcast 010: Aylen

Tracklist:

The Hi-Yahs – Error (Aylen Remix)
Nicky Romero & Zedd – Human (Original Mix)
Deorro – Bounce (Original Mix)
GTA – Booty Bounce (Original Mix)
Jay-Z – 99 Problems (Aylen Remix)
Yolanda Be Cool – Before Midnight (Angger Dimas Remix)
Daddy’s Groove – Turn The Lights Down (David Guetta ReWork)
Firebeatz – Where’s Your Head At (Original Mix)
Dj Bam Bam – Watch The Club Go (Aylen Remix)
Redlight – Love In Your Love (Aylen & Benzi Remix)
Deniz Koyu feat. Wynter Gordon – Follow You (Aylen Remix)

Aylen on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

//just ziad

It’s so easy for EDM-trap to sound ordinary, it really is. There’s a very, very fine line between 808′s sounding fresh or sounding cliche. Maybe that’s what makes a well-executed track sound so sweet.

Game O is an exclusive for Run The Trap, a great blog that was named as such purely to make me roll my eyes and let out a big, long siiiiiiigh.

Http on:

SoundCloud | Facebook

//just ziad

This Veronicas vocal track just suits the dubstep treatment so well.

PatrickReza on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

//just ziad

No need to introduce this guy any more. Seven Lions has proven his sound a few times over in a short time, and at #1 now gives us a remix of Delerium, a group he has looked up to since his musical beginnings.

#1 Delerium – Days Turn Into Nights (Seven Lions Remix)

A bit of a change-up from the usual trance/dubstep medley, Seven Lions‘ version of ‘Days Turn Into Nights’ moves at a slick moombahton speed. The slowed tempo was somehow barely noticeable, as the bass remains in full focus, and floating delay saturated vocals allow the track to progress effortlessly. Add one more to his flawless list of remixes for 2012.

#2 Terravita – Spicy By The Glass

I think I can agree with one of the soundcloud comments and say this sounds like the heaviest porn music ever. Head bobbin’ funk lays the base for this tune before dropping into some good ol’ Terravita drumstep. I don’t know if anyone nails down drumstep as consistently as these guys, and they pull the funk genre crossover without difficulty. ‘Spicy By The Glass’ is an ear pleasing express train of sound from beginning to end. No stops thanks!

#3 Bar 9 – Before The Storm

It’s been too long since I’ve heard new tracks from Bar 9. His two recent works (‘What You Gonna Do’ being the second) are a nice welcome back to say the least. ‘Before The Storm’ is particularly satisfying, beginning with a deep piano intro, and progressing into a call and response of melodic electro and dubstep. I really enjoy the range of dynamics over the entirety of this piece, as the breaks really build a sense of anticipation for the upcoming wall of bass.

#4 Wilkinson ft. Iman – Need To Know

The chilled out guitar and classic club vocals set the mood for this tune, making way for the heavy sections to simply continue on the path laid out. There’s nothing too heavy going on, but the track as a whole holds its own, and should be killer on the dance floor none the less!

#5 Loadstar – Vatican Roulette

I was heavily debating between which of Loadstar‘s new songs to share, but ‘Vatican Roulette’ and it’s intense drum rhythms took the win. Check out ‘Black & White’ here as well! Both tracks come with videos… definitely worth watching!

#6 Savant – Face Off

#7 Wolfgang Gartner & Tom Staar – Evil Lurks

#8 A-Trak ft. Oliver – Disco Nap

#9 Benga – We’re Coming Out

#10 Rogue – Escape

Still Hot!

*#1 on Nov 7th* Kill The Noise & Feed Me – Thumbs Up (For Rock N’ Roll)

*#1 Last Week* Datsik – Bonafide Hustler (VIP)

*#2 Last Week* Hybrid Minds - Blame

Like what you hear? Let me know in the comments! Don’t like what you hear? Also… Let me know in the comments!

See you next week!

As much as I love them, I always find French productions hit-and-miss. When they’re good, they’re just so, so good. When they’re bad… you can see where I’m going with this. Luckily, this article is an example of the former. Sixty-Ten is aiming to create “a story about space, void, and loneliness” with his productions and I think that for once the descriptive fluff that normally comes alongside promo emails is right on the work. I’m completely mesmerized by this track.

