Feedback Friday is Blisspop’s weekly exploration of the latest tunes being released both in the mainstream and underground electronic scenes. Our dedicated team of virtual crate diggers rotates each week to offer their unique takes on the newest house rollers, techno stompers, experimental cuts, bass rattlers, disco hits and beyond. No matter if the track has 6 plays or 6 million, breaks new ground or retreads the same tired tropes, is an instant add to the playlist or the catalyst for inventing time travel to be able to un-hear it – Blisspop is on it.
We are back at it again and this edition features our contributors: Justin Barini-Rivers, Alex Rubenstein, Aeron Premo, and Alvaro Hernandez. This week’s music includes tracks by Thom Yorke remixed by Equiknoxx, Pantology, NAVVI, Tchami, and Massey & Buchan. Enjoy and let us know your thoughts on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Thom Yorke – “Not The News†(Equiknoxx Remix feat. Time Cow & Gavsborg)
Justin Barini-Rivers – This is a super deep tune. Rolling kicks are paired with a tight snare and the vocals hidden in the background do a good job of adding to this already infectious groove. The breaks involve modulating the drums, which works so well in building tension. Also, the delays and reverbs on the drums really bring out the depth of the track. The drums are easily my favorite part of this track. They just roll and everything else can hold the dead space. (7.5/10)
Alvaro Hernandez – The trippy rhythm and bass are nice and all, but the warbled voice sample and what sounds like fireworks in the background made this remix just seem plain repetitive and lost. (1/10)
Aeron Premo – I don’t listen to that much minimalist music, so I can’t really say that this remix was my favorite of this week’s crop of tunes (though I do LOVE Thom Yorke). But, it is impeccably produced and has a very smooth flow. Each section melds well together to make the entire track sound cohesive. There is a little synth melody that is thrown in about twice in there, and I wish it was utilized a bit more; it would have lifted the track to another level. (6/10)
Alex Rubenstein – This is the remix I never knew I needed until now. “Not The News†is one of the standouts of Thom Yorke’s third LP, ANIMA, and an apt choice for a remix EP. Equiknoxx have managed to turn the track into an icy dancehall groove with Yorke’s vocals sounding like a creepy child goblin (in a good way). (Also, do goblins have children? I would assume so.) Yeah, this is the one right here. (9.5/10)
Pantology – “Lost Summerâ€
Justin Barini-Rivers – This song starts off decadent and then rolls in with a smooth bass. I got hooked like a fish in this lovely intro. It slowly keeps building and building. The percussion becomes more full, and the pads and piano really fill out the arrangement. This is about as smooth as you can get. It’s well worth a listen. (6/10)
Alvaro Hernandez – Summer vibes are prevalent in this funky cut from Pantology, complete with an infectious bassline to bring the toe-tappers onto the dancefloor to dance their worries away. Perfect for an early party starter or after hours session. (9/10)
Aeron Premo – What really drew me to this track was the inventive chord changes, atmospheric synths and incredibly strong production reminiscent of Moonchild and Dam-Funk. It has a breezy, laid back feel and a rhythm perfect for putting a spring in your step as you take a nice, summer walk. The bass line is so punchy and really gives the track extra legs to stand on. If his next tracks are this good, I’m really excited to see what the future has in store for Pantology. (9/10)
Alex Rubenstein – Pantology is a new name to me, but after hearing this track, count me as a fan. I’m getting heavy Flying Lotus and West Coast beat scene vibes from this track, especially in the bass line. “Lost Summer†stays in the pocket the entire time, maintaining a steady, jazzy groove. I’m calling this one alien jazz; subgenres be damned. (9/10)
NAVVI – “Modern Chemistryâ€
Justin Barini-Rivers – I love the vocals, and these takes are so casual and fit so well with the arrangement. The pads especially catch my ear when they are paired with the vocals. These are the pads I dream of. The song is somehow laid back but still has a little bit of uptempo push in it. I can’t help swaying back and forth as the bass rolls under the vocals. The song really opens up towards the end. The breaks keep it groovy but hold back the momentum, leaving all the fun for the main sections to really shine. I can’t get over how the vocals change from section to section. So simple, but it makes a difference. (7/10)
