Author Archives: Ash El Gamal

[Future R&B] Mar – Not Like Here

Posted by Ash El Gamal - March 25, 2015

Mar
Not Like Here

Riding the momentum of the phenomenal “Her Window” collaboration with Full Crate, Dutch vocalist/producer Mar presented the first single from his upcoming self-titled EP yesterday. Mar kicks off “Not Like Here” with his flawless vocals before a heavy, pulsing percussion breakdown opens up into a hard-hitting bass line. It’s an intricate and varied journey that combines the future movement of electronica with a perfectly honed R&B sensibility. Give this dynamic tune a spin above and see for yourself.

Future
Soul

[Alternative] Toro y Moi – Run Baby Run

Posted by Ash El Gamal - March 25, 2015

Toro Y Moi
Run Baby Run

Buy

The latest single from Toro y Moi solidifies the direction of his highly anticipated upcoming album, What for?. Continuing in the vein of dreamy indie rock, “Run Baby Run” features a breezy guitar backdrop, with the lightest touch of funk and psychedelia, teamed with Chaz Bundick’s vocals, which feel like they could soundtrack a 90s movie. It’s yet another showcase of versatility adding to Toro’s many successful musical pivots. The results make for as enjoyable and pleasant a listen as any Toro track and, similar to “Buffalo,” grows on you with every play. Enjoy above–What for? drops on April 7th. Pre-order here.

[Electronic] SAINT WKND – Positive Vibe

Posted by Ash El Gamal - March 24, 2015

SAINT WKND
Positive Vibe

Buy

SAINT WKND, formerly known as WKND, is one of those artists whose Soundcloud releases always deserve a re-post. Whether it be through innovative remixes or unique originals, the eclectic producer keeps listeners on their toes with a range of styles encompassing indie dance music’s countless sub-genres. His latest release comes as part of Big Beat Ignition‘s Miami compilation and introduces listeners to yet another facet of SAINT WKND’s sound. As it’s name suggests, “Positive Vibes” will truly bring a smile to your face with a catchy, playful synth melody, reminiscent of some of Pomo’s recent tunes, and the perfect vocal sample to match. Brighten your day with this one above. You can pick up a digital version of “Positive Vibe” now on Beatport, and the whole comp will be out on March 26th, the same day as Big Beat’s upcoming show in Miami.

[Chill] Maribou State – Raincoats

Posted by Ash El Gamal - March 24, 2015

Maribou State
Raincoats

Buy

Maribou State are quickly becoming one of the most intriguing acts in chilled-out electronic music composing compelling, emotional and organic tracks that have a way of mesmerizing listeners. The UK duo let loose another promising glimpse into their debut album yesterday with “Raincoats.” Built on a backbone of tribal drums and sparse guitar, the single builds into a steady house groove that melds with highly manipulated soulful vocal samples for an enchanting, ethereal bliss. It’s about as powerful and peaceful of an electronic song as you’ll hear.

“Raincoats” will be on Maribou State’s upcoming album, but is out today exclusively on vinyl as the bonus track for the 12″ release of their last single “Rituals”–you can pick up the physical record here. Maribou State’s debut, Portraits, is due out on June 2nd and can be pre-ordered now on iTunes.

[Future] Lido & Canblaster – Rush Hour

Posted by Ash El Gamal - March 24, 2015

Lido & Canblaster
Rush Hour

Buy

Lido and Canblaster, both pioneer’s in their own right, are teaming up for an EP due out in a couple weeks and, earlier today, blessed fans with the first single. “Rush Hour” plays out like an escalating back and forth between the two as their styles both shine all the while intertwining seemlessly. The opening of the song finds a balance between Lido’s knack for piano-led, grandiose openings and Canblaster’s frantic percussion before dropping into a banging, chime-layered trap beat that brings to mind Canblaster’s work as part of Club Cheval. The two young artists’ sounds collide for a manic climax before falling back into a beautiful, signature piano solo from Lido. Superspeed drops on April 6th and promises to be a delightfully unpredictable and forward-thinking project. Pre-order here.

P.S. If you’re a big fan of Lido, make sure to check out our pictures from his phenomenal debut performance in SF here.

Future

[House] Full Crate x Mar – Her Window

Posted by Ash El Gamal - March 24, 2015

Full Crate x Mar
Her Window

Soundcloud

Dutch production tandem, Full Crate x Mar, have carved out their own genre over the last year crafting infectious tunes at the intersection of sensual R&B and house music. Their latest release, “Her Window,” embodies their style with a thumping electronic backdrop accompanied with soulful vocals from Mar. The lyrics basically tell the story of a hopeful stalker, which teamed with an irresistible dance beat make for a strangely seductive listening experience. Give this voyeur’s anthem a spin above and see for yourself why it’s been in heavy rotation for us.

[Electronic] Jamie xx – Alba

Posted by Ash El Gamal - March 20, 2015

Jamie xx
Alba (Radio Rip)

Stream Only

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from The xx and their mastermind producer, Jamie xx, but with a new record on the way from both, hopefully all of that will change soon. Yesterday, on BBC Radio 1, Jon Hopkins shared a tune from Jamie xx, which was released a few months back on Nowness as part of the Continuum experimental video project, and as always it’s a uniquely beautiful and intricate composition. “Alba” carries a similarly tranquility as “Sleep Sound,” feeling like a hazy lullaby powered solely by an electronic instrumental. Little info is known about the release schedule for Jamie’s highly anticipated debut solo album, but if the releases thus far are any indication, it has the potential to be a game changer. Enjoy this short but sweet joint above and look out for new music from The xx, who are set to release their third album this year, soon. “Alba” will be released as a limited edition vinyl on April 18th for Record Store Day.

Electronic