Category: Album Reviews

The 10 Best Grammy Award-Winning Album Covers

They say not to judge a book by its cover, so the same would hold for purchasing music, right? However, the Grammys recognize there is admirable skill and creativity required to channel the vibe of an album via its artwork. Presented to the art director, not the performer (unless they are also the art director),…
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Loco Dice ‘Underground Sound Suicide’: A Track-by-Track Review

Though he’s a master of house and techno, Loco Dice’s origins are in hip-hop. That sense of rhythm and rhyme carriers over for some added edge to the lyrics and basslines of his productions. The Düsseldorf native is the kind of DJ your favorite house DJ likes to go see in their off time and…
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Paul van Dyk Tells the Stories Behind ‘The Politics of Dancing 3’

Earlier this year, Paul van Dyk flipped the script via The Politics of Dancing 3. It’s been 15 years since the first installment and 10 since The Politics of Dancing 2, both presented as mix compilations. PvD has now returned with his seventh artist album, in the form of The Politics of Dancing 3. Collaborating…
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The Prodigy ‘The Day Is My Enemy’ Track-by-Track Review

Electronic punk music. If that isn’t a thing yet, it should be, and it would appropriately sum up the latest offering from legendary veterans the Prodigy. Back on the scene with their sixth studio album, Keith Flint, Liam Howlett and Maxim reunite with their strongest album since 1997’s revered The Fat of the Land. Strap…
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Above & Beyond ‘We Are All We Need’: A Track-by-Track-Review

Pure talent permeates through the speakers when an Above & Beyond track is playing. From cultivated musicianship to polished production, it’s nearly impossible to find a flaw in their offerings. Fans already suspected they were in for a treat when “Blue Sky Action“ dropped, and subsequent releases only hyped what ultimately delivers. Through 16 tracks,…
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Album Reviews: Haezer, De Lux and Alesia

Bass music Haezer Gold Plated Frequencies EP (Tasty) Badass. From the first low-bass frequencies into some much needed breaks in the world these days, South African DJ/producer Haezer is onto something with his latest EP. It’s grinding, deep and a bit aggressively bouncy. When the track kicks in on “Bass Addict,” you’ll get happy little…
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Album Review: Gareth Emery’s “Drive”

Strap in for some epic sounds because Gareth Emery has constructed a damn fine LP. The DJ/producer who played some of the best sets I heard in Las Vegas last year continues waking up electronic music fans on Drive. Launching into a festival-worthy banger on “Entrada,” Emery has created a polished journey through the 12-track…
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Album Review: Contact by ATB

If 2013 was the year electronic dance music turned into a machine, 2014 will hopefully see producers get back to creativity instead of formulas, songwriting instead of an oversaturation of synths. Leading the charge is ATB with his ninth studio album, Contact, out January 24 on Kontor Records. The DJ/producer behind such club classics as…
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Album Reviews: The Crystal Method, Markus Schulz and Paul Basic

Electronic The Crystal Method, The Crystal Method (Hype Machine) They’ve still got it! Celebrating 20 years, the duo originally from Las Vegas returns with their fifth studio album—and you’d be an idiot not to check it out. From the first body-encompassing bass, layers and oomph on “Emulator,” to the commercial-but-not-commercial “Over It” with The Voice…
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Album Reviews: AC Slater, Booka Shade, Mat Zo

Bass House AC Slater Night Moves EP (Party Like Us Records) Get down with some super-deep basslines that make you want to hump a woofer. AC Slater, the “King of Heavy Bass House in America”—likely a self-proclaimed title, but it’s fitting—shells out a three-track EP that’s just the right balance between soulful classic house and…
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