Miike Snow – Genghis Khan
Amusing and playful (the video even more), this song will probably slot right in to the “happy dancing melodies” category of the 2010s’ musical history. It’s more catchy than an autumn flu!
Ugress – Lost In Time
Time’s short, so this tune doesn’t waste any second to reach its climax. It takes us on a quick ride through groovy beats, it rushes to the spicy blend of dreamy voice and echoed synths and then immediately proceeds straight to the dancefloor.
And then, just when you think you got it, it’s over. Thanks the Gods of Technology for effortless rewind capabilities (aka “abusing the replay button”).
Scratch Massive – Waiting For A Sign (feat. Koudlam)
Floating down from some dark mist comes a strange creation, one of those sound creatures that is almost impossible to peg to a certain genre. Sure, there’s quite a bit of electronica here – some from the big beat subgenre and some from the dark ambient subgenre. But then there’s that tribal wraith voice too.
So what it is then? It’s a damn good and ominous serving of menacing atmospheric bass with a side-dish of evocative filter-twisted singing.
Michael Mayer – Mind Games (feat. Ed Macfarlane)
Welcome to a musically playful exploration of a mentally complex topic. I feel that the vocals are spot on given the way the topic is approached (Ed does a great job of communicating a feeling of “this must end”). And when it comes to Michael Mayer’s music, I can only say that the way this song is layered and architected is highly entertaining. It’s almost as if two melodies are playing with each other. They’re very much alike and yet, with the use of (mostly) three simple chords, so different.
Platonic Scale – Three (feat. ALLA)
Here’s an audacious and groovy ride, pounding along witty lyrics and diverse instrumentation. Platonic Scale cooked the perfect sound garnish for singer ALLA’s sensual voice to be wrapped in. The only thing missing is a slowed down audio sample from a wrestling match played backwards. And it’s missing for a good reason ;).
Iamamiwhoami – Sever
This song starts off as a rather slow, melancholic piece. Her voice comes from far away, carried by ghostly choirs. Together with the careful composer, she’ll enthrall us so that we don’t even realize when we’re led towards the energetic end. And then she leaves again to… far away.
With its cryptic lyrics, I feared the day I have to review this song because it’s a bit… strange. It also comes with a pretty strange video too. But alas, it’s a beautiful piece of art so I just had to feature it.
Platonic Scale – Out of the Blue
What happens when a highly talented musician and producer pairs with a first class voice? Throw in some beautifully written lyrics and you get Platonic Scale’s newest EP, “Out of the Blue”. Singer ALLA is featured on all of the five songs on the EP, contributing to give each of them a different feel and personality.
I’ve been following the exploits^ of Platonic Scale for several years now. “Out of the Blue” signifies a departure from the electronic genre. It’s a foray into synth-pop and quite a successful one at that.
Platonic Scale – Stardust (feat. ALLA)
The year has barely begun, yet this precious little gem by Platonic Scale looks set to become the song of the year 2016 for me. Building up from a slightly melancholic setting the melody blossoms to deliver a hopeful jolt. All the more impressive is that through well-chosen words they’re giving the listener something to ponder.