#34 Feat. Staff Picks in Indie Dance

For the first time, Endrik Schroeder and The Hacker have joined forces. Their unique sounds and styles have combined seamlessly to produce a 12 that draws on their own musical histories. The title track pulls the listener into a darkened sweaty basement, a space where neon lights leer and quivering speakers vibrate. Melting elements of new beat and rave revelry, the track is bawdy and bold. Robotic samples cut through siren blasts, clean snare rolls skidding in thick basslines and creamy breaks. Two remixes follow, both care of fellow French producer: Back From The Wave. First up is the Breaky Remix. Adhering to the club origins of the source material, this remake sends melodies ever higher as drums lift elated lines to the stern refrain of Emergency. The Indie Remix closes. The glowsticks are sheathed in this version, instead it is the soaring keys that are given the limelight with beats bolstered for extra bite. Three tracks set to delight and ignite dancefloors.

The Hacker, Endrik Schroeder

#46 Feat. Staff Picks in Indie Dance

Two vocal tracks and two instrumentals. The classic EP structure reflects the class act that is Fred Ventura and Paolo Gozzetti. Italoconnection are back at the Bordello weaving their synthesizer magic. And those analogue lines are what immediately wash over the listener in Like A Star. Crisp percussion and sailing melodies break to a glorious hook before Venturas unmistakable voice takes hold. Paying homage to Moroders From Here To Eternity, Italoconnection deliver a vocoder dipped love affair as smouldering vocals pitch ever higher. The instrumental strips back all lyrics, but allows the breathy keys to remain and keep that human touch amidst the addictive chords and rich textures. Bold machine brass introduces Make It Real. These blasts form the melodic backbone for this ballad to self-belief where Venturas impassioned words are impeccably coupled with Gozzettis sparkling synthwork. That synthwork comes to the fore in the finale. With lyrics pared back, the machines sing a different song as that energy packed melody is charged with even more intensity. Quality through and through, as always with Italoconnection.

Italoconnection