Sixty-Ten on:

SoundCloud | Twitter

//just ziad

I’ve gotta hand it to Noms, this remix of his is really growing on me. I decided to try and do something different this time and hit him up on Facebook to talk about the remix in point form.

There you have it.

Noms on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

//just ziad

When I saw this submission from Danish producer Lou Van, I was half-way through responding with “I’m sorry, there are far, far too many Frank Ocean remixes on the internet” before I realized that yes, I just had to share it. It’s gorgeous deep house and puts that Pyramids acapella to excellent use.

Lou Van on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

//just ziad

Greta Svabo Bech is almost unparalleled in vocal awesomeness. I’d argue that the only other person who could compete for the title of “best vocals for EDM” would be Ellie Goulding, and GSB certainly delivers on this latest collaboration with the Bloody Beetroots.

Called “Chronicles of a Fallen Love”, it’s a (month old, whoops) master-class demonstration of how to make compelling Electro House. 5/6 of the song is just a simple beat with Svabo Bech’s vocals running over the top, and I honestly have no issue with that. The production caters to her talents perfectly; the huge synth sections even feel perfectly aligned with her voice. And they’re tastefully short, which allows you to listen to the track on repeat like ten times without getting tired of it. Enjoy!

-Icarus

No Big Deal on Soundcloud | Facebook

No Big Deal have a massively funky new remix which is, as usual, ready for this weekend’s dance floors. These guys have applied their detail-oriented production ethic and love for uptempo electro to a classic, and done justice with an incredible disco dub.

Get it free on No Big Deal’s Facebook page.

Here we are, once again, with another edition of Neural Injection, a column featuring the best new releases from the wide world of drum and bass. It’s been a busy couple weeks for DNB, so let’s not waste any time.

Optiv  -  Krakpot Remixes [Close 2 Death]

Kicking things off this time around, Close 2 Death Recordings brings us what may be the release of the year for me – remixes of drum and bass legend Optiv‘s ‘Krakpot’ courtesy of Jade (Budapest, HU) and Billain (Sarajevo, BA). The EP represents the convergence of three of the biggest names in drum and bass; Optiv – a founding member of Cause4Concern, and a true heavyweight in his own right – remixed by two pioneers of the neurofunk sound over the last half-decade.

Jade’s remix is a perfect marriage of soft and hard sounds – dreary sirens call out mournfully, while an exceedingly evil bassline and punchy drums inject some anger into the equation. The bassline is some particularly harsh business…it feels like the soundtrack to a deadly virus or a festering wound, and actually knocked me back in my chair when I first heard it. Delightfully evil work from Jade.

Billain’s remix is an equally devilish statement. If Jade’s remix represents an organic evil, Billain’s remix – true to personal style – is synthetic evil. One immediately impressive aspect of the remix is the melodic component added by the sad strings in the intro. Billain always hits the nail on the head when it comes to the use of cinematic sounds in dark neuro tunes; each song seems to have a story. This story gets particularly nasty, as the strings cut out abruptly and we’re hit with the drop. Plastic bass which slices through everything in its path, swelling and ebbing with an almost sexual quality. At least that’s how I perceived it…maybe I’m screwed in the head. Yet another masterpiece from the virtuoso Billain – I expected nothing less!

Without a doubt, a milestone release for Close 2 Death. Available digitally and on 12-inch vinyl.

 Jade on Facebook / Soundcloud

Billain on Facebook / Soundcloud

Aeph, Memtrix, Neonlight & Receptor, Infuze  -  From Roots To Wings EP  [Lifted Music]

One pleasant surprise as of late has been the increased activity from Lifted Music - former Renegade Hardware label manager Chris Renegade‘s imprint, home to the likes of Spor (aka Feed Me), Evol Intent, Apex, Ewun (aka Kill The Noise), and Falinox to name a few. Things around Lifted had been quiet for a while up until earlier this year. The 4 track EP seems to be a clear example of what we can expect from Lifted going forward – upbeat, hard-hitting dancefloor neurofunk. My favorite on the release was the first, ‘One Last Chance’ courtesy of Aeph. Aeph is, in my opinion, the finest practitioner of this particular brand of “shiny disco neuro.” Warming up with an epic intro, ‘One Last Chance’ drops into a spaced-out, growly step before locking into a standard dancefloor groove. It all throws me off balance, in the best of ways. I can’t wait to hear this in a club or rave. The offerings from Memtrix, Neonlight, and Receptor are nothing to sneeze at either. If you’re looking for the Lifted sound pioneered by Spor you won’t really find it, but this club-ready EP is sure to please even the most jaded of neuro heads.

