Skilfully compressed so that it’s pulsing, thumping and breathing, the mix of Right Direction is an ultra-modern triumph, with a streamlined focus: a driving thrust that carries the listener right through to the track’s sudden denouement.
EDM
Evolving from blissfully delicate beginnings, through softly soulful vocals and a bold, beautiful sense of rising anticipation – COY Swede’s Lose Heart is the uplifting, heartfelt hit of EDM-pop fusion 2020 has been waiting for.
Showcasing a vastly eclectic range of influences and, ultimately, an unwavering love for music in all of its forms, this project from Lavender Galaxy brings together an impressive group of talented artists.
Fusing classic synth-play with refreshingly original melodies, the piece feels like a live keyboard performance in some ways – and rather like a nod to the dawn of electronica in others.
Artistically encapsulating the concept of consistently trying to fix or save something when the storm is still unequivocally raging on all around you. N2BLU’s return this year comes in the form of that very storm.
Repeat listens reveals a thoughtful episodic structure lashed together with a chugging 80s heart that allows modern yet dramatic vocals to flutter and shimmer high above. It’s fun, and also comes across as strangely sincere in its unabashed openness and primary-colour aesthetic.
Offering dance pop classics galore, the playlist makes for the perfect choice when looking to balance nostalgia with contemporary sound design.
Not only is the vocal talent and versatility clear, but the writing reflects the late-night thoughts and concerns of many of us, and the music follows its own notably artistic, unpredictable pathways.
The accompanying visuals suit the changing mood of the track perfectly well – these colors being thrown around at the blank white canvas of a wall seems to pair up beautifully with the inner conflict and honest expression at the heart of the song.
As experiments go, I’d rate this as a highly successful one: nothing feels like it’s been crowbarred in, and this respect for the material has reaped genuine rewards.
“The adrenaline that rushes through your body when the crowd reacts to you is something special. There’s nothing like controlling the emotions of thousands of people at the same time.”
From SiMo’s consciousness to yours – Once Upon A Time is three and a half minutes of pure audio escapism.