AAN’s Picks – Top 10 Releases Of August!

What else can I say but “wow,” what a huge month August has been release-wise! As the weather starts to cool down and the beloved party season comes to an end, it’s time to review one hell of a month – and what better way to do that by taking a look at the best releases that swept through the world of hardstyle! Here’s our top 10 choices from the month of August and why we’re diggin’ it!

#10. #GRABMEABEER – Wasted Penguinz

If there was a theme song for Wasted Penguinz, then this would be it! I wouldn’t be surprised if the beer economy was immediately boosted when they moved to The Netherlands. All beer aside and down to the music, the Penguinz have been focusing a lot more on party tracks lately as opposed to their slower, more emotionally charged tracks. But hey, it’s party season and what better way to show your appreciation for turning up than grabbing a cold one and pumping some party tunes.

This track ticks all boxes this season, from a relate-able storyline, party vibes and having the ability to get caught in your head – it’s time for a beer… Seriously…

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/wasted-penguinz/grabmeabeer/extended-mix

#9. Endless Path – B-Front & Degos & Re-Done

“Endless Path” is seriously one of the most unexpectedly interesting tracks I’ve heard in recent times. When I saw the name Degos & Re-Done in the title I thought “Uh oh… Better prepare myself for a huge raw banger.” But nope, this track is all about a huge atmosphere and a more emotional approach. I would have never guessed for these guys to be working together but hey, the end result is amazing and is something different to break up both of their sets!

I won’t lie, it took me a few listens to be feelin’ it but once I reached that level of appreciation, there was no coming down off it! Kudos to both guys for combining your strengths and creating a fresh and emotional masterpiece!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/album/b-front-degos-re-done-endless-path/63065

 

#8. T.M.M.O – Wasted Penguinz & Frontliner

I’m going to put it plainly, Wasted Penguinz and Frontliner should really work together more often because dayum, these dudes seriously have something good in the studio! What I love about this track is that you can literally hear both artists separate sounds meshed into one, this is something that I like to listen out for when listening to collaborations. One thing that’s picked up from “T.M.M.O” is that the track is quite quick, trancey and energetic but when the main melody arrives it smacks you in the face like a cool, refreshing breeze!

Bringing the perfect Summer festival vibes and positive atmosphere, this is one of my personal favourites from TSOF2 so far!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/frontliner-and-wasted-penguinz/t.m.m.o/original-mix

 

#7.Tokyo Reload – Tatanka

Tatanka’s still here and back with a shake-up of an old classic! “Tokyo” was one of the first hardstyle tracks that I ever heard, so this little re-vamp certainly swirls some of my fondest memories. With retaining respect to the original piece and keeping the original flow and of course, the best elements from the track, Tatanka added that little bit of extra ‘oomph!’ Going back to ‘reload’ an older track can run many risks, but I’m pleased to say that Tatanka absolutely nailed this one – I’m addicted! But really, I’m so happy that this track resurfaced because now I guess that it will be played a lot more live! (YAY)

I’m already wishing for “Afrika Reload…”

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/tatanka/tokyo-reload/radio-edit

 

#6. POW – Hard Driver

Once again Hard Driver manages to blow us all away! His new bomb “POW” is a real dance-floor smasher and will probably tear a new one in many crowds. Having an accessible, yet raw sound is something that not many artists can pull off and being one of the few who can do it well, Hard Driver seriously deserves a round of applause. Ticking all boxes, this track offers a sick atmosphere, colossal kicks, a simple, yet effective approach and of course, a killer party vibe!

If life was a movie, this would be the perfect song to come on when you punch someone in the face for being a shitcunt then you say”POW! How ya like me now?! Just sayin..

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/album/hard-driver-pow/62960

 

#5. Minute By Minute – Phrantic

Imagine that you’re home alone, drunk and running around the house half naked blasting this track and screaming the lyrics – well, at least it’s what I think about doing when listening to it… All nudity aside, Phrantic has always been an incredibly versatile producer and his recent works have been a great mix of many different electronic elements. His newest bomb “Minute By Minute” is really something only he can pull off and is quite a complex track that packs in a nice ‘crunch.’

Another thing that I LOVE about this track are the vocals, they add such a beautiful and soothing harmony to the track and I think that everything generally fits together perfectly!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/phrantic/minute-by-minute/original-mix

 

#4. Supreme – Digital Punk & MC Nolz

Those fucking screeches! We got some serious aggression in the house! Digital Punk is undoubtedly one of the best raw hardstyle producers to date and his work just keeps on getting better and better! Representing this years’ edition of Supremacy, which is one of the biggest and superior indoor events, “Supreme” is the perfect representation of what this night is all about! You can hear that it’s raw, but it still is accessible and enjoyable for all hardstyle listeners because of the fact that its a track based around quality and not just distorted kicks.

Another honourable mention goes to the huge atmosphere that this track offers – it’s quite rare when you can feel such power and drive from raw hardstyle, only a certain handful of artists can pull it off and Digital Punk is certainly one of them!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/album/digital-punk-ft.-mc-nolz-supreme-official-supremacy-2015-anthem/63113

 

#3. Wodka – Da Tweekaz

“STAY AWAY FROM MY WODKA!” Is something that everyone’s been yelling throughout this years’ silly season! When I first saw the videoclip to this track I was in stitches laughing at how brilliant it is, once again the two crazy Norwegians nailed it with both the track itself and the entertainment value around it!

Every second of this track is something enjoyable – from the initial groovin’ reverse bass to the random Russian dude and Russian inspired music to the main drop is all epic and if anything, the song is over too quickly! Da Tweekaz always manage to make hits and “Wodka” does not fall short and although their music is highly melodic and bouncy, it still doesn’t become cheesy or annoying in any way.

If these guys keep pumping out these amazing tunes, they’ll be dominating mainstages worldwide!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/album/da-tweekaz-wodka/62577

 

#2. Everything Is God – Cyber

Seriously, what can’t this kid do?! Swiss prodigy Cyber has been working incredibly hard during this past year and the quality of his tracks are so great that when you compare his productions with other euphoric guys who’ve already been around the block a few times, it puts them to serious shame. Known for producing melodic tunes, Cyber has redefined hardstyle in a way where you can still create a heart-melting, euphoric banger that manages to maintain a huge level of energy!

As a follow up to “We Are God,” Mr. Cyber is back again with its sequel “Everything Is God” which has one of the most beautiful melodies that I’ve heard all year! Full of drive, precision and even a bit of beloved reverse bass, I will leave you with one final thought regarding this track – who’s the new melodyman now, eh Frontliner?

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/cyber/everything-is-god/radio-edit

 

#1. *WINNER* Rawphoria – Dailucia

A couple of months ago “Rawphoria” was featured on a podcast as an ID and I was instantly hooked to say the least – everything from the melodic structure to the energy and the fact that it was stuck in my head for days on end just had me! Months down the track and as I’m reviewing this months releases, and I am reunited… Within 10 seconds I’m doing a glory dance because I finally found this track! Not to mention, it shot up to take the crown as this month’s best track instantly!

By the femme fatale Dailucia, “Rawphoria” is exactly as the title speaks – it’s euphoric and it’s also a little raw but most of all, the atmosphere and drive is infectious! Not only that, but it’s such a versatile gem that can be played out towards the end of a melodic set or at the beginning of a harder set – I enjoy music that breaks this middle ground and well, Dailucia nailed it! Can’t wait to hear more from WE R’s leading lady!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/dailucia/rawphoria

 

It’s time to gear up and get ready to party hard for the remainder of festival season. I say, bring on September!