Page 54 - We Rave You Magazine | July 2022

REVIEWS > EDITOR’S PICKS

JULY 2022 JACK SPILSBURY

Editor’s Picks: WHAT WE’VE Gabry Ponte, LUM!X, Daddy DJ - We Could Be Together
BEEN JAMMIN’
One of my favourite songs growing up and what got me into the genre of music I love today was the 2000s dance-pop classic ‘Daddy DJ’ by Daddy
DJ himself. Its infectious melody has already been sampled by electronic veterans such as Basshunter for his tracks ‘Dota’ and ‘All I Ever Wanted’. Now
OUT TO
Gabry Ponte and LUM!X’s, who have previously worked together on another favourite track of mine ‘Thunder’, team up with the French producing duo
when they bring Daddy DJ into the modern scene.
TRACKS CHOSEN BY THE TEAM OF EXPERT WRITERS AT WERAVEYOU
The intoxicating ‘We Could Be Together’ showcases the original track from the get-go, featuring a talented female vocalist so that the track is elevat-
ed with its exhilarating back beats and catchy lyrics. I’ve been saying for years that ‘Daddy DJ’s production is timeless and ‘We Could Be Together’
proves that. I will be playing this throughout the summer at every opportunity, whether it be at a house party, pre-drinks, around the pool or just alone
in my headphones. I hope you unlock a sense of nostalgia when you listen to ‘We Could Be Together’ by Gabry Ponte, LUM!X, and Daddy DJ.

