Category Archives: Albums/Mixtapes

Review: Misanthrop – I Need More EP [DnB]

I Need More EP Large

Release Date: April 19th, 2015 (Beatport) | May 3rd, 2015 (Other Platforms Worldwide)
Label: Blackout NL
Rating: 8/10
Must Have?: Yes, especially for DnB lovers.
Tracklisting:
01 – Misanthrop – I Need More
02 – Misanthrop – Capitalism
03 – Misanthrop – Big Data
04 – Misanthrop – Rock’n’Roll

Track by Track Review:

1. I Need More
It is a bit different from the other tracks on this EP. The suspenseful build ups leading to a, by comparison to the other tracks, relatively calm drop that veers away from your typical Drum n Bass percussion.

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2. Capitalism
Glitchier than the previous track but, still pretty nice. The repetitive dark synths really brings the track together. Plan on having a mosh pit any time soon? Perfect track for that.

Public Stream Not Yet Available

3. Big Data
Love the intro. The engulfing dark and deep sounds at the beginning create an amazing lead up to the drop which, as any good DnB should, is full of energy.

4. Rock N’ Roll
The track title selection fits it well. This is a track a DJ should start their set with — amazing intro with an insane drop. Don’t believe me? Take a listen yourself

She Goes EP By Atmozfears & Adrenalize (Hardstyle Preview)

SSL030

Scantraxx Recordz is always looking out for future generations of Hardstyle. Atmozfears & Adrenalize are a young breed who bring fresh and melodic sounds that will soothe your brain and at the same time release a good dose of hard beats.

She Goes – Is a track that will easily infiltrate the ears and hearts of any EDM fan in the new market.

Possession – Is a track that proves no limits and variety is something these two artists seem to have in common. This track is more of a Rawstyle song built with a euphoric foundation which helps it to be catchy and seduce you till you become possessed.

She Goes EP will be released 09/01/2014.

Review: Frontliner – The Summer Of Frontliner (3/14) (2014)

Frontliner & Kristina Antuna - Galaxies Collide (Original Mix)

Frontliner has released a three songs of his new project titled, “The Summer of Frontliner”, which, as you can imagine, is a good addition to a summer playlist. The most enjoyable songs on Fronliner’s new EP were, “Galaxies Collide” and “TBA 2” which is currently #2 on Hardstyle.Com’s top tracks. The melody on “TBA 2” is borderline memorizing, interrupted only by the drop with the hard hitting kicks that Hardstyle is known for. What I enjoyed the most about “Galaxies Collide” was how the instrumental and the vocals came together, especially on the build ups.

Get 3 of the 14 songs of “The Summer of Frontliner” on Hardstyle.com

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Stream:

Review: Moska – Duma EP (2014)

Moska Brazil

Moska was not shy on merging various genres into single tracks with this EP. From Moombahton to Big Room and even a little Bounce and Tech house elements this three track EP is jam packed full of genres. What I really enjoyed about the EP was how Moska went about merging all these styles without it feeling ‘boxed’, everything just flowed so well you won’t even notice when those hips will begin to move.

Buy exclusively on Beatport

My personal favorite was the track for which the EP is named, “Duma” Although at times it does have a Big Room house sound, Moska didn’t over do it. The melody was like listening to 8-bit Punta or similar Afro-Latin tropical sounds — it’s a great merge of Electronic and Tropical Latin sounds. Moska really took advantage of his Colombian background on this track. If you don’t want to buy the whole EP, I would recommend “Duma” as a must have.

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Stream:

Review: Audiotricz Present: Infinite Vol. 1

Audiotricz Infinite EP

With a little more than a year in the game, Audiotricz, have released their first compilation album, “Infinite Vol.1” The album features tracks from a wide range of producers like Coone, TNT, Noisecontrollers and many others. Two of my personal favorite tracks on this compilation are Code Black and Atmozfears’ “Accelerate” and Audiotricz’ “Momentum”, both tracks with great vocals and amazing hardstyle instrumentals that come together so well.

WIN A FREE COPY TODAY! – ENDS 07/09/2014

Buying music can get expensive, especially if you’re a music lover but, Audiotricz’ compilation comes in as a steal with 22 tracks and a continuous mix for just $9.99 which translates to about $0.43 per song. If you love Hardstyle and enjoy seeing green numbers on your bank statement, Audiotricz’ compilation album is a must have.

Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars

Avicii – True (Avicii by Avicii) [Track by Track Review]

Avicii_Cover_True Remix_Master_New-01

We were very lucky to get a chance to listen to Avicii’s new LP, “True (Avicii by Avicii)” ahead of it’s release. The album overall is just remixes by Avicii, you get more of the traditional Avicii sound many craved without really shying away too much from the originals. The LP consists of 9 remixes of tracks off #TRUE; excluding “Heart Upon My Sleeve”, “Long Road To Hell” and “Edom” The LP is set to release digitally on March 24th, 2014, can’t wait? Pre-Order it on iTunes today!