Alvaro Hernandez – I stumbled upon this song after a long digging session, and what immediately caught my attention was the delicate voice that carries the listener into a surefire, dark, disco heater with hints of ambient synths and light hand percussion. (9/10)
Aeron Premo – I am getting some Hercules and Love Affair vibes from the get go, and I just think that’s fantastic. The bass tones are so juicy and move along efficiently, and I am in love with NAVVI’s vocals, which range from sexy lows to cooing highs. The production is smooth and the vibe of the track is very sensual. I’m glad that this is the first track I’ve heard from NAVVI because now I want to check out more! (9/10)
Alex Rubenstein – This is a fine little groove, but I can’t help but feel it sounds like Peggy Gou lite. I do like the bassline even though it’s not terribly original. The vocals are warm and have a nice timbre to them. Not a whole lot else to say here, honestly. Not great, not bad. (5/10)
Tchami – “Rainforestâ€
Justin Barini-Rivers – Tchami is back with another on Confession. It has such an anthemic quality with that unforgettable melody. The drums really hit hard but don’t take away from the sexy house vibe. Melodically, the sections push two amazing progressions, and they work so well in juxtaposition. This tune is a clean and ready for the club. It just hit everything that a solid tune needs to move the night one step closer to amazing. (9/10)
Alvaro Hernandez – This cut had my attention during the introduction with its French Touch style synth sequence and then quickly lost its magic as soon as the first drop landed. A simple approach to a track that could have explored and added so many more elements. (4/10)
Aeron Premo – “Rainforest†reminds me of how Friendly Fires would probably sound if they went more mainstream, though the vocalist doesn’t have as good of a voice as Ed Macfarlane. The song is pleasant enough and has a nice summer feel. There are some nice production elements here, and I could see this being added to a road trip or summer pool party playlist. (6/10)
Alex Rubenstein – I like the main section in this track a lot as it reminds me of some great video game soundtracks with a little extra oomph. The rest of it though…I could have done without. The hyper chiptune style bit just isn’t doing it for me here. The vocal samples felt a little unimaginative as well. Again, not in love with this, but it’s not the worst. (5/10)
Massey & Buchan – “Roarâ€
Justin Barini-Rivers – This song opens strongly. The drums push hard and almost trick me into thinking this would be more of a Boogie/Disco kind of song. When the main section comes, you get hit with a wall. I will always associate that type of synth with a rave, and it’s amazing. My happiness was completely solidified when the vocal chants came in. This song is a jam. The simplicity, matched with the clean mix, is everything. It’s big when it needs to be, and I am in love. This song will bring up the energy for sure. (8/10)
Alvaro Hernandez – YES. (9/10)
Aeron Premo – Here we have a collaboration between disco’s, Andy Buchan, and house’s, Chris Massey, and you get the best of both worlds with “Roar.†Some serious, early 90s, house energy is emerging from this track, though the disco-esque intro might not lead you to believe that at first. The rhythm and melody recall Inner City’s, “Big Fun,†while the percussion that comes in around 4:10 gives the arrangement some disco energy. I would love to see these two collaborate more. There is something nice brewing here. (8/10)
Alex Rubenstein – I’m definitely digging the way disco and house live in perfect harmony here on “Roar.†These two producers have found a really great middle ground in their production together. The percussion keeps things light and fresh and the main synth line keeps the momentum building. I can already picture myself on the dancefloor when this one gets played. (7.5/10)
Pantology – “Lost Summer†– 8.3/10
Massey & Buchan – “Roar†– 8.1/10
NAVVI – “Modern Chemistry†– 7.5/10
Thom Yorke – “Not The News†(Equiknoxx Remix feat. Time Cow & Gavsborg) – 6/10 (tie)
Tchami – “Rainforest†– 6/10 (tie)