DJ Licious - Around You
One of my favourite artists at the moment if not of all time is that of DJ Licious, seeing him multiple times over the years I’ve grown connected to his
arsenal of catchy house tunes. Following the success of his tracks ‘Hope’ and ‘Million Moons’ in his home country of Belgium, and at festivals around
the world, the producer and DJ is back with his latest effort ‘Around You’.
ELLIE MULLINS ‘Around You’ encapsulates DJ Licious’ signature style, containing delicate guitar riffs and empowering and emotive vocals. ‘Around You’ has an
ability to evoke a sense of euphoria with its gospel aspects and that is continued through the track’s relatable lyricism. The track is a straight-up
love song, discussing wanting to be surrounded by a lover at all times. It’s comforting, heartfelt and something I think we all need in these recent
The Blaze – BREATH times. DJ Licious’ ‘Around You’ is out now and definitely worth checking out.
Recently, I had discovered - perhaps later than everyone else, as these guys are already pretty popular - a French duo called The Blaze. After hearing their
popular track ‘Territory’ in an advert playing before a film I went to see in the cinema, I had become encapsulated by this magical sound. It was like I had
been transformed into a new world, and although I had no idea what it was at that moment, it made me itch to find out as quickly as possible. As soon as
the film was over, I whipped out my phone to track down the ID which, of course, then led me to The Blaze. After rinsing that track, I decided I would finally
branch out and see what else they had to offer, which is where I came across ‘BREATH’.
‘BREATH’, for me, strikes the perfect balance of emotive singing/songwriting with a powerfully commanding electronic soundscape. It also sums up exactly SAMANTHA REIS
what the tamer side to my music taste sounds like when I’m not listening to heavy dubstep, and I am a true sucker for tracks exactly like this one, which is
why I was so elated to find a whole discography of music that was new to my ears, this being one of my top favourites.
Shadow Child – The North Quarter
When this track was offered to me by Spotify’s algorithm I thought I’d already heard it on a festival promo (if that was my imagination, here’s a
Öwnboss & SEVEK – Move Your Body (Hedex Remix) valuable hint). ‘The North Quarter’ has an ethereal personality and a powerful dance factor that makes it an important addition to any playlist. This
sparkling tech house gem is another quality product of legendary DJ and producer Shadow Child (Simon Neale) and marks the British prodigy’s
By now, everyone has heard the track ‘Move Your Body’ by Öwnboss & SEVEK; it would be almost impossible to be an electronic fan that has return to Danny Howard’s Nothing Else Matters. If you like conceptual music, you might remember his 2012 debut on Dirtybird with ‘String Thing’.
managed to dodge it thus far. What people may not have heard though, is rising UK producer Hedex’s take on the track. I first had it brought to
Shadow Child have many years of experience producing great dance tracks and has always been able to deliver powerful and influential work,
my attention when I was watching clips of Holy Goof - one of my favourite artists - playing at Bootshaus, and this was one of the tracks played
endowed with a catchy and wow factor. ‘The North Quarter’ captivates with its hooky arpeggio bassline and very elegant percussion. Cheerful,
that night. For me, it was an instant need to find out exactly what this was, and I searched the comments to hopefully find people asking the same
lively, and exciting, it’s a tune that has at its core robust snares and a synth jive with an old-school flavour. If you’re a fan of energetic music and
question which led me to this version.
if you can’t do without those tense moments that end in explosive drops, this is for you. It’s the magic of euphoric classic raves brought to today’s
I, like many others, am a fan of the original track too but it is this remix that really steals the limelight for me. As a fan of drum & bass, bassline and dancefloors.
just overall energetic, heavy-hitting electronic music, finding this was like striking gold. Holding back nothing, this is a crowd-pleaser that will have
anyone roaring in disbelief, but you should listen to it yourself to feel the magic of it.
TIBASKO – Icaro
Trying not to be too emotional, I have to confess that for me this track is simply sublime! TIBASKO is the duo composed of Ken Petalcorin and Andy
Bowden and the name chosen by Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1 as Future Star of 2021. These boys arrive armed with a refreshing sound that manages
to cover a spectrum that I personally find simply gripping. TIBASKO deliver a symbiotic and magical mix of melodic techno with trance and breaks,
the purest perfection to my ears.
‘Icaro’ hit the charts in October last year via Another Rhythm, full of a mystical aura. The whispering crescendo of a tribal vocal mesmerises as if
RYAN FORD it’s a voodoo hit. Transporting you somewhere to Tulum or a magical forest, it offers a complex and intricate rhythm that is not only addictive but
makes you dance. In perfect contrast to these more organic selections, you find a sleek and modern production that reflects the technological
times in which TIBASKO are building their rise. It’s a track with an enviable depth and one that guarantees an intense connection of the listener with
their dark magic. This is a duo to keep an eye on, for sure.
Anyma & Chris Avantgarde - Consciousness
There’s no denying that loads upon loads of us simply couldn’t wait for this track to finally be released out into the big wide world. Melodic
techno has been creeping onto my radar more recently because of a few different factors, especially how it seems to be dipping its toe into the
mainstream every now and then. I’m not exactly sure when I first heard “Consciousness” prior to its release, but it wasn’t long before I picked it up
as the next hot property.
CREIGHTON BRANCH
Before long, this track had become one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year so far, landing on Afterlife. Of course, it was never
going to disappoint with Tale of Us’ Anyma on the production alongside Chris Avantgarde, and together they have created something special.
Laying down unrelenting bassline rhythms upon which they build a huge synthetic atmosphere, this production was meticulously made to fill the Post Malone - Wasting Angels (With The Kid LAROI) (Alexandar Smash)
space and grasp everyone’s attention. I was lucky enough to hear Camelphat play it out at Creamfields South a few weeks ago, and boy did it
send tingles down my spine; quite simply one of those tracks that you must hear, live. From the moment I first heard this song on Post Malone’s new record, ‘Twelve Carate Toothache,’ I knew there was so much potential for the
remixes that would soon begin to start popping up on the internet. The one that caught my attention the most was none other than Alexandar
Smash’s version. After seeing one half of the duo at EDC Las Vegas, I knew this rework would be amazing before I had even dived in, and it most
definitely was. Alexandar Smash makes sure that they not only make the track unique to them, but they do it in a way that doesn’t take away
KC Lights & Leo Stannard - Daydreamer
from the beautiful melodies from both the voices of Post Malone and The Kid LAROI. The two incorporate elements leading up to the drop, such
as the percussion and bass, that feel as if they should be a part of the original. Then we are introduced to a larger-than-life, future bass drop
In stark contrast to my previous selection, this track is perfect for sitting back and relaxing in the summer sun as some of its lyrics might suggest;
that is the perfect level of euphoria. This remix never loses your interest as each second presents a new element that is more exciting than the
“sipping on warm beer” and “summertime calling” for example. I have always been a big fan of KC Lights’ work for his pure versatility, and in his latest
last. It’s no surprise this remix is making its way around Soundcloud, as it deservingly should.
offering he also demonstrates that, creating something idyllic for the warmer months that we are now in the midst of here in Europe. “Daydreamer”
borders on those chill vibes, but it seems it could also be used as a bit of a party starter for its danceability, typical of a KC record.
Stripping back the instrumentation in this record compared to some of his previous productions, the rising house star creates a refreshing vibe
having also enlisted the smooth vocal tones of Leo Stannard. ‘Daydreamer’ adds yet another feather to the Scotsman’s cap, and in dropping The Blessed Madonna, Fred Again.. - Marea (we’ve lost dancing)
another summer anthem, it’s clear to see why Toolroom records keep asking to have him back. As the summer moves forward it will be interesting
to see how much support this track received as I reckon it’s caught the ear of a number of DJs as it did me. This track is easily my favorite in The Blessed Madonna and Fred Again.. discography (as it is for many). And now that we are in the thick of
the festival season, and I have heard this live on several occasions, I have come back to it in my rotation and once again am complete-
ly addicted. This song is the epitome of what it means for two all-world talented artists to combine their skills for an instant classic. Not only
do the elements inside the track present one of the most unique listening experiences you can have, but it’s just an overall feel-good piece
of art. I am in love with the mysterious theme that ‘Marea’ presents, and I am a big fan of the underlying message within. This track made
quarantine easier, and every time I hear it, I automatically get the biggest smile on my face. If you have yet to bless your ears with this tune,
do yourself a favor and stream it now.
54 we rave you.com july 2022 55