Music

Top 5 Dance Tracks: July Edition

by Ciaran Thompson

Each month, tons of new music from many taste-spanning genres is released into a fast-consuming, unforgiving audience; it can be tough to get a handle on what’s new before it’s on to the next. In an attempt to highlight the standout releases, at the end of each month, AUX staff re-cap the month in Punk, Metal, Indie/Pop/Rock, Hip Hop, Pop, and Dance with the top five releases in each. Consider it your cheat sheet for year-end lists.

Top 5 Dance Tracks:
July Edition

 

The “S” – “Death and Rainbows” (Original Mix)

If you haven’t heard of Italian electro-house duo The “S”, which is composed of producers Bizzo and Alvin, the title track from their latest EP is the perfect introduction. This is also the perfect intro to this list for anyone looking to pick up some banging dance tunes to nod, jog, or even blog (I hate that word, but it flows well) to your friends about and if you don’t believe me, skip to the 3:15 mark and close your eyes. Known for their fierce but melodic style, the duo seems to have caught the ears of listeners on the underground dance scene since forming in 2009 and even performed alongside Deadmau5 and Crookers. If you like “Death and Rainbows,” the remaining original mixes on the EP—including “Underdog” and “Is Dangerous”—both deliver some solid electro-house.

Moby – “Lie Down In Darkness” (Paul van Dyk Remix)

One of the best tracks off Moby’s latest album Destroyed was “Lie Down In Darkness”, which contained all the elements that has made him so successful in the past and one that reminded me of his two back to back albums Play and 18. It will be released as a single next month featuring remixes by Arno Cost, Bassjackers and Paul van Dyk, with the latter coming out on Beatport a week ago. The just over four minute track has been turned into an epic nine minute remix with a simple beat caressing the listener into the vocals and using them as a buffer creating a heavy/gentle mix.

The Glitch Mob – “Warrior Concerto”

This month, LA’s The Glitch Mob returned to the hearts of dubstep fans everywhere with a three track EP called We Can Make The World Stop. While the title track certainly impressed me with its calming atmosphere and dynamic guitars, “Warrior Concerto” had me from the start with its heavy violin setting the tone for the record’s tightest track, never for a moment sitting back and allowing the listener to breathe. Still wondering where the hell the artwork to the left comes from though.

Dirty South & Thomas Gold feat. Kate Elsworth – “Alive” (Original Mix)

This is the kind of track that makes getting out a bed each morning much easier. Sometimes the thought of a cup of coffee or tea or energy drink (or whatever it is you consume first thing everyday) simply isn’t enough to make us peel back the sheets and take those first awkward steps to the loo. Although this probably isn’t the sole reason why songs like these exist, I sometimes like to think so. Grammy nominated producer Dirty South, aka Dragan Roganovic, and DJ Thomas Gold have partnered with Aussie singer-songwriter-DJ Kate Elsworth for one hell of an uplifting progressive house mix called “Alive” that should be able to drag your ass outta bed no problem.

Cramp – “RU116” (Original Mix)

Every now and then I scroll down and read the comments posted on YouTube videos featuring dance tracks to see what the public has to say and for “RU116,” the latest release from Russian DJ and producer lnaz Tarkhanov (also known as Cramp), one person noted how dragged they were at the fact the song was not readily available until a month from when it was originally posted online in June. It was officially released a couple weeks ago and has caused quite a stir for not being the most heavy, fist-pumping track, but rather for its smooth, melodic moments. The release comes accompanied with remixes by Tritonal and PROFF.

Surprises, disappointments and albums to watch for next month

Surprise of the month: This isn’t really a surprise since Russian DJ Arty has been steadily getting noticed by several major players in electronic music such as Tiesto and Hardwell so I really just wanted to make sure everyone has a listen to this track he did called “Around The World” before it really gets outta control, if it hasn’t already.

Disappointment: At one point responsible for helping Euro dance music find homes in North American ear drums, Cascada’s latest album Original Me takes the pop route and the fast lane out of our iTunes library, unfortunately. I still keep “Everytime We Touch” and “Miracle” for nostalgic purposes. 

Out in August: David Guetta, Nothing But The Beat, August 30th, enough said.