AAN’s Picks! Top 10 releases of February, 2016!

As I scrolled through Hardstyle.com looking for tracks to comprise my top 10, I hate to say it but I was actually slightly disappointed at first. I listened to track after track that didn’t particularly excite me, but after doing some digging through the month’s releases, I found some hidden gems and soon, the list of 10 turned into 15. This month’s top 10 focusses on a mix of genres, breaking down the box and music that showcases ample amounts of effort. Congrats to all the artists who made the top 10 this month!

*Wildcard* Dr. Peacock & Sefa – This Life Is Lost
Let’s kick this article off with something well, rather different to what we usually support on Alive At Night. Let’s put it this way, I’m not a huge fan of Frenchcore, but this track by Dr. Peacock and Sefa had me enthralled on the first listen. It’s melodic, catchy and even manages to pack in some rather sentimental vibes – making it a huge ‘yes’ from me this month! For our readers who want something with ample amounts of energy that’s not too rough or brutal, you’ll love this surprising number!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/dr.-peacock-sefa/this-life-is-lost/original-mix

#10 Gammer – Pigface (Gammer & Dougal Edit)
We got some UK Hardcore vibes coming in at #10 this month! It’s likely that you’ve heard the original version before and you probably fell in love with that playful little melody, the drum and bass breakdown and the overall progressive structure. Most recently, Gammer and Dougal have shaken the track up; they’ve amped up the slower parts, transforming an already great track into the ultimate UKHC lovers’ dream! With that beautiful and majestic melody still shining, this energetic bomb should be on all gym junkies playlists! We fucking love you Gammer!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/gammer/pigface/dougal-gammer-edit

#9 Aeros & Ecstatic – Time To Dance
Is it just me or are all of the dudes on AVIO Records among some of the most creative, yet underrated producers in the melodic sphere? Aeros is the perfect example of an artist who really knows how to innovate and create sounds that aren’t within the typical ‘norm’ of melodic hardstyle. When you mix his magic together with the sounds of upcoming duo Ecstatic, it’s evident that great things happen! Their collaboration “Time To Dance” is incredibly energetic, a little ‘swingy’ and impressively fresh!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/ecstatic-aeros/time-to-dance

#8 Malua – Madness Is Coming
Boss bitch Malua has been steadily rising since signing to Scantraxx in 2015 and judging from her past releases, it’s apparent that her sound is shaping up quite nicely! Teased around the scene for quite some time, her latest track “Madness Is Coming” has torn fans a new one with its rough and energetic nature! This party track is not just any banger; it’s detailed, fresh and definitely something different!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/malua/madness-is-coming/original-mix

#7 Wave Pressure – Music Is The Answer
Newly-signed to Dirty Workz, Wave Pressure is already making his mark on the scene with his uplifting and creative sound. This month, his rather impressive track “Music Is The Answer” has cracked into our top 10 and that’s not without reason – it’s a hell of a track! Everything from the vocals, the melody and the overall vibe fits together so well, leading us to believe that Wave Pressure has quite a bright future ahead of him!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/wave-pressure/music-is-the-answer/extended-mix

#6 I’m Your New God – Digital Mindz feat. MC Heretik
The reverse bass in the beginning almost had me thinking that this was a ‘raw’ follow-up or battle of Cyber’s ‘We Are God.’ I must admit, I had a little giggle at the thought of these two talented guys battling it out. Nevertheless, once again Digital Mindz delivers an insanely powerful track; it’s raw and energetic as fuck, but manages to retain a great quality. Power, boldness and precision are consistent throughout all of Digital Mindz’ productions – and that’s why we love him!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/digital-mindz-featuring-mc-heretik/im-your-new-god/extended-mix

#5 MickeyG – Into My World
Upcoming talent MickeyG is worth keeping your eyes on! This Gearbox Euphoria signed artist has already been making waves in the scene and with good reason – his music’s fucking great! His latest release “Into My World” wowed me instantly; it’s unique, uplifting and that reverse bass will rock your socks off! It’s always great to hear when talents push their productions outside the box, so kudos to MickeyG – we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on him!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/mickeyg/into-my-world/original-mix

#4 Scope DJ – Locked Down Again (The Prophet Remix)
Who remembers this classic?! For those who do, you would be extremely happy about this and for those who don’t, we’re about to bring up some memories. The melody in both this remix and the original is absolutely phenomenal and I’m so happy that The Prophet has paid his respects to the original and didn’t try to do ‘too much’ with it. A killer remix with harmonious, old-school vibes and a little bit of swing. Let’s hope that we’ll hear more from Scope DJ this year!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/scope-dj/locked-down-again/the-prophet-remix-extended

#3 E-Force feat. Nikkita – Illusion
When I used to hear the name E-Force, all I could think of was “Seven,” until now… The A2 Records artist has entered 2016 setting a new standard in his sound and let me tell you, I’m bloody excited! His rather melodic “Illusion” featuring Nikkita is a breath of fresh air and quite different to his past productions. Nevertheless, it’s a superior track and if this is any indication of what E-Force will be releasing in the future, then bring it on!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/album/e-force-ft.-nikkita-illusion/67949

#2 Tears Of Fury – Painkillah
Italian Hardcore duo Tears Of Fury are on a roll! They’ve released some incredible tunes in the past and their recent stuff is also top-notch. Taken from their brand new EP, their featured track “Painkillah” is one that all kinds of Hard Dance fans can enjoy, even if Hardcore isn’t typically your thing. Showcasing a balance between the relentless energy of hardcore and a huge, melodic atmosphere, this track certainly deserves our #2 spot!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/tears-of-fury/painkillah/original-mix

#1 *WINNER* Phuture Noize feat. Snowflake – Shallow Waters
Taking our #1 spot this month is Phuture Noize’s rather emotional number “Shallow Waters.” I admittedly cried whilst listening to this; I haven’t felt so touched from Hardstyle in a very long time. Unlike the pretentiousness you can hear in raw bangers or cheesy melodic tracks, “Shallow Waters” sounds so far ahead of its time; it’s so real and showcases a true musicality in Hardstyle that’s rarely touched by producers. Another mentionable compliment goes to the incredible vocals by Snowflake; they have that ‘trance-like’ vibe and it makes the track that whole lot more interesting! You can literally feel the atmosphere consume you and the rippling tide of emotions carry your soul away on a voyage; if you don’t believe me then I urge you to listen to it at least twice. Congrats to Phuture Noize on taking our number one spot – it’s well-deserved!

Hardstyle.com: https://www.hardstyle.com/phuture-noize-featuring-snowflake/shallow-waters/extended-mix