Check out our monthly Top 10 releases – March 2017!
We began the month with a never-ending cold and crisp wind that cut right to the bone, however we’re pleased to end the month on a high note with higher temperatures, longer days and elevated moods. In terms of festivals, we rounded off the month last weekend with the enormous Masters of Hardcore and with this weekend’s Qapital marking the grand closing of indoor season, it’ll be onward and upward from there as we shed our winter layers and re-emerge for Rebirth Festival!
Alright, before we welcome in April with open arms, let’s wrap up this month of music by reviewing ten prime releases from March!
#10. Airtunes – God Of Light – [Scantraxx Silver]
Newcomer Airtunes has seriously impressed me with his latest release “God Of Light.” Containing a majestic melody, catchy vocals and a remarkable quality, there’s no doubt that this youngster is on the right track to success. Keep it up!
#9. Bit Reactors feat. Vale Blake – Open Your Eyes – [Brutale]
Spice up yo’ ears with a bit of Frenchcore! Released on Brutale’s catalogue, Bit Reactor’s “Open Your Eyes” might be slightly slower than what a Frenchcore listener is used to, however it’s mighty as hell and those monstrous kicks will trigger a sensory overload.
#8. JTS & Technikore vs Michael Mansion – Lightshow – [OneSeventy]
My lovely UKHC expert Nicki recently brought it to my attention that I shouldn’t refer to this bouncy genre as ‘donk,’ but really, I just enjoy saying that word more than I should. Moving on – JTS, Technikore and Michael Mansion have dropped a stunning production, titled “Light Show.” Incorporating heart-melting vocals with lively kicks, this gorgeous release is one of my favourites from their album ‘Gridlock,’ which has been on repeat at AAN headquarters.
#7. Guerrillas – Can’t Stop Us Now – [Neophyte Records]
Crank up the intensity and get ready to rumble with Guerrillas debut release “Can’t Stop Us Now!” Consisting of Tha Playah, Nosferatu, Furyan and Neophyte, this awesome foursome is ready to do some serious damage with their furious, penetrating Hardcore beats!
#6. Frequencerz & Bass Chaserz – Renegades – [Roughstate]
Delivering chart-topping hits is what eminent duo Frequencerz seem to be renowned for, however what I’m most impressed about is that Bass Chaserz seem to be following on this similar path! Dropping colossal collab “Renegades,” this track is an absolute anthem for raw Hardstyle fans and it’ll totally annihilate your sound-system!
#5. TNT – Psylent Hill – [Titanic Records]
Whether you dig it, or hate it, Psy Trance vs. Hardstyle has become a reality. It appears as though Italian brossifs TNT have been rather inspired by this thriving musical movement, as their latest track “Psylent Hill” is a funky amalgamation of reverse kicks folded together with the characteristic Psy Trance bassline. When done correctly, Psy-inspired Hardstyle can sound incredible and TNT has totally executed this niche new sound!
#4. Mr Ivex – Vision – [Peacock Records]
Wondering why there’s a monumental amount of Frenchcore in the Top 10 this month? Well, don’t hate me, but personally I feel that the energy and ambience of Frenchcore has surpassed the feels that Hardstyle or Raw provides. As proof, Mr Ivex’s recent release “Vision” is a clear parade of this uplifting, yet creative genre at its best. Open-minded peeps will certainly fall in love with this one!
#3. Endymion – Welcome To The Darkness – [Nightbreed Records]
Shown throughout their vast discography of both Hardcore and Hardstyle tracks, it’s no secret that Endymion are absolute masters in nailing true emotions. Striking up the perfect harmony between creating raw, wrecking sounds and maintaining sentimental value, their latest track “Welcome To The Darkness” is, to put it plainly, raw Hardstyle at it’s finest.
#2. Sound Rush feat. Eurielle – Back To The Roots – [Hard With Style]
Never ceasing to take listeners on a golden voyage back to the good ole’ days, flourishing duo Sound Rush have solidly cemented themselves and their signature sound into the scene. Proving their capabilities with revolutionary new releases, the boys have literally gone ‘Back To The Roots’ by exploring Hardstyle’s origins and coalescing this core sound with modern techniques.
#1. *WINNER* Sefa & Mr Ivex – LSD Problem – [Peacock Records]
Alright, so the first time I ever heard this epic tune was when I was sitting at home (in Australia), typing away and letting YouTube do its thang. Then, suddenly, I heard the signature line: “Do you think you need help with your LSD problem…?” followed by a drop that literally made me want to strip naked and run down the street. Words cannot even begin to explain how grand and elevating the atmosphere is in Sefa & Mr Ivex’s “LSD Problem” and you know what? I’m not even going to try. All I have to say is – LISTEN TO THIS GOD DAMN TRACK.
Congratulations to all of the artists who made it into this month’s top 10. Catch y’all in April!