Aeph on Facebook / Soundcloud

Memtrix on Facebook / Soundcloud

Neonlight on Facebook / Soundcloud

Receptor on Facebook / Soundcloud

Infuze on Facebook / Soundcloud

Mefjus & M-Force  -  Abandon  /  Struggle & Pain ft Maksim  [Breed 12 Inches]

Breed 12 Inches (sub-label of Lifted Music) brings us the latest from Austrian producers Mefjus and M-Force. Mefjus – who has featured in multiple previous editions of this column – has been making huge waves throughout 2012, recently adding an affiliation with Critical Music to his list of accomplishments. ‘Abandon’ opens the EP with the signature Mefjus production quality I’ve come to love this past year – big sound, tight drums, and percussive basslines which truly drive the groove of the track. The real treat on the EP comes on the flip, ‘Struggle & Pain’ featuring Maksim on the vocals. ‘Struggle & Pain’ caused a lot of excitement when it debuted on the Lifted podcast this past spring. Warm sub bass envelops sharp, simple drums as Maksim spits rhymes cooly on top. A minimal yet lethal concoction.

Mefjus on Facebook / Soundcloud

M-Force on Soundcloud

Teddy Killerz & Nphonix  -  Scary  /  Earth Shaker  [Bad Taste Recordings]

Two producers who’ve gotten a lot of attention lately are Place2b and Paimon, two longtime collaborators who recently debuted under their new alias Teddy Killerz. Those watching the European neurofunk scene are no stranger to Place2b & Paimon’s previous exploits, which include regular appearances on Citrus Recordings and Tam Records. Their name change seems to signal a further step towards super-stardom, with a high profile remix of Skrillex & Damien Marley’s ‘Make It Bun Dem’ completed, and now, a massive release on heavyweight label Bad Taste Recordings. ‘Scary’ is no doubt made for the dancefloor, with fun, energetic drums and a bassline that scrapes at your ears, almost excessively – it’s a good thing Teddy Killerz have been doing this for a while. They’re good at it. My personal favorite on the release comes on the b-side in the form of ‘Earth Shaker,’ a collaboration with Nphonix – a true OG in the Russian drum and bass game. Whereas most drum and bass gives me a sense of fast movement or running, this tune somehow feels as if its walking. That isn’t to say it doesn’t have a lot of energy – it walks with immense titan-steps, so large they leave cracks in the earth. If Shadow of the Colossus was set to DNB, it’d probably be this tune. Immense.

Teddy Killerz on Facebook / Soundcloud

Nphonix on Soundcloud

Various – Rise Of The Under Dogs  [IM:LTD]

Celebrating 4 years of deep, forward-thinking explorations into DNB, French imprint IM:LTD bring us ‘Rise Of The Underdogs.’ The compilation features ten tracks which have shaped the IM:LTD sound. Readers of this column will know that IM:LTD ranks among my favorite labels for deep, rich and soulful drum and bass. Everyone is sure to find something to their liking on the compilation, whether you’re looking for something deep and ominous like Mortem‘s ‘Whispers’, a club-ready roller (Future Signal – ‘Monopole’), or warmer, more soulful fare like Gunston‘s ‘Universe’ – the sound I usually associate the label with in my mind. For those interested in exploring the deeper, more ‘intelligent’ side of drum and bass, this is an excellent starting point.

IM:LTD on Facebook / Soundcloud 

Braincrack  -  Time Machine EP  [Synergist Records]

Up-and-coming label Synergist Records brings us the latest from a favorite amongst neurofunk heads – Braincrack of Budapest, Hungary. Synergist, founded in late 2011 by the duo Halflife, has already made some big waves with releases from Hykario, Diode, and Lifelink already on their resume. Braincrack’s latest offering, Time Machine EP, closes out an exciting year for the Synergist camp and signals a bright future for them in 2013. The EP is replete with twisting reece basslines, banging drums and little hip hop samples – an addictive combination. In general, the release has a playful vibe to it which I think is missing from a lot of neurofunk. My favorite track on the release has got to be ‘Skull Crusher’ – between the nasty bassline, the rolling drums, and that little voice going “SHUT THE FUCK UP” (I think?), this tune is sure to cause pandemonium on the floor. This is a release worth checking out, and Synergist Records is a label worth keeping a close eye on. They’ve got big things coming. Trust me.