(Reviewed: Full LP)

PRE ORDER IT TODAY!

01. Wake Me Up (Avicii By Avicii): STAFF PICK
Very different from the original with respect to what genre it would fall under but, Avicii has done this without sacrificing the feel. This version of “Wake Me Up” reminds me more of that original Avicii sound that I was first introduced to. It feels a bit slower than original but, it isn’t a bad thing — it works well with Aloe Blacc’s vocals. On the bit more obvious side, the song is longer than the original by almost 3 minutes. What I really enjoyed about this track is that it had a guitar solo which was a nice touch.

02. You Make Me (Avicii By Avicii):
Avicii stripped this track down to the vocals and created a totally different track when compared to the original. The feel is more of Nu Disco track as compared to the Avicii style Progressive found in the original. What I personally did not like about this version is the 80s videogame style pitter patter in the Background but, I found as the more you listen to it the more you start to feel it and everything starts to fit. If you really liked the original version, give this version a chance before throwing it out the window.

03. Hey Brother (Avicii By Avicii):
Starts off roughly the same but, the vocals are different. They are less country-styled and a bit softer which, although different, works pretty well. This version has a drop; instead of the brass coming in fully, it turns into a nice buildup that leads to a Progressive beat with a catchy synth. Again, when compared to the original, this version is a bit longer too.

04. Addicted To You (Avicii By Avicii):
Besides the different styled intros, what stood out to me was that there is more piano action going on during the vocals than the original which has more guitar. The rest of the track is a bit more energetic than the original — a definite crowd pleaser.

05. Dear Boy (Avicii By Avicii):
*Cue Futurama Fry Meme* Not sure if same vocalist with pitch turned up slightly or totally new vocalist following the same singing style. The track is slower than the original which gives it a slight Nu Disco feel at first but, still retains some Progressive House elements. Unlike some of the other tracks, this version is shorter than the original.

06. Liar Liar (Avicii By Avicii):
Don’t worry, you won’t have to turn down your volume immediately with this version. It starts off softly with a guitar-light lead intro, it reminds me of a 80s ballad but with an Avicii twist (obviously). The part originally sung by a female vocalist, is sung by a male one but he follows that same soft and light style. What caught me off guard was the layering of the higher pitched vocals on top of the male vocals but, it wasn’t annoying or anything just different. Overall, a pretty decent track.

07. Shame On Me (Avicii By Avicii):
Bassy Funk and sampled vocals. Not necessarily a festival type track but, it is still an enjoyable one. It was a bit short but, nevertheless it was still pretty good. Not the most memorable track on the LP but, it wasn’t bad either.

08. Lay Me Down (Avicii By Avicii): STAFF PICK
Sorry Adam Lambert fans, his vocals aren’t on this version but, the female vocals that replace it still keep that soul and style that made the original great. The Nile Rodgers funk is replaced by Avicii’s Progressive sounds. The combination of the female vocals and the Avicii instrumental kind of remind of the classic, “Show Me Love” by Robin S.

09. Hope Theres Someone (Ft. Linnea Henriksson) (Avicii By Avicii): STAFF PICK
Keeping the same intro and vocals as the original, Avicii doesn’t really change much. Except for that drop. A well pronounced kick with an almost brass-like synth that is sure to make this remix one of the most successful ones off this LP. I really enjoyed this one; very simple but it just works so well. A great club track, crowds will love this at his shows.

Is it worth the purchase?

Yes, if you like Avicii’s Pre-True Album sound, this remix LP is a must have. If you don’t feel like dropping $6.99 on the LP, purchase “09. Hope Theres Someone (Ft. Linnea Henriksson) (Avicii By Avicii)”, “08. Lay Me Down (Avicii By Avicii)” and “01. Wake Me Up (Avicii By Avicii)” these songs are definite must haves.

Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars

AVAILABLE 03.24.2014

Catch Avicii on the road!

#TRUE – North America Tour Dates:

04.10.14 – TD Garden, Boston, MA
04.12.14 – Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow, VA
05.08.14 – AK-Chin Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ
05.11.14 – Toyota Center, Houston, TX
05.15.14 – Allstate Arena, Rosemont, IL
05.17.14 – Rogers Centre, Toronto, Canada
05.26.14 – Encore Beach Club, Las Vegas, NV
06.28.14 – Barclays Centre, Brooklyn, NY

Review: Adrenalize – Cloudy Memory EP [Hardstyle]

Andrenalize Cloudy Memory

Cloudy Memory:
The vocals on this, man. I don’t even care what she’s saying, I just know it sounds so soothing. The drop follows that same trend, although it’s Hardstyle the screechy pad is oddly soothing. Adrenalize really makes the title somewhat relevant with a matching feel in the track, almost euphoric.

Crystal:
Like “Cloud Memory” it keeps that upbeat positive feel but, it is presented in a way that’ll have you raging.

4/5 Stars

OUT NOW: Hardstyle.Com