AAN’s Picks: Top 10 tracks of January, 2017
It feels as though it was just yesterday that we were welcoming in 2017 with open arms and numerous bottles of champagne, but in the blink of an eye the month is now drawing to an end. Bittersweet by nature; some of us have already ditched our New Year ‘resolutions,’ but heck, they’re made to be broken anyway and face it, making a pact to stop partying was never high on your agenda anyway.
So, before we welcome in the ‘romantic’ month of February, let’s shift our attention to wrapping up January on a high note – and what better way to do that than by reviewing our personal Top 10 releases?!
*TALENT TRACK* Krowdexx & Enemy Contact – Get Paid
I’ve previously heard of both Krowdexx and Enemy Contact through the grapevine, however I’d actually never listened to their tracks, until now… And boy, was I glad that I did! Their latest release “Get Paid” is fucking insane and could very well pass off as belonging to a piloting name. The guys have created the perfect dance-floor banger that contains catchy vocals, immaculate kicks and a driving, energetic atmosphere. Big ups to Krowdexx and Enemy Contact – I’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on their future productions.
#10 Crystal Mad – Nu Skool Bangs
The latest addition to the Nightbreed wolfpack is no less than promising newcomer Crystal Mad. Hailing from the United Kingdom, this dude is proving to be a strong competition amongst the young Dutchies as he smashes all expectations out of the water with his debut release. Spiced up with energetic kickrolls, perky vocals and traditional raw Hardstyle elements, if “Nu Skool Bangs” is merely an indication of what Crystal Mad is capable of, then, well, we’re excited to follow his journey in 2017.
#9 Dr. Peacock feat. Nosferatu – Trip To Hell
This killer collab between Dr. Peacock and Nosferatu is a prime example of what happens when Frenchcore and Hardcore jump into bed together! Other than the hardest of worlds colliding and combusting into musical greatness, this atmospheric banger will have you wrapped up in a need for speed. For me, one of the most defining components of the track is the perfectly-folded melody, which was actually derived from 90’s Happy Hardcore hit “Sunrise” by Trixxy.
#8 Caine feat. John Harris – No Mercy
At first sight, I predicted nothing more than extreme rawness and industrial kicks, with a chance of screeches, however Caine’s “No Mercy” was a far cry from my initial judgements. The Scottish producer really went above and beyond to showcase his capabilities in the studio, proving that his talents stretch far greater than composing the ‘standard’ dance-floor banger. Teaming up with renowned vocalist John Harris, this boundary-breaking tune exhibits a fine balance between stunning vocals and hardness.
#7 Technikore & JTS feat. Harri Rush – Close The Door
It wouldn’t be an Alive At Night Top 10 without the inclusion of some heart-melting UKHC beats! This month, Technikore and JTS take the crowd with their track “Close The Door,” featuring Harri Rush. Personally, I feel as though vocal UKHC can get a little boring at times, however the guys have managed to hit the nail on the head, striking up the perfect balance of cheese and dance-floor appeal. This track instantly puts me in a sentimental mood and it’ll definitely be included on my ‘driving over the speed limit’ playlist.
Italian duo Clockartz are totally on fire and I have a strong feeling that 2017 is going to be a defining year for the pair! I can recall hearing “In The Army” about half a year ago on Digital Punk’s ‘Unleashed’ and I instantly fell in love; the atmosphere in this tune is immense and even when I’m driving back from the middle of nowhere at 5 o’clock in the morning or finishing an 8 kilometre run, my soul is filled with a matchless energy. This innovative track is what pure, quality Hardstyle is all about.
#5 Jeckyll & Hyde – Freefall (Hypnose Remix)
There’s many reasons why chart-topping classics aren’t remixed, one being that the remix usually doesn’t capture that original ‘spark,’ thus falling short of the mark. However, forthcoming Dutch duo Hypnose made an exception to the rule when they remixed Jeckyll & Hyde’s legendary Jumpstyle anthem “Freefall.” Incorporating the stunning melody from the original whilst showcasing their own developing style, the pair evidently added all the right herbs and spices to make this remix a winning dish!
#4 Dr. Peacock & Sefa feat. MC Lenny – Trip To Turkey (Fant4stik Remix)
For those who haven’t heard of Fant4stik (or the genre Hard Tek) before, well, I have to inform you that you aren’t living your life to the fullest. Capturing a vibe that’s similar to an amalgamation of Frenchcore and UK Hardcore, Hard Tek is the perfect genre for those who love solid, energetic music, but want to spare the sappy vocals. Leading the Hard Tek game are super-group Fant4stik, who recently made their mark on Dr Peacock’s ‘Trip Around The World’ album with their zesty remix of “Trip To Turkey.” I can assure you that the kicks in this track are crunchier than any breakfast cereal on the market.
Blackburn and Aeros have taken a rather interesting musical route over the past year or so. Ditching the mentality of choosing ‘raw’ or ‘euphoric,’ the pair have practically invented their own genre, which they like to call ‘euphoric with balls!’ Dropped like a bomb, their debut track as Bombsquad “Bomba” contains bomb-like kicks, a groovy melody and feel-good vibes that’ll make you want to run down the street naked. On repeat over at AAN HQ, these brossifs-in-crime have truly created something monumental and I can’t wait to hear their future productions. Euphoric producers, let this track serve as an example of what we need in our scene!
#2 Sound Rush – The Final Enemy
One track that’s really made its mark on the scene is Sound Rush’s latest gem “The Final Enemy.” Exhibiting a tasteful blend of classic and modern elements, this fast-rising duo have evidently created something incredibly special. Saying that, there’s slight danger associated with creating ‘Early Hardstyle’ in a modern scene, however Sound Rush have managed to incorporate this classic sound with their signature, well-respected euphoric style. With their intentions to compose Hardstyle that pays respect to traditional sounds, yet encompasses modern production techniques, it’s no surprise that Sound Rush have recently burst into the stratosphere!
#1 *WINNER* Phuture Noize – Walls Crashin’ Down
I’m calling it now – the producer of 2017 is fashionable youngster Phuture Noize. After dropping heart-melter “Fire” a short time ago, he’s excited his fans with yet another album track titled “Walls Crashin’ Down.” This dark, yet atmospheric tune blows the typical ‘raw’ track out of the water; it’s intelligent structure, in combination with the mind-blowing sound design makes it a clear winner and let me tell you, it’s just the tip of the iceberg of what Marco has in store for fans with his forthcoming album ‘Pursuit Of Thunder.’
Congratulations to all of the artists featured in this month’s top 10. Let’s now take it to our readers; what were your favourite releases from this month?