Singles Update: Digitalism, Benga, Farah
Digitalism “Idealistic” KitsunéI’m not sure when DJ A-Trak decided it was a good idea to […]
Digitalism “Idealistic” Kitsuné
I’m not sure when DJ A-Trak decided it was a good idea to employ cowbells and acoustic drums in his compositions, but it was a pretty good decision. His “Idealistic” reinterpretation is a glitchy disco-house track that gives the original new life with an assembly of percussive toms. Accompanied by Digitalism’s extended mix, as well as more disco-meets-electro remixes via WhoMadeWho and Hystereo, this 12” will be at the front of crates for months to come.
Hollertronix “The Boogie Down Bottle Nose Dolphins” Money Studies
Diplo and Eli are at it again. Instead of relying on semi-cheese throwback mash-ups, the dynamic duo heads straight into modern territory with a minimal, soulful edit of Justice’s “D.A.N.C.E” and a chopped-up rendition of Kim Carne’s ’80s pop hit, “Bette Davis Eyes.” There are still a few predictable snippets any listener could do without (Deee-Lite’s “Groove Is in the Heart” and MJ’s “Smooth Criminal”), but “Boogie Down” will save any struggling DJ with a packed house–guaranteed.
Benga & Coki “Night & B Sides” Tempa
There’s something gratifying about dubstep and techno converging, and “Night & B Sides” is that fulfilling clash. These two London-based dubstep pioneers take housey synth stabs, twist them with percussion breaks that border on drum & bass territory, and wrap those elements into a nice ball of psychedelic “Night” magic. “Drumz West” and “Emotion” are the bleepy, bass-throbbing hits the dubstep scene has been waiting for.
Farah “Law of Life” Italians Do It Better
With Glass Candy touring with Architecture in Helsinki and Chromatics getting played out by Get Physical’s Dixon, it’s no surprise that Farah, Texas’ Italians Do It Better representative, is on the same path to lo-fi disco domination. Featuring the super-tripped-out, repetitive “Law of Life” and a slightly more banging remix and instrumental, this debut is mystic fire.
Battles “Tonto” Warp
Battles’ complicated riffage can be really off-putting at times, but the supergroup has somehow merged the vocals of Neil Young and post-hardcore melodies (think Fugazi) for its best offering yet. With remix duties handled by The Field, Four Tet, and DJ EMZ, “Tonto” is bound to win over any hater of instrumental intricacy.