Braincrack on Facebook / Soundcloud

Synergist Records on Facebook / Soundcloud

FREE:

Bes & Miditacia  -  Sylvanas Crying  [Tam Records]

Two horribly addictive things. Russian neurofunk DNB. World of Warcraft. Who would’ve thought they’d ever come together? I was pleased to see last week that a new free track had been uploaded by two of my favorite producers in neuro – the russian scene don Bes alongside Miditacia, a producer who has cemented a reputation, in my mind at least, as one of the sickest talents in drum and bass. The two came together to create this WoW soundtrack remix, as a farewell from Bes to the game. I wish he’d keep playing, if it meant more music like this! This really doesn’t feel like a free release. Consider yourself lucky!

Bes on Facebook / Soundcloud

Miditacia on Facebook / Soundcloud 

@adept

The original video for Flying Lotus’ track Tiny Tortures, directed by David Lewandowski, is absolutely mesmerizing. Following Elijah Wood along on a nighttime escape from his amputation, I can’t decide whether I’m inspired, disgusted, or relieved by the whole experience. The only thing that I can say for sure is that these videos just get better and better. Tiny Tortures was released in Flying Lotus’ latest album, Until The Quiet Comes.

Buy Until The Quiet Comes on iTunes

Flying Lotus on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

//just ziad

Australian group, Lilt, just released one of my favourite tracks off of their recent Swim EP as a free download. I love this track for stirring up so many emotions and progressing in the most beautiful way possible. With a vocalist like their’s, you really can’t go wrong.

Download Here

Lilt on:

SoundCloud | Facebook

//just ziad

Something deeper from UK producer Blynk and Toronto digital label Sincerious. The “Metropolis EP” combines the sounds of classic minimal Techno and deep, soulful Dubstep into a fantastic free release.

The title track is simple, yet soulful, with obvious odes to Berlin and Detroit present in this icy Techno track. Packing a pair of remixes, Manchester producer Dom Hz re-works the original into a smooth, soulful cut of classic Dubstep, bringing the bass line to the front over luscious synths while Edmonton producer, and former member of Knight Riderz, Jake Robertz gets low down and dirty flipping the rhythm into a booty shakin’ 808 breakbeat free for all that’s part UK Bass, part Glitch Hop but all kinds of awesome.

“Glyph” is a throwback to the “golden era” of Dubstep… dark, cavernous basslines and itchy, robotic drums make this required listening on a huge sound system, in the dark. New UK production duo User Error deliver a remix with an edit heavy approach to the drums that boosts the original from a brooding, atmospheric track into a bouncing, dub influenced riddim that stays true to the original while heaping in a heavy dose of their own studio trickery to end the EP in style.

Available Dec 4th / 2012 – Free for 30 Days.

http://sincerious.bandcamp.com/

Follow Blink on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/blynkmusic

You just can’t go wrong with 90′s funk. London’s Dave Silcox gives the Armand Van Helden classic You Don’t Know Me a fitting refresh. Not too much, not too little, and with plenty of festival appeal.

Dave Silcox on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

//just ziad

It wasn’t long ago that I posted the second release on Prep School Recordings, and now that PS003 is out I’m getting impressed all over again. Something about this Joe Bolognese remix reminds me of Wiley tune, but with that extra Californina-something.

Buy on Beatport

Clinton VanSciver on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter

Prep School Recordings on:

SoundCloud | Facebook | Their Website

//just ziad

GTA on Twitter

GTA’s People Boots EP just dropped on Rising Music, and it is a delightfully intricate cross-genre adventure through future bass and progressive house, with strong electro sensibilities.

You can buy it on Beatport

These guys are going from strength to strength this year, with a feverishly catchy collab with A-Trak, also out today on Fools Gold.

Damn Kids on Soundcloud | Facebook

This one has been coming for a while, and I am so delighted to see that Damn Kids remix of ‘Skeleton Key’ just came out yesterday on Great Stuff Recs.

The talented Toronto producer is getting a lot of looks at the moment, with his previous release ‘Govudoh’, released on Trouble & Bass back in early October, getting looks from the world’s dance music elite.

Skeleton Key is available exclusively on Beatport.