A selection of new and/or relevant electronic and electro-leaning tracks that have recently left an impression on us. For the full playlist click here.
R.M. Hendrix – “Drugs”
In the eerie track “Drugs” by Boston‘s R.M. Hendrix, trip-hop rhythms collide with hypnotic instrumentation, crafting a sound that’s both moody and compelling. The vocals, akin to a spiritual hymn, take an ironic turn as they narrate the complexities of pharmaceutical woes. It’s a mantra against Big Pharma’s drive for profit above all else, each drumbeat perfectly timed to build tension. Undulating keyboards add a touch of paranoia, echoing the sinister shadow. Hendrix’s vocal presence, wrapped in atmospheric precision, becomes a guide through the labyrinth of these reflections. “Drugs” proves that commentary and critique have never sounded so good.
Lone – “Waterfall Reverse“
Lone’s “Waterfall Reverse” is a trip through rave history from its inception to the very present, deftly curated by British maestro Matt Cutler. This euphoric track seamlessly blends dreamy nostalgia with pulsating beats, creating a kaleidoscope of sonic landscapes. Cutler, a musical alchemist, masterfully navigates through hazy sounds and fierce beats, akin to finally scoring the fastest car on a videogame and forgetting all the missions, instead opting for a euphoric joyride through a neon-soaked dreamscape at the fastest speed possible. Clocking in at over seven minutes, it’s a race full of emotions, with each beat capturing your attention. Also worth checking is “Triton,” the AA-side companion piece, which follows similar themes but opts to take the listener on a leaner, focused 4/4 club sound adventure.
Nite Jewel – “Skinny Dipper”
In Nite Jewel‘s latest sonic escapade, “Skinny Dipper,” Ramona Gonzales seamlessly intertwines her ethereal sounds with the macabre world of Edgar Allan Poe. The song serves as the haunting soundtrack to the Sex & Monsters comic of the same name, a reimagining of Poe‘s “Annabel Lee.” Gonzales collaborates with the likes of Emily Roberts and April Snellings to weave a narrative of feminine empowerment, flipping Poe‘s one-dimensional tale on its head. The breezy, tropical beats of “Skinny Dipper” mirror the oceanic allegories, creating an immersive experience that has us effortlessly floating in the sea of Nite Jewel‘s enchanting sounds. Dive in; the water’s fine.
100 Gecs – Where’s Your Head At?
Buckle up, because the equally loved and misunderstood 100 Gecs take us on a wild ride with their remix of Basement Jaxx‘s classic “Where’s Your Head At?” Initially unveiled during a now legendary feverish Boiler Room set in LA, this sonic metamorphosis is now officially out via the good folks at XL Recordings.
Imagine the auditory lovechild of a punk rebellion and a rave on a space shuttle. 100 Gecs warp the familiar beats into a distorted frenzy, dragging us kicking and screaming into their gleeful and chaotic universe. Wouldn’t mind getting my hands on one of those limited edition vinyl and a ‘100 Jaxx’ tees though.
Urchin x Kmodo – “Right In (Front Of Me)”
Urchin and Kmodo‘s collab, “Right In (Front Of Me),” emerges as a tech-house whisper, weaving a dark tapestry inspired by London‘s rich jazz underworld. Leo Appleyard (Urchin) and Chris Nickolls (Kmodo), jazz alchemists turned electronica wizards, blend Kmodo‘s acoustic drum mystique with Urchin‘s analogue synth sorcery. It’s a musical rendezvous where shadows dance and basslines brood, The result is a track that feels like a sonic séance, transcending genres and locations. Brace yourself for a hypnotic journey
