The first week of 2012 brings EDM fans some great electro house hits and even a little trance. Axwell, Ingrosso and Steve Angello prove why they’re a force to be reckoned with; even when they dabble in a new genre. Sander van Doorn continues his global dominance as he teams up with Bloc Party. Nadia Ali and Starkillers are the new Bonnie & Clyde of the EDM scene.
1. SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA, KNIFE PARTY “ANTIDOTE” [ORIGINAL MIX] (VIRGIN UK)
Release Date: 2011-12-18
Swedish House Mafia and Knife Party make it to the top of the mountain on this week’s countdown. This is a huge electro house track. We get to see the progressive house world of SHM butt heads with the hard electro style of Knife Party, made up of two members from Pendulum, most notably Rob Swire.
It just seems the beat doesn’t stop on this track. They even have what I refer to as a little “Mord Fustang Wobble” in the track to hit the deep bass. The limited and tainted vocals add some more depth to the track.
In addition, if you haven’t checked out the explicit music video to “Antidote” you must do so immediately. Just envision yourself in the middle of video game, while you try to heist a strip club filled with Japanese gangsters. Easily one of the best EDM music videos; or most creative for that matter.
http://www.beatport.com/track/antidote-original-mix/3164046
2. SANDER VAN DOORN, KELE, LUCY TAYLOR “WHAT DID I DO WRONG” [ORIGINAL MIX] (DOORN RECORDS)
Release Date: 2011-12-26
This is progressive house at its finest. Sander van Doorn really outdoes himself on this one as he lines up an all-star team to compliment him on this track with the likes of Kele (of Bloc Party) and Lucy Taylor. The track itself is essentially van Doorn’s remix of Kele’s original version, which was more drum & bass oriented.
The piano-like notes and stretched out synths are what give the track its progressive feel. It is interesting how Kele’s and Taylor’s vocals blended in so well on the remixed instrumental when they were hardly touched or adjusted. This track has a chance to unseat “Love Is Darkness” as van Doorn’s biggest pop oriented progressive house hit.
http://www.beatport.com/track/what-did-i-do-feat-lucy-taylor-original-mix/3195829
3. STARKILLERS, NADIA ALI “KEEP IT COMING” [ORIGINAL MIX] (SPINNIN RECORDS)
Release Date: 2011-12-26
Starkillers and Nadia Ali. Haven’t we heard this combo before recently? This massive single follows up their 2011 smash hit “Pressure”. It is obvious that this is a pair that should definitely keep producing together.
It is amazing to see how Ali has progressed over the years. You can look back all the way to her bold start with iiO with “Rapture” to “Call My Name” this past year with Sultan & Shephard. She’s a unique player to the EDM scene, as she shows her longevity and wide array of skills.
Starkillers do what they do best on the instrumental by producing dirty house beats. This has big room feel all over it. A perfect track right now for any DJ to drop at the club.
http://www.beatport.com/track/keep-it-coming-original-mix/3181182
4. MORD FUSTANG “WE ARE NOW CONNECTED” [ORIGINAL MIX] (PLASMAPOOL)
Release Date: 2011-12-19
Estonia’s finest, Mord Fustang, is one of EDM’s more well liked new artists to the scene. It is extremely difficult to believe that this kid started out in Eastern Europe, producing tracks made entirely on Fruity Loops.
This track is great for electro house. It eerily reminds me of his previous single “Milky Way” as either the synths or some other element are nearly duplicated.
What this track shows us is uniqueness. It proves that electro house does not have to be so interconnected to dubstep; but rather just be itself.
http://www.beatport.com/track/we-are-now-connected-original-mix/3174454
5. BJORN AKESSON, ALY, FILA, JWAYDAN “XANTIC” [ALY & FILA VS BJORN AKESSON REMIX] (FUTURE SOUND OF EGYPT)
Release Date: 2011-12-19
Is it not the year of Sweden or what? Akesson is starting to make a name for himself with his new track “Xantic”, after following up his highly respected “Painting Pyramids” track which made Armin van Buuren’s “A State of Trance”. Xantic, for those wondering, hints at the color yellow, which may be some sort of allegory to the sands of Egypt?
Egyptian superstars Aly & Fila as well as stunning vocalist Jwaydan team up on this remix. Aly & Fila bring the epic “build & drop” to the track. Jwaydan shows why she’s one of the best in the game right now, by making this a top vocal track. Maybe in 2012 Akesson can crack the DJMag Top 100.
http://www.beatport.com/track/xantic-aly-and-fila-vs-bjorn-akesson-remix/3192589
